The state of Florida isn’t just known for its beautiful beaches and good weather. It also houses some of the most prestigious universities in the country. This comprehensive guide on the best cyber security schools in Florida breaks down in detail the features that all prospective college students wanting to pursue higher education in Florida should look out for.
The state of Florida offers many high-quality cyber security undergraduate and graduate programs at an affordable rate. In fact, the top cyber security schools in Florida ensure students are taught through a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning. Find out more as you read our Florida cyber security school rankings below.
How to Choose a Good Cyber Security School in Florida
To choose the best cyber security schools in Florida for you, you should consider each school’s academic reputation, the job opportunities it prepares you for, and the degree levels it offers, as well as its graduation rate, learning resources, accreditation status, retention rate, and tuition payment options. Below is a more detailed explanation of what to consider as a prospective cyber security student.
Availability of Learning Resources
Having a broad range of learning resources and facilities can boost your learning outcome and make it easier to blend into diverse work settings. This includes the availability of a dedicated cyber security research center, networking opportunities, a tutoring center, experienced professors, cyber security student clubs, and hands-on training opportunities.
Degree Levels Offered and Curriculum Content
You should pick a school that offers a major in cyber security as it will allow you to explore more advanced concepts in cyber security than in a computer science program with a cyber security concentration. The cyber security programs offered at Florida’s most prestigious schools allow you to learn about network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and information science.
Program’s Accreditation Status
To optimize your learning and employment outcomes, stick to programs and schools that are accredited, as this demonstrates that they have been vetted by an external regulatory body that ensures the quality of education they provide. All of the schools listed in the section below are accredited.
Florida Cyber Security School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Cyber Security Programs in Florida?
| Cyber Security School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Criminology | Master of Science in Cyber Criminology | #55 (National) #82 (Grad) |
| University of Miami | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science- Cryptography and Security Track | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering- Cyber Security Concentration | #55 (National) #122 (Grad) |
| University of South Florida | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security | #103 (National) #106 (Grad) |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security | #162 (National) #122 (Grad) |
| Keiser University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics and Information Security | Master of Science in Information Security | #299-#391 (National) |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering | #10 (Regional South) |
| University of Tampa | Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security | #13 (Regional South) |
| Saint Leo University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security | #29 (Regional South) |
| University of West Florida | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | Master of Science in Cyber Security | #35 (Regional South) |
| St. Thomas University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Management/Cyber Security Management | Master of Business Administration in Cyber Security Master of Science in Cyber Security and Analytics |
#80 (Regional South) |
Florida Cyber Security Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Cyber Security Schools in Florida
To rank the best cyber security schools in Florida, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Cyber Security Schools in Florida Explained
In the following section, we’ve gone over the top 10 schools in Florida where you can earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in cyber security. Below, you’ll find details about their accreditation, acceptance rates, graduation rates, degree programs offered, and national rankings, which can help you with your college decision-making process.
Best Undergraduate Cyber Security Schools in Florida
The best undergraduate degree program in cyber security prepares you for a graduate program or entry-level roles in the field of cyber security. These degree programs provide you with a solid foundation on which you can improve with real-life experience or an advanced degree. Below is a list of the best cyber security associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs in Florida.
Best Cyber Security Associate Degree Schools in Florida
- Saint Leo University | Associate of Arts in Cyber Security. This 60-credit online degree allows you to build skills in internet security, network defense, computer forensics, ethical hacking, and information security. Graduates of this program can easily transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the same field of study.
- Valencia College | Associate of Science in Cyber Security and Network Engineering Technology. This 60-credit degree gives hands-on experience to aspiring cyber security technicians. Students can specialize in cyber security, cloud infrastructure security, or cyber forensics through a technical certificate, lab work, and an internship.
- Florida State College at Jacksonville | Associate of Science in IT Security. This information technology security degree, available on-campus or online, focuses on networking and data forensics. It offers its students cooperative education opportunities as well as courses in offensive security, data forensics, and information security.
- Pasco-Hernando State College | Associate of Science in Cyber and Information Security. The degree program requires the completion of 60 credits from courses on computer forensics, ethical hacking, information security, intrusion detection, and network security, qualifying its students for professional certification or entry-level jobs.
- Pensacola State College | Associate of Science in Cyber Security. Students in this associate degree program earn the 60 required credits from courses in enterprise security, programming, and project management. You can take your CISCO CCNA certification and IT project management certification after this program.
Best Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Florida
- University of South Florida | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. This 120-credit program includes a capstone experience and internship program, allowing its students to build advanced skills in software security, system security, information security, and organizational security useful to a wide range of tech careers.
- Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. Students in this 120-credit program develop a comprehensive understanding of cyber security by taking courses in applied computer networking, human-computer interaction, enterprise cyber security, and programming.
- The University of Tampa | Bachelor of Cyber Security. This cyber security program offers courses in topics such as cryptography, network security, physical security, security architecture, application development, and risk management. The program’s 120 required credits usually take four years to earn.
- University of West Florida | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. This degree offers courses in malware analysis, software engineering, cyber war gaming, and database systems, as well as a wide range of regional and national internship opportunities.
- Saint Leo University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. This 120-credit program is offered through Saint Lep University’s College of Business. It introduces students to advanced topics such as penetration testing, cyber security, computer forensics, and software engineering.
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Best Graduate Schools for Cyber Security in Florida
Earning a graduate degree in cyber security allows you to pursue the highest-level positions in the field, providing you with an increased earning potential and more opportunities for growth in your career. The best graduate schools for cyber security in Florida will allow you to gain the skills needed to invent new technologies or implement new standards for cyber security.
Best Schools for Master’s in Cyber Security in Florida
- University of Central Florida | Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy. Students in this program can choose between an interdisciplinary or technical track. The first focuses more on the development of students’ managerial skills while the second prepares students for technical roles such as machine learning engineers.
- University of South Florida | Master of Science in Cyber Security. This 30-credit program allows its students to build advanced skills in analyzing, designing, developing, testing, and deploying secure networks, systems, and infrastructures, thanks to which they can earn a Center of Academic Excellence certification.
- Florida International University | Master of Science in Cyber Security. In this advanced degree program, students need to earn 30 credit hours from core courses and electives that help them to build a strong foundation in data mining, privacy information security planning, information theory entropy, digital forensics, and ethical hacking.
- Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security. This 30-credit program teaches its students how to address complex system vulnerabilities, cyber threats, and innovative security architectures, qualifying them to work as computer forensic investigators and threat intelligence analysts.
- The University of Tampa | Master of Science in Cyber Security. This 32 to 34-credit STEM degree program equips its students with the skills needed to innovate existing cyber security threats technologies and invent new ones through courses in data analytics, risk assessment, cloud system specification, and secure software design.
Best Ph.D. in Cyber Security Universities in Florida
- The University of Central Florida | Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies. This 89-credit PhD in Security Studies qualifies its graduates for roles in academia, government, military, and the tech industry. Applicants need to have earned a master’s degree and completed a research thesis in a cyber security-related field.
- Nova Southeastern University | Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Security Management. Students in this multidisciplinary research program explore information security from the governmental, business, and societal points of view through research courses and a dissertation. Applicants need a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Cyber Security or a related field.
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Admission Requirements for Cyber Security Schools in Florida
The basic admission requirements for cyber security schools in Florida are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Typically, applicants to either level need to submit their official transcripts, submit an online application, and, depending on the school, submit their standardized test scores. Below is a breakdown of the most common admission requirements.
Cyber Security Schools in Florida: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Your completed online application
- A high school diploma or the equivalent
- A non-refundable application fee
- Your official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Your ACT or SAT scores
- Supplemental documents such as a personal statement, resume, or essay
Cyber Security Schools in Florida: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Your completed online application
- A non-refundable application fee
- Your official transcripts for all attended post-secondary institutions
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline or completed prerequisite courses in computing and programming
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Your GRE or GMAT scores, depending on the school
- A letter of intent
- A copy of your professional resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Admission essay
- A phone or video interview
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Cyber Security in Florida?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for cyber security in Florida. While Florida does have some prestigious colleges with low acceptance rates, many of the best schools have rates above 50 percent. Some colleges even have open admissions policies, although these typically have less worth in the job market. Below is a list of the easiest cyber security colleges to get into in Florida.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida for Cyber Security
- Valencia College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Valencia College is a two-year college that offers an Associate Degree in Cyber Security and Network Engineering Technology. This school uses an open admissions policy, meaning that it does not judge the academic proficiency of applicants by their test scores and GPA.
- Pasco-Hernando State College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This is a community college in Florida with an open admissions policy. Students need a GPA of at least 2.0 to enroll, but the school can make some exceptions. It offers an Associate Degree in Cyber and Information Security as well as network security and cyber security certificates.
- Miami Dade College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This community college offers an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security. Having an open admissions policy, Miami Dade College doesn’t emphasize test scores or a high-grade point average, during its admissions decisions.
- Full Sail University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Full Sail University is a four-year institution with easy admission requirements. To enroll in this school, you only need a high school diploma or an equivalent. It offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security.
