Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia has set a new national standard in tech education by becoming the first university in the United States to receive dual National Security Agency (NSA) validations for academic programs that combine cybersecurity and artificial intelligence — a growing area of national importance.
What the Recognition Means
Earlier in December 2025, the NSA — through its CyberAI Program of Study validation initiative — granted ODU’s programs two distinct recognitions:
- AICyber validation for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a Major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
- SecureAI validation for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in AI Security
These validations confirm that the university’s curriculum meets rigorous NSA standards for training students where cybersecurity intersects with AI technologies. The designations are effective through 2030, underscoring the long-term commitment to high-quality education in this critical field.
Why It’s Significant
ODU’s accomplishment is the first of its kind — no other U.S. university has been recognized in both of these CyberAI categories — highlighting its leadership in preparing students for careers at the forefront of digital defense and AI security. According to university leaders, this milestone reflects the strength of its faculty and programs as well as its vision in anticipating industry needs.
Old Dominion is also one of only ten universities nationwide to have earned all three of the NSA’s Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations in cybersecurity — including in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research.
Growth and Impact
- The School of Cybersecurity at ODU began in 2015 with just 11 students and has since expanded to enroll around 1,700 students in undergraduate and graduate programs, producing more than 1,500 alumni in the field.
- The university has developed partnerships with federal agencies and tech companies, including NSA and Amazon, opening doors for internships, research opportunities, and career pathways for students.
This achievement comes at a time when demand for cybersecurity professionals — especially those who understand artificial intelligence vulnerabilities and defenses — is soaring across government, defense, tech, and private sectors. ODU’s dual validation places its graduates at a strategic advantage in this competitive job market.
Old Dominion University has become the first in the nation to earn NSA validation for both AI-related cybersecurity bachelor’s and master’s programs, reinforcing its position as a leader in cutting-edge cyber education and workforce development.
