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Find the right education path to take advantage of this fast-growing industry and join the front-lines on technology and security.
Degrees in cybersecurity give graduates access to lucrative and rapidly expanding careers in the information management and technology industry. Cybersecurity professionals work behind the scenes to protect civilian, business, and government data from hackers.
As cybersecurity becomes more important in every industry, schools vie for top rankings as cybersecurity institutions. Prospective students can consult current rankings to compare programs and determine which schools offer the best cybersecurity education and related opportunities. It’s important to check the most current cybersecurity school rankings because the field tends to shift significantly each year. Below you will find the 2020 cybersecurity program rankings.
Top 10 Best Cybersecurity Programs
This page also defines cybersecurity, introduces cybersecurity programs and career paths, and provides additional guidance in choosing a cybersecurity program that aligns with your needs.
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What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity entails various security practices, designed to guard computer programs, networks, and systems from cyberattacks. These attacks typically involve the theft or destruction of information and money. The cybersecurity field includes cyber threat research, public education, and open source tool strengthening.
Our growing dependence on online and electronic infrastructure, information, and communication makes cybersecurity a burgeoning, essential field. As technological advances enable increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, cybersecurity professionals must work quickly and innovate in information security’s changing landscape.
The following top-ranked cybersecurity schools provide high-quality education, preparing graduates for careers in this exciting field.
Located in Douglas, Arizona, Cochise has earned national recognition for its low cost and high return-on-investment for students. Because of articulation agreements, Cochise graduates can seamlessly transfer to any of Arizona's four-year universities. The college is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Learners aspiring to work in the information systems security field can benefit from this associate degree. The program focuses on network fundamentals and defense, operating systems, and computer forensics. Courses fuse application with theory, aiming to create and implement information security procedures and policies.
Graduates from Cochise's cybersecurity associate program understand how cybersecurity threats relate to integrity, availability, and confidentiality. Learners in this program also study contingency planning, power and backup options, and other threat response measures. They conduct network penetration tests, analyze network operations risks, and implement network countermeasures. By the end of their program, Cochise cybersecurity students understand access control objectives, auditing concepts, and the structure of network defense architecture.
Applying to Cochise
Cochise admits applicants who meet at least one of the following qualifications: They graduated a regionally accredited high school, they obtained a GED or other high school equivalency certificate, they are 18 by the time classes begin, they are a transfer student in good standing from their previous school, or they are a high school student with a concurrent registration form signed by a parent and a designated school official.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $85/credit (in state); $260/credit (out of state)
EICC maintains three Iowa campuses in the cities of Clinton (Clinton Community College), Muscatine (Muscatine Community College), and Bettendorf (Scott Community College). More than 7,000 students enroll in the college district each fall, pursuing an array of associate in arts and college transfer programs along with over 30 career technology options.
The EICC Cyber Center developed their 67-credit associate in cybersecurity based on industry-specific recommendations about methods, procedures, and principles. Courses include fundamentals of desktop support, introduction to network operating systems, introduction to Linux OS, and ethical hacking. Students also complete an information technology specialist capstone in their final term.
Graduates of EICC's cybersecurity associate program are equipped to test for an array of industry certifications, including A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Microsoft Security MTA, ethical hacking associate, and cyberforensics associate.
EICC offers this degree at all three of its campuses.
Applying to EICC
Prospective students can apply to any campus through EICC's online application portal. They must create an account, apply online, fill out the FAFSA, submit high school transcripts (or high school equivalency records), and submit ACT scores or complete placement testing.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $5,600/year (in state); $7,520/year (out of state)
Albany Tech was originally established as the Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School in 1961, when it enrolled only 175 students. Now, the Albany, Georgia, institution enrolls more than 5,500 students in full- and part-time studies. The school also offers seminars, customized business training, continuing education courses, and teleconferences.
Albany Tech offers its cybersecurity associate degree as part of the school's computer information systems' cybersecurity program, which also confers diplomas and certificates in the subject. The associate degree comprises 15 credits of core (general education) courses and 57 credits of occupational (subject-specific) courses.
The occupational courses in this program include computer concepts, security policies and procedures, network defense and countermeasures, and ethical hacking and penetration testing. The curriculum also requires students to take a course in computer networking or Cisco network fundamentals.
Applying to Albany Tech
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and submit an online application, along with a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Prospective students must also submit verification of lawful presence in the U.S., verification of Georgia residency, official college transcripts, and placement test results (ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, SAT, or ACT scores from within the last five years).
Note that the ACCUPLACER Next Generation Admissions Test has been suspended in Georgia due to COVID-19. Likewise, the Technical College System of Georgia Colleges has suspended admission requirements for student testing and submission of official transcripts through the fall 2021 semester.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $100/credit (in state, part time); $1,500/semester (in state, full time); $200/credit (out of state, part time); $3,000/semester (out of state, full time); $400/credit (international, part time); $6,000/semester (international, full time)
DU demonstrates an efficient, career-focused mission, aiming to set its graduates apart from the competition. The Grand Rapids, Michigan, school's "excellence system" emphasizes key learning outcomes that top employers seek: communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and career-specific skills.
DU's 60-credit cybersecurity associate degree prepares learners to transition into high-demand cyberdefense jobs, with training that meets industry needs. The program employs well-credentialed faculty who ask students to complete hands-on projects that sharpen their skills in system vulnerabilities detection, cybersecurity event analysis, and other areas critical to the computer security field.
Coursework in this program includes Windows digital forensics and disaster recovery, database design, and UNIX operating systems. Learners also study security foundations, project management, and Perl/Python programming.
DU is one of just 13 U.S. colleges to hold recognition by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a national center of academic excellence in cyberdefense education.
Applying to DU
Davenport offers a free online application and rolling admissions, meaning learners can apply at any time. Applicants should know when they want to start classes and which campus they want to attend -- the school also offers classes online. Prospective students must submit official transcripts from previous schools and evidence of citizenship or residency.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private, nonprofit
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $12,075/semester (full time, 15 credits/semester); $9,660 (full time, 12 credits/semester); $815/credit (online, in state); $544/credit (online, out of state)
Required Credits: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 years (full time, 15 credits/semester); 5 semesters (full time, 12 credits/semester)
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous, asynchronous, or synchronous and asynchronous) or on campus
Located on more than 350 acres near Bel Air, Maryland, HCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to nearly 9,500 full- and part-time students. Another 11,000 students each year pursue noncredit continuing education courses through HCC. The school boasts small class sizes and dedicated faculty.
HCC's 60-credit cybersecurity and information assurance associate equips students to work in the high-demand information technology field. Students learn to implement security procedures and policies in hands-on environments. Degree-seekers planning to transfer can tailor their elective courses to fit their prospective universities' requirements.
HCC outlines specific goals for its information assurance and cybersecurity students: By the time they graduate, these learners can apply software patches to applications and operating systems, use software tools to detect attempted computer systems security breaches, assess systems' security vulnerabilities, and implement computer network security defenses.
Graduates of this program qualify to sit for the Cisco certified network administrator certificate exams.
Applying to HCC
Incoming learners can apply to HCC online in a matter of minutes. Applicants should know their Social Security number, personal contact information, emergency contact information, and intended program of study. They can expect an electronic acceptance letter within a week of submitting the application.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $133/credit (Harford County residents); $226/credit (in state); $319/credit (out of state and international)
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, SPC offers career-focused programs, and more than 90% of the college's graduates find jobs in their intended field, serve in the military, or continue their education. SPC's alumni rank No. 1 in Florida for highest entry-level wages among graduates from state community colleges.
The workforce demands college-educated cybersecurity specialists who can take on complex concerns regarding information technology (IT) security. SPC's 60-credit cybersecurity associate degree aims to prepare students for those jobs.
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designate SPC as a national center of academic excellence in cyberdefense. This associate program builds skills in security policies, router security and protocols, intrusion detection systems, legal aspects of IT security, network defense and countermeasures, and incident response and disaster recovery. Graduates are ultimately equipped to work as information security analysts.
SPC also offers a cybersecurity associate of arts transfer plan, which prepares learners to transfer to four-year universities to complete their bachelor's.
