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

Choosing a cybersecurity program is easier when the education landscape is tied to real employer demand and verified public data.

Students researching cybersecurity programs in Maryland will find college pathways that reflect workforce needs across finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.

This page is limited to degree and school pathways and references institutions only when they maintain standout workforce partnerships, research centers, or specialized training opportunities.

How we keep this page current

Our review process uses information from CyberSeek’s state heat map, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Maryland workforce data from the Maryland Department of Labor, statewide cybersecurity leadership from the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), and the official NSF CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) directory.

Institution-level information is validated through official university initiatives or research center pages, and time-sensitive claims are regularly rechecked and removed when outdated.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
University of Maryland Global CampusOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
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
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Maryland

Maryland consistently ranks among the highest states for cybersecurity workforce concentration due to its federal, intelligence, defense, and contractor presence.

CyberSeek demand context

CyberSeek’s state heat map shows Maryland with one of the largest cybersecurity job markets in the country by online postings and the employed cybersecurity workforce.

Because CyberSeek data is presented primarily via an interactive dashboard, we reference it directionally rather than quoting static numbers that cannot be verified in-page. You can validate current Maryland demand metrics directly in the CyberSeek Heat Map.

CyberSeek reflects online job postings, which represent hiring activity rather than total employment.

BLS employment and wages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023 OEWS):

  • Maryland employs approximately 18,400 Information Security Analysts
  • The annual mean wage is $133,630

As a related cyber-adjacent benchmark:

These figures reflect actual employment estimates, not job postings.

State projections and openings

Maryland workforce projections are published through the Maryland Department of Labor’s Labor Market Information (LMI) division. While specific SOC-level tables may update periodically, Maryland’s projections consistently indicate continued demand for computer and mathematical occupations, including Information Security Analysts.

How to interpret these metrics

  • CyberSeek postings show hiring activity and can fluctuate with contracts and budgets.
  • BLS employment and wages show how large and well-compensated the current workforce is.
  • State projections estimate long-term growth and replacement openings.

Together, these indicators confirm Maryland as a major cybersecurity employment hub.

Learn more about cybersecurity responsibility

Cybersecurity degree pathways in Maryland

Maryland’s cybersecurity education system spans community colleges, research universities, federal-aligned programs, and workforce initiatives.

Associate degrees

Associate degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance can provide:

  • Foundations in networking and systems administration
  • Security fundamentals
  • Transfer pathways to bachelor’s programs

  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

Students should prioritize programs with:

  • Hands-on labs
  • Structured pathways into four-year institutions
  • Clear alignment with security fundamentals and networking
Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Bachelor’s degrees

Maryland offers extensive bachelor’s-level cybersecurity education aligned with federal workforce needs.

Distinctive initiative:
The University of Maryland Global Campus is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and offers multiple cybersecurity degree pathways aligned with federal frameworks.

Another distinctive initiative is the University of Maryland, College Park, which hosts the Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2), an interdisciplinary research center focused on cryptography, systems security, and cyber policy.

  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

When evaluating bachelor’s programs, prioritize:

  • Internship pipelines tied to federal agencies or contractors
  • CAE designation (if relevant to federal pathways)
  • Access to research centers or cyber ranges

Master’s degrees

Maryland’s master’s-level cybersecurity programs are often closely connected to research and government work.

The Johns Hopkins University offers cybersecurity-focused graduate education within its engineering and applied sciences programs, aligned with national security and applied research initiatives.

  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

Graduate students should evaluate:

  • Research or applied lab opportunities
  • Technical depth (cryptography, reverse engineering, systems security)
  • Policy/governance tracks (if targeting federal leadership roles)

PhD degrees

  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

Certifications and workforce programs

Maryland’s workforce ecosystem includes strong alignment with federal training frameworks.

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) describes statewide cybersecurity governance and enterprise security responsibilities for state agencies.

Students targeting public-sector roles should look for:

  • Programs aligned with NIST frameworks
  • Hands-on labs simulating SOC or defensive environments
  • Federal internship opportunities

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

  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

Scholarship for Service

Maryland institutions participate in NSF CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS), which provides tuition support in exchange for post-graduation government service.

Participating institutions can be verified via the official OPM SFS directory.

Maryland has multiple SFS-participating institutions due to its strong federal cybersecurity presence.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

Unique Maryland cybersecurity initiatives

These initiatives directly connect academic programs to federal and defense cybersecurity pipelines.

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in Maryland

How many cybersecurity jobs are in Maryland?

BLS estimates 18,400 Information Security Analysts employed in Maryland. CyberSeek shows Maryland as one of the highest-demand states for cybersecurity job postings.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in Maryland?

The mean annual wage for Information Security Analysts is $133,630.

Is cybersecurity in demand in Maryland?

Yes. CyberSeek shows sustained high posting activity, and BLS employment data confirms a large existing workforce base.

What is the best cybersecurity degree in Maryland?

The best degree depends on your goals. Programs tied to CAE designation, research centers like MC2, or SFS participation are strong indicators of depth and federal alignment.

Can I start with an associate degree?

Yes. Many students begin with associate-level IT degrees and transfer into bachelor’s programs.

How long does a cybersecurity degree take?

– Associate: ~2 years
– Bachelor’s: ~4 years
– Master’s: 1–2 additional years

Are there online cybersecurity programs in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland institutions offer online and hybrid programs, especially at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Verify delivery format on official program pages.

Does Maryland participate in Scholarship for Service?

Yes. Multiple Maryland institutions are listed in the official CyberCorps® SFS directory.

What industries hire cybersecurity graduates in Maryland?

Common employers include:
– Federal agencies
– Defense contractors
– Healthcare systems
– Financial institutions

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in Maryland?

Entry-level pathways often begin in network support, systems administration, or security operations roles, with strong transition pipelines due to the size of Maryland’s cyber workforce.

What certifications matter most in Maryland?

Certification demand varies by employer. CyberSeek’s dashboard can be used to explore current certification mentions in Maryland job postings.

Why is Maryland such a strong cybersecurity state?

Maryland’s federal agency presence, research universities, and contractor ecosystem create a dense cybersecurity labor market supported by formal academic pathways.

Sources