The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAEIAE) and CAE-Research (CAE-R) programs.  The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in IA and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines.  Designation as a CAEIAE or CAE-R is valid for five academic years, after which the school must successfully reapply in order to retain its CAE designation.

Students attending these designated schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.

JSU is the first non-terminal degree granting university in Alabama to receive this designation, and the third overall, behind Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Pictured in photo (L-R):  Mr. David Wennergren, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Information Management and Technology & DoD Deputy Chief Information Officer; Dr. Francia; Ms. Brenda Oldfield, Department of Homeland Security, Director of Education & Training; and Mr. Richard George, National Security Agency, Information Assurance Directorate Technical Director