With millions of job vacancies and attractive salaries, cybersecurity offers a great job market for students. This article discusses the top 10 leading institutions in the U.S that offer cybersecurity degrees. It also shares the key curriculum components for a cybersecurity course to help you shortlist a college.
Table of Contents
Key Must-Have Curriculums and Programs for College Selection
Cybersecurity is among the most in-demand technical skills right now. According to the 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study by (ISC)², at least 2.7 million more professionals are required for the sector. And, this gap between demand and supply is widening in some countries – for example, between 2020 and 2021, there were 26,000 new unfilled cybersecurity positions in North America alone.
This translates into a compelling job environment for students and young professionals. By obtaining a degree in cybersecurity, you can find employment opportunities such as application security engineer, network security engineer, IT security specialist, and many more. Cybersecurity jobs also pay well. The average wage in this field in the U.S. starts at $53,000 per annum and goes up to an impressive $117,000 per annum (as per upGrad), along with shared profits if you can detect and prevent high-stakes vulnerabilities.
In other words, there are plenty of reasons to pursue a career in cybersecurity, and your training can begin at the college level. Before exploring the top schools and universities providing cybersecurity education, let us look at the key curriculum and program components you need. Ensure you watch for these elements when evaluating colleges and selecting an institution that’s right for you.
Key Modules to Look For in a Cybersecurity CourseÂ
- Foundational aspects of cybersecurity: The course and institution you choose must teach you about the fundamentals of cybersecurity and its importance in today’s digital world. This includes a discussion on security in the context of software, network, end-user, and operating systems applications. Students looking for a bachelor’s degree or a certifications course in cybersecurity should be particularly mindful of this curriculum component.
- Hands-on programming training: Cybersecurity programming is a vital area of study. It teaches you how to write cybersecurity programs, understand cryptography logic, and develop programmatic solutions to security problems. Python and C are the two most commonly used languages for cybersecurity programming, so ensure they are included in the curriculum. Students can get programming training as a Minor add-on to their undergraduate degree, as part of graduate courses, or as a certification course in one or more languages.
- Privacy and ethics: This curriculum component will be increasingly important in the coming years. As we generate more data, rely on data or automation, and share data with systems and companies, we become exposed to many bad actors. A cybersecurity course will train to navigate privacy regulations and enforce them through security programs and processes. It will also inform you about the ethical issues surrounding security – for example, handling consumer data or ethically using citizen data for public services.
- Government and national security: Cybersecurity is now a critical part of government operations and public policy. In an October 2021 announcement, Microsoft noted that the U.S. had faced an unprecedented number of cyberattacks in the previous year, from foreign governments tampering with essential software to ransomware groups that targeted schools, hospitals, and gas pipelines. You can prepare yourself for a career in the public sector with a specialized cybersecurity degree, preferably one that is recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the NSA.
- Risk and information assurance: This component of the cybersecurity curriculum deals with information storage and risks related to the movement, storage, and utilization of data. You may have a dedicated course on this topic as part of a Bachelor’s degree, or it may be available as a separate degree or certification course. It will prepare you for a job in large organizations and enterprises, particularly those working with large volumes of information like banks or social media companies.
- Capstone projects: A capstone project is typically designated as the final deliverable in a cybersecurity degree course (and, in fact, in most technical courses). You will be presented with a real-world challenge in a simulated environment and asked to work in teams to develop a resolution. Capstone projects can serve as the foundation for your future skills portfolio and will also equip you with the essential collaboration, communication, and leadership skills needed in the workplace.
See More: What Is Cyber Threat? Definition, Types, Hunting, Best Practices, and Examples
Top 10 Cybersecurity Colleges and Schools in the U.S. in 2022
Educational institutions in the U.S. offer a plethora of cybersecurity courses. You can choose from dedicated bachelor’s degrees, minor specializations, master’s degrees, doctorates, and even law degrees in some cases. The top 10 institutions for this field are listed below in alphabetical order, along with their key highlights.
1. Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
School overview: Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of cybersecurity and IT degrees through its Information Networking Institute. It’s consistently ranked among the best colleges and universities in the U.S. and has a sprawling campus, ideal for out-of-state and international students.
Top cybersecurity programs: Carnegie Mellon offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)
- Cyber Ops Certificate course
- MSIT: Information Security & Assurance
- Security and privacy courses by CyLab, Carnegie Mellon
Reasons to apply: Pittsburgh is among the emerging employment hubs for technology, housing companies like Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook. Students will find it easy to transition to a career path. The university is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security for employment opportunities in the government.
Estimated tuition fee: The average annual cost of studying at Carnegie Mellon is $76,760 without financial aid.
Mode of study: Most bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity by Carnegie Mellon have to be attended in person.
