Cybersecurity Programs in Ohio

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Updated November 9, 2022

Thinking about studying cybersecurity in Ohio? Explore degree options, professional organizations, and popular cybersecurity careers available in Ohio.

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Ohio — also known as the Buckeye State — is also a popular place for businesses to test products before taking them to market. According to a June 2022 TechCrunch article,venture capitalists have invested more than $1.5 billion in Ohio since 2020, with much of this money going to technology companies. Consequently, Ohio is becoming a midwestern technology hub, with corporations like Intel, Facebook, and Amazon moving into the state.

As Ohio's technology industry grows, demand will likely increase for professionals in cybersecurity. Ohio has 155 degree-granting institutions, many of which offer undergraduate- and graduate-level education in cybersecurity and related fields. These credentials can qualify students for cybersecurity careers.

This guide breaks down cybersecurity opportunities in Ohio. Keep reading to learn about what a career in cybersecurity can look like in this state.

Ohio at a Glance

  • Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $85,970
  • % of Workforce in Tech: 4.6%
  • Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $29.0 billion
  • Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 155

Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS

Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Ohio?

According to JobsOhio, about 6,200 Ohio students graduate with tech degrees every year. Additionally, data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows Ohio ranks sixth in the nation for states with the most higher education institutions. This signifies learners have multiple schools to choose from if they want to earn a degree in technology or cybersecurity.

These institutions are spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Many Ohio colleges and universities offer in-person, online, or hybrid coursework, allowing students to select the learning modalities that best fit their needs.

At both public in-state schools and private institutions, Ohio higher education enrollees pay higher-than-average tuition, according to NCES data for the 2020-21 school year. Enrolling in online degrees can lower costs, since some colleges and universities charge lower tuition for online learners.

Some Ohio universities have partnerships with private companies in the technology industry to increase tech entrepreneurship and investment in the state. These programs also create a pipeline for learners majoring in cybersecurity and tech-related fields to join Ohio-based tech companies after graduation.

Education Statistics for Ohio

The Ohio education statistics below highlight important trends for people interested in cybersecurity programs.

Per NCES data from the 2020-21 school year, about 69% of degree-granting institutions in Ohio are four-year colleges — slightly higher than the national average of approximately 67%. This means students in Ohio may have more options when it comes to earning undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Despite the higher number of four-year colleges, the percentages of people aged 25 and older with bachelor's and graduate degrees are each about 2% lower than the national average. Four-year and graduate degree-holders may be in higher demand as the need for skilled labor in Ohio grows.

Higher Education Statistics Ohio Data National Data
Four-Year Colleges 107 2,520
Two-Year Colleges 48 1,216
Students Enrolled in Distance Education 67.7% 72.8%
Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree 8.8% 8.6%
Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree 17.9% 20.2%
Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher 10.9% 12.7%

Sources: NCES, U.S. Census ACS

Accreditation for Ohio Schools

As applicants research prospective cybersecurity programs, they should confirm the school is accredited. The accreditation process assures learners and potential employers that an institution provides high-quality education by meeting standards of academic excellence that third-party accrediting bodies determine.

Ohio students should ensure their school holds institutional accreditation. According to the U.S. Department of Education, institutional accreditation covers an entire school's offerings. Schools' accreditation status are detailed on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website.

Programmatic accreditation applies to colleges, departments, or programs within an institution. Some computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, and natural science programs may hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET or the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. These credentials ensure curricular offerings help prepare learners for jobs in their fields.

Accreditation has additional benefits for students. Learners can usually transfer credits from accredited institutions more easily. Attending an accredited school may also help enrollees qualify for federal or state grants that can help pay for tuition.

Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Ohio

There are many factors to weigh while researching programs in cybersecurity.

Ohio universities and colleges offer in-person and online cybersecurity programs. In-person programs offer hands-on learning opportunities and face-to-face instruction, while learning online typically affords students more flexibility. Online programs tend to cost less, which can lower the total cost of a cybersecurity degree.

The NCES data below shows student enrollment in online and hybrid courses in Ohio compared to the national average. Note that the data is from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted in-person enrollment. Thus, the information below may not be indicative of typical trends in online education.

Learners may also want to participate in programs with diverse student bodies. Explore the most diverse cybersecurity programs to learn more about what these programs offer.

Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country:

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Most Diverse Cybersecurity Programs

Most Diverse Cybersecurity Programs

HBCUs With the Best Cybersecurity Programs

HBCUs With the Best Cybersecurity Programs

Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees

Ohio students earning cybersecurity degrees may have the opportunity to pursue a concentration or specialization to develop expertise in specific cybersecurity fields. For example, Miami University offers cybersecurity enrollees concentrations in information systems and cybersecurity management.

Though not all universities offer degrees in cybersecurity, Ohio learners can major in related technology fields and pursue specialized coursework, concentrations, or cybersecurity certificates.

