Schools For Cyber-security

With the increased usage of technology comes the associated risk of security, hence the development of schools for cyber-security. And the rapid growth of the cyber-security industry has necessitated the need for setting up high-end cyber-security schools. 

If you are looking to break into the cyber-security industry but unsure of the type of education to get or the school to attend, look no further. 

This article would help you understand what cybersecurity is about and why you should get an education in cybersecurity. 

It would also help you decide whether to get a degree in cybersecurity or attend a cybersecurity boot camp instead. In addition, it would provide you with insights into the best institutions to attend to learn cybersecurity in the U.S in 2022.  

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What is Cybersecurity?

Cyber-security, also known as Computer security or Information technology security involves the processes and precautions taken to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unlicensed entry, cyber threats, and attacks and malfunctioning resulting from being tampered with. 

To start a career in cyber-security, some of the top skills needed are:

• Network security control
• Knowledge of operating systems
• Coding
• Incident response
• Critical thinking
• Collaboration

Why should you get a cybersecurity degree in 2022?

Getting into a college to study cybersecurity is not some random, trivial decision. There has to be a level of thought process put into it. Here is a list of reasons that are worthy enough for you to get a degree in cybersecurity in 2022:

1. Availability of flexible cybersecurity degree programs:

Many colleges which you would learn about in this article, now offer hybrid and completely online learning opportunities for busy people. 

It is possible to combine getting an online degree in cybersecurity with work and other programs. 

2. Computer security jobs have walked their way up to be amongst the most demanded jobs today:

Companies who rely heavily on data are now realizing the need to ensure the high-end protection of these data. Hence, cyber security experts have become hotcakes in the technological space. 

3. Cybersecurity jobs are lucrative:

With the high rate of cyber attacks, businesses now pay a lot of attention to keeping their data and systems secured. Organizations invest a lot of money in their cybersecurity. 

This, in turn, means more salary for cyber security professionals. For example, a cybersecurity engineer earns an average salary of $96,478. 

Even entry-level roles in cybersecurity come with fat salaries. An entry-level cybersecurity analyst earns an average of $82,565. 

4. Cybersecurity has a wide range of specializations:

From risk management to engineering to forensics and assessment, you have lots of options to form and kindle your interest in this field of technology.

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5. The field is continuously evolving:

If you love change and spontaneity, cyber security is a career path you should consider. It is one career where you can embrace learning while working. With new development in the field every day, you can be sure to have fun while at it.

Important learning modules to look out for in a cybersecurity course

One key factor to consider when checking for institutions to study cybersecurity is the learning modules. Take a look at the most ideal and updated curriculum needed in a cybersecurity course:

• Fundamental aspects of cybersecurity
• Risk and information assurance
• Privacy and ethics
• Programming training
• Public policy and national security
• Capstone projects

How long is a cyber security degree?

A B.Sc in cyber security can take you as much as four years to complete. In this four years period, you will be taught all you need to succeed as cyber security personnel.

Furthermore, if you choose to take a more professional course in the field, you can do so. And it would help boost your career. 

Top 10 universities to get a cybersecurity degree in the U.S in 2022

There are about one million vacant cybersecurity jobs today. Bottom line is, a cybersecurity degree is a sure bet to escaping unemployment. 

This article carefully curates the list with a number of important factors considered. Taking into consideration inclusivity and flexibility in terms of the learning modules, price range, and medium of learning, below is a list of the best colleges in the U.S to get a cybersecurity degree in 2022:

1. Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania

Courses offered:

• Masters of Science in Information Security (MSIS).
• Cyber Ops Certificate course
• MSIT: Information Security & Assurance
• Security and privacy courses by CyLab, Carnegie Mellon

Average Tuition Fee: $76,760 without financial aid.

Mode of Study: Both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees programs have to be attended in person.

2. DePaul University, Chicago

Courses offered: 

• Masters of Science and Cybersecurity
• Global gateway program for Computer security graduate courses
• Undergraduate course in Telecommunication and Network Security Practicum
• Undergraduate course in Information Systems Security Engineering

Average Tuition Fee: $59,793 without financial aid.

Mode of study: Classes can be attended both online and in person.

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3. George Washington University,  Washington D.C.

Courses offered:

• Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
• World Executive Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science.
• Online Master of Engineering Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance

Average Tuition Fee: $76,276 annually without financial aid.

Mode of learning: Mostly in-person except for special courses like the Online Master of Engineering Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance.  

 4. University of California, Berkeley

Courses offered: 

• Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS).
• Diplomat Program in Information Management and Systems
• Graduate degree focus such as: software security, machine learning, cryptography and government policy.
• Berkeley Cybersecurity Boot Camp

Average Tuition Fee: $41, 528 per annum excluding financial aid.

Mode of learning: Fully online without any requirement for physical attendance. 

