Alabama

The state of Alabama is a known local for cyber security occupations. In and around Huntsville, various defense and aerospace industries provide employment in cyber security. If you are thinking of a cyber security degree, several community colleges, universities and four-year colleges offer degrees in computer science with cyber security concentrations. There are many schools that offer degree programs devoted solely to cyber security. The bottom line is: if you want to work in this profession, you have to earn a degree at some level: associate, bachelor’s, or master’s. Even if you don’t have exposure to science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, you’ll still be able to gain admission to a cyber security degree program.

Why an Advanced Degree in Alabama is Needed!

The state leaders of Alabama know just how important a cyber security degree is, not only for students but also for the state itself. From the associate level and up to the master’s, colleges and universities are creating cyber security degree programs. Five schools in the state receive funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) so they can create and offer cyber security majors and fully-funded degree opportunities.

Whether you earn a bachelor’s or master’s, having a postsecondary degree in Alabama is the best way to gain employment in a respected cyber security company or in a city or state government department. With an advanced degree, you’ll show everyone looking for cyber security specialists that you know what you’re doing and you’re capable of learning both their systems and new and emerging technologies.

Alabama Cyber Security Education Degrees and Requirements

Associate Degree

Students applying for admission to community colleges are generally required to hold either a GED or high school diploma. To show proof of graduation, students must send their high school transcripts or an official copy of their General Equivalency Diploma scores to the college of their choice. In addition, some schools may ask for ACT or SAT scores, though these are becoming less and less of a requirement for community colleges.

Schools offering computer science programs have a goal to prepare every student to be employed in a computer-related business or industry. Some programs emphasize the small business environment, while others prepare you to freelance or join large corporations.

Sample Courses:

Introduction to the Information Highway
Introduction to App Dev, with SWIFT
Database Management Systems
Python Programming
More Associates Courses

Bachelor’s Degree

Some four-year bachelors at universities have two admission tiers: unconditional admission and conditional admission. In the first, students are required to have a 2.0 GPA from their high school, an ACT score of 20, or an RSAT of 1030. For conditional admission, the high school GPA should be 2.5 and the ACT should fall between 17 and 19; the RSAT should be 910. In some institutions, students who are 25 or older may not be required to submit college entrance exams to be admitted. No matter the form of admission a school offers, the majority of schools require high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a filled out application.

Sample Courses:

Computer Science, 1
Computer Science, II
Software Engineering, 1

Master’s Degree

For most master’s degree programs, you’ll be required to submit your GRE scores. Some degree programs may require higher graduate testing scores. Also, even if your scores meet the minimal requirement, this may not guarantee admission to the program of your choice. You’ll also need to order your official transcripts, which will be sent by the school from which you earned your bachelor’s degree. At some schools, you’ll have to use the form document which they provide.

Sample Courses:

Cyber Security Management
Computer Forensics
Introduction to Computer Security
Introduction to Cyber Security Engineering

Certifications in Alabama

Is a certificate program at the master’s level a necessity? No. But it will help provide you with much more knowledge if you want to move into a specialization. At the graduate level, these consist of about 9 credit hours and help you build the basic skills you’ll need as a future cyber security professional. You’ll become comfortable with cyber security industry practices, problem solving, and learn about new methods in this field. If you are already working in this field, you’ll get certification training in specific cyber security topics. This will be especially helpful if you are planning to advance in your career.

Sample Courses:

Network Security
Computer Security
Malware Analysis

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is vital, because it tells you and your future employers that the university or college from which you earn your degree has met the high-quality standards of the accrediting body. The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC), which is an arm of the ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) commission, has now defined cyber security as a formal academic program. When you see that a cyber security program carries an ABET accreditation, then you understand that the programs you’re considering are high-quality.

Another very important form of accreditation for cyber security programs is CAE (National Centers for Academic Excellence), which is provided by the DHS and NSA, the two largest employers of cyber security professionals. This was the first form of accreditation provided for cyber security programs, created when the DHS and NSA realized they needed a way of knowing that their cyber security workers were well-trained for their positions.

If you’re questioning whether accreditation is all that important, then it’s vital for you to understand that accreditation allows your employers to pay you a higher salary, gives you access to federal financial aid for schooling expenses, and allows for easier transfer of your class credits from one university to another.

Computer Science or IT Programs in Alabama

1. Alabama State University

Founded in 1867, ASU is a historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama. With around 6,000 students. ASU offers almost 50 degree programs from bachelor’s through doctoral. They are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, though they are not considered a CAE program.

