Utica College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance And Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

The college is also only the seventh institution in the country to earn a National Center for Digital Forensics Academic Excellence from the Defense Cyber Crime Center.

As part of the program, Utica College will be assigned a Liaison from the NSA who will work closely with both organizations to maximize collaboration in areas like academics, research and development.

The goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by utilizing colleges to educate more professionals with cybersecurity expertise.

Utica College is the first college in the country to hold both government designations at this level.

"These designations represent the gold standard for institutions of higher education," said Utica College President Todd Hutton. "These government agencies have very carefully reviewed our courses, programs, department, research centers and institution. This is well-deserved national recognition for cybersecurity programs and faculty."

Utica College is home to the Economic Crime and Cybersecurity Institute, the Northeast Cyber Forensics Center, and the Center For Identity Management  and Information Protection.

More From WIBX 950