Cyber Center

Welcome to the Valencia College Cyber Center!

Valencia College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

About Us

In 2007, Valencia College was awarded an NSF ATE grant entitled: "Computer Engineering Technology Security Curriculum Expansion and Enhancement," DUE-0703070, for the project period October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2013. This ATE project developed and implemented a cybersecurity specialization within the Cybersecurity and Network Engineering Technology Associate in Science degree program.

In 2010, Valencia College launched the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Associate in Science degree and successfully developed curriculum, faculty, and articulations. Since then, the following state-approved technical certificates were also developed:

• Cloud Computing Architecture (24 credits)
• Cyber Security (30 credits)
• Linux Enterprise Server Administration (24 credits)
• Network Infrastructure (21 credits)
• Network Support (21 credits)
• Network Administration (24 credits)

In 2012, Valencia College was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance 2-Year Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

In 2023, Valencia College was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Awards

In 2013, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recognized Valencia College as a National Center of Academic Excellent in Information Assurance Education 2 Year program (CAE2Y). Since then, Valencia College has been engaged with the community and industry partners in several meaningful ways to promote cybersecurity awareness and to strengthen the pipeline for cybersecurity professionals.

Since its inception, the program has taken a hands-on approach using portable labs deployable in virtual and remote-access environments. Program courses cover the exam blueprint for some of the top cybersecurity and digital forensics industry certifications including:

• CompTIA Security +
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate-Security (CCNA-Security)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
• Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (HFI)

The program has expanded educational resources to K-12 institutions through the delivery various workshops and summer camps. The program was also successful at building an effective education pipeline model with 4-year programs, including the Cybersecurity program at University of Maine at Augusta (UMA).

In 2018 Valencia College’s Network Engineering Technology program was named a winner of the inaugural Siemens-Aspen Community College STEM Award by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Siemens Foundation. The Network Engineering Technology program was one of eight community college programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), recognized for providing outstanding preparation for high-demand jobs in information technology.

For questions concerning the Cybersecurity Associate in Science degree and degree specializations offered at Valencia College, please reach out to one of our CyberNET Student Success Coaches.

For questions concerning this National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education institution, please contact Dr. Jessica Chisholm by e-mail at jchisholm2@valenciacollege.edu, or by phone at (407) 582-1614.