Navigate programs at Montana's nationally accredited cybersecurity institutions to grow within or start your cybersecurity career.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) programs are managed by NSA's National Cryptologic School. The NCAE-C creates and manages collaborative cybersecurity educational programs with higher education institutions that establish standards for curricular, faculty, and academic excellence.
Becoming an NCAE-designated institution is a rigorous process with an evaluation of elements focused on outputs for determining academic achievement. Accredited institutions meet the NCAE's desired characteristics and assure that the academic delivery fulfills the nation's demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals.
Missoula College became a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in 2017 and was the first institution in Montana to achieve this distinction. Under the leadership of Dr. Tom Gallagher, Professor, and Dean of Missoula College, the College has awarded Certificates of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity and Associates of Applied Science degrees in Networking and Information Security as an NCAE institution.
Dr. Victor Valgenti serves as the Program Director for Information Technology and oversees eight faculty members teaching the curriculum.
Missoula College is leading a "Community of Practice" among the 2-year colleges in Montana which shares resources and curricular information that strengthens cybersecurity education throughout the state.
Great Falls College became a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in 2019 and works collaboratively with Missoula College UM and Gallatin College MSU on curriculum and programs, including Common Course Numbering.
Under the leadership of Steven Robinett, Department Chair for the Computer Technology program, Great Falls College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree and a Certificate of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity, as well as additional IT-related Associate Degrees.
