The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Wayne Community College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through the 2028 academic year.

WCC’s Cybersecurity program was validated by the NSA, and its policies were examined through an in-depth evaluation based on the agency’s standards. The designation process took over a year to complete.

“This designation means our students are graduating from a rigorous and up-to-date Cybersecurity program, obtaining a cybersecurity education with well-developed knowledge and skills that will make them sought-after employees,” said WCC Dean of Business and Computer Technologies Tracy Schmeltzer.

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

• Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence
• Includes competency development among students and faculty
• Values community outreach and leadership in professional development
• Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines
• Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” National CAE Program Manager Renae Weathers wrote in a confirmation letter to the College.

“A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage,” Weathers said. “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline.”

The College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity that qualifies for East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Transfer Program. Several Cybersecurity certificates are also available. For more information, visit the program’s webpage.

WCC also partners with other two- and four-year colleges in the Carolina Cyber Network, which works with NC students and teachers to share resources and best practices in the cybersecurity field.

The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both signals intelligence (SIGINT) insights and cybersecurity products and services and enables computer network operations to gain a decisive advantage for the nation and our allies.