Cybersecurity Bachelor’s degree at UMA designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by NSA

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s degree at University of Maine at Augusta designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency

The University of Maine at Augusta’s Bachelor of Cybersecurity program received the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This designation by NSA/DHS recognizes university curriculum that meets the stringent academic standards of the CAE-CD program. As a result, this NSA/DHS recognition serves as the de facto accreditation standard for Cybersecurity. UMA is currently the only higher education institution in Maine to receive this award for its academic program in cybersecurity for 2019-2024.

As stated by the NSA’s Central Security Service the CAE-CD program seeks “to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise.

“We are thrilled to receive this designation from NSA and DHS,” said Henry Felch, UMA Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Information Systems. “The faculty and staff of the Cybersecurity program have worked diligently to provide our students with the most realistic learning experience possible,” continued Felch.  “This allows them to be ready on day one when they enter the IT or cybersecurity workforce.”

“My congratulations to Professor Felch and everyone who has supported the Cybersecurity program,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke.  “UMA is honored to be recognized in this manner by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.”


UMA’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program incorporates a multidisciplinary perspective through a combination of courses that offer a holistic approach to cybersecurity education by providing the opportunity to take courses not only in computer science and technology but also in the humanities, social sciences and ethics.

UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.