Northwood University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency, one of the nation’s most respected recognitions for cybersecurity education. The CAE designation recognizes accredited institutions that meet rigorous national standards for cybersecurity curriculum, faculty expertise, institutional support, and student preparation. For Northwood University, the designation marks the culmination of a yearlong application process and affirms the strength of its Program of Study in Cybersecurity Management.
“This National Security Agency designation is a powerful affirmation of Northwood University’s commitment to academic excellence, workforce readiness, and the preparation of principled leaders in one of the most critical fields of our time,” stated Kristin Stehouwer, Academics vice president and Provost, in a media statement. “Cybersecurity is essential to the protection of our economy, our business continuity, and our way of life. Northwood is pleased to help prepare graduates who are ready to lead with integrity in this rapidly evolving field that requires technical knowledge, sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and an understanding of the business environments cyber professionals are called to protect.”
The NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program recognizes institutions that help advance the nation’s cybersecurity education pipeline and prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and defend against cyber threats. CAE-designated institutions undergo an in-depth assessment and must meet rigorous requirements related to curriculum, faculty, institutional practices, and cybersecurity education.
“The designation announced this week validates both Northwood’s Program of Study and Northwood University’s broader institutional commitment to cybersecurity education,” stated Academic Dean Stacey Tetloff. “This recognition is the result of sustained work by our faculty and academic leadership to build a cybersecurity program that is rigorous, relevant, and aligned with national standards. It reinforces that Northwood students are receiving an education that prepares them for meaningful careers in a field that is vital to businesses, government agencies, and communities across the country.”
The CAE designation follows the NSA’s 2025 validation of Northwood’s Program of Study in Cybersecurity Management, which affirmed that Northwood’s program meets NSA standards for academic excellence, curriculum rigor, and cybersecurity competency among both students and faculty.
“This designation matters because it validates the quality of what our students are learning and expands the opportunities available to them,” stated Dr. Ann-Marie Horcher, program lead for cyber education at Northwood University. “Our students are preparing for careers that protect organizations, infrastructure, and individuals from real-world threats. The CAE designation helps signal to employers, graduate schools, and scholarship programs that Northwood students are completing a nationally recognized cybersecurity curriculum.”
The designation may also strengthen pathways for students seeking competitive cybersecurity scholarships and public-service career opportunities. Those include programs such as the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy, which supports students enrolled in or applying to universities designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, and the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which provides up to three years of support for cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate education in exchange for public service after graduation.
Northwood’s NSA-validated Program of Study is the foundation of Northwood’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, one of the nation’s first 90-credit cybersecurity degrees designed to provide students with a high-quality, career-ready education at a lower cost and in less time.
“Northwood University is committed to helping meet the growing demand for cyber-savvy leaders who can lead with character, competency, and an understanding of the free-enterprise system,” Stehouwer said. “Cybersecurity is no longer only a technology issue; it is a leadership issue — and this CAE designation strengthens Northwood’s ability to prepare graduates who understand the stakes, can work across organizations, and are equipped to protect the digital infrastructure that supports commerce, innovation, and national security.”
