The best schools for cyber security prepare students to protect government and private institutions from cyber attacks and network malfunctions. Cyber security is an important field in our increasingly online world. In 2020 alone there were over 150 million exposed records from data breaches, accordingly to Statista.
In this article, you will learn about the best cyber security schools as well as cyber security degree and certificate options at the undergraduate level and the graduate level. We’ll also cover cyber security careers and salaries for graduates with different kinds of degrees. Learn more about the best cyber security universities and more below.
Best Cyber Security College and University Rankings: Top 10 Cyber Security Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | NE | Online, in-person | #119-157 [Regional Universities Midwest] |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | Online, in-person | #25 |
| ECPI University | VA | Online, in-person | #104-137 [Regional Universities South] |
| George Mason University | VA | In-person | #148 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | Online, in-person | #38 |
| Liberty University | VA | Online, in-person | #299-391 |
| Miami University | OH | In-person | #103 |
| Purdue University | IN | Online, in-person | #49 |
| University of Arizona | AZ | Online | #103 |
| University of Phoenix | AZ | Online | #299-391 |
Cyber Security School Rankings: Best Cyber Security Colleges and Universities
The field of cyber security is all about protecting computer systems, networks, and data. You’ll need a degree or certificate to work in this technical field. Here is a list of the best cyber security universities and colleges with top programs to get you started.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Cyber Security: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Certificates and degrees are available at the undergraduate or graduate levels. An associate degree and bachelor’s degree are both undergraduate-level programs, and a master’s degree and doctoral degree, or PhD, are graduate-level programs. Certificates can be offered as undergraduate certificates or graduate certificates.
In the following sections, we describe what students can expect from different cyber security programs at various educational levels. We will also include details about program durations, admission requirements, and commonly required courses.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Cyber Security Schools: Other Cyber Security University Rankings
Previously, we discussed the best cyber security schools overall according to university rankings. Now, we’ll cover the best cyber security schools for different kinds of degrees and different learning formats.
Best Online Cyber Security Schools
- Davenport University. Both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated Davenport’s cyber security program as a national center of academic excellence in cyber defense education. Davenport provides graduates with financial and career development resources if they don’t get a job within six months of graduating.
- Maryville University. This university provides online learning programs through its Canvas platform. Students at Maryville University can take advantage of schedule and program flexibility as well as one-on-one communication with academic advisors.
- University of North Dakota. The online Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security at the University of North Dakota uses an interdisciplinary curriculum from electrical engineering and computer science background.
Best Community Colleges for Cyber Security
- Casper College. This community college provides a variety of undergraduate programs in cyber security like an Associate of Science, an Associate of Applied Science, and a certificate. The mode of study can be online or in-person depending on the program.
- Georgia Military College. Cyber security students at Georgia Military College (GMC) are prepared for a career in cyber security after graduation or they can transfer credits from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program. Students at GMC are eligible for financial aid, and military service is not required for admission.
- Western Nebraska Community College. The online cyber security programs at Western Nebraska Community College prepare undergraduate students for a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity. Students can attend classes in person or online.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Cyber Security
- Carnegie Mellon University. The Information Networking Institute at Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of cyber security and IT degrees. This private university is located in Pittsburgh, an emerging tech city.
- George Washington University. The NSA and DHS have declared George Washington University a Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance (CAEIA). George Washington University has several educational options available in cyber security at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This private research university has always shaped the technological landscape due to its research expertise. The cyber security degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are cutting-edge programs in systems security.
Best Graduate Schools for Cyber Security
- Johns Hopkins University. Students at John Hopkins University are expected to select a cyber security concentration in analysis, assured autonomy, networks, or systems when pursuing a master’s degree. In addition, they have the option of doing an independent study on their own time.
- University of Southern California. Information systems security is the focus of the University of Southern California’s MS in Cyber Security program. Students will study computer systems assurance, policies for information security, and security and privacy.
- Florida State University. As part of its Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Florida State University offers an elective or optional major in cyber security. Courses include active and passive defenses and data and computer communications.
Best Cyber Security Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- The University of Arizona | MS in Management Information Systems and MS in Cybersecurity. This degree is a great choice for people who want to transition from a non-IT-related role to one in cyber security, without any prior technical knowledge. It’s a completely online program, and remote learners can complete both degrees in eight semesters.
- Marymount University | MS in Information Technology and MS in Cyber Security. This dual degree program gives students a comprehensive understanding of computer systems and how to protect them. Students who graduate with a dual degree in cyber security and information technology are well-equipped to work in both technical and managerial roles.
