LYNNWOOD – Edmonds College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through the 2030 academic year.
Institutions that receive a CAE-CD designation have met the rigorous requirements set forth by the program’s sponsor, the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA awards CAE-CD designations to institutions that commit to producing cybersecurity professionals who will reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure.
Edmonds was one of the first institutions in the state of Washington to offer classes in digital forensics and data recovery, and has been at the forefront of cyber defense education since 1999. Edmonds students gain real-world experience by working as digital forensics examiners and cybersecurity analysts for local and national businesses.
“We pride ourselves in providing students a hands-on experience with real clients and solving real-world cybersecurity issues,” said instructor Mike Andrew. “To receive designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense is a testament to the strength of our program and our NSA-recognized staff. We are grateful for this recognition.”
Since 2017, Edmonds has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by top subject matter experts in the cyber defense field based on the strength of its cyber defense and digital forensics programs, instructor expertise, and close alignment to stringent criteria and relevant knowledge units (KUs).
Edmonds offers a two-year associate degree in cyber defense and digital forensics, as well as certificates that students can complete in as little as two quarters.
For more information, visit edmonds.edu/cyber-defense.
Edmonds College | edmonds.edu
The college serves approximately 16,000 students annually, including approximately 600 international students from about 50 countries. The college currently offers five bachelor of applied science degrees, one Bachelor of Science degree, 66 associate degrees, and 111 professional certificates in 30 programs of study. The college operates two on-campus residence halls housing approximately 400 students. The college has a wide range of comprehensive offerings: College credit in high school, basic education skills to receive a high school diploma/GED or to prepare for college, short-term non-credit training, continuing education, online degrees, and certificates, offered day, night, and weekend. Support services include childcare, a campus food pantry, 211 navigator, and mental health resources.
National Security Agency/Central Security Service | nsa.gov
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both signals intelligence (SIGINT) insights and cybersecurity products and services and enables computer network operations to gain a decisive advantage for the nation and our allies. Throughout the site, NSA/CSS will be referred to collectively as NSA. Central Security Service provides timely and accurate cryptologic support, knowledge, and assistance to the military cryptologic community, while promoting partnership between the NSA and the cryptologic elements of the Armed Forces.
Source: Edmonds College

Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
One Response
From day one, the Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics program blew me away. I got to jump into a real-life penetration test with none other than Steve Hailey and Mike Andrew – talk about hands-on experience! And after graduation? Steve held an extra class just for us on how to kick-start our own businesses – total game-changer.
Seriously, you won’t find another program packed with this level of education and real-world opportunities. Steve and Mike are the real deal – passionate, inspiring, and incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. Massive shout-out to Leslie and Michele, too. As Lab Managers, they always had our backs and made sure no student was left behind. Thanks to everything I learned at Edmonds, I just landed a promotion and got asked to join the Investigations Group – something I’ve been chasing for years. A massive thank you to Edmonds College for opening the door to this fantastic journey. GO TRITONS!