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 5. Maryville University of Saint Louis, Missouri

Courses offered: 

• Bachelor of Science in Cyber security
• Master of Science in Cyber security
• Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems
• Cybersecurity Certification (online)

Average Tuition Fee: $49,006 annually without financial aid.

Mode of learning: Both on-campus and online. 

 6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Courses offered:

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management & Policy Program
• Graduate Certificate in Aviation Cybersecurity Management and Policy
• The Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program’s (CySP) Undergraduate Course

Average Tuition Fee: $24, 584 per annum without financial aid 

Mode of learning: Both on-campus and online 

7. Iowa State University, Iowa

Courses offered: 

• Cybersecurity Engineering Degree
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity fundamentals, tools, cryptography and operating systems.
• Diplomacy in Computer Science with a focus in Information Assurance 

Average Tuition Fee: $21, 940 per annum without financial aid 

Mode of learning: On-campus and off-campus options for graduate courses.

8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts

Courses offered: 

• 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

Average Tuition Fee: $72, 462 per annum  without financial aid 

Mode of learning: Online with research programs on-campus 

9. St. John’s University, New York

Courses offered:

• 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

Average Tuition Fee: $65, 613 per annum without financial aid 

Mode of learning: On a campus with the option of taking some courses online 

10. The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas

Courses offered: 

• 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

Average Tuition Fee: $30, 744 annually without financial aid 

Mode of learning: Online and hybrid with graduate programs on campus 

Which degree is best for cyber security?

The degree that is best for cyber security is computer science. Furthermore, other degrees that will be relevant to your course are:

• Computer Programming.
• Database Management.
• Computer Hardware Engineering.
• Network Administration.
• Cloud Computing.
• Information Technology Management.
• Information Security & Assurance, etc. 

How can you learn cybersecurity without attending a university?

Are you interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity but do not have the financial resources to enroll for a degree? What you need to do is enroll for a Cybersecurity Bootcamp.

Do you have responsibilities to your family and at work and starting a cybersecurity degree would be murderous to your physical and mental health? Register for a Cybersecurity Bootcamp today. 

If you are already in the cybersecurity field but need to bridge a few skills gaps, a cybersecurity Bootcamp is also your surest bet. 

A cybersecurity Bootcamp is a short-term training program (usually lasting for about 10 weeks to 24 weeks) that enables you to build the skills needed to kick-start a career in cybersecurity. 

They are formulated to equip you with the essential in-demand skills needed to secure your first employment in cybersecurity. 

Some job roles you can land after a cybersecurity Bootcamp include Penetration tester, security engineer, security analyst, security architect, and Information Security Manager. 

Without worrying about spending long years in the university as a result of some unnecessary requirements, a Bootcamp poses as the most viable option instead of attending a university. 

Top 10 cybersecurity Bootcamps in 2022.

We have selected the 10 best cybersecurity boot camps in the U.S in 2022 to help you learn cybersecurity faster and in an efficient way. These boot camps were evaluated based on the affordability and flexibility of study hours.

1. Arizona State’s University Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 24 weeks

Program fee: $14,495

Time commitment: Part-time

2. Deep Dive Coding Cybersecurity Bootcamp

             Program fee: $199

             Time commitment: Self-paced

3. Flatiron School Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 15-40 weeks

Program fee: $16, 900

Time commitment: Part-time, full-time

4. Springboard Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Program fee: $11, 400

Time commitment: Self-paced

5. The Tech Academy

Duration: 22-38 weeks

Program fee: $10,600

Time commitment: Part-time, full time

6. University of Pennsylvania’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp 

Duration: 24 weeks

Program fee: $12, 995

Time commitment: Part-time

7. Ironhack Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 12-26 weeks

Program fee: $12000

Time commitment: Full-time, Part-time

8. DevLeague Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 13 weeks

Program fee: $14, 500

Time commitment: Part-time

9. Louisiana State University Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 12-34 weeks

Program fee: $17, 910

Time commitment: Full-time, Part-time

10. University of Miami Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Duration: 22 weeks

Program fee: $15,500

Time commitment: Part-time

What qualifications do you need for cybersecurity?

The qualifications that you need for cybersecurity are systems engineering, computer science, and Information technology. 

Does cybersecurity pay well?

According to the bureau of labor statistics, as a cybersecurity and information security analyst, you can earn as much $107,580 annually which is $51.72 per hour

Conclusion

In conclusion, you have seen the best schools for cybersecurity, the courses they offer, their tuition, and other valuable insights.

Worthy of note is that you can become a cybersecurity analyst even without a degree. With this information, you can now make a better choice for yourself.

Furthermore, you can share this article with family and friends who may be interested in cybersecurity, so that they can tap into this gold mine.

Frequently asked questions about schools for cyber-security

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