- Eastern Illinois University | MBA and MS in Cybersecurity. Potential students who want to learn about business as well as cyber security can pursue both interests at the same time through this dual degree program. The MBA prepares students for management and leadership roles, while the MS covers key cyber security topics.
Best Schools With Accelerated Cyber Security Programs
- Lindenwood University | BS in Cyber Security. This program requires a minimum of 63-semester credits of major coursework in addition to the minimum requirements for graduation. With the help of a faculty advisor, each student will select a sequence of courses to complete their degree.
- Bellevue University | BS in Cybersecurity (Accelerated Cohort). Students need an associate degree to enroll in this accelerated degree program, but they do not need any prior education or experience in technology.
- Purdue University | BS in Cybersecurity (Online ExcelTrack). If you already have a bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant work experience, you can get credit for the knowledge you already have. At the start of this program, students take a test that determines which classes they don’t have to take.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Cyber Security Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for a cyber security degree because there is a huge demand for cyber security professionals. You will be able to earn higher salaries and access better career options with a graduate-level degree.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Cyber Security Degree?
The jobs you can do with a cyber security degree are information security analyst, IT security administrator, and security engineer. A cyber security degree prepares students for profitable employment in computer and information technology. Most graduates in cyber security earn more than the average worker.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Cyber Security?
Cyber security specialists have higher salaries than their peers with an equivalent degree. According to Payscale, an associate degree holder earns an average annual salary of around $52,000, a bachelor’s degree holder earns $73,000, and a master’s degree holder earns an annual wage of $90,000.
Highest-Paying Cyber Security Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Information Security Officer | Master’s degree | $168,687 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Security Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $128,414 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $97,766 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $80,600 |
Best Jobs With a Cyber Security Degree
The best jobs with a cyber security degree are management positions in information security. Most of the jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while some of the higher-paid positions also require a master’s degree.
How Can I Pay for Cyber Security School?
You can pay for cyber security school through a range of government and private funding options. Prospective students can apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships that don’t need to be repaid, or they can apply for student loans. Private student loans should only be used when absolutely necessary because they are difficult to pay back.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This fellowship is for graduate students in STEM professions. Fellowship winners can pursue research at any US government lab or school.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application covers a wide range of federal grants and loans. Students earning any kind of undergraduate or graduate degree can apply.
- CyberCorps(R): Scholarship for Service (SFS). Students studying cyber security or related IT fields can apply for this funding through their schools. You have to complete an internship at a government agency during your degree to get this stipend.
- National Defense Science And Engineering Graduate Fellowship. This funding is only for doctoral degree students in information security or related fields. You will have to work on research at the Department of Defense laboratory for one summer during the course of this funding.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Cyber Security School for You
To choose the best cyber security school for you, you should consider factors like school ranking, accreditation, and the cost of tuition and fees. Other factors to consider are the format of the degree, future career opportunities, and employment outcomes.
Accreditation
Accreditation proves the credibility of your degree. With an accredited school, you have a better chance of getting financial aid, earning transferable credits, qualifying for professional certifications, and getting a job after graduation.
School Reputation and Rank
Companies are more likely to hire graduates from the best cyber security universities and schools because they are known to deliver quality, innovative education. School rankings are one way to learn about a school’s reputation.
Tuition and Fees
You should have a clear idea of how much you can afford to pay for your education. Look for schools with better financial support for students. Keep in mind that teaching assistant or research assistant positions can be used to help pay for an advanced degree in cyber security.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Cyber Security?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for a cyber security degree. If you want to build a career in cyber security, it’s better to attend a top-ranked school in this field of study. If you are looking for a career in the federal government, make sure you choose a program with NSA or DHS affiliation.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Cyber Security University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Cyber Security
We ranked the best cyber security schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our cyber security university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of cyber security degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Cyber Security
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Best Cyber Security Schools FAQ
The length of a cyber security degree program varies by degree type and program. A typical associate degree takes two years, a bachelor’s degree takes four years, a master’s degree takes two years, and a doctorate takes three or more years.
Yes, cyber security is one of the most in-demand fields in information and technology. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for information security jobs is an average of 33% from 2020 to 2030.
Cyber security graduates are in demand in any workplace that stores sensitive data or has its own computer network. These days, that’s just about every profession. You can work in almost any field as an information security analyst, a cyber security engineer, or a system security manager.
You can become a cyber security professional with any level of degree or certificate. However, for many positions, the minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree. For management positions, you’ll likely need a master’s degree.
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