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The University hailed for its cybersecurity teaching and research by federal agencies
UMass Dartmouth announces that the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated the university as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity – Cyber Research (CAE-R) through academic year 2025.
UMass Dartmouth received this prestigious classification through the demonstrated success and commitment to prepare students to address national challenges related to cybersecurity as well as advanced faculty research in the field.
“I am proud that UMass Dartmouth has received such a prestigious designation and it is yet another example of how our University is achieving new academic heights,” said UMass Dartmouth Acting Chancellor Mark Preble. “This recognition showcases the incredible work being conducted by our faculty, opportunities for our students, and commitment to the greater good.”
In recent years, UMass Dartmouth has poised itself to be a leader in cybersecurity education and research.
In 2019, UMass Dartmouth signed an agreement with the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Air National Guard stationed at Joint Base Cape Cod to develop education and workforce training in cybersecurity for personnel at the base and university students. The partnership has allowed 102nd Intelligence Wing staff and UMass Dartmouth faculty to collaborate on the development of cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates, and concentrations. Base staff engaged in cybersecurity efforts serve as mentors for university students and create awareness of cybersecurity career opportunities with the Air National Guard.
“The designation of UMass Dartmouth as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work on the part of our faculty, particularly Professor Lance Fiondella who led the effort that resulted in this designation,” noted UMass Dartmouth Acting Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael Goodman. “This recognition reflects the emergence of our College of Engineering as a major player in the critically important field of Cyber Research”.
Identifying the growing federal, state, and local needs, the University established a Cybersecurity Center for cybersecurity education, training, and research. The Center’s mission is to support the needs of industry and government partners by establishing long-term partnerships and collaboration among industry, academe, and government. The Center is composed of faculty who conduct research in a variety of areas alongside graduate and undergraduate students.
“The university has made significant investments to become a leader in education and scholarship in cybersecurity. Since 2018, the College of Engineering has hired six new faculty to become part of a team of approximately one dozen faculty overall who are working collaboratively to address challenges in the security engineering of complex systems. This designation recognizes our commitment to research and education in cybersecurity,” said Dr. Jean VanderGheynst, Dean of the UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering and Interim Dean of the School for Marine Science and Technology.
The University offers an undergraduate concentration and graduate certificate in cybersecurity in the College of Engineering.
