October 1, 2025

Ferris State’s acclaimed AI program is first in the nation validated in Secure Artificial Intelligence by the National Security Agency

Ferris State University’s acclaimed Artificial Intelligence program is the first in the nation to be validated in Secure Artificial Intelligence by the National Security Agency, reflecting the quality of the cutting-edge program aimed at filling the demand for people with advanced artificial intelligence and cybersecurity skills.

The Ferris State AI program, developed in collaboration with industry leaders and with support from the U.S. Department of War, was the second Bachelor of Science program in the United States.

Renae Weathers, The NAS’s National CAE program manager, said the Ferris State program helps address the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace.

“A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage,” she wrote in a letter to Ferris State President Bill Pink. “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education. Education is the key to promoting these ideals.”

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program validation will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” Weathers wrote.

Dr. Greg Gogolin, who oversees Ferris State’s Artificial Intelligence/Information Security & Intelligence program, said the NSA validation reflects the quality and the relevance of the Ferris State program and prepares students for impactful careers.

“The Secure AI designation by the NSA reflects Ferris State’s leadership in a rapidly evolving field,” he said. “Artificial Intelligence is having a transformative impact on our lives. We’ve built a program that prepares students for public and private sector careers in an area where they can lead the focus on secure, ethical and appropriate utilization of AI technology."

Students in Ferris State’s Artificial Intelligence bachelor's degree program focus on designing and deploying efficient, ethical, and robust AI solutions for real-world challenges using technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and autonomous agents while incorporating cybersecurity considerations. Students utilize a secured AI lab powered with high-end NVIDIA GPU clusters in an intensive hands-on environment.