The Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) includes a living-learning program and an academic minor for exceptional undergraduate students of all majors. Part of the UMD Honors College, ACES was launched in Fall 2013 with the help of a major gift from our founding sponsor, Northrop Grumman. ACES is supported by its corporate and on-campus partners, both through monetary donations and mentee connections.

The ACES Living-Learning Program for freshmen and sophomores has a 15 credit curriculum combining technical and experiential learning with professional development. Following the completion of the  LLP, students earn an Honors College Citation in Cybersecurity. Each fall, approximately 80 students enter the ACES Living Learning Program.

Though not required, students interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity are encouraged to complete both the ACES Living-Learning Program and the ACES Minor over the course of four years, alongside their academic majors. The ACES Minor is a 16-credit academic minor for upperclassmen that focuses on upper-level technical coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and networking with field professionals. Approximately 100 students enter the minor each year, and the ACES LLP is not required for entry into the Minor.