West Virginia Universityhas been recognized nationally by two prominent federal agencies for its outstanding educational programs in information security.
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated WVU as aNational Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. WVU is among 10 universities nationwide to receive this distinction.
This designation adds to the value and reputation of the degrees earned by our students in the fields of information assurance and computer security, particularly students who intend to seek employment in government agencies after graduation,saidBrian Woerner, chair of theLane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineeringin theCollege of Engineering and Mineral Resources at WVU .
It also creates new opportunities for our students by allowing them to compete for certain scholarships, fellowship and internship opportunities that are reserved for students at universities with the center of excellence designation,he said.Finally, it allows our faculty to compete more effectively for certain research projects from the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.
WVU is being recognized for outstanding educational programs that teach a set of specific topics in computer security, computer networking, communications and management of information systems. The University has highly qualified faculty who are researching and teaching in security and information assurance, said Woerner, who noted the institution as a whole follows excellent practices in the security and management of information systems.
WVU is the lead academic institution for theCenter for Identification Technology Research (CITeR), a National Science Foundation-sponsored Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, which focuses on biometrics and identity management. WVU has also partnered with the FBI to develop new technologies for identification and security.
In addition, the University operates a computer forensics teaching and research laboratory in cooperation with the West Virginia State Police and conducts research in software engineering under the sponsorship of NASA .
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security partnered in 2004 to bring attention to the increasing need of efficiency for current cyber security programs and to encourage colleges and universities to develop strong educational programs in the field of information assurance. Through the agenciesNational Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education designation, WVU will be eligible to apply for more scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense and other federal programs. Other recipients of the designation are The California State University, Georgetown University, Southern Polytechnic State University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Denver, University of Missouri, University of Nevada and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
TheLane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineeringin theCollege of Engineering and Mineral Resourcesat WVU offers educational programs in computer security and technology through bachelors degree programs in computer science, computer engineering and biometric systems. Masters degrees are also offered in computer science and software engineering, and doctoral degrees are available in computer and information science and computer engineering. In addition, the department offers three graduate certifications in computer forensics, software engineering andbiometricsandinformation assurance. The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources conducts research in a number of topics related to information assurance, including information assurance and data integrity under a memorandum of understanding with the National Archives and Records Administration.