Maryland’s proximity to Washington D.C. has turned it into a cyber security hub for people who not only want to further their education but also want to work in the industry. For that reason alone, you’ll find several top cyber security degree programs in Maryland, and most of them offer an affordable high-quality cyber security degree. 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 Maryland has to offer.Best Online Cyber Security Programs in Maryland (MD)
Maryland’s Online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity
Earning an associate degree in cyber security qualifies you for an entry-level position in the field. It can help get your foot in the door and eventually lead to a higher paying job. And, if you’re planning on pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you can transfer the credits you’ve earned to a four-year university.
College of Southern Maryland
The Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security at the College of Southern Maryland prepares students for a start in this field. After gaining a foundational knowledge of information technology hardware and software in the first semester, students explore cyber security concepts during the second semester. In their second year, students can choose from electives in digital forensics, network security, or information assurance. Classes ready students to take exams for industry-recognized certifications in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Depending on elective courses, students may also be prepared for EC Council CHFI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and CISCO CCNA certifications.
Location: La Plata, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick
Mode: Online or on-campus
Cost: $140-$335/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school transcript
- SAT/ACT scores
- Placement test (if graduated more than two years ago)
Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees in MD
Earning a bachelor’s degree in cyber security typically takes four years and is a highly sought-after qualification that can lead to greater compensation. The program will equip you with the skills you need to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, opening the door for more professional opportunities.
The Universities at Shady Grove
The Universities at Shady Grove has teamed up with the University of Maryland Global Campus to offer a flexible hybrid or online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. Students begin the program by learning about the foundations of information technology. In higher-level courses, they move on to the network security aspects of IT, including Microsoft and Cisco technologies and digital forensics. There’s plenty of hands-on experience involved in this bachelor’s degree. Students are required to write a proposal to design, administer, and maintain a network, as well as learn to install and configure advanced Windows server services, and implement advanced server infrastructure.
Location: Bowie, Salisbury, Towson, Baltimore, College Park, Princess Anne
Mode: Hybrid or online
Cost: $742-$1274/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts from high school and each college/university attended
- Completed application
Online Cybsecurity Masters in Maryland
A master’s degree in cyber security is meant for professionals who are pursuing a leadership role. It can sharpen your technical skills and lead to a better understanding of the laws and ethics within the fields of computer science and IT. Specialities include network security administration, cyber security analysis, or risk assessment.
University of Maryland Global Campus
A flexible master’s degree in cyber security that students can take completely online is offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus. In this 30-credit program, students take 15 credits of core coursework and four three-credit elective courses. The final three credits are earned in a capstone course, which serves as a comprehensive evaluation. The program aims to balance the technological side of cyber security with leading people and shaping policy in the field. Students work as part of a multidisciplinary team to build, configure, monitor, maintain, and secure cyber security technology environments and operations.
Location: College Park
Mode: Online
Cost: $694/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
Cybersecurity Graduate Degrees & Certificates in Maryland Online
Doctorate degrees provide you with credentials that prepare you for advanced leadership roles in cyber security, while PhD programs are typically more academic- and research-focused. Graduate certificates provide students with additional knowledge or skills to help further their career after completing a set of courses within a specific topic area.
Johns Hopkins University
The cyber security post-master’s certificate offered at Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who have already earned a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline. In this program, students take courses to learn more about the latest techniques in cyber security. Topics include security engineering, applied machine learning, reverse engineering, and vulnerability analysis. To earn the certificate, students must complete any five courses offered in the program within five years —however, four of the five courses must be cyber security courses, and only grades of B- or better will be counted toward the certificate. No GRE is required to apply.
Location: Baltimore
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,270
Admissions Requirements:
- Master’s degree
- GPA of 3.0+
- Transcripts
Maryland Cyber Security Student FAQs
Which degree is best for cyber security?
A bachelor’s degree will give you a strong foundation, prepare you for certifications, and give you plenty of marketable skills. A program with strong computer science elements, such as the Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cyber Security from SANS Technology Institute, will provide you with a strong background in programming, networking, and security principles that will make you a stand-out candidate for competitive jobs.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree or want to take on leadership roles, then a master’s degree might be the better fit. If you want to become an industry leader, teach college-level courses, or conduct original research, then explore doctorate programs.
Is there financial aid available for cyber security degrees in Maryland?
You have several options when it comes to financial aid, from federal and state aid to scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 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), but you can’t apply to both at the same time.
