As cyber threats against governments, businesses and individuals continue to escalate in scale and sophistication, a new three-year partnership with U.S. Cyber Command will help Cedarville University to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The agreement, finalized in March, connects Cedarville students and faculty with one of the nation’s leading cyber defense organizations. It also marks the university’s third federal defense partnership, joining existing agreements with the National Security Agency and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Cedarville is one of 21 academic programs in the United States with the distinguished National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations designation from the National Security Agency (NSA). Cedarville is the lone private Christian university among this prestigious group, which includes Carnegie Mellon University, the United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Air Force Academy.
U.S. Cyber Command, known as USCYBERCOM, is responsible for defending the Department of Defense Information Network, supporting global military operations and strengthening the United States' ability to resist and respond to cyberattacks. The command also plays a central role in designing cyber force structure and coordinating cyber operations across the Department of Defense.
“USCYBERCOM is our nation’s elite hacking force,” said Dr. Seth Hamman, director of the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity at Cedarville. “We have been working on this agreement for a long time, and it’s exciting to see it finalized.”
Through the partnership, Cedarville students gain access to cyber professionals, mentorships, internships and cutting-edge research opportunities. The collaboration also supports faculty development and curriculum enhancement aligned with national security needs.
The agreement may also allow for the loan or transfer of defense lab equipment, opportunities to engage in USCYBERCOM-hosted events and involvement in defense research projects that offer students academic credit and real-world experience.
“This collaboration will help prepare our students for the employment market through hands-on projects and real-world insight,” said Hamman.
By aligning with top-tier defense agencies, Cedarville University continues to position itself as a national leader in cybersecurity education.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.