FSCJ Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE-2Y) through academic year 2023. This designation is awarded through a partnership between the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whose goal it is to reduce vulnerability in national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise for the nation.

FSCJ is currently the only institution to be awarded the CAE-2Y designation in Florida, which demonstrates a commitment to innovation, educational relevance and the long-term success of the cyber security education program.

Because of this designation, FSCJ students will benefit from the seamless program articulation options with other CAE universities that are now available. Students will also be awarded a special certification that will boost their skills and employability. Additional benefits for both FSCJ and program participants include opportunities for collaboration with other CAE-2Y and CAE institutions and improved institutional standing in the local, regional and professional community.  

The CAE-2Y designation demonstrates FSCJ’s commitment to ensuring the security-related courses within the Associate in Science (A.S.) in I.T. Security and Computer Forensics Technician Technical Certificate (T.C.) are in line with industry standards.  

“As the only college in Florida to receive the CAE-2Y designation, we are part of an exclusive network whose responsibility it is to educate and prepare the cyber security professionals of tomorrow,” said FSCJ Interim President Kevin E. Hyde. “Elevating our nation’s cyber security is of the utmost importance and, as such, we are dedicated to providing innovative, engaging learning opportunities that encourage skill development and promote utilization of best practices.”

The FSCJ Center for Cyber Security is housed at the Advanced Technology Center on the Downtown Campus. Instructional Program Manager Ernest M. Friend also serves as Director of the Center. He has played a key role in managing computer networking and cybersecurity educational programs for technology students for the past 25 years.

For additional information on FSCJ’s Center for Cyber Security, visit fscj.edu/cybersecurity.  

About FSCJ
Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide valuable, high-quality learning opportunities to anyone with the desire to enhance themselves through the pursuit of higher education. Serving more than 50,000 students and awarding more than 7,800 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.

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