National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by NSA's National Cryptologic School. The NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that establishes standards for curricular, faculty, and academic excellence.
The designation process is a rigorous evaluation of elements related to the institution focused on outputs for determining academic achievement. This combination assures that the institution meets the desired characteristics of a CAE institution and that the academic delivery to students is producing the qualified workforce needed by the nation.
NCAE Cybersecurity Approved Courses

Certificate of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity - Missoula College
The Cybersecurity CTS provides students with an entry-level credential and leads to the Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology. This 12-credit, 4-course certificate prepares students in computer networking, operating systems, cyber ethics, and cybersecurity administration.

Certificate of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity - Great Falls College
The Cybersecurity Certificate Degree will prepare students with additional, career tools to continue on the path to a technician/system analyst with a focus on the skills required to understand and conceptualize, design, procure, and/or build secure information technology (IT) systems.

Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology: Network Administration and Security - Missoula College
Through the Missoula College AAS degree, you'll develop a well-rounded technical background with coursework in networking, operating systems, PC hardware, coding, computer ethics, and cybersecurity. Students have the potential to earn the A+, Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker, and Security+ credentials through our 2-year curriculum, designed to prepare students with the communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving skills valued by employers.

Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity - Great Falls College
The Cybersecurity degree prepares students for a career as a system technician/system analyst with a focus on the skills required to understand and conceptualize, design, procure, and/or build secure information technology (IT) systems.
Missoula College UM; CAE-CD
Missoula College was designated a 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 xx Certificates of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity and yy Associates of Arts degrees in Networking and Information Security as a CAE institution.
Dr. Victor Valgenti serves as the Program Director for Information Technology and oversees eight faculty members teaching in 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 MSU; CAE-CD
Great Falls College was designated a 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 Arts Degree and a Certificate of Technical Studies in Cybersecurity, as well as additional IT-related Associate Degrees.