Maryland

Why an Advanced Degree in Maryland is Needed

Maryland offers challenges for cyber security professionals and opportunities for advancement and innovation. Cyber security professionals and those in closely related fields can work within state-of-the-art programs in research and applied solutions. Maryland has growing demands for qualified professionals and goals that require research, new ideas, and technical innovation. Advanced degrees and certifications can enable and support career paths including senior policy jobs, management positions, and entrepreneurship.

The field of Cyber security has many levels. Students can enter the field with a high school education and by completing a one-year certificate program, but higher-pay occupations in the field of cyber security are highly competitive. These jobs demand advanced training and education; many require master-level knowledge.

You should also be aware that accreditation is important to the usefulness of a degree or certification. Regionally accredited schools have wide acceptance among employers and other educational organizations. ABET accreditation is impressive in the computer engineering fields and NSA sponsorship is a pathway to career success in public service. NSA and DHS accreditation come in the form of an institution gaining the title of National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE).

Maryland Cyber Security Education Degrees & Requirements

Associate’s Degree

An associate degree is the most basic level of college education, requiring about 60 credit hours and two years to complete. Maryland cyber security programs intend to equip students for entry-level career positions in information security activities. Associate degrees can also lay a foundation for bachelor’s degrees or future professional certifications and support specialization or concentration in one or more areas of cyber security. Persons already engaged in the field could use an associate degree to shift their professional focus. Typical coursework for associate degrees include college algebra, statistics, network fundamentals, introduction to computers, program design and development, and security fundamentals.

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s are four-year degrees which are the most common entry-level degree in many technical fields including cyber security. The first two years of general studies will focus on general studies, while the last two years will have an emphasis on mathematics and computer science instruction. Requirements for a four-year degree may only be a high school diploma or equivalent, but colleges may also require a certain GPA or a certain score on the ACT/SAT. Students with community college credits or an associate degree can count that as up to two years of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree as long as their credits transfer.

The bachelor’s degree can be in computer science, information security, or mathematics. Computing engineering is another prominent pathway to a career in cyber security. Bachelor’s degrees are available in Maryland on-campus, online, or in a mix of the two. Typical coursework includes introduction to computer science, operating systems, programming, and statistics. Advanced areas include networks, telecommunications, database applications, and programming languages.

Master’s Degree

Entry into a master’s degree program in cyber security will likely require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. They are typically one to two years in duration, requiring about 30 hours of coursework and frequently some type of internship or capstone project. Master’s degrees in cyber security can establish specialization and expertise. The master’s degree is the level of education consistent with policy and senior management roles.

At advanced degree levels, some areas of cyber security require education in related fields. For example, information assurance positions require familiarity with applicable law and regulations. Typical master’s degree coursework, whether online or on-campus includes Security Governance and Compliance, Information Security Management, Algorithm Analysis and Cyber Ethics, Privacy and Legal Issues.

Certifications in Maryland

Many certification programs are not school-based programs; they are administered by groups and associations representing a specialized area of the field of cyber security. Entry-level certifications can aid entry into cyber security, while intermediate and expert certifications can enhance a person’s capabilities in the existing field. Certificate programs are also available as undergrad or advanced educational programs. Undergraduate certificates are typically one year or less.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is an assurance to students that they will receive a high-quality education. Employers also rely upon accreditation when considering and selecting applicants. Students that seek to transfer or continue their education can be limited when they receive their education from non-accredited schools. Federal student loans and other federal aid requires attendance at schools approved by a Department of Education-approved accrediting agency.

The demand for cyber security professionals is also a demand for high-quality applicants; the positions are critical and challenging. The NSA and DHS maintain a listing of school partners hat help ensure a supply of qualified cyber security graduates. Choosing a school listed on the NSA Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) list is a guarantee of quality, though regular regional accreditation is enough for any other employer. The list has CAE-CD (Cyber Defense) and CAE-CO (Cyber Operations) focused schools, along with other certifications of cyber security specialties. Online education can prepare students with excellent education as well, but it’s important to apply the same standards of excellence when considering online education.