Applying to SPC
Prospective learners can apply to SPC online, which requires a $40 application fee. Applicants must submit their high school and college transcripts, plus SAT or ACT scores. Learners may take a college placement test in lieu of submitting standardized test scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $112/credit (in state); $387/credit (out of state)
Required Credits: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous or asynchronous)
MHCC is located in Gresham, Oregon, where it offers over 120 professional and technical programs, plus an array of university transfer options. The school employs skilled faculty on three campuses: two in Gresham and one in Portland.
Cybersecurity associate students at MHCC focus their studies on either penetration testing or networking and security operations. The penetration testing concentration builds a foundation in cybersecurity and networking, ending with a penetration testing- and ethical hacking-focused core, in which learners work directly with vulnerabilities and exploits.
Students in this focus learn to work with clients to launch approved attacks against small and medium-sized systems. This teaches students about system and network vulnerabilities and how to conduct risk assessments of information technology infrastructure.
Notable classes in this program include fundamentals for cybersecurity, introduction to Python, introduction to cloud and virtualization technologies, and wireless securities.
Applying to MHCC
MHCC employs an open-entry general admission policy, meaning it welcomes all students who would benefit from education. Learners do not need to hold high school diplomas or equivalency certificates to enroll, but they may need these credentials to qualify for financial aid.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $118/credit (in state, up to 18 credits); $59/credit (in state, over 18 credits); $239/credit (out of state); $257/credit (international)
Required Credits: 94-96 credits
Program Length: 6 quarters
Delivery Format: On campus or hybrid (online/on campus)
NWTC, a nationally recognized two-year college in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has educated learners since 1912. The school enrolls nearly 27,000 students each year with an aim to inspire, strengthen, and transform Wisconsin communities.
NWTC's 65-credit security technologist associate degree prepares students to work in cybersecurity or pursue additional education in the field. Students learn to install network hardware, including cabling and interface cards; use Microsoft and UNIX/LINUX operating systems to create effective user environments; install and configure network and desktop operating system software and application software; and maintain computer peripheral and hardware.
Students in this program also learn to solve problems structurally, effectively communicate technical information, and configure and implement wide area network services. These learners can find, analyze, and defend against system and network penetration. They also study data encryption.
Applying to NWTC
Prospective students should first submit an online program application to NWTC, which entails a one-time, nonrefundable $30 fee. Applicants must then request and submit official transcripts from prior schools, indicating their grades and graduation date.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $9,146/program (Wisconsin and Minnesota residents); Michigan residents in Gogebic, Iron, Dickson, Menominee, and Delta counties and in the Bay de Noc and Gogebic community college districts pay an additional $5/credit; other Michigan residents and out-of-state students pay an additional $69/credit
RLC offers affordable tuition for its more than 100 programs. The college prepares students to enter the workforce or continue their education at the bachelor's level. RLC consistently ranks among the top 150 colleges in the nation, according to Aspen Institute.
RLC's IT security specialist associate degree is offered through the Applied Science & Advanced Technology Division. This 64-credit applied science degree program gives students the skills to work as IT technicians, specifically in the security sphere. Coursework blends classroom and lab activities with current software and hardware.
Graduates from RLC's IT security specialist associate program qualify for an array of entry-level positions in the computer field. Students can build on their education to pursue CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco certification, or they may continue at a four-year university.
Applying to RLC
Most RLC applicants should start by completing and submitting a new student enrollment form. They should then submit official high school transcripts (with graduation date posted) or a GED certificate. Applicants may also apply with standardized test scores or take a placement assessment through RLC.
Lackawanna, a private school, began as Scranton Business College in 1894. The college is still headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and it now maintains satellite centers located across northeastern Pennsylvania. Lackawanna offers associate and bachelor's degrees and professional certifications, plus continuing education opportunities.
Lackawanna's cybersecurity associate degree is essentially a computer science degree that emphasizes security. The 63-credit program offers a robust cybersecurity curriculum, equipping students with the skills to combat cyberthreats and succeed in the workforce. Degree-seekers pursuing this associate learn to implement cybersecurity practices in operating systems, programming and databases, and networking.
All students in this program must complete an internship to graduate. These internships give learners hands-on cybersecurity field experience, preparing them for the challenges of their future careers.
Finally, Lackawanna's cybersecurity students do not have to purchase textbooks and software licenses, as professors use free, open-source materials.
