Alaska

Education Degrees & Requirements

Associates Degree

To enter an associate degree program, a high school diploma or GED is required. SAT/ACT test results should be submitted with the application for admission if they are also required. Depending on the school, an essay of intent might be required, as well as references from professionals who are familiar with your personality, school, and work history. Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement, so transcripts from high school as well as any other colleges you might have attended are also required. These requirements are generally the same for on-campus and online degree programs.

Some core courses include:

• Intro to Computers

• Into to Cybersecurity

• Computer Science, I

• Computer Science, II

• Math

Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year degree in a cyber security field is a good step toward attaining certifications needed to advance in the cyber security profession. There are several programs that fit in the realm of cyber security, so choose an area that really interests you and find a school that offers that program.

Requirements for admission to most schools include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED

• Transcripts from all schools attended

• A completed college application

• Letters of reference (if required)

• An essay of intent (if required)

• SAT/ACT test score results

Core courses include:

• Intro to Computers

• Computer Science

• Discreet Math

• Intro to Cyber Operations

• Software Security

• Intro to Networking Systems

Master’s Degree

For those who want to move into upper management positions in the cyber security field, attaining a master’s degree in cyber security is something to be seriously considered. Master’s-level programs position workers to be experts in their chosen fields, which can lead to positions in upper-management and higher salaries.

The requirements to enter a master’s degree program include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or if in an unrelated field, several years’ work experience in the degree field

• Transcripts from all schools attended

• GMAT or GRE test results

• A letter of intent (if required)

• Letters of reference

• Resume and work history

• A completed application

Why is Accreditation Important?

Attending a regionally accredited school is the best option for any student. Schools that hold this type of accreditation have met stringent guidelines and employers look more favorably on those who obtain degrees from these schools. In some professions, graduating from an institution of higher education that is not regionally accredited can bar you from attaining licensing or meeting other requirements needed to work in that field. In the case of working in cyber security, attending a school that has programs that are also approved by the Centers of Academic Excellence is also something that should be considered. A CAE approved program has met the muster of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and will give you a leg up when it’s time to start applying to colleges seeking an advanced degree or entering the cyber security job market.

CAE Accredited Programs in Alaska

Although there are no CAE accredited programs in the state of Alaska. Several CAE accredited schools offer online programs. If you’re in Alaska and you want to study cyber security with a CAE school, look for those schools that offer online degrees.

A few of the schools include:

• Dakota State University: BS in Cyber Operations

• University of Arizona: Bachelor of Applied Science with an emphasis in Cyber Operations

• University of Nebraska Omaha: BS in Cybersecurity

The above programs are regionally accredited and hold CAE certification. If you want to pursue your degree while remaining in Alaska, consider programs like these first.

Alaska CS and IT Programs

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks

With a student population of 7,404, the University of Alaska in Fairbanks is a smaller school that still offers big opportunities. The school has certificate programs and offers two- and four-year degrees, as well as master's degrees and doctoral programs. With a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1, students and teachers can create intimate learning experiences.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences: Bachelor’s & Master’s

Computer Science: Bachelor’s & Master’s

Tuition Cost

In-State: $6,657

Out-of-State: $20,218

Average Net Price: $10,458

College Retention Rate: Full-time students, 73% - Part-time students, 61%

2. University of Alaska - Anchorage

The University of Alaska, Anchorage has a student population of 14,622. The school offers certifications, as well as associate, bachelor’s, masters and PhD programs. Most students at this location are undergraduates and the school had a low student to teacher ratio of 14:1.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences: Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Programming, Specific Applications: Associate Degree

System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager: Undergraduate Certificate

Tuition Cost

In-State: $8,580

Out-of-State: $24,762

Average Net Price: $13,288

College Retention Rate: Full-time students, 67% - Part-time students, 47%

3. Ilisagvik College

If you are seeking a small school with an intimate classroom environment, then Ilisagvik College is the place for you. The student population is less than 400 students. This allows for smaller class sizes and a student to faculty ratio of 8 to 1, which means plenty of opportunities for individual assistance.

Programs Offered:

Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management: Associate Degree & Undergraduate Certificate

Tuition Cost

In-State: $4,300

Out-of-State: $4,300

Average Net Price: $10,986

College Retention Rate: Ilisagvik College has a graduation rate of 13%, but 53% of all students transfer to different schools.

1. AV TEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology

A small school with a lot to offer its students, AV TEC is the ideal institution for students who want to study specialized fields. With an enrollment of 855, the school offers its students several certificate programs in a variety of technical fields, and a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

Programs Offered:

Information Science: 1 to 2 Year Certificate

Tuition Cost

In-State: $3,490

Out-of-State: $3,490

Average Net Price: $9,795

College Retention Rate: Full-time students, 94% - Part-time students 97%

Conferences and Workshops

1. INTERFACE Alaska

Link: https://infosec-conferences.com/events-in-2019/interface-alaska/

IT and cyber security conference and trades show. The conference presentations are (ISC)2 and CAE approved and happen in more than 25 cities in the United States.

2. Artic Con

Link: https://arctic-con.com/#/home

Annual IT and cyber security conference held in Anchorage. The goal is to provide education and updates on current and emerging IT and cyber security equipment, processes, and procedures. Industry experts from all over the world provide meetings and workshops for Alaskan IT professionals and others from around the globe.

3. JBER AFCEA Alaska Tech & Cybersecurity Day

Link: https://infosec-conferences.com/events-in-2019/jber-afcea-alaska-tech-cybersecurity-day/

The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) – Alaska Chapter holds an annual cyber security conference for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. All IT professionals and cyber security workers are encouraged to attend the one-day event.

In addition to cyber defense tasks using IT and also communications companies, there are a variety of positions in Alaskan federal government work environments and private sectors, such as oil, which makes up nearly 85% of the state's income. Alaska has one country's lowest levels of cyber protection jobs, many thanks in substantial part to the state's small population.

We have created a 2020 position of the best colleges in Alaska that provide Cyber Safety and security and also protection degrees to help you find a school that fits your demands. Each institution's position is based on the collection of our data from dependable federal government resources, trainee research studies, college grad meetings, along with editorial analysis.

Cyber Security analysts with masters' levels have a higher gaining perspective and the ability to conveniently alter right into elderly settings within cybersecurity teams. In several methods, Alaska critically needs much more specialists to learn detailed safety approaches. Alaska has really been a leader of the web ballot in the United States, as well as lots of state residents as well as authorities have actually been worried that internet voting increases the capability for outdoors sources to alter ballots and ruin the confidential nature of the people.

The database of the greatest health and health insurance coverage company in Alaska, Premera Blue Cross, was struck in 2014, allowing cyberpunks to gain access to participants' social security numbers, inspecting account details, as well as numerous other individual information. The strike influenced worrying 34,000 Alaskans. In the wake of the existing cyber-attacks, cybersecurity professionals have in fact been appointed to safeguard this details for the future as well as establish well-shaped disaster recovery methods.

This is a type of Cybersecurity Education that will give students the skills to conduct an investigation into data-security breaches. The certificate is generally awarded by the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Students must also pass an examination, usually on paper.

In addition to cyber defense tasks using IT and also communications companies, there are a variety of positions in Alaskan federal government work environments and private sectors, such as oil, which makes up nearly 85% of the state's income. Alaska has one country's lowest levels of cyber protection jobs, many thanks in substantial part to the state's small population.

We have created a 2020 position of the best colleges in Alaska that provide Cyber Safety and security and also protection degrees to help you find a school that fits your demands. Each institution's position is based on the collection of our data from dependable federal government resources, trainee research studies, college grad meetings, along with editorial analysis.

Many employers look to see how well an individual knows how to protect sensitive information and how well he or she understands computer safety. This is one of the most important credentials that employers will look for.

Certified Security Analysts: This is a certification that allows a person to work as a consultant in the field. This type of certification is given by NCCIC and certifications can be found by NCCIC or NIST.

Certified Internet Security Specialist: This type of certification is usually given by NCCIC and it is a specialized credential for someone who is interested in the field of Information Assurance. and Cybersecurity. This credential is not available through NCCIC but is given by NIST.

Certified Cybersecurity Engineer: This is another form of certification that is provided by NCCIC and it is a two year course that gives you a solid foundation in the field of Computer Security. It also includes an associate degree that teaches students how to use the tools and technology that would be required in order to work in the field.

Certified Information System Security Technician: This is another form of credential that is given by NCCIC. It is also a two-year program that is also given by NCCIC.

It is also possible to get a three-year Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Cybersecurity with a three-year Associate of Science in Information Security and Cybersecurity. This credential can be obtained at many colleges, schools and technical institutions.

Certified Security Technologist: This is another form of credential that is available and it is a two year program that is given by NCCIC. and is also a two-year program.

If you want to become a certified information security professional, this credential is an ideal choice. You can obtain this credential from any one of the many schools that offer information security classes.

Alaska Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 5,200 workers in the Computer and Mathematical Occupations in Alaska. The average salary of all the occupations combined is $80,280.

Resources

There aren’t many Alaskan-based resources for Alaskan IT and cyber security professionals. However, some schools have clubs and organizations for their computer science and engineering students. There are also several online organizations these professionals can join.

1. The Cyber Security Club

Link: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-engineering/student-opportunities-and-advising/student-clubs-and-organizations/csc.cshtml

This is a club for engineering and computer science majors at the University of Alaska Anchorage. They hold meetings, seminars and lectures for students who want to learn more about internet security.

2. ISC(2)

Link: https://www.isc2.org

The International Internet Systems Security Certification Consortium is an organization for those working in the network and cyber security fields. Attaining membership is a challenge, but it’s also a requirement for moving up in ranks for the cyber security field with certain certifications.

3. The SANS Institute

Link: https://www.sans.org/security-resources/

This website offers books, webcasts, a blog and other resources for IT and cyber security professionals.

4. The Information Systems Security Association

Link: https://www.issa.org/

ISSA offers networking for its worldwide membership of IT and cyber security professionals. There are local chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. The organization provides news and resources for those working in the cyber security industry.