Baker College has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) through 2029. This designation, awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA), shows the school’s commitment to high-quality cybersecurity education and its role in strengthening the nation’s cyber defense workforce. Additionally, the NSA has validated Baker’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity program, affirming that it meets the rigorous curriculum standards required for cyber defense education.
“This designation places Baker College among an elite group of institutions recognized for their excellence in cybersecurity education,” said Brian Kowalczk , Dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CoITE). “This puts us in a position to attract high achieving students, faculty, and research grants. It also invites collaboration with government agencies, private sector leaders, and other universities, which opens the door to grants, partnership, and additional research grants.”
To earn the NCAE-Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, institutions must meet criteria such as regional accreditation, a dedicated cybersecurity center, institutional commitment, program sustainability, faculty and student development, industry collaboration, and cybersecurity curriculum integration.
Through its state-of-the-art curriculum, faculty expertise, and industry collaboration, Baker College continues to be a leader in cybersecurity education. The institution remains committed to enhancing student opportunities and strengthening its cybersecurity program to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in this critical field. “By maintaining a strong focus on hands-on training, interdisciplinary learning, and industry partnerships, we ensure our graduates enter the workforce ready to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges,” said Kowalczk .
Student engagement through experiential learning, capstone projects, and cybersecurity competitions, further strengthens the program. Baker’s Cyber Defense Club team has consistently excelled, winning back-to-back state titles and securing first place in Michigan five of the past six years. This commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has played a key role in Baker College earning the designation, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in cybersecurity education.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CoITE), and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.