Cybersecurity Center


Designated as a National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE), the Johnson & Wales University Cybersecurity Center (JWUCC) provides an encouraging, innovative and welcoming center of multidisciplinary learning and research.

A person teaches a cybersecurity class to a group of students.

Educating Cyber Citizens

By building a strong foundation through hands-on experience in the field, our goal is to create the next generation of cyber-enthusiasts that help protect individual freedom, strengthen our nation’s defense, and share their knowledge with the world. Our students grow not only as scholars, but as professionals and citizens as well.

NSA/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) have designated Johnson & Wales University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

The NSA and DHS jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) and Cybersecurity Research (CAE-R) programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in Cybersecurity and producing a growing number of professionals with Cybersecurity expertise in various disciplines.

Government seals, left to right: US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Security Agency, and the Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community.

Cybersecurity Education & Training

The Cybersecurity Center is located at JWU’s Providence Campus. JWU faculty and staff train and teach courses in cybersecurity and networking. Undergraduate degrees include Cybersecurity and Computer Science.

Launch Experience

Cybersecurity Research & Service

At JWU, our state-of-the-art lab is located in the heart of downtown Providence. The center’s lab provides the Rhode Island community, businesses, law enforcement, and K-12 education institutions access to various services related to cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity Center also provides a safe, secure place for professionals and businesses to perform research, test and build applications.

Computer Science Lab

What is computer science? It can mean many things and includes topics such as cloud computing, user interface design (UI), software development, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, cutting-edge educational tools and more. This state-of-the-art computer lab is where our students put their technique to work.

Our Areas of Research

Our areas of research include, but are not limited to:

  • Social Engineering
  • Programming & Software Engineering
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Trustworthy Systems
  • Risk Management
  • Vulnerability Analysis
  • Privacy
  • Intrusion Detection
  • Digital Forensics

JWUCC Research

At the JWUCC, we strive to provide trustworthy and accurate data in all areas related to computer science.

Research from Around the World

  • Virtual Reality in Computer Science Education: A Systematic Review investigates the potential and application of VR for computer science education with a systematic review. It presents a formal literature review on the use of VR technologies in computer science education. The paper focuses on the identification of factors such as learning objectives, technologies used, interaction characteristics, and challenges and advantages of using fully immersive VR for computer science education.

  • Frank Tweedie, Ph.D., executive director, Cyber Security & Computer Science Education
  • Nicholas Tella, CISSP JWU IT Security
  • Jim Beauvais, CISSP JWU IT Security
  • Kyle Gerand, Citizens Bank security specialist
  • Henry Hodge, CISSP president, HJH Enterprises
  • Joe Devine, president, Axiotrop Inc.
  • Michael Ferranti, Citizens Bank security specialist
  • Michael Oliver, CIO, Claflin Company
  • Anthony Chavis, assistant professor
  • Cassandra Johns, director of education & Career Pathways, Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENDIA)
  • Linda Larsen, programs & partnership manager, 401Tech Bridge

If you are interested in working with the JWUCC or have any questions related to the program, please use the contact information below:

Anthony Chavis
Assistant Professor
Anthony.Chavis@jwu.edu

For any other questions, contact the JWU Admissions team:

Providence Admissions
1-800-342-5598
Fax: 401-598-2948

Undergraduate
401-598-1000
providence@admissions.jwu.edu

Mailing Address
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903

Yena Center (Undergraduate Admissions)
111 Dorrance St.
Providence, RI 02903