Cyber security is a crucial aspect of protecting sensitive data and digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Cyber threats are on the rise, and with the increase in digitization across various industries, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals has also grown. Therefore, it is essential to choose a university that offers a strong cyber-security program to prepare students for careers in this field. In this article, we will discuss the best universities in the US for cyber-security in 2023 and provide a brief overview of what cyber-security is.
What is Cyber-security?
Cyber-security is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. It includes various techniques and technologies that ensure the security of information and communication systems. Cyber security professionals work to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats such as malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and other forms of cyber crime.
1. Carnegie Mellon University
(Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Overview of the institution:
Carnegie Mellon University’s Information Networking Institute provides a range of cybersecurity and IT degrees. With a large campus that is perfect for out-of-state and international students, it is regularly rated as one of the best colleges and universities in the United States.
The following cyber security courses are available at Carnegie Mellon:
- Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)
- Cyber Ops Certificate course
- MSIT: Information Security & Assurance
- Security and privacy courses by CyLab, Carnegie Mellon
What motivates you to apply:
Motives for applying Pittsburgh is one of the burgeoning digital hubs, home to firms like Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook. The transition from school to a career route will be simple for students. The NSA and Department of Homeland Security have designated the institution as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) for those seeking employment with the government.
A rough estimate of tuition:
Without financial aid, the average annual expense of attending Carnegie Mellon is $76,760.The majority of Carnegie Mellon’s bachelor’s and master’s programs in cybersecurity require on-site attendance.
2.DePaul University
(Location: Chicago, Illinois)
Overview of the institution:
DePaul University is one of the more established colleges in the United States, having been established in 1898. The Security Daemons, an active student group focused on cybersecurity, is accredited by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. Alumni in cyber security from the institution currently hold positions at prestigious companies like Apple, Microsoft, Discover, McDonald’s, and Paylocity.
The following cyber security courses are available at DePaul University:
- Master of Science and Cyber security
- Global gateway program for Computer Security graduate courses
- Undergraduate course in Information Systems Security Engineering
- Undergraduate course in Telecommunication and Network Security Practicum
What motivates you to apply:
DePaul University to execute the dedicated CORE platform for cybersecurity education. Due to this, students can practice reconnaissance and attacks and complete real-world forensics challenges while learning through experience.
A rough estimate of tuition:
Without financial assistance, DePaul students pay average annual tuition of $59,793. DePaul University offers both on-campus and online learning options.
3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
(Location: Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona)
Overview of the institution:
Private higher education is offered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The institution, which offers classes on the aviation, aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, as suggested by its name, has done a great deal of research in these fields. Additionally, it has a Worldwide Campus for foreign students and a Center for Cybersecurity devoted to that purpose.
The following cybersecurity courses are available at DePaul University:
- The Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program’s (CySP) undergraduate course
- Master of Science in Cyber security Management & Policy program
- Master of Science in Cyber security Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Aviation Cyber security Management and Policy
What motivates you to apply:
For professionals interested in a job in cyber security in the military and aviation industries, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the best option. It offers several ground-breaking degree programs, including the first undergraduate Homeland Security school in the United States as well as Global Security and Intelligence.
A rough estimate of tuition:
Without financial assistance, the average annual cost of Embry-courses Riddle’s is $24,58. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides courses both on-campus and online.
4. George Washington University
(Location: Columbia, Washington D.C.)
Overview of the institution:
One of the best private colleges in the area, George Washington University is the largest institution of higher learning in the District of Columbia. The American Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency has named it a Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance. There are numerous learning paths available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses in the field.
The following cybersecurity courses are available at DePaul University:
- Cyber-security Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
- World Executive Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity
- Online Master of Engineering in Cyber-security Policy & Compliance
- Master of Science in Cyber-security in Computer Science
What motivates you to apply:
This college is one of the few in the country that offers advanced higher education options in cybersecurity. Both national security and cybersecurity law and national security and U.S. foreign relations law are available as Juris Doctor (also known as a Doctor of Law) degrees. Students can also benefit from the CyberCorps grant program at George Washington University.
A rough estimate of tuition:
The average annual course costs at George Washington University after financial assistance are deducted are $76,276. Most classes are taken in person, though there are some online alternatives, such as the Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance.
5. Iowa State University
(Location: Ames, Iowa)
Overview of the institution:
The grants-funded science and scene degrees offered by Iowa State University are well-known. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is responsible for undergraduate cybersecurity classes, and the university also offers graduate-level programs in the subject. A cybersecurity Minor is an option at Iowa State University for students with backgrounds in computer science, software engineering, and other relevant fields.
The following cybersecurity courses are available at DePaul University:
- 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
What motivates you to apply:
With course options for students with various levels of education, Iowa State University is a fantastic choice for those students. For non-technical students, there is a basic Computer Security Literacy course. There are also master’s degrees and even a doctorate route.
A rough estimate of tuition:
Without financial aid, Iowa State students might have to pay $21,940 in course costs yearly.
The majority of Iowa State University’s graduate programs are offered off-campus, but the school is mainly an on-campus one.