Applying to Lackawanna
Aspiring Lackawanna students apply online. After submitting an application, prospective learners must meet with an admissions counselor; submit all applicable high school, GED certificate, and college transcripts; and schedule an ACCUPLACER placement exam.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private, nonprofit
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $7,875/semester (flat fee, 12-18 credits); $550/credit (full time, 19 credits or more)
Required Credits: 63 credits
Program Length: 2 years (including summer internship)
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
Dallas College, located in Dallas, Texas, is one of the state's largest community colleges. With more than 20 years of online education experience, the school has educated nearly 3 million students since 1965. Dallas College also maintains partnerships with local school districts, four-year universities, and business leaders.
Dallas College's cybersecurity associate degree is only available at the college's Richland campus. Students in this program must meet standards and course requirements set forth by the Texas Success Initiative and complete at least 25% of the program's required credit hours through Dallas College.
This degree builds a foundation from which graduates can pursue computer forensics careers through further education or professional experience. Dallas College's cybersecurity program offers four emphasis options: cyberdefense, digital forensics, network security administration, and system security administration.
The cyberdefense emphasis mixes fundamentals of networking and systems administration, adding a focus on defensive strategies. Digital forensics explores how digital forensics analysis and investigative techniques apply to computers, mobile devices, and networks. Network security administration blends networking fundamentals with network security concepts and best practices. The system security administration emphasis combines system administration fundamentals with security concepts and best practices.
Applying to Dallas College
Dallas College maintains an open-door admission policy, giving every person who could benefit from higher education the opportunity to enroll in courses. Incoming freshmen must have graduated from an accredited high school, graduated from a non-accredited high school and be at least 18 years old, or earned an international baccalaureate diploma or GED certificate. Candidates who do not meet those standards may still apply, though they must satisfy further requirements.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $79/credit (Dallas County residents); $135/credit (out of county, in state); $200/credit (out of state and international)
TSTC has offered classes for 50 years, maintaining 10 campuses across Texas. The college prides itself as a sophisticated technical and vocational institute, partnering with businesses, industry representatives, government agencies, and other educational institutions.
TSTC's Harlingen, Texas, campus offers a cybersecurity associate degree that has been designated a center of academic excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. This designation indicates that TSTC's program demonstrates a commitment to producing cybersecurity professionals with expertise in cyberdefense.
Learners in this 60-credit program learn to analyze security events, use cybersecurity tools, and implement security measures. By the end of the program, students can configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and protect computer networks and systems. Graduates are ready to work in an array of entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Applying to TSTC
Prospective students apply to TSTC online. Applicants may have to supply additional documents, such as high school transcripts, official transcripts from prior colleges, a high school equivalency certificate, and/or evidence of capability to do college-level work.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $270/credit hour (in state); $390/semester hour (out of state)
Required Credits: 60 credits
Program Length: 5 semesters
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous or asynchronous), hybrid (online/on campus), or on campus
CMCC offers students career, technical, and transfer programs. The school's campus in Auburn, Maine, is close to lakes, mountains, restaurants, shops, theaters, and galleries, offering plenty of options for students seeking local activities.
CMCC's cybersecurity associate degree program helps its students build a strong foundation in computer technology and networks. Learners in this program study how to secure, test, and analyze data as it is stored, communicated, and manipulated across networks.
Cybersecurity associate degree graduates from CMCC may transfer to a bachelor's program or enter the workforce directly. This program's curriculum equips learners to pursue a variety of industry-standard certifications, and students may test for many of these certifications on campus at CMCC.
Graduates from this program qualify to work as network security officers, network administrators, computer managers, network security analysts, forensic analysts, or computer repair technicians.
Applying to CMCC
CMCC employs a rolling admissions policy for most of its programs. Interested students should submit an online application (plus a nonrefundable $20 fee), an official high school transcript, evidence of program prerequisites (if needed), and academic skills assessment scores or documentation (SAT, ACT, college transcripts, or ACCUPLACER).Applicants should note that in light of COVID-19, the Maine Community College System has made placement tests optional through the 2021-22 academic year.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: NECHE
Tuition: $2,880/year (in state); $4,320/year (New England residents); $5,760/year (out of state)
Georgia Piedmont Tech, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the oldest technical colleges in the state. Since its 1961 establishment, Georgia Piedmont Tech has served more than 12,000 students.