These educational opportunities can still prepare learners for digital security careers. For instance, electrical and computer engineering students at the Ohio State University can take introductory cybersecurity classes, while management of information systems enrollees at Ohio University can earn a certificate in business cybersecurity management.

The table below highlights cybersecurity-related programs available to Ohio students.

Program Description
Information Technology (IT) IT programs teach learners how to use networks, hardware, and software to manage data and information. IT professionals who specialize in cybersecurity focus on protecting information from unwanted access.
Computer Science Computer science programs teach students the theory, design, development, and application of software and computer networks. Cybersecurity specialists work to protect both software and networks from potential cyberattacks.
Computer Forensics Computer forensic programs teach enrollees how to collect and examine digital evidence related to crimes. Computer forensics professionals focused on cybersecurity investigate security breaches and help identify security vulnerabilities.

Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree

Compared to the national average, Ohio public universities have a slightly higher-than-average tuition cost for in-state students. The cost of private universities also outpaces the national average.

There are many ways cybersecurity learners can pay for college. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships help learners finance their education. These kinds of aid do not require repayment. Some financial aid sources, like loans, must be repaid after graduation.

Ohio students can also qualify for state grants and scholarships through the Ohio Department of Higher Education. These awards are given based on factors like major, academic merit, military status, and financial need.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

Ohio residents enrolled in Ohio's public institutions pay lower tuition costs than out-of-state students: On average, an out-of-state student at an Ohio public school pays more than 2.5 times as much as an in-state student.

Out-of-state enrollees may qualify for tuition reduction through school-specific programs or by applying for in-state residency after being admitted. Nonresidents may also enroll in online programs to reduce degree costs, as some schools offer lower tuition for all distance learners.

Ohio's Cost of Living

An area's cost of living can increase the total price of a degree. Housing, transportation, and living expenses in areas with high costs of living can increase how much a student pays while earning a cybersecurity degree.

According to data from World Population Review, Ohio's cost of living is lower than the national average. The average cost of living in the U.S. is scored as 100 to determine a baseline. States that score over 100 have a higher cost of living than the national average, while states that score below have a lower cost of living. Ohio's cost of living, 91.3, falls 8.7 points under the national average.

Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Ohio

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects information security analyst jobs, a broad career category that includes many cybersecurity roles, will increase 35% between 2021 and 2031. This reflects the high ongoing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

In 2022, CompTIA ranked all states by net tech employment, and Ohio came in 12th. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports the average salary for Ohio tech professionals was 75% higher than the average salary for all Ohioans working in private industries as of 2019.

CompTIA's analysis also found there were about 100,300 tech job postings in Ohio in 2021, including approximately 25,000 in emerging sectors. Ohio's fastest-growing technology sector is IT and custom software services, boasting 1.6% year-over-year growth.

Based on gross domestic product, Ohio's biggest industries are manufacturing, transportation and trade, business services, and government, according to 2019 data from the state government. Many of these sectors provide career opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, including those listed below.

Select Cybersecurity Careers in Ohio

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers supervise network and computer systems integrity testing. They also improve security tools to prevent unauthorized systems access. According to the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio's manufacturing sector contributes 17% of the state's GDP. This industry presents a number of job opportunities for cybersecurity professionals: For example, manufacturing cybersecurity engineers ensure tech-enabled manufacturing processes remain stable and secure.

  • Average Salary for Cybersecurity Engineers: $99,250 as of November 2022
  • Job Outlook in Ohio (2020-30): Projections Central includes cybersecurity engineers in its "all other engineers" category. The organization projects this group of jobs will experience 2.3% employment growth in Ohio from 2020 to 2030.

Security Manager

Security managers lead cybersecurity teams and develop policies and strategies to keep a company's data secure. They also manage resources to mitigate risk and ensure data stays safe. Based on data from the Ohio Department of Development, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation is the second-largest employer in Ohio — this institution, along with other healthcare providers, creates employment opportunities for security managers.

  • Average Salary for Security Managers: $72,900 as of November 2022
  • Job Outlook in Ohio (2020-30): Projections Central includes security managers in its "computer and information systems managers" category. The organization projects 5.6% employment growth in Ohio for these careers from 2020 to 2030.

Security Software Developer

Security software developers create security software for companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. They analyze software for potential vulnerabilities and program defensive countermeasures to ensure programs remain secure.

  • Average Salary for Software Developers in Ohio: $101,870 as of 2021
  • Job Outlook in Ohio (2020-30): Projections Central includes security software developers in its "software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers" category. The organization projects 15.1% employment growth in Ohio for these careers from 2020 to 2030.

Many industries employ cybersecurity professionals in Ohio. Learn more about additional cybersecurity-oriented careers below.

