Iowa

Associate’s Degree

An associate degree in cyber security generally takes two years to complete if the student attends school full-time. After successful completion, students qualify for entry-level jobs in the IT field. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED and applicants should have good grades in high school math and science. Core courses may include algebra, introduction to computers, security concepts, and Unix and Linux operating systems.

Bachelor’s Degree

Full-time students can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. If taking classes over the summer, some students may be able to complete their degree more quickly, in three years or less. Admissions requirements are similar to that for an associate degree. Core courses may include cyber defense, digital forensics, information technology, computer networking, ethics, or law and policy.

Master’s Degree

Those seeking a master’s degree in cyber security are generally already employed in the field. For them, online coursework is usually the best option. A master’s degree may take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering with at least a 3.0 GPA, along with good programming skills. However, candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a similar field with strong work experience in related fields may qualify at certain universities. Some schools require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Core courses will depend on the specific track the student is following, such as information security or public policy.

Certifications in Iowa

Certification in either the undergraduate or graduate cyber security sphere usually take about one year to complete. Aimed at professionals already working in cyber security, top certifications include Ethical Cyber Hacker, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified Cloud Security Professional, to name just some of your options. There are also entry-level certifications designed for the novice. Prerequisites will depend on the type of certification you’re aiming for. For advanced certification, applicants may need at least five years’ experience in various cyber security positions and perhaps previous certifications.

Why is Accreditation Important?

When considering a college or university, its accreditation status is critical. Accreditation means that the school meets minimum quality standards. Financial aid is only dispersed to accredited schools. If you want to transfer to another school or earn an advanced degree, accredited schools will not accept the credits of unaccredited colleges. Employers are unlikely to hire applicants with degrees with unaccredited institutions. In Iowa, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is responsible for accreditation.

When it comes to cyber security, top schools are designated National Centers in Academic Excellence (CAE) by the federal government. Institutions of higher education with CAE applications must meet stringent academic and program requirements. These requirements ensure cyber operation depth at both graduate and undergraduate levels.

CAE Accredited Programs in Iowa

Iowa State University

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

CAE-R / 2014-2021

Computer Science & IT Programs in Iowa

Iowa State University

Located in Ames, approximately 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend ISU. For undergraduates, 91% of applicants are accepted. In 2018, ISU conferred 94 bachelor’s degrees in computer science, along with 121 master’s degrees in computer science, information technology, or computer and information systems security/information assurance. Nine doctorates in computer science were awarded.

Programs Offered:

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

Computer Science - Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees

Information Technology - Master’s Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $8,988

Out-of-State: $23,392

Average Net Price: $14,643

College Retention Rate: 87% (Full-time Students); 67% (Part-time Students)

Buena Vista University

Approximately 1,800 students are enrolled in this private university, located in Storm Lake. Roughly 200 are taking graduate courses. However, BVU does not offer graduate programs in computer science. The student/faculty ratio is 8:1. Seven bachelor’s degrees in computer-related fields were awarded in 2018. As of the fall of 2018, 57% of total applicants were admitted.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Science - Bachelor’s Degree

Information Technology - Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Systems Analyst/Analysis - Bachelor’s Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $34,004

Average Net Price: $20,580

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

Grand View University

Located in Des Moines, Grand View University has a student population of less than 2,000, with all but roughly 100 of them undergraduates. There is a student/faculty ratio of 12:1. In 2018, GVU awarded 17 bachelor’s degrees in computer-related fields. As of fall, 2018, 92% of applicants were accepted to the school.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree

Information Technology - Bachelor’s Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $27,608

Average Net Price: $17,946

College Retention Rate: 71% (Full-time Students)

Saint Ambrose University

This private school located in Davenport boasts a student population of about 3,000, of whom 2,300 are undergraduates. It has a strong computer science program, offering various undergraduate majors and a master’s program. In 2018, SAU awarded 24 bachelor’s degrees in the computer science field and four master’s degrees. The student/faculty ratio is 11:1.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Science - Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst - Bachelor’s Degree

Information Technology - Bachelor’s Degree

System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager – Bachelor’s Degree

Network and System Administration/Administrator – Master’s Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $30,894

Average Net Price: $25,562

College Retention Rate: 80% (Full-time Students); 25% (Part-time Students)

Scholarships

Girls Go Cyberstart

Amount: $500

Deadline: February 18, 2019

Link: https://icn.iowa.gov/cybersecurity-competition-students

Girls Go Cyberstart is a competition awarding scholarships to high school girls playing cyber security tech games by themselves or on teams. Students may win individual prizes, including trips, as they advance through the game levels, and scholarships are awarded to those cyber team members placing in the top percentages in the 15 participating states. In 2018, 10 young Iowa women won Girls Go Cyberstart scholarships.

