DENTON, Texas — The University of North Texas (UNT) has marked a significant achievement by securing its position as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for a consecutive 25 years. This prestigious recognition, bestowed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), affirms UNT’s unwavering commitment to advancing the field of cybersecurity through education, research, and community initiatives.
With this latest NSA endorsement, valid through the 2028-29 academic year, UNT distinguishes itself as one of only 30 institutions in the United States, and one of just four in Texas, to have maintained this designation for a quarter-century. This achievement is a testament to the university’s dedication to preparing students for the growing demands of cybersecurity roles across various sectors.
The honor is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Professor Ram Dantu, Assistant Professor Cihan Tunc, and their students in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Their work exemplifies UNT’s approach to cybersecurity education, which encompasses academic rigor, practical research, and engagement with broader community and industry challenges.
Professor Dantu, who also serves as the director of UNT’s Center for Information and Cyber Security (CICS), highlighted the critical demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. “With one million unfilled cybersecurity jobs across state and federal agencies, as well as in small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, it is crucial that we prepare students to meet this need,” he stated. The CICS, known for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, welcomes faculty and students from various departments and offers a pathway for high school students from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT to begin their cybersecurity education early.
At UNT, the curriculum is designed to meet the NSA’s exacting standards, ensuring that students receive education and training that is both relevant and comprehensive. The faculty’s industry experience enriches the learning environment, providing students with insights into the real-world application of their studies.
Students at UNT have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from cryptography to malware detection, and to engage in interdisciplinary research, such as improving the security of unmanned autonomous vehicles. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as highlighted by Thomas McCullough, a computer science graduate student and member of CICS. “Learning from faculty who bring their real-world experiences into the classroom bridges the gap between theory and practice,” he said.
The NSA designation enables UNT to issue security certificates approved by the NSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, enhancing the employability of its graduates. By completing additional coursework, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science can earn a cybersecurity certificate, further solidifying their readiness for the workforce.
This milestone coincides with the 20th anniversary of the College of Engineering at UNT. The university is also recognized as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research by the NSA, a designation that acknowledges UNT’s contribution to cybersecurity research and development, particularly in doctoral programs.
Professor Dantu emphasized the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, “With the rapid evolution of the internet and artificial intelligence security, the need for innovative cybersecurity solutions has never been greater. At UNT, we are committed to leading the way in addressing these challenges.”