CAE Accredited Programs in Maryland

Anne Arundel Community College

CAE-2Y / 2014-2020

Bowie State University

CAE-CD / 2014-2020

Capitol Technology University

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

Cecil College

CAE-2Y / 2019-2024

College of Southern Maryland

CAE-2Y / 2014-2020

Hagerstown Community College

CAE-2Y / 2014-2020

Harford Community College

CAE-2Y / 2014-2020

Howard Community College

CAE-2Y / 2014-2020

Morgan State University

CAE-CD / 2016-2021

Prince George’s Community College

CAE-2Y / 2014-2021

The Community College of Baltimore County

CAE-2Y / 2014-2021

The Johns Hopkins University

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

CAE-R / 2014-2021

Towson University

CAE-CO / 2014-2024

United States Naval Academy

CAE-CD / 2014-2020

University of Maryland

CAE-R / 2019-2024

University of Maryland University College

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

CAE-R / 2014-2021

Maryland Colleges Offering Certificates and Associate Degrees

Maryland has a strong information science and computer science education resource of community colleges. These local institutions offer one- and two-year certificate programs as well as two-year associate degrees. Some of these schools provide in-district pricing for tuition that can reduce the overall costs of education for students living at home. The community colleges in Maryland provide accredited education in cyber security and related fields. Some schools also have NSA and CAE status.

For many students, community college is a stepping stone on a path to a bachelor’s degree. For other students, the associate degree or certificate is all they need to open the door to entry-level positions in information security.

Montgomery College

Tuition Cost

In-District: $5,178

In-State: $9,966

Out-of-State: $13,602

Average Net Price: $8,748

Retention Rate: 75% (Full-time Students); 52% (Part-time Students)

Frederick Community College

Tuition Cost

In-District $3,578

In-State: $7,034

Out-of-State: $9,314

Average Net Price: $6,866

College Retention Rate: 75% (Full-time Students); 47% (Part-time Students)

College of Southern Maryland

Tuition Cost

In-State: $3,825

Out-of-State: $6,660

Average Net Price: $8,580

College Retention Rate: 65% (Full-time Students); 51% (Part-time Students)

Conferences and Workshops:

Conferences and workshops can help students and professionals engage with colleagues and discover important things about the cyber security profession. The below-listed items include annual events that cyber security students and professionals can note on their calendars.

CyberMaryland - There have so far been five annual CyberMaryland Conferences. Organized by the Federal Business Council, Inc., this event puts federal, state, and local government cyber security communities in contact with contractors and other private sectors groups. With users and decision makers on site, exhibitors can display products and innovation.

AFCEA Defensive Cyber Operations Symposium is a three-day, annual event hosted by the Defense Information Systems Agency and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The purpose of the symposium is to provide a platform for discussion of methods for defending the US against cyber-attacks.

High Confidence Software and Systems Conference celebrates its 20th year in 2020. The Annapolis-based, mid-April conference focuses on innovations, scientific theories, and technological foundations that can support future generations of engineered designs. This source of change is essential for effective operations of a wide range of critical systems.

The International Conference on Research in Security Standardization is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland and is hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This two-day program features standardization issues, group talks, and expert panels. The target audience includes researchers and practitioners eager to see current trends and directions in security standards.

Regretfully, the raised cost of living in Maryland- some 25% greater than the national average- makes this high mean wage less outstanding. Maryland is fourth in the country for emphasis of cyber safety and also safety and security specialists, maybe in part due to the state's great deal of premium cyber protection level programs. Yet the marketplace does not appear to be filled up; Burning Glass rates Maryland 7th in the nation for the highest possible variety of cyber security as well as security job messages.

We have actually taken a look whatsoever at cyber protection degree companies in the state (as well as likewise you can additionally in our directory listed below) as well as likewise drawn out the leading programs based upon our extensive ranking approach. Variables in the placement of an establishment include whether they are an NSA Facility of Academic Quality, the range of cyber security-related levels provided, and also a huge range of metrics taking a look at scholastic high quality, expense, roi, and student satisfaction.

This resulted in a fortifying of its computer clinical research study programs. BSU makes use of an MS in Keeping Track Of Information Devices with a concentration in Details Guarantee (MSIA). This program prepares pupils to function as security professionals, developers, auditors, managers and a lot more within details assurance/cybersecurity. The workforce advancement in this program is a huge part of its acknowledgment as a National Facility of Academic Quality in IA Education And Learning As Well As Discovering (CAE/IAE) by the National Safety And Security Company (NSA) as well as also the Department of Homeland Protection (DHS).

The Master's can be taken online, and also some training courses in the different other programs can be taken online as well. Even when mosting likely to a Capitol program at university, these programs normally have a reduced residency requirement, consisting of their versatility. Grads of these programs generally function as information systems security law enforcement officers, information safety and security experts, managers and also specialists, threat supervisors and also auditors, primary technical police officers, key details police officers in addition to a lot of extra.

Average Net Expense Basic: 16th-$ 20,571 M.S. in Cyber and Information And Facts Safety and security, other programs have some coursework online. Below we have actually consisted of several of one of the most relevant details for choosing a cyber security degree program. Price considered the average in-state tuition rate (where suitable) as well as additionally divided the collection of tuition rates right into 5 containers.

This caused a fortification of its computer system clinical research programs. BSU utilizes an MS in Keeping An Eye On Details Devices with a concentration in Information Warranty (MSIA). This program prepares students to work as security specialists, programmers, auditors, managers and even more within information assurance/cybersecurity. The labor force growth in this program is a big part of its recommendation as a National Center of Academic Quality in IA Education And Understanding (CAE/IAE) by the National Security Firm (NSA) and also the Department of Homeland Safety (DHS).

The Master's can be taken online, and also some courses in the various other programs can be taken on the internet too. Even when going to a Capitol program at university, these programs generally have a low residency requirement, consisting of their flexibility. Grads of these programs commonly work as details systems defense law enforcement officers, details safety and security experts, supervisors and also professionals, danger managers and additionally auditors, chief technological policemans, key information officers along with a lot extra.

Maryland is home to the National Safety Firm (NSA) in Fort Meade, the Naval Air Solutions Command in Patuxent River, the United States Cyber Command in addition to Security Info Solution Firm in Ft Meade, in addition to 13 additional armed forces installations. Personal service in Maryland that contracts with federal government agencies to provide cybersecurity solutions and also solutions consist of Lockheed Martin in Bethesda as well as Light Variable Protection in Baltimore.

There are several Cybersecurity Degrees and Careers Maryland offer to help people gain more knowledge in cyber security. Some of these cyber security degrees may be general in nature and may offer different areas of study such as cyber forensics, malware analysis, internet threat assessment, etc.

A few of the Cyber Security Certificate Programs in Maryland may teach one how to protect one's data in the event of a cyber attack. Some of the programs may teach the student how to use the computer system to monitor traffic, control access, monitor the internet activity of others and how to protect the personal information of one's self. Other cyber security courses in Maryland may teach students how to prevent an unauthorized person from gaining access to one's system.

When enrolling in a cyber security course, one may get information on the kind of certification or license one is eligible for. Some states may require the completion of a certification exam and others may not. Some states have a requirement that students enroll into a continuing education program after earning a certification, while others do not. For instance, some states require continuing education programs to be completed every year while others do not.

Some schools also offer certifications for individuals who may want to pursue jobs related to cyber security. The certifications may be related to a particular field of study and may be offered by several certifications. It may also be required to have a certain level of experience with a certain kind of technology. Students interested in acquiring certifications or a combination of certifications may consider attending a school that offers certification programs.

Some schools and institutions offer a variety of online or hybrid degree programs that may help someone interested in studying cyber security get the knowledge they need. This can be very beneficial for individuals working in the field since they may not have the time to attend classes and study in traditional settings. This type of online education offers the convenience of learning at one's own pace.

In order to find the best school for Cybersecurity Degrees and Careers Maryland, students should first find out what the school offers to students. Different schools offer different courses and levels of certification. Each course is taught by a teacher and many of the courses include a set amount of credits each semester that students are expected to earn during their studies.

Maryland is home to some of the most notable Cyber Security Companies in the world. These companies include Black Hat, DEFECT, and McAfee, all of which are renowned for their security products and services. Other companies include NCR, Symantec, EMC, McAfee, Kaspersky Lab, Fortinet, and F-Secure.

Students should find a reputable school in Maryland that is accredited and has a good reputation with these companies. They should also take the time to learn about the faculty members in their chosen college prior to enrolling into a program. Once the student enrolls, it should be able to prepare him or her to compete in the competitive world of cyber security.

Certification is also an important aspect of this career path. Students should look at the types of certifications offered by their schools in addition to getting certified. Some schools offer certifications that will work with the company for employment after graduation. Others offer certifications that will work with a specific industry or department of the military after graduation.

Maryland schools also offer online programs to teach students how to secure networks and computer systems using the use. The programs may be very similar to a normal college level program but the coursework may be more extensive than a regular course. It is best to look at all of the options that are available to the student before choosing a school to provide them with a cyber security degree or careers Maryland.

Students should make sure to check into what career choices are available in the field of cyber security in Maryland before signing up for a program or certification. Some schools offer certifications that are used in certain fields while others offer training to train students for careers in a wide variety of fields. They should make sure that the program offered them fits their needs and that they can complete the coursework successfully.

Certification programs also offer job placement services after graduates have completed their program. They can often work with local businesses to help them get a job right away and gain the necessary training needed to find a job in the field. Certificates may be required for some jobs including information security positions. A certificate may not be needed for many jobs but it may be required for higher level positions in many industries.

Maryland Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

The state of Maryland has about 130,000 workers in occupations classified by the US Department of Labor as Computer and Mathematical Occupations. This figure represents the fourth highest number of information security analysts per 1,000 jobs in the United States. Maryland ranks high in jobs, jobs advertised, and placements. Maryland residents also have convenient access to the trove of security jobs in the Capitol region including Northern Virginia and the Pentagon.

The median salary for these occupations is about $105,000 per year. The tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia represent three of the top four states with the highest concentrations of computer occupations. The salary for these Maryland jobs is in the higher range of national rankings at $89,000 to $109,000.

Information Security Analysts represent about 5,000 jobs in Maryland with an outstanding growth rate of 1.7%. The typical salary is approximately $108,000.

Computer Systems Analysts comprise nearly 18,500 Maryland jobs. The median salary is about $98,000.

Computer Programmers account for about 4,800 positions in Maryland, and these critical jobs average about $93,000 per year.

Database Administrators hold about 3,800 Maryland positions. Their average annual income is in the range of $85,240.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators are among the most common occupations in this category with about 16,500 Maryland jobs. Their average salary is approximately $108,500.

Resources

Maryland offers plenty of cyber security communities and resources for students and professionals alike. These groups provide forums for learning and networking within cyber security.

DataTribe Cyber Security Meetup -

Data Tribe is a Fulton, Maryland-based technology incubator organization. Their regular programs foster new entrants and startups. DataTribe offers a monthly meet-up with guest speakers that connect the audience to new ideas, innovations, and trends.

MC Cyber Meetup

Montgomery College Meet Up - The Montgomery College IT Department runs a monthly meeting. It is an educational forum with networking opportunities added in. The monthly meetings are valuable student opportunities to learn, try new things, and network.

MD Cyber Meetup is a monthly event featuring cyber security professionals in the greater Baltimore area. This is a social and networking event. There is a partner organization called MD Cyber Community Meetup; they also run monthly social events to promote discussion and networking opportunities.

Mid Atlantic Cyber security Experts Meetup hosts periodic meetings in Aberdeen, Maryland. Located between Baltimore and D.C, this location can appeal to students from the tri-state region. The meetings have a monthly schedule and students can attend and participate.