City College of San Francisco (CCSF) has just been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, one of the highest levels of national recognition in cybersecurity.
The Center of Academic Excellence designation shows students and employers that CCSF’s Computer Networking and Information Technology department is one of the most rigorous cybersecurity programs in the country. Only six of the 114 community colleges in California have earned this important distinction.
“This recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence is a tribute to the many experts at the City College Computer Networking and Information Technology department who educate, explore, and solve real-world challenges in cybersecurity,” said Chancellor Mark Rocha. “CNIT and Workforce Development are great examples of how people come together at City College to innovate, prepare students for future careers, and help companies build 21st-century solutions.”
Businesses, colleges, and universities, state and local election systems, and other institutions are seeking highly qualified cybersecurity employees. There are millions of unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide and demand for skilled cybersecurity staff will continue to increase.1 “The CCSF Computer Networking and Information Technology department is helping to equip the next generation of cybersecurity experts, and the need for our students is growing,” said John.
Halpin, Dean of Workforce Development. “Every time we see news about another major hack or breach of a system, more CEOs around the world realize that they need to invest in stronger cybersecurity – and that starts with staff.”
City College is one of the few programs in California that offers both an Associate Degree and a Certificate in Cybersecurity. City College Cybersecurity teams have won multiple competitions and awards, including:
- A second-place finish at the Western Regional Collegiate Cyberdefense Competition in March 2019, as the only Community College competing with four-year College and University teams.
- Winning the California Mayors Cyber Cup competition for the San Francisco Bay Area in February 2019.
About the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense program to reduce vulnerability in the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and preparing professionals with cyber defense expertise. The Centers of Academic Excellence program was created in 1999, and there are now more than 270 designated institutions across the United States.
About the CCSF Computer Networking and Information Technology Program
The CCSF Computer Networking and Information Technology program was created to connect educators and cybersecurity veterans with leading technology companies and help students develop the latest skills for a rapidly changing field. As the largest community college in the heart of the new technology economy, CCSF works to ensure that all students can access the latest ideas, information, and workforce training opportunities. For more information about the Computer Networking and Information Technology department, visit the Computer Networking and Information Technology Department website.
About City College of San Francisco
For 84 years, City College of San Francisco (CCSF) has been the region’s premier public, two-year community college. The college is now one of the first in the nation to offer free tuition, providing San Franciscans with the opportunity to access a quality college education and workforce training that leads to university transfer and good jobs. Since its founding in 1935, City College has evolved into a multicultural, multi-campus community college that is one of the largest in the country. CCSF offers more than 250 degrees and certificates and features an award-winning athletics program.