The recent news that hackers broke into University of Missouri computer systems ought to present a strong case for a national need for programs like UMR's cyber-security efforts. And for the upcoming announcement that UMR will soon become a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE).

When the designation occurs on June 5, UMR will become the first university in Missouri to achieve that designation. This means students will be eligible for scholarships and grants from the federal government if they choose to study "information assurance." UMR offers graduate certificates in this area, as well as emphasis areas in computer engineering and computer science.