- Keiser University | Acceptance Rate: 97%. Kaiser is a four-year university that offers a cyber security bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. The school’s relatively low admission benchmarks contribute to its 97 percent acceptance rate.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Cyber Security in Florida
The best online schools for cyber security in Florida are the University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, the University of West Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and Saint Leo University. These top-ranked national universities in Florida offer convenient and rigorous online programs that are usually less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. The graduation rates listed below are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Cyber Security Program |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | 72% | Master of Science in Cyber Security |
| Florida Institute Technology | 63% | Master of Business Administration in Cyber Security |
| University of West Florida | 52% | Master of Science in Cyber Security |
| Nova Southeastern University | 47% | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security |
| Saint Leo University | 44% | Master of Science in Cyber Security |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Cyber Security in Florida
The most affordable colleges for cyber security in Florida are Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, University of West Florida, Florida International University, and the University of Florida. These schools offer low tuition rates and numerous financial aid opportunities to help their students mitigate the cost of their higher education journey.
How to Attend the Top Cyber Security Schools in Florida With Financial Aid
Florida offers a wide range of financial aid programs to residents and non-residents. In addition to federal grants and loans offered through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, students can also benefit from state scholarships and grants by completing the Florida Financial Aid Application. Below are some of the best scholarship opportunities for Florida students.
Best Cyber Security Scholarships for Florida Students
- Sunshine Opportunity Scholarship | Amount: $25,000 over four years. This award is designed to offer high school students in Florida and South Carolina an opportunity to substantially reduce their college tuition costs. Each year, up to 10 awards are given to students with a 3.0 GPA who have persevered through significant hurdles in their lives.
- Green and Gold Scholarship | Amount: $48,000 over four years. The Green and Gold scholarship program is offered at most universities on a merit basis to both residents and non-residents. To qualify, students must meet a minimum GPA and test score requirement.
- DoD Cyber Scholarship Program | Amount: $27,000 (undergraduates); $32,000 (graduates). This scholarship award is offered to students enrolled in a school holding a designation as an NCAE in cyber security. Recipients work one year for each year of the award received at the Department of Defense.
- Snort Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. This annual scholarship award is offered by Cisco through a contest that measures the knowledge and awareness of security issues and concepts of its applicants. It’s open to high school seniors seeking degrees in computer science, computer networking, cyber security, and information technology.
- Johnson Scholarship | Amount: Varies. This scholarship award was designed to provide need-based financial aid to disabled students attending one of the 12 state universities in Florida. Candidates should be freshmen and must submit the FAFSA form to demonstrate their financial needs.
Florida Employment Outlook for Cyber Security
According to US News, Florida ranks amongst the top ten states in America with the strongest economies. This means that, besides having a higher state expenditure, Florida has a high production output and its residents enjoy higher incomes. It also means that prospective Florida university students can look forward to high employment rates post-graduation.
The latest reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Florida’s unemployment rate has steadily declined since November 2021 from 3.5 percent to 3.0 percent in April 2022. This means that 97 percent of its civilian workforce is engaged in active employment.
Highest-Paying Cyber Security Careers in Florida
| Cyber Security Job | Cyber Security Degree | Average Salary in Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
Best Cyber Security Jobs in Florida Explained
The best cyber security jobs in Florida are computer and information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, information security analysts, and computer systems analysts. A cyber security degree from any of the best cyber security schools in Florida will perfectly prepare you for all of these positions.
Does It Matter What Cyber Security School in Florida I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Florida you go to for cyber security because it will have a significant impact on your career path and success. The best schools for cyber security offer students expertly taught courses, well-equipped research centers, and beneficial internships that make it easier for you to compete in the technology industry.
Additional Reading About Cyber Security
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Best Cyber Security Schools in Florida FAQ
The best cyber security degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or meets the framework of the National Center for Academic Excellence (NCAE). The ideal cyber security program allows you to explore a wide range of topics in network, system, and software security.
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in cyber security is worth it. The need for cyber security professionals will continue to increase exponentially due to the high level of global insecurity. This degree is a worthwhile investment as it ensures that you have the skills needed to design and implement valuable security solutions for a wide range of industries including government agencies.
Yes, the University of Southern Florida is a good school for cyber security. It has been designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Security and allows students to take part in cyber security research and innovation projects. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the field.
You should get an undergraduate certificate in cyber security if you’re new to the field. This will allow you to earn college credits which you can transfer, should you wish to pursue a full degree in cyber security later on. A certificate will introduce you to core concepts such as cloud computing, cryptography, enterprise application development, and network security.
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