Northwood University receives NSA cyber excellence accreditation
The National Security Agency has designated Northwood University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, the university announced in a press release this week.
The accreditation signifies that the institution meets national standards for cybersecurity curriculum, faculty expertise and institutional support. Northwood is a private university in Midland, Michigan.
“This National Security Agency designation is a powerful affirmation of Northwood University’s commitment to academic excellence, workforce readiness, and the preparation of principled leaders in one of the most critical fields of our time,” Academics Vice President and Provost Kristin Stehouwer said in the release. “Cybersecurity is essential to the protection of our economy, our business continuity, and our way of life. Northwood is pleased to help prepare graduates who are ready to lead with integrity in this rapidly evolving field that requires technical knowledge, sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and an understanding of the business environments cyber professionals are called to protect.”
The university last year received validation from the NSA on its cybersecurity management program. Ann-Marie Horcher, program lead for cyber education at Northwood University, said the latest designation matters because it validates the quality of the cybersecurity education students are receiving.
According to the release, the designation may also “strengthen pathways for students seeking competitive cybersecurity scholarships and public-service career opportunities.” These include the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy and the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program.
