As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence this July, we have an opportunity to examine not only the history of a nation, but a remarkable journey often defined by innovation, discovery, and technological advancement—things Capitol Tech studies and celebrates every day. From the first industrial machines of the 18th century to today's breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, technology has played a central role in shaping America's economy, security, and global leadership.
For nearly 100 of those years, Capitol Technology University has also been preparing the innovators, engineers, and technology professionals who help drive that progress forward. As we approach our centennial anniversary in 2027 and celebrate 25 years of cybersecurity education this year, our history reflects and continues to influence the evolution of American innovation.
Building a Nation Through Technology
America's growth has always been fueled by technological advancement. Following our nation’s founding in 1776, innovation transformed a young republic into an economic powerhouse.
What became known as the Industrial Revolution introduced mechanized manufacturing, railroads, and new production methods that accelerated commerce and connected communities across vast distances. The invention of the telegraph in the 1830s—and the telephone after that—revolutionized communication, allowing information to travel faster than ever before.
The widespread adoption of electricity transformed homes, businesses, and cities, while advances in engineering and transportation created entirely new industries. By the early 20th century, aviation pioneers had achieved powered flight, opening the door to a future of global mobility and endless possibility.
These breakthroughs not only improved daily life but also strengthened national infrastructure, economic growth, and America's position on the world stage.
Capitol Tech During a Century of Transformation
When Capitol Technology University was founded in 1927, the United States was entering one of the most transformative periods in technological history.
Commercial aviation was expanding rapidly, creating demand for highly skilled technical professionals. World War II reshaped military operations and national defense through advances in radar, communications systems, electronics, and aerospace technologies. In the decades that followed, the “space race” inspired unprecedented innovation in aerospace, engineering, computing, and telecommunications.
Our founder, Eugene H. Rietzke, recognized these emerging trends as an opportunity to educate the next generation. As a U.S. Navy veteran and accomplished radio engineer, Rietzke understood that America's technological future would depend on a workforce equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills.
In 1927, he established the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute (CREI), now Capitol Technology University, with a mission to provide hands-on technical education that led to careers in rapidly evolving fields. Beginning with programs in radio engineering and communications technology, the institution helped train professionals for growing industries in the military, transportation, defense, broadcasting, and commerce.
As America's technological capabilities expanded throughout the 20th century, Capitol Tech evolved alongside it. Our university has continuously adapted our programs to meet workforce demands, educating generations of engineers, technologists, and innovators who contribute to advances across STEM industries. This commitment remains a defining characteristic of Capitol Tech nearly a century after our founding.
A New Era of Cybersecurity and Digital Defense
The events of September 11, 2001, fundamentally changed how the nation viewed security. As government agencies, businesses, and critical infrastructure became increasingly dependent on digital systems, protecting those systems became a national priority.
Recognizing this growing importance, Capitol Tech launched our first master’s degree in network security (now cybersecurity) in 2001. Within the decade, we also launched the nation’s first Doctor of Science (DSc) in Cybersecurity to be delivered synchronously online, establishing the university as a leader in cyber education. This forward-looking initiative has grown into one of our most defining and popular fields of study to date.
Since 2003, Capitol Tech has also been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NACE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). Today, we lead the NCAE Northeast Regional Hub, helping strengthen cybersecurity education and collaboration across multiple states and institutions. We now offer more than 25 cybersecurity specific degrees and certificate programs as the field has evolved from a niche discipline into a cornerstone of national security, business continuity, and information privacy.
Leading the Next Wave of Innovation
As America enters its next quarter millennium, new technologies are transforming society once again. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, and advanced data analytics are reshaping industries and redefining the future of work. And Capitol Tech continues to evolve alongside these advancements.
Building on our tradition of anticipating industry needs, we launched our Bachelor of Science in Aviation Professional Pilot program in 2023. Designed to prepare students for careers in commercial and military aviation, the program combines rigorous academic instruction with flight experience, virtual simulator training, FAA certifications, airport operations, safety, risk management, and more, developing workforce-ready professionals who can meet growing demand across the aviation and aerospace industries while helping shape the future of flight.
In 2024, we launched another first for our university as well as for the state of Maryland—the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, demonstrating our cutting-edge curriculum and commitment to STEM education for successful careers. Complementing this pioneering degree is Capitol Tech's new state-of-the-art AI Lab, opening fall of 2026, equipped with high-performance computing resources, advanced software platforms, cloud-accessible tools, and research capabilities that support innovation across multiple disciplines.
In the past year, Capitol Tech was designated an Opportunity College, as well as recognized for our best outcomes for Maryland graduates by a 10-year Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center (MLDSC) study. As we approach our 100-year anniversary, we continue to invest in our students and respond to industry trends by expanding degree programs, enhancing on-campus learning and lab spaces, and building new partnerships that strengthen their network and educational experience.
The Future of American STEM Innovation
The story of America is, in many ways, a story of innovation. From the telegraph to the internet, from aircraft to artificial intelligence, each generation has built upon the discoveries and hard work of those who came before.
For nearly a century, Capitol Technology University has helped prepare the workforce behind these advancements. From educating engineers during the rise of aviation and space exploration to training cybersecurity professionals in the digital age and developing leaders in artificial intelligence and the quantum computing future, our university continues to move at the forefront of the needs of a changing world.
As the United States celebrates 250 years of progress, Capitol Tech stands poised to enter its second century of educating the innovators who will shape the technologies of tomorrow. The challenges may change, and the tools may evolve, but the mission remains the same: empowering the next generation to build, secure, and advance the future.