UMUC Is the First Institution in University System of Maryland to Earn Designation

University of Maryland University College has been designated as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3), the first institution in the University System of Maryland to earn this prestigious designation.

"This is a very special achievement and a testament to the high-quality program UMUC offers in cyber security," said Javier Miyares, president of UMUC. "The designation represents UMUC's commitment and leadership in continuing the advancement of cyber security and digital forensics education."

DC3's Academic Cyber Curriculum Alliance Board encourages collaboration between colleges, universities, and institutions of higher learning in an effort to establish and promote a consistent national digital forensics core curriculum. To foster this collaboration, the National Centers of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) program designates centers of academic excellence—those that excel in establishing standards and best practices for digital forensics practitioners, educators, and researchers to both advance the discipline of digital forensics and increase the number of qualified professionals in the law enforcement, counterintelligence, national defense, and legal communities.

UMUC's Bachelor of Science in Computer and Network Security can include focused study in digital forensics, and the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program is geared toward preparing professionals to meet the challenges posed in uncovering digital evidence. Students in these programs develop a broad analytical framework for becoming cyber investigators. This component of UMUC's programs is key, because technology and the rules governing the application of digital forensics to fields such as financial auditing, homeland security, and law enforcement are changing at a rapid pace.

UMUC was the first institution in the University System of Maryland to offer fully online degree programs in cyber security and related areas, including digital forensics, cyber security policy, computer networks and cyber security, and software development and security. The university now has more than 8,000 students in cyber-related programs and more than 4,000 graduates who have earned cyber-related degrees. About University of Maryland University College

About University of Maryland University College

UMUC was recently named 2015 Global Educator of the Year by the World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C., for its role as a leader in innovative education models and was ranked in 2015 as the #1 "Best For Vets" college by Military Times.

A pioneer in distance education since 1947, UMUC today is harnessing the power of learning science and technology to deliver high—quality education that is accessible and affordable. UMUC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission—to meet the learning needs of adult students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service.