Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management designated again as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) has been designated again as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). 

Since 2019, Murray State University has been designated as a CAE-CD, and the redesignation is valid through 2029.  The designation is part of a national effort to increase cybersecurity education and help reduce threats to the national infrastructure. Murray State’s designated program is the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics track of the Cybersecurity and Network Management bachelor’s degree.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our faculty and staff throughout the Cybersecurity and Network Management program,” said Dr. Michael Ramage, director of Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center. “Furthermore, the redesignation underscores our program’s commitment to its excellence in cybersecurity education and preparing our students for success in this high-demand field of study.”

In 1997, Kentucky House Bill 1 created Programs of Distinction through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education at public postsecondary institutions, including Murray State University’s cybersecurity program. Murray State offers a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management, along with an accelerated master’s degree (available online) in Cybersecurity Management that can be completed in 12-18 months and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Murray State has a Cyber Education and Research Center that provides education, research, development and outreach support for the University’s cyber-related programs.

The recently-passed state biennium budget includes an allocation of $10 million in funding for the construction, renovation and operations for Murray State’s Cyber Education and Research Center. 

In addition to its continued CAE-CD recognition, Murray State’s CNM program has been certified through the Quality Assurance Commons with the Essential Employability Qualities Certification, and has won multiple national awards over the years through ITERA including Program of the Year. 

The CNM program welcomed its largest freshman class in program history this past fall with a 30 percent increase in overall program enrollment from the previous fall. Upon graduation, CNM students join a global network of alumni who are employed at Google, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, among others. 

Additional information is available at murraystate.edu/cyber.