Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense!

Cyber threats are evolving every day. At Clark State College, so are we.

Since 2008, Clark State’s cybersecurity programs have prepared students to protect businesses, governments and communities from digital threats. Today, as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, we continue to equip graduates with the technical expertise, real-world experience and national recognition that set them apart in a high-demand industry!

As a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security under the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program.

This prestigious designation confirms that our curriculum:

• meets rigorous national standards,
• connects students to a national network of excellence,
• ensures ongoing quality through five-year revalidation
• and officially validates Clark State’s cybersecurity associate of applied science degree as a Program of Study under CAE-CD standards.

Students gain real-world experience by spending up to two semesters working in the IT field while earning college credit. Our curriculum also prepares students for industry certifications in cybersecurity, networking, and technical support. Guided by an employer-driven curriculum from professionals in aerospace, defense, government, education, and private industry, students learn the skills that today’s workforce demands. Partnerships with local businesses and community organizations allow students to strengthen regional cybersecurity awareness and make an immediate impact.

Beyond the classroom, students engage in regional cyber awareness events, security workshops for businesses, cybersecurity competitions, and collaborations with industry and defense partners. These opportunities help students apply their skills, build professional networks, and graduate ready to excel in cybersecurity careers.

Clark State also supports cybersecurity research and community engagement, continually exploring opportunities for expanded research initiatives aligned with national CAE standards.

The cybersecurity associate degree prepares students to support and defend information systems across business, healthcare, government and industry environments.

Students gain skills in:

• Network security and defense
• Ethical hacking fundamentals
• Cyber law and compliance
• Risk assessment
• Incident response
• Systems administration
• Secure infrastructure design

Related programs:

• Cyber Networking - Technical Certificate
• Cybersecurity Foundations - Short-Term Technical Certificate
• Cybersecurity - Short-Term Technical Certificate

Academic courses:

• CIS 1110 – Introduction to Information Security
  Foundational concepts in cybersecurity including threat landscapes, security principles, and risk management.
  
  
• CIS 1210 – Networking Fundamentals
  Introduction to network architecture, protocols, and secure network configuration.
  
  
• CIS 2220 – Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  Principles and tools used to assess system vulnerabilities in a controlled and lawful environment.
  
  
• CIS 2310 – Cyber Defense and Countermeasures
  Strategies to detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats.
  
  
• CIS 2410 – Digital Forensics
  Techniques for collecting, preserving and analyzing digital evidence.
  
  
• CIS 2510 – Security Policies and Compliance
  Legal, regulatory and ethical considerations in cybersecurity.

(Note: Each course listing in the official CAE documentation includes full catalog descriptions and term last taught.)

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience by spending up to two semesters working in the IT field while earning college credit. Beyond the classroom, students engage in regional cyber awareness events, security workshops for businesses, cybersecurity competitions and collaborations with industry and defense partners. These experiences help students apply their skills, build professional networks and graduate ready to excel in cybersecurity careers.

Graduates pursue careers such as:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Network Security Specialist
• IT Security Technician
• Systems Administrator
• Digital Forensics Technician
• Information Assurance Analyst

Our faculty bring industry certifications, government experience and advanced academic credentials in cybersecurity, information assurance and networking.

Faculty qualifications include:

• Advanced degrees in cybersecurity and information systems
• Industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, ISC2, etc.)
• Experience in defense, aerospace, government IT and enterprise security

Faculty also engage in:

• Cybersecurity research initiatives
• Community cybersecurity awareness programming
• Workforce development partnerships
• Professional conferences and trainings

Clark State also maintains institutional policies aligned with recognized information security frameworks, including NIST SP 800-171 compliance standards, secure data handling procedures, annual training for faculty and staff and ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for students. 

Our program is guided by leaders from:

• Ball Aerospace
• IT Savvy
• Capstone Technologies Group
• U.S. Air Force (HQ AFMC/A3/6)
• Department of Defense HPC Modernization Program
• 7-Eleven IT
• Air Force Institute of Technology
• Regional school districts and career centers

This advisory board ensures our curriculum meets workforce needs and graduates are prepared for success.