NSA, DHS name top info assurance schools

The National Security Agency and the Homeland Security Department have designated 12 new universities as centers of academic excellence in the field of information assurance education, according to a June 28 NSA statement. Schools carrying the title are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants promoting information assurance under federal and Defense Department programs, the statement said. The universities may carry their new designation as centers of excellence for five years, after which they must reapply to keep their status, according to the statement. The 12 universities and colleges designated this year bring the total number of centers to 86, according to the statement. The new schools are: NSA and DHS started honoring schools for their information assurance education programs in 2004, after President Bush called for improved training efforts in this area, NSA said.