Cybersecurity Guide

Cybersecurity degree programs and training options in Maryland

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Expert reviewed by Steven Bowcut – Last updated:
In this guide

This guide is about the opportunities available at cybersecurity schools in Maryland. It also contains information about other cybersecurity training and certification opportunities.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Utica UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

Maryland’s proximity to Washington DC places it near the center of the federal intelligence community, not to mention hundreds of huge international corporations.

Many federal agencies are located within state borders, including those related to intelligence matters. Despite its small size in square miles, Maryland’s location has made it an important economic center as well. 

Cybersecurity companies located in Maryland, therefore, have easy access to a vast array of organizations in desperate need of information security services.

With intelligence communities and large corporate interests flooding the area, it’s no wonder Maryland’s cybersecurity community has become so significant in such a short time.

The state government has also taken the issue of information security very seriously, and not just to protect government-held information.

Learn more about cybersecurity responsibility

In 2015, the state funded the creation of the Maryland Cybersecurity Council. The Council brings together federal agencies, businesses, and private cybersecurity experts to determine which local infrastructure sectors are at the greatest risk of cyberattacks.

In 2018, the state initiated a tax incentive program to encourage local businesses to prioritize their own information security needs.

The tax program reimburses qualified Maryland businesses for 50 percent of expenditures used to purchase cybersecurity services and equipment provided by qualified Maryland cybersecurity companies. In 2019, the state provided $4 million in funds for the program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the three largest employers in Maryland’s economy in 2024 were government, education, and professional & business services.

Particularly noteworthy is the state’s large and thriving healthcare community. Government and healthcare are two of the most concentrated users of cybersecurity services due to the critical nature of the information and systems provided.

The state also has a high concentration of high-tech enterprises engaged in information technology, telecommunications, and aerospace and defense.

Learn more about cybersecurity in critical industries

The growing importance of cybersecurity in Maryland

A huge portion of the Maryland economy is at high risk of cyber attacks on highly confidential stores of information, not to mention critical systems. Federal government agencies, including the intelligence community, have a significant presence in the state. And Maryland’s large and highly-respected healthcare community is under growing focus from cyber attackers. 

Maryland’s state government has created initiatives to ensure state employers have the resources to combat the threats. Still, the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals will continue to leave a void in information and systems security.

Educators in the state are also taking the issue seriously. The University of Maryland, in particular, has taken steps to be a leader in cybersecurity education, creating the Maryland Global Initiative for Cybersecurity (MaGIC).

MaGIC is designed to call attention to the university’s efforts to expand its cybersecurity education programs. It also brings together stakeholders in government and business to join in optimizing educational initiatives, as well as its research into and development activities related to cybersecurity threats and technologies.

The Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, Inc. (CAMI) is a non-profit corporation dedicated entirely to the growth of the cybersecurity industry within Maryland. It accomplishes this by connecting cybersecurity companies with businesses and government entities seeking cybersecurity products and services.

It also helps connect job seekers in Maryland and beyond with Maryland cybersecurity jobs, as well as with the education and certifications needed. CAMI hosts the Cybersecurity Company Directory, a statewide online directory of hundreds of cybersecurity providers at www.MDCyber.com. This directory also includes businesses and organizations that provide support and resources to Maryland’s cybersecurity industry.

For related information, be sure to check out the cybersecurity training in Baltimore guide.

Cybersecurity education in Maryland

The availability of higher education programs offered by Maryland colleges and universities is an indication of the importance of cybersecurity to the state’s economy.

Students have a broad choice of degree programs and certification opportunities for on-campus and online delivery.

Those students residing in the state will be greeted by a large and rapidly growing job market that lacks an adequate number of qualified applicants for open jobs.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Maryland

Associate’s degrees in cybersecurity can provide a foot in the door for certain entry-level positions for those lacking the time or resources to complete a bachelor’s degree. The coursework leading to an AAS degree can also serve as credit toward a bachelor’s degree when time and resources become available. 

There are ample options for students looking to acquire an associate’s degree in cybersecurity who can attend an on-campus program. Several of the institutions offering associate’s degrees even provide several choices for a specific path.

  1. Anne Arundel Community College

    A.A.S. in Digital Forensics, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
    Program: A.A.S. in Digital Forensics, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 61
    Cost per credit: $348 in-state | $944 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Baltimore City Community College

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Cyber Security and Assurance Degree
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $110 in-state | $280 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Carroll Community College

    Westminster, Maryland
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $136 in state | $238 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Cecil College

    North East, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity, AAS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $433 in state | $481 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. College of Southern Maryland

    La Plata, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity AAS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $140 in state | $315 ou of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Community College of Baltimore County

    Cantonsville, Baltimore
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $122 in state | $372 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Frederick Community College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Area of Concentration within STEM Technology A.A.S.
    Credits: 60-65
    Cost per credit: $158 in state | $411 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Garrett College

    McHenry, Maryland
    Program: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $288 in state | $360 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Hagerstown Community College

    Hagerstown, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity, A.S.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $123 in state | $252 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Harford Community College

    Bel Air, Maryland
    Program: Associate of Applied Sciences in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $138 in state | $332 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Howard Community College

    Columbia, Maryland
    Program: A.A. in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $142 in state | $346 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Montgomery College

    Rockville, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity AAS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $134 in state | $380 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Prince George’s Community College

    Largo, Maryland
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $114 in state | $311 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Maryland

Bachelor’s degrees are now required for most information security career paths. However, it usually isn’t necessary for job applicants to hold a degree in a cybersecurity discipline to be considered.

