Validation Positions Northwood as a Candidate for One of the Highest Distinctions in Cybersecurity Education
Northwood University’s Program of Study in Cybersecurity Management has been validated by the National Security Agency (NSA) through its National Cryptologic School program. This prestigious recognition affirms that Northwood’s program meets NSA standards for academic excellence, curriculum rigor, and cybersecurity competency among both students and faculty.
“This validation affirms the strength of our curriculum and our commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in the critical field of cybersecurity,” stated Academic Dean Dr. Stacey Tetloff. “It also positions Northwood as a candidate for the NSA’s Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation — one of the highest distinctions in cybersecurity education.”
The NSA Program of Study validation is required for institutions seeking to become Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. As a CAE candidate institution, Northwood’s cybersecurity students have expanded access to Department of Defense scholarships, internships, and career development opportunities in national security and related fields.
“This validation reinforces the strength of our faculty, the quality of our students, and our alignment with the cybersecurity workforce needs of both industry and government,” explained Professor David Sanford, who chairs Northwood’s Management Information Systems program. “Our goal is to empower students with the management and technical skills they need to thrive in a highly dynamic and increasingly complex digital environment.”
Northwood’s NSA-validated Program of Study is the foundation of the university’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, a pioneering 90-credit program that is one of the first in the nation to provide students with a high-quality, career-ready education at a lower cost and in less time, thus meeting the growing demand for cyber-savvy leaders.
“Northwood students are now graduating with documentation verifying they’ve completed a nationally validated cybersecurity curriculum,” stated Dr. Ann-Marie Horcher, program lead for cyber education at Northwood University. “This not only enhances the credibility of their degree but also opens doors to elite scholarship and employment pathways within the Department of Defense and beyond.”
Academic Vice President and Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer stated the NSA validation reflects Northwood’s strategic investment in high-demand academic disciplines.
“It strengthens our ability to prepare students to protect and defend the digital infrastructure that underpins our free-market economy and national security,” Dr. Stehouwer stated. “It’s a powerful step forward for Northwood and the communities we serve.”
“The validation and CAE candidacy also highlight Northwood’s commitment to building a premier cybersecurity management program grounded in free-market principles and practical, real-world application,” Dr. Stehouwer added.
For more information about Northwood University’s Cybersecurity Management program, visit https://www.northwood.edu/programs/cybersecurity-management/. To learn about the Cybersecurity Management Online Degree program, visit https://online.northwood.edu/programs/cybersecurity-management/.
