GW Cyber Academy

The College of Professional Studies’ Cyber Academy, in conjunction with GW’s Research Technology Services, conducts applied research and assists in the development, coordination and expansion of GW's cybersecurity degree programs. In addition, the Cyber Academy facilitates engagement with public and private partners in the fields of cybersecurity and infrastructure protection. The Cyber Academy envisions being a hub of cutting-edge research, educational programs and information exchange in the rapidly changing cyber arena.

Degree Programs

Community of Professionals Program

The Cyber Academy periodically conducts knowledge transfer activities through speaker series and webinars featuring cybersecurity leaders who discuss contemporary issues and propose new avenues to address security challenges posed by technology. The purpose is to engage, on a regular basis, the community of professionals working in the field of cybersecurity and provide forums where they can learn and exchange knowledge.

The Academy has welcomed distinguished speakers including:

Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander
Melissa Hathaway, former Director of the Joint Interagency Cyber Task Force at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Ambassador David Smith, Director of the Potomac Institute Cyber Center
Patrick Byrne, head of U.S. Europol’s delegation and cyber-crime specialist

The Academy has organized webinars addressing topics such as: the security of big data; leaks and insider threats, information sharing and safeguarding, cyber threats to commercial aviation technology, and the geopolitics of cyber threats.

Applied Research Programs

The GW Cyber Academy conducts applied research in the fields of critical infrastructure protection and cyber operation to solve cybersecurity problems. During the first five years of the Academy, the research agenda will be set around topics based on current trends and product needs, including, but not limited to:

Cyber Defense and Data Exchange
Security of Big Data
Protection and Breach Detection Technology for Critical Infrastructures

Professional Training Programs

Professionals working in cyber operations and protection of critical infrastructure face ever-evolving threats and must be continuously up-to-date on the strategies and practices necessary to mitigate them. Currently, professional accreditations and certifications are required for most experts working in these fields

The Academy offers training that targets key professional certifications, which are required by homeland security agencies and cybersecurity industries. You can also engage the Academy through our customized hands-on training in collaboration with external partners in private and public sectors. This training is offered on a periodic basis – for example, through “summer boot camps."