Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played a major role in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for Black students. HBCUs account for about 3% of all U.S. degree-granting institutions. Yet, they produce 32% of Black bachelor's degree-holders in STEM fields.
Cybersecurity ranks among the world's top industries in terms of job opportunity. In 2021, Cybersecurity Ventures reported a 350% increase in the number of vacant cybersecurity jobs between 2013-2021. The organization predicts a total of 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings worldwide by 2025.
These trends boost the appeal of studying cybersecurity at an HBCU. This guide profiles the leading HBCU cybersecurity programs of 2023.
32%
of Black bachelor's degree holders in STEM fields graduated from HBCUs.
Why Attend an HBCU?
HBCUs emerged in the 19th century. Most schools now recognized as HBCUs opened between 1865-1900, after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. Prior to the Civil War, three colleges were established in the North to educate free Black people: Cheyney, Lincoln, and Wilberforce.
The eldest institution, Cheyney University, began in Pennsylvania in 1837. Lincoln University, founded in 1854, is noted as the first Black institution to actually grant degrees. Ohio's Wilberforce University became in 1856 the first Black-owned institution under the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The South had refused to admit Black people to established white schools. The Second Morrill Act of 1890 helped create land-grant colleges in southern states.
As the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) notes, HBCUs play a key role in making higher education accessible to Black students, who were historically excluded from predominantly white instiutions. In particular, the UNCF stresses their importance for first-generation college students from lower-income backgrounds.
HBCUs offer excellent alumni networks, supporting the success of learners transitioning into their careers. Additionally, HBCU graduates are more likely to earn graduate and professional degrees.
Emerging research suggests that Black students who attend HBCUs may also enjoy health benefits in older age. A 2020 Ohio State University study compared metabolic syndrome rates in college-educated Black students who attended HBCUs. It found that Black people enrolled at HBCUs were 35% less likely to develop the syndrome than those who attended a non-HBCU school.
Further data published by the Brookings Institution in 2021 found that such benefits may extend to numerous other areas. This survey-based study reported the following conclusions:
Higher rates of financial well-being among HBCU graduates (40%) compared to non-HBCU graduates (29%)
A stronger sense of purpose among HBCU graduates (51%) compared to non-HBCU graduates (43%)
Increased feelings of social well-being among HBCU graduates (54%) compared to non-HBCU graduates (48%)
These findings support long-held notions documenting the holistic benefits of HBCU attendance for Black students.
Why Study Cybersecurity at an HBCU?
HBCU cybersecurity programs offer multiple unique benefits for learners who study at historically Black institutions. These include:
Increased Investment: In 2015, the Obama administration invested $25 million in HBCU cybersecurity programs. The money provided facility development funding to 13 leading HBCUs. It resulted in major improvements that generated a valuable college-to-career pipeline for aspiring Black tech professionals.
A Culture of Innovation: A growing number of HBCUs began offering new cybersecurity and other STEM programs during the 2010s. HBCUs with established programs in these fields invested in lab improvements and other campus resources. This work has helped build a strong culture of tech innovation at HBCUs. These innovations are a major reason why HBCUs produce the majority of Black doctorate-holders in STEM fields.
Alumni Support: HBCU graduates gain access to one of the largest, strongest, and most extensive alumni networks in the United States. Alumni programs serve as valuable networking resources that can turn into job offers and other economic opportunities.
Top Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's
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What to Expect From HBCU Cybersecurity Programs
Learners can study cybersecurity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at HBCUs. The top HBCU cybersecurity schools feature demanding curricula that equip students with vital, industry-standard skill sets. From an academic and career training standpoint, these programs match the ones offered at accredited non-HBCU institutions.
Many HBCU cybertraining programs embrace interactive teaching strategies that focus on hands-on learning. Many HBCUs maintain partnerships with major employers and tech organizations including Google, NASA, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX. These programs offer valuable internship and job recruitment opportunities.
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity bachelor's programs develop the skills for protecting digital resources from cyberattacks and unauthorized use. Most programs require little to no previous technical experience. However, learners with strong backgrounds in mathematics, computing, and applied logic tend to adapt well to the subject matter.
