Center for Cyber Excellence

Prepare for an Exciting Career in Cybersecurity

Gain the critical skills you need to help protect and defend information systems from attack through the Center for Cyber Excellence at Liberty University. Here, you’ll become proficient in ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data. You will also learn how to preserve and restore systems and to develop risk management skills.

The Center for Cyber Excellence provides guidance and oversight of the cybersecurity programs at Liberty University. Our NSA-CAE designated program of study is our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Data Networking and Security.

With a mission to establish Liberty as the premier location for cybersecurity study, research, and hiring, the Center is committed to preparing you for success in this rapidly growing field. Read more about our mission and vision in the Center for Cyber Excellence Charter.

Through our center, you’ll have the advantage of interacting with experienced instructors who are grounded in their faith and who care about your development and growth as an upcoming professional in the field.

Gain all the benefits that come along with an active cybersecurity center that encourages research, service, and the effective application of technology from a Christian worldview. Contact the Center for Cyber Excellence or visit us in the School of Business.

Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Programs

Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy Scholarship

The Center for Cyber Excellence, in partnership with the Department of Defense, is excited to offer a one-year, full-ride scholarship for cyber scholars. This program is best suited for students who want to enter the cybersecurity field where they can work on circumventing national-level threats. This opportunity to work on real-world problems and gain experience can greatly accelerate your career and help you to succeed in the field.

Learn more about the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program.

Department of Defense SMART Scholarship Program

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing a STEM degree. SMART offers two scholarship opportunities, the SMART Scholarship, and the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship. All scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. Applications are open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December.

Learn more about the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship Program

Designation

The Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency have designated Liberty University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for the B.S. in Information Technology with Data Networking and Security Cognate. Learn more about the NCAE Community and stay informed.

National Cyberwatch Center

Liberty is a member and supports the National Cyberwatch Center through participation in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) competitions.

Summer Cybersecurity Camps

The Center for Cyber Excellence hosts annual Summer Cybersecurity Day Camps. The camps provide hands-on training and activities for rising 9th to rising 12th-grade students interested in exploring cybersecurity fundamentals.

Learn More About Summer Cyber Camps

Cybersecurity Faculty

Professor Richard Bansley
Executive Director for the Center of Cyber Excellence
NCAE-C Point of Contact for Liberty University
Associate Professor