Wright State University and its Master of Science in Cyber Security program have been redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, reaffirming the university’s leadership in cybersecurity education, research and workforce development.
The redesignation recognizes Wright State’s sustained cybersecurity program, including curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student engagement and alignment with national workforce needs.
It also reflects the university’s broader support for cybersecurity and defense, including its Cyber Security Research and Education Center, which advances cybersecurity education, research and community engagement while preparing students with the skills to protect critical digital infrastructure.
“This recognition reflects Wright State’s long-term commitment to building a strong, comprehensive cybersecurity program,” said Junjie Zhang, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the cybersecurity program in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. “It highlights not just what we teach in the classroom, but the full environment we’ve created to prepare students to meet evolving cyber threats.”
Wright State’s Master of Science in Cyber Security trains students in key areas of cyber security and cyber defense, including network and computer security, security attacks and defenses, secure computing practices and legal aspects of cybersecurity.
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program, led by the National Security Agency in partnership with other federal agencies, recognizes colleges and universities that meet rigorous national standards for cybersecurity education and help develop a highly skilled cyber workforce.
The designation, awarded for five years beginning in 2026, was first earned by Wright State in 2020.
The designation strengthens Wright State’s visibility within the national cybersecurity education community and creates practical opportunities for students and faculty. Students gain access to competitions, professional development opportunities and expanded connections across government, academia and industry. Faculty gain opportunities for collaboration, curriculum development and leadership within the National Center of Academic Excellence network.
It also enhances the university’s competitiveness for federal grants, scholarships and other cybersecurity education and workforce development initiatives.
Junjie Zhang, director of Wright State’s cybersecurity program, says the university’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense reaffirms its leadership in cybersecurity education, research and workforce development.
For the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the designation underscores its continued investment in a program that blends theory, hands-on learning, research and community engagement.
“It affirms Wright State’s role in preparing graduates who can help defend critical systems and respond to complex cyber challenges,” Zhang said.
In addition, it signals value to current and prospective students, confirming that Wright State’s cybersecurity program meets rigorous national standards and is committed to continuous improvement.
Cybersecurity students at Wright State engage in advanced coursework and impactful research, including analyzing software binaries to understand how attackers identify vulnerabilities and participating in advanced labs simulating real-world system attacks and defenses. Wright State students have uncovered more than 10 high-profile vulnerabilities and over 100 bugs affecting critical internet systems.
They are also conducting research in artificial intelligence security and hardware security, gaining experience that extends beyond traditional coursework.
Zhang said the designation reflects a broader culture of cybersecurity at Wright State.
“It’s about active faculty leadership, strong student participation in competitions such as the National Cyber League, collaboration with industry partners, curriculum innovation and meaningful research contributions,” he said. “Together, these efforts show that Wright State is not only teaching cybersecurity but also helping shape the next generation of cyber defense professionals.”
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