Like most bachelor's degrees, cybersecurity programs demand about four academic years of full-time study. Some schools offer cybersecurity as a concentration in general computer science programs. Others allow learners to pursue specializations in targeted areas of cybersecurity, such as:
Threat analysis and intelligence
Security administration and operations
Digital forensics
Candidates should always research the accreditation status of any school under their consideration. Credits earned at accredited institutions readily transfer. Accredited schools often have recognition among employers and other colleges and universities.
Admissions Process
Each HBCU sets its own admissions guidelines and policies. You should familiarize yourself with each school's standards before applying.
General admission requirements include:
Proof of high school completion (diploma, GED certificate, or homeschool certificate)
Official academic transcripts
A completed institutional application
If you plan to apply to multiple programs, Common App can make the process easier to manage.
Depending on the school, applicants may also need to submit ACT or SAT test scores and other supplementary materials. Examples include letters of recommendation and personal essays. Double-check each school's test score policies, as many colleges temporarily or permanently suspended ACT/SAT requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Master's in Cybersecurity
Master's programs in cybersecurity often feature one of two objectives. First, they build advanced skills in targeted areas of professional cybersecurity. Second, the programs function as specialized extensions of general undergraduate computer science education.
At the master's level, cybersecurity programs cover 10-12 courses (30-36 credits) and take 1-2 years to complete. Course content focuses on advanced topics and is not meant for newcomers to the field. Some programs include formal computer technology training or work experience in their admission requirements.
Programs may conclude with a major research project, field learning experience, or capstone. These components allow students to pursue their interest in specific topics within the broader cybersecurity field.
Admissions Process
Master's programs in cybersecurity often require a bachelor's degree in a related field. General examples include computer science and computer engineering. Some programs consider applicants with degrees in non-technical subjects like college-level coursework in discrete mathematics and calculus.
As with other programs, HBCUs set their own admissions criteria. It is standard practice for them to request academic transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. GPA cutoffs and standardized test scores may also apply. Commonly requested test scores cover the GRE, GMAT, MAT, and LSAT exams.
Selecting the Right HBCU Cybersecurity Program
Many different HBCUs offer quality cybersecurity programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students should expand the focus of their school research to include other important factors.
Depending on your learning goals, these factors may include:
The size, strength, and reach of the school's alumni network
The availability of internships, practicums, and extracurricular activities
School and program reputation
Post-graduation placement rates (in jobs or graduate degrees)
Accreditation can also help guide your program search. Look beyond institutional accreditation to consider these specialized endorsements:
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Computer Science Accreditation Commission
The Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency's Centers of Academic Excellence program
Many reputable programs do not necessarily hold specialized accreditation. However, those that do are known to offer a comprehensive, high-value learning experience.
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Top 3 HBCU Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs
Launch a tech career by completing a bachelor's in cybersecurity. The list below includes three of 2023's top HBCU cybersecurity programs. Discover how we rank schools by following the link below.
Top 3 HBCU Master's in Cybersecurity Programs
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, a master's in cybersecurity degree program can help further your career. Explore 2023's top three HBCU cybersecurity programs, ranked by availability, affordability, academics, and reputation.
FAQ About HBCU Cybersecurity Programs
Are HBCU cybersecurity programs hard to get into?
HBCU cybersecurity programs generally require a strong background knowledge of mathematics and computer science. Learners that possess such backgrounds can access opportunities to earn a cybersecurity degree. However, all HBCUs establish their own admission policies.
Should I study cybersecurity at an HBCU?
HBCUs have a long history of preparing Black students for careers in technology. Comprehensive analysis has found that HBCUs have issued 32% of all bachelor's degrees in STEM fields held by Black college graduates.
Which HBCU has the best cybersecurity program?
Organizations that compile rankings differ in their opinion of which school has the best HBCU cybersecurity program. Prospective students should check multiple sources during their program search and focus on schools that appear on multiple lists.
Which cybersecurity degree will help me get a job?
Most industry experts view a bachelor's degree as the minimum criteria for an entry-level cybersecurity job. However, an upgradable associate degree may suffice, especially given the continued lack of necessary skills in the labor pool.
Dr. Hill is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network and has reviewed the supplementary content only, not the ranked programs. Dr. Hill is not affiliated with the schools in the ranking.