Ohio Employment Trends

Projected Job Growth for Computer Hardware Engineers, Computer Network Architects, and Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Year State National
Computer Hardware Engineers
2020 Employment 870 66,200
2030 Projected Employment 870 67,300
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 0% +1.7%
Computer Network Architects
2018 Employment 4,770 165,200
2028 Projected Employment 4,780 174,200
Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 +0.2% +5.4%
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
2020 Employment 56,480 1,847,900
2030 Projected Employment 65,000 2,257,400
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 15.1% +22.2%

Source: Projections Central

Salaries for Cybersecurity and Related Careers, May 2021
Career Ohio Employment Ohio Average Annual Wage National Average Annual Wage
Computer and Information Systems Managers 12,880 $142,630 $162,930
Computer Hardware Engineers 550 $95,370 $136,230
Computer Network Architects 4,750 $111,260 $120,650
Computer Network Support Specialists 7,740 $63,930 $71,350
Computer Programmers 3,420 $77,340 $96,650
Computer Systems Analysts 22,420 $94,580 $102,210
Information Security Analysts 4,150 $98,570 $113,270
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 15,140 $86,910 $91,250
Software Developers 46,110 $101,870 $120,990
Web Developers 2,210 $76,880 $81,320

Source: BLS OEWS

Ohio's average annual salaries for technology and cybersecurity jobs are lower than national averages. This is counterbalanced by Ohio's lower cost of living, which can give workers' wages higher buying power than in costlier states.

Cybersecurity professionals can get a better sense of how Ohio's tech wages stack up by comparing them to other average salaries for careers in the state. The BLS reports that the average annual wage for all occupations in Ohio is $53,170 as of 2021 — about $11,000 less than even the lowest tech-based salary in the table above.

Students should also consider earning potential as they choose their major or career. Computer and information systems managers command the highest salaries in Ohio's tech sector, so a degree in information systems may offer a high return on investment.

Likewise, enrollees should also consider employment numbers. Fields like software development that have more employees likely provide more job opportunities for technology and cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity Employers in Ohio

Ohio's diverse economy provides many job opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. Explore the list below to learn more about some of the top cybersecurity employers in the state.

  • Cardinal Health: Ranked 15th on the 2022 Fortune 500 list, Cardinal Health manufactures and develops medical products, pharmaceuticals, and software that make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Cybersecurity professionals at Cardinal Health develop security software and maintain patients' data privacy.
  • American Financial Group: Another Ohio-based Fortune 500 company, American Financial Group provides insurance solutions for businesses and helps them manage financial risks. Their cybersecurity team ensures that American Financial Group's processes conform with the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity framework. They also train employees across the company in cybersecurity best practices.
  • Olive: Olive is a healthcare AI company. They automate healthcare processes so that doctors and nurses can spend more time with patients and less time dealing with software systems. Cybersecurity professionals at Olive make sure their software complies with all security compliance regulations.

Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Ohio

Professional cybersecurity organizations give Ohio professionals a way to connect with others in their industry and build a strong career network. Learn more about these organizations below.

ISACA

ISACA's four Ohio chapters promote professional development in multiple IT sectors, including cybersecurity. They host meetings, speaker events, and volunteer opportunities.

Information Systems Security Association

ISSA is an international cybersecurity organization and has chapters throughout Ohio. Members attend training sessions, network with other professionals, and can participate in an annual conference.

Northeast Ohio Information Security Forum

NEOISF was founded in 2005 to support professionals in the information security field. NEOISF meets monthly to discuss industry issues and learn about new security tools.

Ohio InfoSec Forum

Based in Kettering, Ohio, this group focuses on peer-to-peer networking with other professionals in information security and other technology fields.

Schools With Cybersecurity Programs in Ohio

Questions About Studying Cybersecurity in Ohio

Can I get a degree in cybersecurity in Cincinnati?

For students interested in a degree in cybersecurity, Cincinnati provides several options. The University of Cincinnati offers a bachelor of science in cybersecurity. Additionally, other Ohio universities, like Franklin University, offer online cybersecurity degree programs for Cincinnati learners.

Are the best cybersecurity schools in Ohio expensive?

According to NCES data for the 2020-21 school year, tuition for in-state public school and private institution enrollees is higher than average. In addition to institutional and federal aid, students may qualify for scholarships and grants from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to help defray these costs.

Which cybersecurity degree should I get to find work in Ohio?

Cybersecurity degrees qualify people for a variety of jobs in multiple Ohio industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. Choose a cybersecurity degree that aligns with your career goals. Careers like software engineer, computer network architect, and computer and information systems managers offer higher-than-average salaries.

Is cybersecurity a good career in Ohio?

According to 2019 data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio cybersecurity and technology professionals earn an average annual salary of $90,820. This is nearly $40,000 higher than the average wage for all Ohioans working in private industries.

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