Many professionals enter cybersecurity with more general degrees in computer science or information technology, but many employers will consider candidates educated in a range of STEM disciplines often not directly related to computer technology.

  1. Towson University

    Towson, Maryland
    Program: Major in Computer Science - Cyber Operations Track
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Credits: 123
    Cost per credit: $368 in-state | $921 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. United States Naval Academy

    Annapolis, Maryland
    Program: Cyber Operations Major
    CAE designation: CAE-CO
    Credits: 123
    Tution: Free for enlisted
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: B.S. in Cyber Forensics
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $248 in-state | $705 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Maryland

    College Park, Maryland
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Security emphasis
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $384 in state | $1344 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Computer Science B.S. - Cybersecurity Track
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $385 in state | $1108 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Maryland-College Park

    College Park, Maryland
    Program: BS in Computer Engineering with Specialization in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 123
    Cost per credit: $319 in-state | $1,248 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Management of Cyber and Information Technology
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $861
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of Maryland-Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $312 in state | $499 out of state
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Maryland

Cybersecurity master’s degree programs are quickly becoming more widely available.  

  1. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $630
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Hood College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Program: Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $610
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Master of Science in Security Informatics (MSSI)
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $2,094
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Online Masters in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,697
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Optional
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of Maryland – Baltimore County

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Master in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,020 in-state | $1,622 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Maryland – Global Campus (formerly UMUC)

    Adelphi, Maryland
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $524 in-state | $659 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Hood College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $500
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity PhD degrees in Maryland

  1. Towson University

    Towson, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Credits: 595 hours
    Cost per credit: $4,299
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Maryland

Certification programs are an excellent vehicle for both those currently working in cybersecurity to further their education and those considering a start in cybersecurity. Certification programs can provide a perfect introduction to cybersecurity, as well as a start to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program. 

  1. Allegany College of Maryland

    Cumberland, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 31
    Cost per credit: $164 in state | $309 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Baltimore City Community College

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Cyber Security and Assurance Certificate
    Credits: 25
    Cost per credit: $110 in state | $280 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Program: Certificate in Computer and Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 13
    Cost per credit: $1,087
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Cecil College

    North East, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 28
    Cost per credit: $235 in-state | $283 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. College of Southern Maryland

    La Plata, Maryland
    Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 21
    Cost per credit: $140 in state | $315 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Community College of Baltimore County

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Credit Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 39
    Cost per credit: $122 in state | $242 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Frederick Community College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Program: Information Security and Assurance Certificate
    Credits: 21
    Cost per credit: $158 in state | $411 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Hood College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $635
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Post-Master's Certificate
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,875
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Montgomery College

    Rockville, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity for IT Professionals Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $134 in state | $380 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Prince George’s Community College

    Largo, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 25
    Cost per credit: $114 in state | $311 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Towson University

    Towson, Maryland
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $669
    Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  13. University of Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $310 in-state | $882 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bootcamps in Maryland

  1. Towson University

    Towson, Maryland
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Credits: 595 hours
    Cost per credit: $4,299
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Maryland

The security of the world’s stored information is under mounting threat. Efforts to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard information and systems worldwide are growing rapidly, but are being hampered by one fact: there are enough people with the skills, knowledge, and experience to ward off the threats. 

In Maryland, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals is acute and well above the national average.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

According to CyberSeek, there were 59,847 workers employed in cybersecurity-related positions from September 2023 through August 2024. Over that same period, state-located employers posted job openings for 24,188 workers.

Over 13,923 of these job openings were in the Baltimore metropolitan region, by far the state’s most active center for cybersecurity.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ research concluded that in May 2023, security analysts were enjoying an average hourly wage of $66.44 and an average annual salary of $138,180. Both of these numbers are well above the national average.

Cybersecurity in Maryland

Maryland’s geographic proximity to the world’s most powerful government and many of the world’s largest corporations puts it in the crosshairs of the world’s most sophisticated hackers. Maryland’s government and business community are well aware of their vulnerability.

In recent years they have taken steps to ensure the best protection for information and systems possible.

State-funded tax incentives, an organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of cybersecurity companies and technologies, and the presence of many federal government agencies make Maryland a hotbed of cybersecurity activity with ample opportunities for job seekers.

The support of Maryland’s colleges and universities will also ensure a steady supply of new professionals. Still, as with states around the US and countries around the world, there will almost certainly be a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals for the foreseeable future.

That fact combined with the extraordinary position of Maryland both geographically and economically will continue to make it one of the most lucrative spots to engage in a career in cybersecurity.