2. DePaul University
Location: Chicago, Illinois
School overview: Founded in 1898, DePaul University is among the older educational institutions of the U.S. It is accredited by the Department of Homeland Security and the NSA and boasts of an active cybersecurity student club called the Security Daemons. The university’s cybersecurity alumni work at leading organizations like Apple, Microsoft, Discover, McDonald’s, and Paylocity.Â
Top cybersecurity programs: DePaul University offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science and Cybersecurity
- Global gateway program for Computer Security graduate courses
- Undergraduate course in Information Systems Security Engineering
- Undergraduate course in Telecommunication and Network Security Practicum
Reasons to apply: DePaul University implements the dedicated CORE platform for cybersecurity education through gamification. This enables an experiential approach to learning in a game-like environment where students can simulate reconnaissance and attacks and complete live forensics challenges.
Estimated tuition fee: Students at DePaul pay an average annual fee of $59,793 without financial aid.
Mode of study: DePaul University courses can be completed both in-person and online.
3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona
School overview: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university. As the name suggests, the institution specializes in courses on aviation, aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, with considerable research done in these areas. It also has a dedicated Center for Cybersecurity and a Worldwide Campus for international students.
Top cybersecurity programs: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- The Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program’s (CySP) undergraduate course
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management & Policy program
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Aviation Cybersecurity Management and Policy
Reasons to apply: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the school of choice for professionals interested in a career in cybersecurity in defense and aviation. It has several groundbreaking degree courses such as Global Security and Intelligence, as well as the U.S.’ first undergraduate program in Homeland Security.
Estimated tuition fee: Courses at Embry-Riddle involve an average annual cost of $24,584, not including financial aid.
Mode of study: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers both online and on-campus learning programs.
See More: Cyber Threat Analyst: Key Job Skills and Expected Salary
4. George Washington University
Location: Columbia, Washington D.C.
School overview: George Washington University is the largest higher education institution in the District of Columbia and one of the top private universities in the region. It is designated as a Centre of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the NSA. It also has a wide range of learning tracks for undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies in the subject.
Top cybersecurity programs: George Washington University offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
- World Executive Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity
- Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science
Reasons to apply: This institution is among the handful of schools in the U.S. to provide advanced higher education opportunities in cybersecurity. You can get a Juris Doctor degree (also called a Doctor of Law degree) in National Security and Cybersecurity Law and National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law. Further, students can gain from George Washington University’s CyberCorps scholarship program.
Estimated tuition fee: Courses at George Washington University cost $76,276 annually, at an average, discounting financial aid.
Mode of study: Courses are completed primarily in-person with select online options, like the Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance.
5. Iowa State University
Location: Ames, Iowa
School overview: Iowa State University is known for its degrees in scene and technology, funded by grants. Undergraduate cybersecurity courses fall under the purview of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the university offers graduate courses as well. Students from computer science, software engineering, and other related backgrounds can also opt for a cybersecurity Minor at Iowa State University.
Top cybersecurity programs: Iowa State University offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Cyber Security Minor spanning cybersecurity fundamentals and tools, cryptography, and operating systems
- Master of Science in Cyber Security
- D. in Computer Science with a focus on Information Assurance
- Cyber Security Engineering Degree
Reasons to apply: Iowa State University is an excellent choice for students from different educational backgrounds, with course options for varying degrees of knowledge. There is a basic Computer Security Literacy course for non-technical students, master’s degrees, and even a Doctorate track.
Estimated tuition fee: Students at Iowa state may have to spend an average of $21,940 annually on course fees without financial aid.
Mode of study: Iowa State University is primarily an on-campus institution with off-campus options for graduate courses.
6. Maryville University of Saint Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
School overview: Maryville University has consistently ranked among the best schools in the U.S. Its John E. Simon School of Business is responsible for most courses in information systems, cybersecurity, business administration, and related areas of study. The Maryville University of Saint Louis has a wide variety of online degrees at bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certification levels.
Top cybersecurity programs: The Maryville University of Saint Louis offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
- Cybersecurity Certification (online)
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems
Reasons to apply: Maryville University is technology-first, with every student receiving an iPad for online or remote education. You can also choose to specialize in an Offensive track or a Defensive track as part of your undergraduate cybersecurity course. Maryville University Online offers fully accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate courses in cybersecurity.
Estimated tuition fee: $49,006 is the average annual course fee at Maryville University without financial aid.
Mode of study: Courses at the Maryville University of Saint Louis can be completed online or on campus.
See More: What Is a Security Vulnerability? Definition, Types, and Best Practices for Prevention
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
School overview: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology of MIT has played a major role in shaping the world of technology and science as we know it. It is one of the top academic institutions in the world, thanks to its research prowess, and extensively covers the various aspects of cybersecurity through its many courses. Employed professionals can also gain from MIT’s certificate programs.