Programs Offered:

Computer Science: Bachelor’s Degree

Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management: Master’s Degree

Information Science: Bachelor’s Degree

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $9,888

Out-of-State: $19,776

Average Net Price: $13,029

College Retention Rate: 59% (Full-time Students) – 13% (Part-time Students)

2. Auburn University - Montgomery

Considered one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in Alabama, the Montgomery campus was founded in 1967. While they are not a CAE institution, they are fully accredited and their student-to-faculty ratio sits at around 17:1, meaning you can expect smaller classes with personal attention from professors, which can be seen in the higher retention rates for part-time students.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance: Master’s Degree

Computer Science: Bachelor’s Degree

Information Technology: Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $8,404

Out-of-State: $17,812

Average Net Price: $12,807

College Retention Rate: 67% (Full-time Students) – 60% (Part-time Students)

3. Strayer University - Alabama

Strayer University was founded in 1892 as a for-profit school. The university has 76 campuses in the US and enrolls more than 50,000 students. One of their Alabama campuses is located in Birmingham and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The majority of students attend part-time and/or supplement through Strayer’s online learning programs.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance: Master’s Degree

Information Science/Studies: Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificate

Information Technology: Master’s Degree

Tuition Cost: $13,380

Average Net Price: $22,452

College Retention Rate: 33% (Part-time Students)

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Birmingham campus of the University of Alabama has a great student-faculty-ratio at 19:1 and great retention for first-time students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at 82%. The school is also a public research university established in 1936 and a part of the University of Alabama System. It’s downtown Birmingham location means you can be in the middle of everything while you earn your degree, or you may choose to complete part of your program online.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences, General: Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral Degrees

Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance: Master’s Degree & Postgraduate Certificate

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $8,568

Out-of-State: $19,704

Average Net Price: $16,636

College Retention Rate: 82% (Full-time Students) – 46% (Part-time Students)

5. Faulkner University

Faulkner is a private, Christian college located in Montgomery, Alabama. They are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and they also offer a very low student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1. They offer associate degrees through doctorates and also have online programs available

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences: Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees

Computer Science: Bachelor’s Degree

Informatics: Bachelor’s Degree

Tuition Cost: $21,690

Average Net Price: $21,334

College Retention Rate: 54% (Full-time Students) – 57% (Part-time Students)

6. Herzing University - Birmingham

Herzing is a private university with its main campus in Wisconsin. However, its Birmingham, Alabama campus is another good location offering cyber security programs. They also offer great student-to-faculty ratios (14:1) and fully online degree programs.

Programs Offered:

Computer Programming/Programmer: Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees

Network and System Administrator/Administration: Bachelor’s Degree

Tuition Cost: $14,000

Average Net Price: $17,906

College Retention Rate: 50% (Full-time Students)

Alabama Colleges Offering Certificates and Associate Degrees

A cyber security degree program at a community college will prepare you to work in a variety of cyber security positions. Generally, the purpose of an associate degree or certification is to teach you enough to enter the workforce or move up into a bachelor’s degree. You should look for a program that teaches you best practices, whether the courses are on campus or allow you to learn online.

Community colleges that provide cyber security programs should strive to teach incoming classes of students about becoming the most competent cyber security professionals, whether they plan to continue their education or go into the workforce. If you do plan to pursue your bachelor’s or master’s degrees, getting the most comprehensive education in your community college program is a necessity.

1. Bevill State Community College

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $5,086

Out-of-State: $9,214

Average Net Price: $7,671

College Retention Rate: 61% (Full-time Students) – 45% (Part-time Students)

3. Gadsden State Community College

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $3,840

Out-of-State: $7,056

Average Net Price: $4,518

College Retention Rate: 55% (Full-time Students) – 50% (Part-time Students)

5. Lawson State Community College

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $4,740

Out-of-State: $8,610

Average Net Price: $7,123

College Retention Rate: 51% (Full-time Students) – 36% (Part-time Students)

2. Chattahoochee Valley Community College

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $4,738

Out-of-State: $8,608

Average Net Price: $2,882

College Retention Rate: 54% (Full-time Students) – 23% (Part-time Students)

4. Jefferson State Community College

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $4,800

Out-of-State: $8,670

Average Net Price: $8,235

College Retention Rate: 57% (Full-time Students) – 42% (Part-time Students)

6. Northwest-Shoals Community College:

Tuition Cost:

In-State: $4,711

Out-of-State: $8,581

Average Net Price: $7,544

College Retention Rate: 58% (Full-time Students) – 44% (Part-time Students)

Conferences and Workshops

National Cyber Summit

This annual summit is called the “preeminent event for cyber training, workforce development and education.” Attendees focus on the protection of the national cyber infrastructure from cyber-threats. Created in 2008, this summit brings in thousands of professional cyber security professionals. Technical and management presentations, educational training sessions, and keynote speeches are common features of the event.

CyberHub Summit Birmingham

This woman-owned summit is a favored meeting place for cyber security professionals who want to obtain more knowledge that they can use in their daily work.

BSides Huntsville

This annual conference (in its 6th year) has now combined with the NAC-ISSA to provide technical professionals and cyber security personnel to exchange knowledge with each other.

The training that you receive in the cyber security degree program will include the skills that are required of security experts today. You will be trained to use computers to identify threats, protect networks, and carry out different types of attacks. These skills are important in order to work in the information technology field, and you will also learn about firewalls and other techniques for preventing hacking. You will also learn about securing data so that it cannot be accessed by anyone who is not authorized.

The cyber security professionals in the Alabama area will have plenty of options available to them. They will have plenty of jobs to choose from. The main problem is that there is not enough of this type of work to go around, and so people who want to work in this field are competing with each other in order to get jobs. This is why it will take some time for those who wish to work as a cyber security expert to rise up the ranks.

If you are not satisfied with the coursework that you have taken, you will be able to take the online courses and earn your degree at home. You will also have access to the knowledge that is required to work in a real job, and you can do it from your home.

If you wish to obtain a certificate that will allow you to work as a cyber security professional in Alabama, then there are many universities that are willing to provide these certificates. However, you should make sure that the university is accredited and that the coursework that you have taken is a certified one.

In order to complete a certification, you need to have good coursework and a high school diploma. The certificate that you obtain should be in areas such as computer security and firewalls. Some schools even offer courses that combine courses from different majors and then specialize in one area of technology. This is known as a cyber security major.

There are many reasons why someone might want to pursue a program online. The main reason is to save time and money. Many people in the information technology field work in a wide variety of fields and there is not much time to take classes at traditional colleges and universities. This means that they will find that there is more flexibility when it comes to getting an education.

Alabama Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

There are plenty of cyber security professionals working in the state of Alabama. Here are just a few positions and the employment numbers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Systems Analysts: 3,910
Information Security Analysts: 1,150
Computer Programmers: 7,750
Database Administrators: 1,880
Network and Computer System Administrators: 3,850

Given the proximity of secure military bases and government agencies employing cyber security practitioners in Alabama, students who want to enter this field can be confident that they will be able to find employment after graduation.

In Alabama, information security analysts can anticipate a strong upward change in employment numbers. In 2016, about 940 information security specialists were employed in this field; ten years later, by 2026, this number should jump up to 1,290, which is a positive change of 36.98%.

The high salaries that cyber security program graduates may receive are also a strong factor drawing graduates into this field.

Here are the average salaries for these professionals according to Payscale:

Computer Systems Analyst: $65,100
Information Security Analyst: $71,300
Computer Programmer: $62,100
Database Administrator: $77,500
Network and Computer System Administrators: $60,400

Resources

Multi-State information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)

This organization collaborates with every state, including the District of Columbia, US territories, and local governments. MS-ISAC gathers critical information regarding cyber-threats aimed at needed infrastructure from all states. Two-way sharing is facilitated and encouraged through this collaborative effort.

National Governors Association

This bipartisan organization gathers together all governors in the country. Member governors prioritizes cyber security and strong security practices in protecting the cyber infrastructure of all states. Governors gather annually for a cyber security briefing, which shares trends affecting all states, as well as implementing cyber security methods to protect each state.

National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD)

Information technology (IT) professionals from all 50 states are represented by NASTD. Each state’s member works to manage state government IT services and facilities for each state agency and related public entities. This includes colleges, universities, hospitals, and prisons. Through NASTD, state representatives improve how each state’s technology is implemented.

Office of Information Technology Cybersecurity

This state agency gets up-close with Alabama residents, teaching them how to avoid internet-related fraud and keep their families safe while they are online. Using easy-to-understand communications, the Office of Information Technology Cybersecurity teaches state residents simple facts about cyber security and avoiding internet scams.