Many of the top cyber security degree departments in Maryland offer their own scholarships. For example, any University of Maryland Global Campus student can apply to the Cyber Scholarship Program and earn full scholarships.
Is it difficult to get a cyber security degree?
It depends. If you enjoy technology, are up for the challenge of tackling problems, and are open to learning new things, then you’ll probably find getting a cyber security degree very rewarding. Plus, a cyber security program will involve less complex math compared to something like a computer science degree. However, you should be ready to put forth the time and effort it will take to learn cyber security concepts and stay up-to-date with the latest technology, trends, and current security threats.
What kind of accreditation should I look for in a cyber security program in Maryland?
First, you should confirm that a school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is the main accrediting body for Maryland colleges and universities. You should also check for programmatic accreditation by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security (CAE). Graduating from a CAE-accredited program shows employers you’ve had an education that meets the standard for updated, industry-aligned education in cyber security.
Is a two-year cyber security degree worth it?
A two-year degree can be a great launching pad for a career in cyber security. While many jobs prefer a bachelor’s degree, it’s possible to get an entry-level job with a two-year degree, giving you the chance to earn a salary sooner and start gaining experience. It can also serve as a stepping stone that makes it easier to transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Cyber Security Career Prospects in Maryland
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $105,150 | $224,790 | $169,830 |
| Maryland | Information Security Analysts | $78,600 | $204,530 | $134,130 |
| Maryland | Computer Network Architects | $92,850 | $208,810 | $144,280 |
| Maryland | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $64,930 | $169,240 | $107,690 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Computer and Information Systems Managers | 15,070 | 17,930 | 2,860 | 19.00% |
| Maryland | Computer Network Architects | 7,680 | 8,420 | 740 | 9.60% |
| Maryland | Information Security Analysts | 9,290 | 12,900 | 3,610 | 38.90% |
| Maryland | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 9,130 | 9,950 | 820 | 9.00% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Cyber Security Students & Professionals in Maryland
While an online degree in cyber security in Maryland is an excellent resource in and of itself, knowing about and taking advantage of the various resources for cyber security students and professionals in Maryland can take you to the next level. We’ve include our 10 top picks below.
- Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association: Central Maryland Chapter: The third-largest AFCEA chapter, the Maryland group offers networking, education, and professional development opportunities for people engaged in cyber security, communications, and information technology within the defense and security sectors.
- Center for Women in Technology at UMBC: At the University of Maryland Baltimore County, the CWIT offers scholarships, mentoring, and support services to women pursuing technology and engineering careers, aiming to increase diversity in cyber security and IT sectors.
- CyberMaryland: This is a community of people who share the same passion — to strengthen the cyber security industry through unity, improved security awareness, and help in keeping Marylanders safe in their digital lives.
- CyberPatriot Competition: This national cyber security competition for middle- and high-school students takes place in Maryland each year, fostering interest and skills in cyber security through hands-on challenges.
- Cyber Security Association of Maryland: This statewide, nonprofit organization was created to drive the growth of the cyber security industry in Maryland, connecting companies with businesses and government entities seeking cyber security products and services.
- Cyber Security and Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC): This organization, based in Maryland, is a component of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information Analysis Center enterprise. You can find articles, journals, and webinars on the organization’s website.
- Ethical Hacking/Cyber Security Group: This group posts information on tools and methods for beginners and professionals and can help connect you to people who work in the cyber security sector.
- National Cyber Security Center of Excellence: Located in Rockville, the NCCoE builds and shares practical cyber security solutions, offering resources and workshops for professionals to enhance their security practices.
- NPower Maryland: This organization provides free tech training programs in Baltimore for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities, equipping them with skills for IT and cyber security careers.
- Security Industry Association: Based in Maryland, the SIA advocates for pro-industry policies and legislation at both the federal and state levels. It also works to advance the industry through education and training.
List of the Best Online Cyber Security Schools in Maryland
With so many options for an online cyber security degree in Maryland, it can be challenging to know which is right for you. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best online cyber security degrees in Maryland. To be eligible, schools had to have at least one program in cyber security offered partially or fully online. We gave each school a score based on the number of online programs, total online students, affordability, and outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, Maryland
Private
Hood College
Frederick, Maryland
Private
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, Maryland
Public
Cecil College
North East, Maryland
Public
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
Public
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
Public
