Curriculum in Information Security Certified for Compliance with CNSS Standards

In April 2004, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) certified NSU’s curriculum in information security for compliance with the requirements and standards of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). Certifications included concentrations in information security in the M.S. in Computer Information Systems and the M.S. in Management Information Systems programs plus several Ph.D. courses in information security, a total of sixteen graduate information security courses in all. The certification awarded represents includes with the requirements of NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators).

The CNSS is composed of members from 21 U.S. Government executive branch departments and agencies, as well as observers representing 11 additional organizations. It was established by National Security Directive 42 (NSD 42) to provide a forum for discussion of policy issues, set national policy, and promulgate direction, operational procedures, and guidance for the security of national security systems. National security systems are information systems operated by the U.S. Government, its contractors or agents that contain classified information or that
1.   involve intelligence activities;
2.   involve cryptographic activities related to national security;
3.   involve command and control of military forces;
4.   involve equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system(s); or
5.   are critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions (not including routine administrative and business applications).

As a result of CNSS certification:

1. NSU will be added to NSA's list of referrals for students who seek training in the INFOSEC field;

2. Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take our certified courses under government sponsorship;

3. NSU will receive recognition and a certificate during the next CNSS Annual Conference (certificates will be presented by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence);

4. NSU will be authorized to issue certificates to students who complete its certified courses; and

5. NSU will be permitted to use the CNSS logo on its certificates, literature, and advertising.

Based upon its CNSS certification, in 2004, NSU began offering the M.S. Information Security and two five-course graduate certificate programs. Students completing the certified courses in either the M.S. or certificate program will be issued federally-approved certificates.

CNSS certification was the first step toward recognition of NSU by NSA as a "Center of Academic Excellence In Information Assurance Education" under NSA's Information Assurance Program.