HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest has once again received the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consults’ (EC-Council) Academia Circle of Excellence Award in recognition of high-quality teaching that effectively prepares both students and professionals for entering needed areas of the national cybersecurity workforce. This marks the third consecutive year PNW has earned the award.

Since 2019, PNW’s College of Technology has partnered with the EC-Council in offering two of the council’s accredited certifications, Certified Ethical Hacker and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, within program curricula. PNW undergraduate students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Cybersecurity and Computer Information Technology can earn the Certified Ethical Hacker certificate through their plans of study, while working professionals can complete both certificates through the PNW Center for Cybersecurity’s Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training. By earning these certifications, participants earn enhanced knowledge as they prepare for future certification exams that are necessary for transitioning to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence-focused roles.

The PNW Center for Cybersecurity’s training program is free for accepted applicants and provides tracks in AI literacy, cybersecurity administration and digital forensics. More information can be found at pnw.edu/cybersecurity.

The EC-Council awards up to five Academia Circle of Excellence awards annually in the North America region, recognizing institutional partners that showcase exceptional levels of cybersecurity education, training, leadership and alumni success. The EC-Council's Academia partner program works with academic institutions to reinforce cybersecurity ecosystems with opportunities to earn stackable credentials.

Since 2014, PNW has been designated a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The designation signifies and endorses the highest standard of excellence and rigor in college cybersecurity education, research and workforce development.

About Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.