Worldwide, there are approximately 2.7 million open cybersecurity jobs. These U.S. institutions can help students become cybersecurity specialists.
Cybersecurity offers students a wide range of opportunities with attractive salaries and millions of job vacancies.
This article will discuss the top 10 institutions that offer cybersecurity degrees in the United States.
This article also shares key components of a cybersecurity course curriculum to help you narrow down your choices.
The Top 10 Cybersecurity Schools and Colleges in the U.S. for 2022
There are many cybersecurity courses offered by American universities. You can choose from specialized bachelor's degrees or minor specializations, master's degrees, doctorates, and, in some cases, law degrees.
Below are the top 10 institutions in this field, sorted alphabetically.
Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Overview of the school: Carnegie Mellon University offers many IT and cybersecurity degrees through its Information Networking Institute.
It is consistently ranked as one of the top colleges and universities in America. The university has a large campus that is ideal for international and out-of-state students.
The top cybersecurity programs: Carnegie Mellon offers these cybersecurity courses:-
- Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS).
- Course in Cyber Ops Certificate
- MSIT: Information Security & Assurance
- Courses in security and privacy by CyLab, Carnegie Mellon
Why Apply: Pittsburgh has emerged as a hub for technology and housing companies such as Uber, Disney, Google, and Disney. It will be easy for students to change careers.
For government employment opportunities, the NSA and Department of Homeland Security have designated the university as a Center of Academic Excellence.
Annual tuition fees: Without financial aid, the average cost to study at Carnegie Mellon University is $76,760.
Mode Of Study: Most bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity from Carnegie Mellon must be attended in person.
DePaul University
Location: Chicago, Illinois
School Overview: DePaul University was founded in 1898 and is one of the oldest educational institutions in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security and NSA have accredited it.
There is also a Security Daemons student club. The university's cybersecurity alumni work for top companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Discover.
Top cybersecurity Programs: DePaul University offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Graduate courses in Computer Security through the Global Gateway Program
- Information Systems Security Engineering - Undergraduate Course
- Course in Network Security and Telecommunications Practicum
Why Apply: DePaul University has a dedicated platform called CORE for cybersecurity education that uses gamification.
This allows students to learn in a game-like setting where they can simulate attacks and reconnaissance, and also complete live forensics challenges.
The estimated tuition fee for DePaul students is $59,793 per year without financial aid.
Study Mode: DePaul University courses are available in person and online.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Location: Daytona Beach (Florida) and Prescott (Arizona).
School Overview: Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (or School) is a private university. The institution, which is named after the technology sector, focuses on courses in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
There has been significant research in these areas. International students can also find a Center for Cybersecurity as well as a Worldwide Campus.
The top cybersecurity programs: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Undergraduate course in Cyber Scholarship Program (Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program)
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy & Management
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
- Certificate in Aviation Cybersecurity Management Policy and Graduate Certificate
Why Apply: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University offers the best education for those who are interested in a career as a cybersecurity professional in aviation and defense.
There are many innovative degree programs, including Global Security and Intelligence. It also has the first undergraduate program in Homeland Security.
Tuition fee estimate: Courses at Embry-Riddle cost an average of $24,584 annually, and do not include financial aid.
Study Mode: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University offers both on-campus and online learning programs.
George Washington University
Location: Columbia Washington D.C
School Overview: George Washington University, the District of Columbia's largest higher education institution and one of the most prestigious private universities in the area is School.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (NSA) designated it as a Centre of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance.
There are many learning paths available for students, professionals, and graduate students.
Top cybersecurity Programs: George Washington University offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Cybersecurity Bachelor's degree Completion Program
- World Executive Master in Business Administration with Cybersecurity Concentration
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Computer Science
Why Apply: This school is one of the few schools in the U.S. that offers advanced higher education in cybersecurity.
A Juris Doctor degree, also known as a Doctor of Law, can be earned in National Security and Cybersecurity Law and National Security and U.S. foreign relations Law.
Students can also benefit from the George Washington University CyberCorps scholarship program.
Tuition fee estimated: Courses at George Washington University are $76,276 per year, excluding financial aid.
Study Mode: Courses are completed in person with a few online options like the Online Master of Engineering Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance.
Iowa State University
Location: Ames, Iowa
School Overview: Iowa State University's degrees in technology and scene are funded by grants. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering oversees undergraduate cybersecurity courses.
Graduate courses are also offered by the university. Iowa State University also offers a cybersecurity minor for students from related fields such as software engineering and computer science.
Top cybersecurity Programs: Iowa State University offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Cyber Security Minor covers cybersecurity tools and fundamentals, cryptography, and operating systems
- Master of Science in Cyber Security
- PHD. in Computer Science, with a special focus on Information Assurance
- Cyber Security Engineering Degree
Why Apply: Iowa State University offers a variety of courses for students with varying levels of knowledge. For non-technical students, there is a course in Computer Security Literacy, a master's degree, and even a doctorate track.
The estimated tuition fee for Iowa State students: Students may need to pay an average of $21,940 per year on course fees if they do not receive financial aid.
Mode Of Study: Iowa State University primarily focuses on campus with a variety of off-campus options available for graduate programs.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
School Overview: Maryville University consistently ranks among the top schools in the U.S. The John E. Simon School of Business offers most courses in information systems and cybersecurity.
The Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a variety of online bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certification degrees.
The Maryville University of Saint Louis has the following cybersecurity courses.
- Master of Science in Cyber Security
- Online Cybersecurity Certification
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor's degree is in Management Information Systems
Why Apply: Maryville University prides itself on technology and every student receives an iPad for remote or online education.
As part of your undergraduate cybersecurity program, you can choose to specialize either in an Offensive or Defensive track.
Maryville University Online offers accredited certificates, master's, and bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity.
The average tuition fee for Maryville University is $49,000. This fee does not include financial aid.
Study Mode: Courses at the Maryville University of Saint Louis are available online and on campus.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge (Massachusetts)
School Overview The Massachusetts Institute of Technology of MIT played a significant role in shaping science and technology as we know them.
Because of its outstanding research capabilities, it is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the globe. It offers many courses that cover all aspects of cybersecurity.
The certificate programs at MIT are also available to employed professionals.
Top cybersecurity courses: Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers these cybersecurity courses:
- For working professionals, Applied Cybersecurity
- Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security & Networking
- Master of Networking and Cyber Security major
- Programs for research under the MIT Cybersecurity and Internet Policy Initiative
Why Apply: MIT launched the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, (CSAIL), to support advanced technology research projects.
It also manages the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity 3, which is one of the most innovative research and learning organizations on the subject.
The estimated tuition fee for MIT is $72,462 per annum if you don't have financial aid.
Study Mode: MIT offers many cybersecurity courses that can all be done online. The research programs, however, require attendance on campus.
St. John’s University
Location: New York City. New York
School Overview: St. John's University, a Catholic university, has a Cybersecurity Center that focuses on multi-disciplinary research, education, and cybersecurity practice.
Regular workshops and events are held at the school for hands-on training. The school also has its own Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board.
Top cybersecurity courses: St. The following cybersecurity courses are offered by John's University:
- Cyber Security Systems Associate of Science
- Cyber Security Systems/Business Administration, Bachelor's/MBA (a dual degree program)
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Systems
Why you should apply: St. John's University offers one of the largest course catalogs in the nation. While you are completing a graduate or undergraduate cybersecurity degree,
you can also specialize in areas such as data science and entrepreneurship. St. John's University offers a Master of Professional Studies MPS course in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Estimated tuition fees: The average annual tuition fee for St. John's College is $65,613, after taking into account financial aid.
Mode for study: St. John's University is primarily an on-campus institution, but you can also take hybrid courses online.
University of California Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
School overview University of California, Berkeley, is one of the most prestigious undergraduate schools in the United States.
The UC Berkeley School of Information offers courses in information management, data science, and cybersecurity.
It also offers graduate certificates in associated topics. UC Berkeley hosts regular events that bring together industry leaders and faculty to discuss emerging topics.
The University of California Berkeley offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS).
- D. program in Information Management and Systems
- Berkeley Cybersecurity Boot Camp
- Specializations in graduate degrees include software security, cryptography, privacy, applied machine learning, and government policy
Why Apply: The University of California Berkeley's MICS course allows students to focus on a specific area of cybersecurity applications for a better career path.
Students can choose to focus on citizen impacts and government policy, or they could study privacy and engineering. McAfee is also a partner to power the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity.
The estimated tuition fee for UC Berkeley courses is $41,528 per year, without financial aid.
Study Mode: MICS can be taken online and is not dependent on attendance on campus.
The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Richardson, Texas
School Overview: The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university that ranks among the top in the region.
In 2012, the institution refocused its cybersecurity programs. It also established the Center for Engaging Women in Cybersecurity in 2016.
The Cyber Security Research and Education Institute at the University of Texas at Dallas is the oldest cybersecurity program in the country. It has been running since 2004.
The University of Texas at Dallas offers these cybersecurity courses:
- Master of Science in Cyber Security Technology and Policy
- Cybersecurity Systems Certificate Course
- Information Assurance Graduate Certificate
Why Apply: The University's Master in Science degree is very comprehensive due to its interdisciplinarity.
It examines the effects of technology in the contexts of privacy, ethics, and regulatory compliance. There is also a cognitive psychology component.
The estimated tuition fee for the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is $30,744, excluding financial aid.
Study Mode: While the Master of Science degree can only be obtained on-campus, the university also offers hybrid and online certificate programs.
The Key Takeaways
Cybersecurity is a highly prolific area for research, education, as well as new job opportunities.
According to Microsoft, the sector represented 6% of all job opportunities in the country as of October 2021.
There were approximately 464,200 vacant positions. This means that approximately one in 20 jobs are for cybersecurity roles.
This is a great field for students and young professionals who are considering a career.
Cybersecurity is one of the highest-paying technical positions, earning an average salary of $76,603 per year.
Make sure that you have a comprehensive curriculum covering programming, ethics, privacy, government, and information assurance topics when choosing a cybersecurity college.
The type of education you seek and the degree you have earned will determine which institutions are the best.
According to the 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study by ISC2 (ISC), young professionals and students find it difficult, despite its lucrative opportunities.
Nearly half of cybersecurity professionals are aged between 40 and 54. The industry can address this gap by offering cybersecurity education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
This will help meet the growing demand for cybersecurity skills.