Wed Dec 17 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Old Dominion University Leads Nation in CyberAI Education with Dual NSA Validation
NORFOLK, VA – Old Dominion University (ODU) is making waves in cybersecurity education, becoming the first institution nationwide to receive dual validation from the National Security Agency (NSA) for its pioneering cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) programs. This landmark achievement solidifies ODU’s position at the forefront of preparing students for the increasingly complex intersection of AI and cyber defense.
ODU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a Major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity earned the NSA’s AI for Cybersecurity (AICyber) recognition, while the Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in AI Security received validation for the Security of AI (SecureAI) program. Both validations are in place through 2030.
“Innovation is woven into the very fabric of Old Dominion University,” said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “This national recognition — to once again be ‘the first’ — is further testament to the quality of our faculty and our commitment to prepare students to meet the needs of the cybersecurity industry and our country.”
The NSA’s CyberAI Program of Study validations are in their inaugural year, marking ODU as a national leader in this emerging field.
Daniel Takabi, director of the School of Cybersecurity, emphasized the significance of the validation, stating, “These validations are a great testament to the excellent programs we offer and show how we are leading the nation in preparing our students with knowledge and skills to be successful in the age of AI as it is rapidly being integrated into every aspect of the industry.”
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian Payne, Ph.D., added, “This endorsement highlights our commitment to cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, who are essential in safeguarding the nation’s technological infrastructure.”
This recognition builds on ODU’s established reputation in cybersecurity education. The university is one of only 10 institutions in the U.S. and the only one in Virginia to hold all three of NSA’s Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary of cybersecurity education, ODU’s School of Cybersecurity has experienced rapid growth, expanding from a single interdisciplinary major in 2015 to nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs today. With approximately 1,700 students enrolled this fall and over 1,500 alumni, the school continues to adapt its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the national cybersecurity workforce. The university has cultivated strong partnerships with organizations like the NSA, local military bases, and Amazon, creating valuable internship, research, and certification opportunities for students.
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