ECPI University proudly announces its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This esteemed recognition extends through 2028.

Earning this designation requires that schools align stringent CAE criteria and mapping curricula to a core set of cyber defense knowledge units. A team of ECPI cyber faculty and staff collaborated on the multi-month application process, which included an external committee review and a panel interview. The university previously received this designation in 2018. (Read more about requirements)

“Continually meeting the NSA’s rigorous standards showcases our unique proficiency in cybersecurity education,” said ECPI University President Mark Dreyfus. "It emphasizes ECPI University's ongoing commitment to cyber defense, and to producing highly skilled professionals capable of defending our national information infrastructure from evolving threats.” 

 ECPI’s year-round Cybersecurity program offers an accelerated path to a bachelor's degree in just 2.5 years. It focuses on practical, application-based learning in areas such as hardware and software management, data protection, vulnerability analysis, network defense, and security policy development. Additionally, the university prioritizes frequent updates to course content, state-of-the-industry cyber labs, and active faculty and employer partnerships to ensure students receive a comprehensive, real-world education capable of adapting to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

"ECPI provides a unique pathway for students, from recent high school graduates to career changers, to expand their technical skillset and embark on a career in cybersecurity," said Dr. Keith Morneau, Dean of Computer and Information Science at ECPI University. "To do this, we highlight the integration of experiential learning within a community of practice, creating an environment conducive to learning from experiences and industry experts. It’s just one of the ways we are working to cultivate a robust ecosystem for immersive learning and professional growth."

For more information about ECPI University’s latest CAE-CD designation or its cybersecurity program, please contact ECPI University Director of Communications Jessica Davenport at 757.773.8585 or jdavenport@ecpi.edu.

Virginia Beach, VA – ECPI University is pleased to announce its inclusion in the Military Times' 2023 Best for Vets lists released on November 6, 2023.

In Best for Vets: Colleges, ECPI University ranked first in the Career and Technical Education category, placing 21st overall out of 325 colleges and universities. Additionally, ECPI made the Best for Vets: Employers list, one of just ten universities to make the list.

Each year, Military Times ranks the best colleges and universities for veterans and military service members following a rigorous process. Over 300 schools participated in the latest Best for Vets: Colleges survey, which included more than 70 questions seeking details about the school’s costs, programs, policies and services that impact military-connected students. Federal data from the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense is also considered.

Per the Military Times website, student success metrics (completion, retention, persistence, GPA, graduation) are the most important factor in determining the relative ranking of schools on this year’s list, followed closely by the range of military-specific resources and the level of financial assistance they offer. Admissions and registration policies, human resources and assorted miscellaneous considerations also factor into the scoring rubric. (Read the Best for Vets: Colleges methodology.)

“Nearly 30% of our student population is part of the military and veteran community,” says ECPI University Executive Director of Military Education Bill Brown. “We trust our military to protect our nation and families, and now they are trusting us to provide them with quality education and support. We see it as our duty to serve these remarkable students. Their success is our success!”

To support military and veteran students, ECPI University:

• Registers students for their classes each term so they do not have to spend time away from their military units to take care of these requirements.
• Offers scholarship opportunities for military members and spouses.
• Provides the Yellow Ribbon program to all GI Bill(R) students without any limitations, restrictions, or caps.
• Assists with the transition to the civilian workforce, holding workshops showcase their strengths during the application process and assist with translating their military experience for easier civilian knowledge.
• Aids with tutoring and class assistance, in person and online.
• Connects mental health providers and military/veteran service organizations with the military/veteran community.

The Best for Vets: Employers rankings are based on the results of a voluntary survey that covers a company’s policies and practices for current employees and future job seekers within the military community. Part of the assessment included the university’s efforts to recruit, retain, and support military-affiliated employees. Per the Military Times website, the rankings are calculated based on weighted scores within discrete domains of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), listed here in order of importance. The “Recruitment and employment practices” and “Retention and support programs” domains factor most heavily into the final score on which rankings are based. (Read the Best for Vets: Employers methodology.) 

“Over 10% of ECPI University’s faculty and staff are connected to the military community,” says ECPI University President Mark Dreyfus. “We deeply respect the leadership and experience our military-affiliated faculty and staff bring to our university.” 

For more information about ECPI University’s military support services, visit ecpi.edu/military.   

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About ECPI University

Founded in 1966, ECPI University is a private university with 17 locations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Texas and online. ECPI is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of ECPI may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). The university has programs in technology, nursing, health science, business, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Program availability varies by campus. For more information, visit www.ecpi.edu.