San Jacinto College designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through the academic year 2030. This prestigious designation, awarded by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, recognizes the College’s commitment to providing high-quality cybersecurity education and its role in strengthening the national cybersecurity workforce.
“This designation is a testament to San Jacinto College’s dedication to preparing students with the critical skills needed to protect our nation’s information infrastructure,” said Kevin Morris, dean of business and technology for San Jacinto College South Campus. “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage, and we are proud to be part of the solution by equipping our students with the knowledge and expertise necessary for success in this vital field.”
San Jacinto College offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Applied Technology in Information Technology with an emphasis in Cybersecurity. Launched in fall 2024, this program equips students with hands-on experience in threat hunting, security operations, and risk management to defend against cyber threats. The curriculum also covers ethical hacking and cryptography, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address evolving cyber challenges.
The College's Center for Cybersecurity serves as a hub for information security resources, providing students and the community with tools and knowledge to reduce cyber threats. Additionally, the Security Operations Center offers students practical experience by allowing them to analyze live data and practice monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats.
The National Cyber Strategy highlights the urgent need for cybersecurity professionals and emphasizes the importance of higher education in addressing this workforce shortage. San Jacinto College’s designation confirms that its cybersecurity program meets the rigorous standards set by the NSA and DHS, ensuring that students receive industry-relevant training to combat evolving cyber threats.
As part of this recognition, San Jacinto College will be listed as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense institution on the Center of Academic Excellence Community website and will have access to various resources and networking opportunities within the cybersecurity education community. Additionally, representatives from the College will be invited to attend a formal designation ceremony hosted by the Center of Academic Excellence Program Management Office at a future date.
For more details on San Jacinto College’s cybersecurity programs and initiatives, visit sanjac.edu/bat-cyber
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