Georgia Piedmont Tech's cybersecurity associate degree program trains students in computer skills and criminal justice procedures. This program is offered on the college's Dekalb campus, aiming to produce analysts who can create innovative solutions to secure computer networks and the critical information they contain.
Learners in this program take a series of general education courses. Cybersecurity courses in the curriculum include computer concepts, hardware installation and maintenance, computer networking fundamentals, introduction to criminal justice, and cybercrime investigations. The 47 credits of cyberforensics technology curriculum blends computer concept classes with criminal law classes.
Applying to Georgia Piedmont Tech
New students may apply online or in person, accompanied with a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Applicants must provide official high school transcripts or GED scores, standardized test scores, and verification of lawful presence in the United States.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $100/credit (in state); $200/credit (out of state); $400/credit (international)
Required Credits: 62 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
MVCC, located in Utica, New York, offers affordable career, transfer, and transitional education. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20-to-1, allowing a personalized educational experience. Students at MVCC work with academic advisors to carve out a plan for their education and career.
This CIS associate degree equips students to work in information technology roles, offering theoretical and hands-on work in the subject. Learners in this program study application support, web design, cybersecurity, and networking. Incoming students must have completed at least one high school math course or its equivalent.
MVCC sets seven goals in offering this associate degree: prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer to a university, prepare students to interact in diverse business populations, equip students to communicate in collaborative environments, train learners to solve business problems, introduce students to various international business scenarios, prepare learners to manage electronic data, and teach students how business decisions depend on systematic processes.
MVCC also offers a similar associate of science degree in cybersecurity.
Applying to MVCC
Incoming learners can apply online to MVCC on a rolling basis. All learners with high school or graduate equivalency diplomas who apply gain admission to the school; that said, the CIS program does not guarantee admission. MVCC does not charge an application fee.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $4,594/year (in state); $6,892/year (out of state and international)
Required Credits: 64 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on campus)
Choosing the Best Cybersecurity Program
Each of the top cybersecurity schools ranked below have experienced faculty, research labs, and connections to government and industry. However, online cybersecurity degree programs often differ in curricula, cost, location, and attendance options, so consider these factors as you choose from the following top cybersecurity schools.
The nation’s top cybersecurity programs have earned designation from the National Security Administration (NSA) as centers of academic excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity operations (CO). Consider these schools first. Prospective learners should examine program curricula, as well, noting which programs offer relevant cybersecurity courses, tracks, or concentrations.
Practical matters such as cost also factor into this important decision. Some programs cost more than others, but many expensive ones also provide qualified students with scholarships and grants to offset tuition costs. Students at accredited schools often qualify for federal financial aid, which helps with school expenses. School location also matters because major cities typically offer the most cybersecurity jobs. An online cybersecurity degree from a well-regarded school based in one of these areas may improve a graduate’s job outlook.
Scholarships and Grants
Government-funded cybersecurity scholarships, such as the Scholarship for Service and others listed below, often offer tuition remission and stipends to students willing to work for the government. Students at NSA-approved, regionally accredited schools may qualify for these scholarships. Some cybersecurity programs also offer institutional scholarships and grants.
Location
Seattle, San Francisco, New York City, and other major metropolitan areas rife with technology companies typically employ the most cybersecurity professionals. Consequently, attending a cybersecurity school in a metro area often improves networking and employment opportunities for graduates.
Subject Expertise
The cybersecurity field includes many subfields, so prospective students look for cybersecurity programs offering concentrations aligned with their desired roles or industries. Consult this state list for an array of available cybersecurity programs.
NSA CAE Designation
As of 2019, the NSA designated 21 cybersecurity programs as centers of academic excellence in cyber operations. The undergraduate and graduate programs on this list meet rigorous standards and offer excellent preparation for cybersecurity careers in government and other contexts.
National Security Administration Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations
As part of an organized response to increasing cybersecurity issues, the NSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have co-sponsored CAE programs in CO and cyber defense (CD). Designed to ensure a supply of qualified cybersecurity professionals for government and industry contexts, CAE-CO and -CD programs facilitate cybersecurity research, networking, leadership, and researcher exchanges.