BHW Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: April 15

Link: https://thebhwgroup.com/scholarship

To help encourage more women in STEM fields, including cyber security, the BHW Group is offering an annual scholarship for women who are working towards careers in engineering, computing, or some other science/technical fields. If you are a high school senior or higher, you are encouraged to apply. Each application must include a formal or informal essay that relates to an application.

Conferences and Workshops:

CornCon

Held each September, CornCon is a cyber security conference held on the Illinois/Iowa border. The two-day event includes a Friday enterprise con and a hacker con on Saturday, “featuring world-class technical and keynotes speakers.” The conference includes a kids’ hacker comp, vendor expo, and hacker villages.

Des Moines Cybersecurity Conference

This conference is organized by Data Collectors LLC. Up to 50 exhibitors and 500 delegates attend this annual event focused on cyber security concerns.

Secure Iowa

Held each October, the Secure Iowa Conference is sponsored by the Des Moines chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). The day-long conference features continuing education in IT management, risk assessment, compliance, and privacy. There is a technical and management track, so the conference appeals to all Iowa IT professionals.

Virtually chatting, there's not a lot of difference in the levels, besides the improvement of a capstone in the ME program. The Grad Certification in Details Assurance is an online-only program including 4 training programs that relocate to the ME or MS thoroughly Assurance. Considering that it's recommended for pupils evaluating our correspondence course and/or details assurance coursework, the admissions needs synchronize as the ones for a master's level.

One last recurring day for your monthly calendar: the third Thursday of the month. That's when an additional group of safety and security and also security pros, lots of who furthermore most likely to Iowa InfoSec events, related to The Forge in Des Moines. Unlike Iowa InfoSec, SecDSM integrates its drinks as well as likewise applications with brief presentations. From Des Moines to the Quad Cities, there are celebrations you should be going to if you wish to expand your network along with expanding your technological experience.

For an enjoyable diversion, SecDSM runs a simultaneous Capture the Flag rivalry. Tickets for the daylong event, which is typically held in Des Moines, are free. CornCon: Quad Cities gets involved in the fun with its very own daylong meeting for cyberpunks, which contains kids events along with two tracks loaded with intriguing presentations plus Catch the Flag.

Principal Financial Team is based there as well as additionally, together with Wells Fargo and also Nationwide Insurance policy, is just one of the city's leading 5 companies. All 3 market for details safety and security and also safety and security specialists. So does Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the best clinical insurance company in the state. If you're in an organization that takes care of safety as its bread and also butter instead of as a support function, you have a number of alternatives.

On a smaller sized scale, Rate 3 Development in Des Moines hires entry-level staff members to supply little companies with standard network security options. Or start your very own factor: The start-up scene in Iowa and likewise around the Midwest is so vivid that many describe the area as Silicon Prairie. Iowans with STEM backgrounds not only have employment opportunities however furthermore obtain fantastic earnings.

And the threat is real. For instance, in 2010, cyberpunks accessed the computer system of the Iowa Contending along with Video game Payment, threatening the personal details of greater than 80,000 Iowans. And in 2014, cyberpunks threatened the web servers of Iowa State College in an initiative to generate the computer system power required to extract bitcoins.

On-line master's level programs utilize an adaptable, distance-based educational program highlighted by interactive, on the net programs and other resources that provide an in-depth, effectively developed education and learning as well as knowing in cybersecurity. Whether campus-based or internet, master's degrees in cybersecurity include concerning 30 credit score records in addition to taking in between 15 in addition to 18 months to finish. Bachelor's- prepared students might likewise finish a bachelor's accreditation program in cybersecurity, that consists of concerning 15 debts of coursework.

Prospects need to in addition give the university or college with a selection of products for admission aspect to take into consideration, such as: Competitive GRE scoresAnalytical score of 650 or higherQuantitative score of 155 or higherVerbal rating of 150 or higherResume, describing appropriate professional experienceLetters of recommendationCore coursework normally concentrates on topics such as: Protect systems engineering.

Computer and likewise network forensicsInformation securitySystems layout as well as likewise developmentComputer securityAlgorithm layout as well as developmentProgram electives permit students to concentrate their program on a particular location of cybersecurity, such as: Network safety and security informationCyber investigationsDigital forensicsCryptographyGlobal details technologyGet hands-on training in defensive as well as offensive cybersecurity, networking, systems, net modern innovations, as well as likewise data sources, as well as gain from our CompTIA Partnership.

How do you find the best Cyber Security programs in Iowa for you and your family? There are many programs in Iowa that are out there, but finding the one that is going to be the best for you can be a little difficult. But with some research, and knowing what to look for, you should find the right program for you.

The first thing that you need to do is decide what kind of cyber security program you want for you and your family. There are various programs, so it is important that you decide what your goals are before you begin the search. You will also need to decide whether you want to choose from the private or public sectors. Private sector programs tend to cost a little more, while public sector programs are generally more affordable.

Next, you will need to know what Cyber Security is. When you search for a program, this can help you narrow down the number of options that are available to you. You may be wondering how to define "Cyber Security." Well, the definition can be quite broad. However, most people consider that a program is one that has been certified by the Federal Security Agency or another similar government agency to be one that is considered to be in line with industry standards.

When you are looking for Cyber Security Programs in Iowa, you need to also look at what kind of security you are looking for. If you need training or certification to become a system administrator, you may want to look into private sector training. On the other hand, if you need training to protect your family and your assets from theft, you may want to go for a government agency that is more recognized as being one of the top in the industry.

It can be hard to know which programs are the best, as there are so many available. With so many available, you may feel as though you are the only one trying to get a good deal out of a security program. But with some research, and knowing what you are looking for, you should be able to find a program that meets your needs.

If you are looking for a specific type of Cyber Security, then it may be a little trickier. However, there are several resources available to help you find the one that is going to work best for you. If you are unsure about where you should start your search, you can search the web for specific cyber security programs in Iowahawk and find a few of them that you think you would be a good fit for.

When you are looking for Cyber Security, it is important that you take the time to learn as much as possible about the system that you are looking at. This is important when searching for a program, because the more you know, the better you can choose which ones you will work best for you. If you are interested in the training required for your specific type of training, you can use the web to find a website that will give you everything you need to know. Then you can compare the information and see which ones stand out and which ones are not worth looking at.

Also, you should make sure that you know exactly what you want in a program before you start your search. Don't be afraid to ask questions so that you know you are not wasting your time. The more informed you are about a company's program, the more confident you will feel about choosing it. You will be glad that you did.

Iowa Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

Nearly 21,000 Iowans are employed in the cyber security and computer field, and the numbers for most jobs are expected to grow at a steady rate through 2026. That’s a rate of 13.51 per 1,000 employees. The annual mean wage in these high-paying jobs is $72,640, as of May, 2018.

Computer Programmers

While 3,340 Iowa residents are currently employed as computer programmers, the number of jobs available is expected to decrease over the next decade to 3,240, representing a decline of 0.3% annually.

Computer Systems Analysts

By 2026, Iowa expects 7,005 such positions statewide, or 505 project annual job openings. That is 1.5% annual growth, far above the 0.8% overall statewide rate for all occupations.

Computer Network Architects

Currently, there are approximately 1,015 computer network architects employed in Iowa, and that number is expected to grow to 1,135 over the next decade. That is an annual growth rate of 1.2% annually, higher than the overall state growth rate for all occupations.

Computer Network Support Specialists

This entry-level position in the IT field stands at 1,905 Iowa employees as of 2016 and is expected to grow to 2,145 by 2026. The annual growth rate is 1.3%, again, higher than average.

Information Security Analysts

This job should experience rapid annual growth over the next decade, at an estimated 3.4% annually. Approximately 1,470 people hold this position now, and the number should increase to 1,975 by 2026.

Database Administrators

By 2026, 1,000 people are expected to be employed as database administrators, up from the current 845. This means that the job is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.8%.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

In 2016, 3,485 Iowans are employed in this capacity. By 2026, the number is expected to increase to 3,770, meeting the statewide average of 0.8% growth for overall state occupations.

Resources

Iowa Infosec

Meet fellow cyber security enthusiasts informally throughout the year to discuss the latest issues. While the third Wednesday of each month is reserved for a Happy Hour in a Des Moines pub, where the cyber tech community can socialize while talking security, there are other regular meetings held as well, with presentations given by members and guests.

Safeguard Iowa Partnership

The voluntary coalition of Iowa business and government leaders share the commitment to strengthen state capacity to “prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters” through public-private collaboration. That includes cyber security. The public-private partnerships enable development of plans for resource and information pooling.

ISSA Iowa Chapter

Join the local chapter of this international organization to expand your network, develop professional relationships, learn and grow, and boost your career. Annual memberships are available at various levels.