Morgan State University has successfully integrated the NICE Framework into its cybersecurity curriculum, helping to align education with industry and government workforce needs. With support from the NSA and DHS, the university mapped its courses to the NICE Framework’s Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and Work Roles. This approach ensures students gain the specific skills employers are looking for, making them more job-ready. The university used both top-down and bottom-up methods to map courses, including a quantum computing and cryptography class, to the NICE Framework, adding elements like quantum key distribution to enhance the curriculum.
The use of the NICE Framework has improved cybersecurity education at Morgan State, making it more practical and aligned with real-world demands. An AI-assisted tool was developed to help educators design curricula that reflect current industry needs. This tool and the NICE Framework database have been shared with private companies and other universities, promoting broader adoption. The initiative has also supported research in areas like quantum cryptography and IoT security, helping to shape the future of cybersecurity education and training.
Keywords: quantum cryptography, NICE Framework, quantum key distribution