To meet the national need for cybersecurity professionals, the NSA partners with schools to provide incentives, support, and opportunities for students interested in cybersecurity. Undergraduate and graduate CAE-CO and -CD programs offer scholarship and grant opportunities to cybersecurity students through the federal cyber service scholarship for service and the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship programs.
Undergraduate and graduate CAE cybersecurity programs meet stringent U.S. government criteria, discussed below. Note that by 2022, the CAE-CO program will finish an ongoing transition from “undergraduate” and “graduate” classifications to “fundamental” and “advanced” classifications.
NSA CAE-CD Requirements
Regionally accredited two-year colleges, technical schools, and state or federal training centers may apply for an associate-level CAE-CD in education designation from the NSA. Regionally accredited four-year colleges or universities seeking this NSA designation at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level must meet corresponding CAE-CD cybersecurity requirements.
To qualify for these designation levels, cybersecurity programs must map onto CAE-CD program criteria, including CD Center establishment and maintenance; experienced CD faculty; and demonstrated efforts in student development, multidisciplinarity, and program outreach.
Cybersecurity programs also must align with CAE-CD program criteria and curriculum requirements. Schools use the CAE knowledge unit (KU) mapping matrix or CyberWatch Center’s KU mapping guide to make sure their program corresponds to KUs and other requirements.
Meanwhile, Department of Defense schools, military academies with Ph.D. programs, and regionally accredited research universities (R3, R2, and R1) can apply for CAE-CD in research designation from the NSA. These schools must boast CD research initiatives, graduate research projects and funding, and other CAE-CD research criteria.
Schools apply on the CAE application website. Application materials include a letter of intent from a top school executive and evidence of fulfillment of CAE-CD program criteria, including detailed CAE-CDE course mapping. A team of peer reviewers and government staff evaluate the application and offer approval and/or feedback within four months.
Cybersecurity Program FAQs
What kind of degree do you need for cybersecurity?
Not all cybersecurity professionals hold college degrees. However, many cybersecurity positions today require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field, plus relevant work experience and professional certifications.
For the reasons outlined above, cybersecurity graduates may anticipate a promising job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 32% (over five times higher than average) growth in cybersecurity positions such as information security analyst.
What are some cybersecurity careers?
Eligible cybersecurity program graduates may become IT security consultants, security systems administrators, or security engineers. Advanced positions include CISO, security director, and security architect.
Does cybersecurity require coding?
Not all cybersecurity positions involve coding, but computer science degrees or programming language certifications can improve job opportunities. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals often obtain information security certifications from related professional organizations such as (ISC)2.
Cybersecurity Scholarships
Current and aspiring cybersecurity undergraduate or graduate students can defray education costs through scholarships. Some cybersecurity scholarship programs come with salary and tuition remission, earned through government internships or work exchanges.
Navy Information Assurance Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Junior or senior undergraduates and graduate students at universities designated as CAEs by NSA. Upon finishing school, recipients must serve one year working for the U.S. Navy for each scholarship year.
Who Can Apply: High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students planning to pursue or currently pursuing a cybersecurity-related degree. Applicants need a minimum 3.3 GPA.
Center for Cyber Safety and Education Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: High school seniors and undergraduates currently pursuing or planning to pursue a cybersecurity-related degree. Eligible applicants hold a minimum 3.3 GPA.
Central Intelligence Agency Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Designed for high school seniors, this need-based scholarship supports undergraduate students willing to intern with the CIA each summer. Requirements include good grades, good mental health, and clean background checks and polygraph tests.
Amount: $18,000 tuition remission plus salary and benefits
Who Can Apply: High school seniors with computer science, electrical engineering, and leadership skills, plus an interest in working for the NSA. Requirements include U.S. citizenship, a minimum 3.0 GPA, minimum 1200 SAT or 25 ACT scores, and admission to an accredited college or university.
Amount: Up to $30,000 tuition remission per year plus a salary and other benefits
AdvertisementCyberDegrees.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Some of the fastest-growing jobs are in information security. Jump-start your career by learning about the best online cybersecurity degrees.
AdvertisementCyberDegrees.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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