The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Designate Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, a leading provider of education for career-motivated students, has received a national designation recognizing the academic excellence of its computer security programs.

“Colorado Springs is a thriving hub for the cyber security industry and the military, and CTU has been at the heart of educating the community’s information assurance professionals for nearly a decade.”

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognized CTU Colorado Springs as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) – one of only four Colorado universities to earn this designation. As a Center of Academic Excellence in IA, CTU students are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.

“This designation is an important one in the industry, and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing career-relevant curricula to our students,” said Greg Mitchell, campus president of CTU Colorado Springs. “Colorado Springs is a thriving hub for the cyber security industry and the military, and CTU has been at the heart of educating the community’s information assurance professionals for nearly a decade.”

The designation is valid through 2015 and applies to the undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees currently being offered in computer systems security at CTU Colorado Springs. At a time when the government has a critical need for information assurance professionals, CTU is educating its students to enter the workforce prepared to protect the country. In fact, more than half the students enrolled in CTU computer systems security programs are active in the military, allowing them to apply and build their skills in the growing information assurance fields.

This year, six schools nationwide including CTU were newly recognized as Centers of Academic Excellence in IA, which now represents a total of 117 institutions with this distinction.

The goal of the program, jointly sponsored by NSA and the DHS, is to reduce vulnerability in the nation’s information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in the IA field, while also addressing the critical need for trained IA professionals given the increased threat of cyber security attacks.

To be considered for the designation, eligible institutions must pass a rigorous review, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence in IA education. During the application process, applicants are evaluated against nine criteria such as active faculty in the field and in research, IA resources available for students and a curriculum that encourages student research in IA.

“The programs offered at CTU are taught in highly-sophisticated labs that push the limits of computer security education,” said John Tesch, computer security instructor at CTU Colorado Springs. “CTU works closely with professionals in the field to ensure our programs equip students with the knowledge needed to hit the ground running when they join the workforce or continue their service in the military.”

CTU Colorado Springs currently offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer security and a doctorate of computer science degree in digital systems security. For more information on these programs, visit: www.coloradotech.edu/Degree-Programs.

About Colorado Technical University

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) provides higher education for today’s career-focused students and offers them support, flexibility and resources to advance personally and professionally. In addition to degree-track programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, CTU offers master’s and doctoral degrees through the CTU Institute of Advanced Studies -- an innovative approach to graduate degrees for career-motivated professionals.

CTU campuses include ground schools in Denver; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Pueblo, Colo.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Kansas City and an internet based division that delivers degree programs 100 percent online. In fact, the award-winning CTU Online Virtual Campus was recognized as “Best of the Best” in the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program. For more information, please visit www.coloradotech.edu.

CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more info visit www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org or call 312-263-0456. CTU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information, visit www.careered.com. CTU does not guarantee employment or salary.