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Why This Matters

Our Research

This list features some of the best cybersecurity degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nongovernmental agency that ensures computer, engineering, and applied sciences programs meet its quality standards.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of cybersecurity degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 50 Cyber Security Degree Programs to Consider

Best Cyber Security Degree Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
Stanford University
01
Best Online Degree
Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals
01
Best Undergraduate Program
Purdue Polytechnic Institute
01
Most Affordable
Georgia Institute of Technology
01
Best Business-Focused Program
Rutgers University at New Brunswick
01
Best Public Institution
University of Maryland at Baltimore County
01
Most Research Opportunities
George Mason University
01
Most Interdisciplinary Programs
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
01
Best for International Students
DePaul University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Northeastern University
01

Boston University
01

Arizona State University
01

Stevens Institute of Technology
01

University of Maryland Global Campus
01

The University of Texas at Dallas
01

Binghamton University
01

Villanova University
01

NYU Center for Cyber Security
01

University of Wisconsin Extended Campus
01

Oregon State University
01

University of Central Florida
01

Florida State University
01

Drexel University
01

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
01

Missouri S&T
01

University of Houston
01

Indiana University Bloomington
01

Washington University in St. Louis
01

George Washington University
01

Clemson University
01

Old Dominion University
01

Western Washington University
01

Brown University
01

Wright State University
01

University of Nebraska Omaha
01

University of Washington Tacoma
01

University of New Hampshire at Manchester
01

Florida International University
01

Yeshiva University
01

Virginia Tech
01

Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center
01

University of Maryland
01

West Virginia University
01

Iowa State University
01

University of California Davis
01

Towson University
01

Mississippi State University
01

Mercy College
01

Thomas Edison State University
01

University of Texas at San Antonio

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When considering an information security career, you should understand the difference between a cybersecurity degree and similar educational programs. There are a variety of computer degrees available, including data science, network administration, programming, and systems design, that touch on data security topics. However, cybersecurity programs provide detailed, specific knowledge and skills that explore advanced tools and techniques to protect computer data and systems from cyberattacks.

Finding an accredited cybersecurity program helps ensure you get full value for your educational investment. The two leading cybersecurity accreditation groups are provided by the federal government’s National Security Agency and the privately run ABET.

Certifications aren’t mandatory to work in cybersecurity, but they help you start or advance your career. The most widely sought designation is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), held by more than 150,000 people globally. There are a number of other certifications available in specific areas, such as internet security, or for vendor-specific software platforms, such as Microsoft or Cisco.

The sector’s 35% growth rate is over two times higher than the 15% forecast for all computer positions and far above the 5% projected across all occupations.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to consider when exploring cybersecurity degree programs:

  • Am I eligible for this degree? Undergraduate and certificate programs in cybersecurity typically have the same requirements as other programs, although aptitude with technology and mathematics is definitely helpful. Master’s programs generally expect candidates to hold an undergraduate degree in computer science, plus possibly some work experience in the field.
  • What licensing or certifications are required? Cybersecurity certifications aren’t required to enter the field, but they’re recommended to help you start or advance your professional career.

Your research into cybersecurity degree programs should begin online by checking out school websites. If you narrow your choices to an on-campus program, you should also visit its facilities and make sure the technology is up-to-date. Review the admissions requirements, particularly for postgraduate work, and keep track of application deadlines to help ensure the admissions process goes smoothly.

Also, give some thought to how you will finance your education. Research the kinds of scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance available through your school of choice. You might also be able to take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs if you’re employed.


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