CCGA Earns National Cyber Defense Excellence Designation for Criminal Justice Program

On April 14, 2022 – The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) achieved designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), awarded to the cyber defense concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. CCGA is one of 11 schools in Georgia and the only state college within USG with the CAE designation. Also, CCGA has the only undergraduate criminal justice program with a cyber defense concentration with this designation in Georgia.  This achievement was led by Dr. Nelbert St. Clair, Assistant Professor of Cyber Defense, Dept. of Criminal Justice, Public Policy & Management, School of Business and Public Management.

“I am truly honored CCGA was awarded this designation. I would like to thank all my colleagues who helped in this process when I came knocking on their door for information,” said Dr. St. Clair.  He added “It’s truly great to work with colleagues who care about student success and I am definitely surrounded by that!”       

CAE-designated institutions must complete validation of a Program of Study (PoS), which is a series of courses and experiences that a student can reasonably accomplish in the course of attaining a degree or completing a certificate. The process began with the submission of elements pertaining to the academic program of study, including curriculum, student related information, faculty profiles and qualifications, and continuous improvement information. CCGA Program of Study was approved February 1, 2022 for Bachelor of Science with A Major in Criminal Justice Concentration in Cyber Defense.

After the PoS was validated and approved, CCGA pursued the CAE-CD designation. CCGA was able to demonstrate all requirements indicated for CAE-CD Designation. More details  about the CAE-CD can be found at https://www.nsa.gov/Academics/Centers-of-Academic-Excellence/

Dr. Mounts, Dean, School of Business and Public Management, said “I am very proud of the work and leadership of Doc St. Clair. Doc was insistent that this was achievable. He was persistent and here we are today. Doc’s good work is also seen in the growing number of students with a cyber-concentration and their performance in capture the flag competitions.”

Members from CCGA will formally accept the award in person during the NICE Conference & Expo: Demystifying Cybersecurity on June 8, 2022 in Atlanta, GA.