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JERSEY CITY, N.J. |  (NJCU) today announced the renewal of its longstanding agreement with Caucasus University in the Republic of Georgia, marking a significant milestone in a partnership that launched in Fall 2022 with a 1+1+1 bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, culminating with the arrival of the inaugural cohort on campus during the Spring 2025 semester.

This renewed agreement reinforces both institutions’ commitment to delivering an internationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, a program that exemplifies academic excellence and global collaboration. 

Under the renewed agreement, graduates will earn a joint degree in cybersecurity, conferred by both NJCU and Caucasus University. The program is delivered entirely in English and meets the rigorous educational standards of both Georgian and U.S. institutions. This accelerated joint degree program was the first of its kind between the universities and allows students to have access to cybersecurity experts and faculty across both institutions.

Notably, while the initial agreement involved students spending only their final semester at NJCU, the renewed structure allows students to complete the first two years on the Caucasus campus in Tbilisi, Georgia, before spending their entire third year in-residence at NJCU. The first cohort under this new model will begin in Fall 2025, with the sixth cohort scheduled to commence in Fall 2030 and graduate from NJCU in 2033.

The partnership also offers pathways for students to progress into NJCU’s graduate programs to earn a Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity. Early indications are promising, with many students from the first cohort already applying for advanced study.

 

"I am deeply honored to lead NJCU during this exciting phase of innovation and collaboration,” praised NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo. “I want to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Dr. Scott O’Connor and Dr. Donna Adair Breault, whose efforts have greatly expanded the reach and impact of our partnership with Caucasus University. I also extend a warm thank you to  and his team for their enduring partnership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to this important work. Together, we are setting a new standard for international education in cybersecurity."

Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Donna Adair Breault, Ph.D., commented: “Renewing our partnership with Caucasus University signifies the shared commitment our institutions demonstrate by providing a unique and compelling experience for the students of Caucasus. �鶹��ý’s B.S. program in cybersecurity is an outstanding program with brilliant, dedicated faculty. We are thrilled to extend this partnership, and we look forward to continued efforts between NJCU and Caucasus University.”

"NJCU’s mission is to provide an accessible, high-quality, and transformative education. Fulfilling that mission relies on deep and varied partnerships,” said Scott O’Connor, Ph.D., Assistant Provost for Academic Programming. “After several years of hard work, we welcomed the first cohort of students to NJCU this semester and are thrilled to celebrate that milestone by signing this renewal and deepening our partnership with Caucasus University. I thank my colleagues at Caucasus and look forward to many years of serving our students together."

Dr. Kakha Shengelia visited NJCU in August, 2023 to report on the on-going international academic partnership in cybersecurity and computer science between NJCU and CU, after the joint degree program successfully completed its first year during the 2022-23 academic year. Both institutions are exploring opportunities to further extend this agreement and develop additional collaborative programs that address the evolving challenges in the field of cybersecurity.
 

The NJCU Cybersecurity program is an interdisciplinary center for cybersecurity education, training and research. The center aims to provide current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to strive and compete within the cybersecurity community.

NJCU’s Professional Security Studies Department is one of the few programs in the United States designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency.  It is also recognized as an Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

�鶹��ý NJCU: 
�鶹��ý is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, �鶹��ý, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of �鶹��ý.

�鶹��ý Caucasus University:
, Caucasus University consists of schools of Business, Law, Media, Technology, Architecture and Design, Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Tourism, Medicine and Healthcare Management, Economics, Education. The University has the right to award academic degrees of Bachelor, Master, Doctor and Medical Doctor to the graduates in accordance with the rules established by the legislation of Georgia. The university has a training center and offers a variety of certification programs. Caucasus University has been cooperating with various universities around the world since its establishment and currently has 265 partner universities in 68 countries, including the United States.

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Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301