Key Highlights
- Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity becomes the first institution to receive dual validation for its cyber and artificial intelligence programs from the National Security Agency (NSA).
- The university received validations for both AICyber and SecureAI recognitions, marking a significant milestone in cybersecurity education.
- This achievement highlights Old Dominion University’s commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape where AI intersects with cyber defense.
- President Brian O. Hemphill praised the recognition as further testament to the quality of the university’s faculty and its dedication to national security.
Breaking New Ground in Cybersecurity Education
In a groundbreaking move, Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity has set a new national benchmark in cybersecurity education by becoming the first institution to receive dual validation for its pioneering cyber and artificial intelligence programs from the National Security Agency (NSA).
First Institution to Receive NSA Validations
The NSA’s CyberAI Program of Study validations were established this year, with Old Dominion University leading the charge as the first institution in the nation to earn both AICyber and SecureAI recognitions. These validations are a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education.
President Hemphill Emphasizes Quality and Commitment
“Innovation is woven into the very fabric of Old Dominion University, and this national recognition — to once again be ‘the first’ — is further testament to the quality of our faculty and our commitment to prepare students to meet the needs of the cybersecurity industry and our country in profound and lasting ways,” said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
Programs Validated Through 2030
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a Major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity received validation for NSA’s AI for Cybersecurity recognition (AICyber), while the Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in AI Security received validation for the SecureAI program. Both validations will be effective through 2030, ensuring that students are prepared to meet future cybersecurity challenges.
Leadership and Partnerships
The School of Cybersecurity’s commitment to training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is already well established. Old Dominion University is one of 10 higher education institutions in the nation and the only one in Virginia to have earned all three of NSA’s Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations, including CAE Cyber Defense, CAE Cyber Operations, and CAE Cyber Research.
“These validations are a great testament to the excellent programs we offer and show how we are leading the nation in preparing our students with knowledge and skills to be successful in the age of AI as it is rapidly being integrated into every aspect of the industry,” said Daniel Takabi, director of the School of Cybersecurity and Batten Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity.
Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity fosters forward-thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to meet the needs of a constantly evolving digital landscape. This endorsement highlights the university’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are essential in safeguarding the nation’s technological infrastructure.
Growing Enrolment and Programs
The School of Cybersecurity has grown significantly since its establishment in 2020, enrolling approximately 1,700 students this fall and graduating more than 1,500 alumni. Offering the fastest-growing academic programs at Old Dominion University, the School of Cybersecurity has expanded from a single interdisciplinary major to nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs that have adapted to prepare students to be leaders within an evolving national cybersecurity workforce.
“Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity is committed to innovation and partnership,” said Brian Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This endorsement highlights our commitment to cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are essential in safeguarding the nation’s technological infrastructure.”
The university has developed partnerships with national agencies and companies, including local military bases, NSA, and Amazon, to create internship, research, and certification opportunities for students. This commitment ensures that graduates from Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity are equipped to lead in this innovative industry.