Top cybersecurity programs: Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Applied Cybersecurity for working professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Networking
- Master of Networking with a Cyber Security major
- Research programs under the MIT Cybersecurity and Internet Policy Initiative
Reasons to apply: MIT has launched the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) to cover advanced research initiatives in technology, including cybersecurity. It also runs the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (IC)3, which is among the world’s pioneering research and learning organizations on the subject.
Estimated tuition fee: The average annual course fee for MIT is approximately $72,462 per year if you do not have financial aid.
Mode of study: MIT offers several cybersecurity courses that can be completed online. However, the research programs require on-campus attendance.
8. St. John’s University
Location: New York City, New York
School overview: St. John’s University is a Catholic university with a dedicated Cybersecurity Center for multi-disciplinary research, education, and practice in the field of cybersecurity. The school regularly holds events and workshops for hands-on technical training and has its own Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board.
Top cybersecurity programs: St. John’s University offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science in Cyber and Information Security
- Cyber Security Systems, Associate of Science
- Cyber Security Systems/Business Administration, Bachelor’s/MBA (a dual degree program)
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Systems
Reasons to apply: St. John’s University has one of the most comprehensive course catalogs in the country. You can specialize in areas like data science, entrepreneurship, information science, law, etc., even as you complete a graduate or undergraduate degree in cybersecurity. St. John’s University also has a Master of Professional Studies MPS) course in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Estimated tuition fee: Average annual course fee for St. John’s is $65,613, before factoring in financial aid.
Mode of study: St. John’s University operates primarily on an on-campus basis, with the option to take some courses as hybrid or online.
9. University of California Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
School overview: The University of California (UC) Berkeley is among the U.S.’ leading undergraduate schools. The UC Berkeley School of Information, in particular, provides courses related to information management, data science, and cybersecurity, as well as graduate certificates in associate topics. UC Berkeley regularly conducts events by faculty members and industry leaders to discuss new and emerging areas.
Top cybersecurity programs: The University of California Berkeley offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS)
- D. program in Information Management and Systems
- Berkeley Cybersecurity Boot Camp
- Graduate degree specializations like cryptography, software security, privacy, applied machine learning, and government policy
Reasons to apply: The MICS course by the University of California Berkeley allows students to specialize in a particular area of cybersecurity application for a more targeted career pathway. For instance, students can focus on government policy and citizen impacts or look at user privacy and privacy engineering. It also partners with McAfee to power the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC).
Estimated tuition fee: On average, the courses at UC Berkeley cost $41,528 annually without financial aid.
Mode of study: MICS is a fully online course and does not require on-campus attendance.
10. The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Richardson, Texas
School overview: The University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university and among the largest in the area. The institution launched its cybersecurity programs with renewed focus in 2012. In 2016, it also founded the Center for Engaging Women in Cybersecurity. In fact, the University of Texas at Dallas has one of the oldest running cybersecurity programs in the country, available since 2004 through its Cyber Security Research and Education Institute.
Top cybersecurity programs: The University of Texas at Dallas offers the following cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy
- Master of Science in Information Technology and Management
- Certificate course in Cybersecurity Systems
- Information Assurance Graduate Certificate
Reasons to apply: The University’s Master of Science degree is extremely comprehensive, owing to its interdisciplinary nature. It studies the impact of technology in the context of privacy, ethics, public policy, and regulatory compliance and has a cognitive psychology component as well.
Estimated tuition fee: The average annual course fee at the University of Texas at Dallas is $30,744 without financial aid.
Mode of study: While the Master of Science degree is only offered on campus, the university offers online and hybrid certificate programs.
See More: What Is Malware? Definition, Types, Removal Process, and Protection Best Practices
Key takeaways
Cybersecurity is an extremely prolific area of research, education, and new job opportunities. According to Microsoft, there were around 464,200 vacancies in the sector as of October 2021, comprising 6% of the country’s total job opportunities. In other words, approximately 1 in 20 vacancies is for a cybersecurity role. Students and young professionals considering a career in this field should remember the following:
- Cybersecurity is among the most well-paying technical roles, with an average salary of $76,603 annually.
- When selecting a cybersecurity college, ensure that the curriculum covers the fundamentals, programming, privacy and ethics, government, and information assurance topics, along with a capstone project.
- The best institutions may vary depending on the degree and the mode of education you are aiming for. Make sure you research carefully before shortlisting a course.
The 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study by (ISC)² found that despite lucrative opportunities, students and young professionals find it to be a daunting career path. Nearly 50% of cybersecurity pros are 40-54 years old. By offering cybersecurity education right at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the industry can look forward to addressing this gap and hopefully meeting the surging demand for cybersecurity skills in the future.
Do you believe that cybersecurity should be part of college and K-12 education? Tell us on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!