KCC Cybersecurity and Networking program earns prestigious NSA rating

KLAMATH FALLS — Klamath Community College’s Cyber Security and Networking Applied Science Program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) following an intensive and multi-tiered review process.

Managed by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security and Networking (NCAE-C) program, the NSA’s National Cryptologic School, the certification designation for KCC remains in effect through the 2027-28 academic year. The CAE-CD was established to recognize institutions that promote the highest-quality standards in training producing the nation’s cyber workforce to defend against cyber threats and manage computer networks. KCC is the fifth institute of higher learning in Oregon to earn this gold standard of cybersecurity certification by the NSA – the first outside of the Willamette Valley metro area.

KCC first developed the program in 2019 to address an ever-growing global demand for qualified computer technicians. More recently, in addition to a two-year associate degree, KCC has also created a Secure Network Technician one-year certificate, and a Computer Support Technician Pathway Certificate.

Thanks to a recent Department of Labor grant and CARES Act funding, $100,000 has been invested into KCC’s lab infrastructure to expand cybersecurity and network training capacity online, thereby making the program available on a national and international level.

To earn the designation, each institution must first have had at least three years of graduates within the program before applying for CAE-CD consideration. A mentor program is then assigned to review and ensure that the curriculum is on par with the highest CAE-CD standards, after which time if approved, the program then is elevated to a higher level of review by peer programs. If approved, then the NSA reviews the program before determining whether it is worthy of CAE-CD certification.

With this certification, KCC graduates earn an additional CAE-CD certificate with their diploma, which makes them eligible for certain government jobs and NSA scholarships should they choose to move on to a four-year institution. “This is the highest rating a community college can obtain, it is the gold standard,” said Troy Lanning, KCC Cyber Security and Networking faculty lead.

Students enrolled in the KCC Cyber Security and Networking program will be introduced to networking, PC troubleshooting, programming, scripting, operating systems, and security.

According to KCC Computer Engineering Technology Lead Faculty Pete, as of last year 85% of KCC graduates in the program either acquire employment in the field of study, move on to a four-year program for further study in the field, or both.

“Students who have gone through our program will be recognized by the NSA as having earned the gold star rating of training; they created this to bring the entire education process to a certain level,” said Brandsness.

As part of the NCAE-C community of approved institutions, KCC has access to additional resources such as workshops, marketing efforts, funding opportunities, conferences, and communication tools. It also partners KCC with cyber security and networking industry leaders, ensuring students have proper training, certification, and connections to establish a successful career in the industry.

For more information visit http://www.klamathcc.edu.