Harford Community College Officially a Cyber Defense Powerhouse

Federal agencies have officially taken note of Harford Community College as a training ground for cyber warriors.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated the college a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. This means the college met the criteria established by the federal agencies to prepare students for defending the nation’s information infrastructure.

Harford Community College offers associate degree and certificate programs in information assurance and cybersecurity, training students to protect data and equipment from internal and external threats.

Senator Barbara Mikulski visited the Bel Air campus Thursday to present the school with the designation, which is effective from 2014 to 2010.

“Here at Harford Community College, our students are preparing to be our first line of defense against cyber-attacks, making our nation safer and Maryland’s economy stronger,” Sen. Barbara Mikulski said.

Maryland is home to 16 Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Information Assurance, more than any other state but Texas, which also has 16, according to a statement from Harford Community College.

Having its cybersecurity program designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education means that Harford Community College students who complete the program will have increased access to scholarships and employment opportunities, according to Dean John Mayhorne.

The designation “recognizes the quality and rigor of our cyber program“ and “acknowledges Harford Community College as an educational leader in cybersecurity,” Mayhorne said.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the college,” President of Harford Community College Dennis Golladay added.

“It provides our students an avenue to enter the workforce in well-paying, high-skilled jobs. As a community college we have the adaptability and flexibility to make adjustments to market forces. This is a prime example of that.”

Pictured, from left to right, are Dean of the Business, Computing and Applied Technology Division John Mayhorne; Harford Community College cybersecurity student Douglas Stanley; Harford Community College President Dennis Golladay, Ph.D.; Harford Community College cybersecurity faculty member Madrice Guy; and Harford Community College cybersecurity student Orion Reynolds. Photo Credit: Harford Community College.