The Center for Cyberspace Research (CCR), established in March 2002, conducts defense-focused research at the Master’s and PhD levels. The CCR is forward-looking and responsive to the changing educational and research needs of the Air Force, Department of Defense, and the federal government. The CCR affiliated faculty teach and perform research focusing on understanding and developing advanced cyber-related theories and technologies. In 2008, AFIT and the CCR were designated by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff as the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence.