Best Online Cyber Security Programs in Maryland (MD)

If your goal is in launching a cyber security career, then Maryland is the place to do it.

Maryland’s proximity to Washinton D.C. has turned it into a cyber security hub for those who not only want further their education, but also for those who work in the industry.

For that reason alone, you’ll find several top cyber security degree programs in Maryland, most of them offer an affordable high-quality education. You’ll also find that most cyber security degree programs offer valuable student resources such as simulation labs and career support services that can help sharpen your skills and catapult you into a high-paying career.

This guide will walk you through some of the best cyber security degrees that Maryland has to offer.

Franklin University

Although it’s based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University also has campuses in Baltimore. It offers top online cyber security degree programs in Maryland at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Franklin is among a few schools that have been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency.

• Tuition: Franklin University is one of the more affordable choices for earning your online cyber security degree. Undergraduate students only pay $398 per credit, while graduate students pay $670 per credit. Conveniently, tuition rates are locked in from day one through graduation.
• Admissions requirements: No Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required.

Types of Cyber Security Degrees You Can Earn in Maryland

Each degree — whether it’s an associate degree, doctorate, or graduate certificate — has a purpose depending on where you’re at in your career. For instance, an associate degree is meant for those who are just starting out in the field, while a graduate certificate is designed for working professionals looking to sharpen their skills in a particular area of study.

Keep in mind, however, that doctoral or PhD programs in cyber security are a rare find in Maryland.

Below is a breakdown of the various types of degrees and certificates you can pursue in a cyber security program in Maryland.

Paying for Your Cyber Security Degree in Maryland

Paying for your education isn’t always easy, but it’s not impossible.

Just remember you have several options when it comes to financial aid, from federal and state aid to scholarships. The first option is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may immediately qualify you for grants or federal student loans.

You can also apply to state-specific financial aid, such as the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). Undocumented students can also qualify for the MSFAA. However, you can only apply to FAFSA or MSFAA, but not both.

Many of the top online and on-ground cyber security degrees in Maryland will be offered by departments offering their own scholarships. For example, UMGC students can apply to the Cyber Scholarship Program and earn full scholarships, whether you’re an undergraduate, master’s student or doctoral student. Scholarship awards available through this program are funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Cyber Scholarship Program.

Students enrolled at the College of Southern Maryland can also apply to the National Science Foundation Cybersecurity Project, which can help pay for certain school-related costs. That includes a new computer, which can be used to complete cyber security coursework.

For more detailson ways you can pay for your schooling, visit STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide.

Salary & Growth for Cyber Security Grads in Maryland

Maryland has become a hotspot for cyber security professionals, thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Currently, there are roughly 1,700 cyber security jobs available in Maryland. Several federal agencies are in the area, and cyber attacks are a common fear.

In fact, in 2021, leaders convened in Annapolis to discuss ways the public and private sectors could form partnerships to boost cyber security following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack that led to gas shortages across the East Coast.

The state has, in the past, invested in training and upskilling of its own cyber security workforce through the Employment Advancement Right Now Maryland Program, which has supported nearly 2,100 individuals in finding employment within the industry.

Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics

Maryland Cyber Security Professional and Student Resources

• CyberMaryland
  This is a community of people who share the same passion — to strengthen the cyber security industry through unity, improved security awareness, and helping Marylanders lead safer digital lives.
• Cybersecurity & Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSUAC)
  This organization, based in Maryland, is a component of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information Analysis Center enterprise. Its purpose is to provide information, research, and analysis related to cyber security to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government entities. You can find articles, journals, and webinars on the organization’s website.
• Cyber Security Association of Maryland
  This statewide, nonprofit organization was created to drive the growth of the cyber security industry in Maryland. One of the organization’s many tasks is to connect cyber security companies with businesses and government entities seeking cyber security products and services.
• Ethical Hacking/Cybersecurity Group
  If you’re looking to join a group on social media that deals with cyber security-related topics, then check out the Ethical Hacking/Cybersecurity Group on Facebook. This group posts information that tools and methods for beginners and professionals and can help connect you to people who work in the cyber security sector.
• Security Industry Association
  Security Industry Association (SIA) works to protect and advance the interests of its members by advocating pro-industry policies and legislations at both the federal and state levels. It also works to advance the industry by promoting education and training.

Top Online Cyber Security Degree Programs in Maryland

Earning an online degree is also a viable option that could save you time and money, all while giving you the flexibility to balance your work and personal responsibilities with your studies.

Most online programs also offer excellent student resources and other services such as virtual simulation training.

To help you with your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best online cyber security degrees in Maryland. Take a look below: