Get the latest on cybersecurity training programs in Jacksonville 

In this guide

• Overview
• Cyberseek map
• Program listings
• Role Types & In-Demand Skills
• Program listings
• Related resources

Jacksonville, Florida, is a vital cybersecurity hub driven by a dynamic mix of prominent employers and respected educational institutions. The city is home to notable employers like Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and CSX Corporation, both known for their robust cybersecurity operations.

Additionally, Jacksonville’s proximity to military installations such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville provides a steady demand for cybersecurity expertise.

For those seeking academic excellence, the University of North Florida (UNF) stands out with its comprehensive cybersecurity programs and research initiatives, making Jacksonville an attractive destination for students and early-career professionals eager to advance in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity overview

Jacksonville boasts a robust cybersecurity landscape with a thriving job market and a substantial workforce dedicated to protecting digital assets. As of recent data, there are around 1,906 cybersecurity job openings in the Jacksonville metro area, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

The city’s cybersecurity workforce is bolstered by the presence of major financial, transportation, and healthcare companies, as well as military and defense contractors. These employers seek talent to fill roles such as information security analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and network administrators, ensuring a steady influx of opportunities for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Employers in Jacksonville prioritize candidates with recognized certifications and degrees that validate their expertise and readiness to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges. Among the most sought-after certifications are Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security+. Additionally, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications are highly valued, particularly for cybersecurity management and auditing roles.

On the academic front, degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity, and Master of Science in Cybersecurity are commonly preferred by employers. Notable institutions offering these programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity program listings in Jacksonville

1. Florida State College at Jacksonville

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: Associate in Science (A.S.) in IT Security
   Cost per credit: $117 in-state | $401 out-of-state
   Program: Associate's
   Credits: 60
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. Jacksonville University

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: B.S Cybersecurity
   Cost per credit: $1,560
   Program: Bachelor's
   Credits: 120
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of North Florida

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: MS Computing & Information Sciences - Cybersecurity Concentration
   Cost per credit: $494 in-state | $1,044 out-of-state
   Program: Master's
   Credits: 30
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

4. Jacksonville University

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration
   Cost per credit: $1,350
   Program: MBA
   Credits: 60
   Delivery Method: Campus & Online
   Learn more: Program details

5. Florida State College at Jacksonville

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
   Cost per credit: $4,275
   Program: Bootcamp
   Credits: 595 hours
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

6. University of North Florida

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
   Cost per credit: $14,995
   Program: Bootcamp
   Credits: 12-26 weeks
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

7. Florida State College at Jacksonville

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity
   Cost per credit: $499
   Program: Certificate
   Credits: 40 hours
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

8. Jacksonville University

   Jacksonville, Florida

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Strategy Graduate Certificate
   Cost per credit: $900
   Program: Certificate
   Credits: 12
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

Jacksonville offers a diverse array of academic programs in cybersecurity, catering to various levels of education and career aspirations. The University of North Florida (UNF) is a prominent institution that provides a Master of Science in Computing & Information Sciences with a concentration in cybersecurity.

This program is designed for those looking to delve deeply into advanced cybersecurity concepts and practices. Additionally, UNF offers a Cybersecurity Bootcamp, an intensive program that equips students with practical, job-ready skills in a shorter time frame.

Jacksonville University (JU) also contributes significantly to the cybersecurity education landscape with various programs tailored to different career stages. Their MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration is ideal for professionals seeking to combine business acumen with cybersecurity expertise, preparing them for leadership roles.

JU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive undergraduate education covering fundamental and advanced topics in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Strategy Graduate Certificate provides a focused curriculum for those looking to enhance their strategic understanding of cybersecurity issues.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) provides accessible and practical options for those starting their cybersecurity careers. The Associate in Science (A.S.) in IT Security offers foundational knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions. FSCJ also offers a Cybersecurity Bootcamp for those looking to gain practical skills and enter the workforce quickly.

For individuals seeking to build on existing knowledge or specialize further, FSCJ’s Certificate in Cybersecurity provides targeted education in critical areas of the field. These programs collectively create a robust educational ecosystem in Jacksonville, preparing students for successful careers in cybersecurity.

Role Types & In-Demand Skills

In-Demand Role Types

Role Type	Typical Focus/Level	Examples from Local Job Market
Cybersecurity Analyst/Specialist	Entry to Mid-level, Defensive/Blue Team	Security monitoring, vulnerability testing, risk analysis, incident triage.
Cyber Security Engineer	Mid to Senior-level, Technical Implementation	Designing secure systems, implementing security controls (Proxy, Web Filtering), cloud security architecture.
Information Security Manager/Officer	Senior/Leadership	Developing and maintaining corporate security policy, compliance, and team leadership.
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker	Specialized, Offensive/Red Team	Proactively identifying and exploiting system weaknesses in a controlled manner.
Cloud Security Specialist	Specialized, Mid-level and up	Securing cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and deploying zero-trust models.

Must-Have Skills / Technologies

Category	Key Skills and Technologies Requested
Technical Core	Network Security (Protocols, Firewalls, VPNs), Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).
Offense/Defense	Incident Response, Digital Forensics, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), Threat Intelligence.
Modern Tech	Cloud Security (AWS, Azure), Scripting Languages (Python, PowerShell for automation), DevSecOps principles, and growing demand for AI and Machine Learning Security.
Governance & Soft Skills	Cybersecurity Frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, MITRE ATT&CK), Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA), Analytical Thinking, and Excellent Communication (explaining complex issues to non-technical staff).

Certifications

Level	Key Certifications	Associated Roles (National Average Salary)
Entry/Associate	CompTIA Security+, (ISC)$^2$ SSCP	Security Analyst, Information Security Specialist
Intermediate	Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+	Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, Vulnerability Analyst
Advanced/Management	(ISC)$^2$ CISSP, ISACA CISM, ISACA CISA	Information Security Manager, Security Architect, CISO
Cloud	AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate	Cloud Security Specialist/Engineer

Salary Landscape in Jacksonville, FL

Job Title (General)	Average Annual Salary (Jacksonville, FL)	Salary Range (25th to 75th Percentile)
General Cybersecurity Professional	$123,198	$102,800 – $139,000
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst	$93,456	$74,700 – $108,600
Cyber Security Engineer	$113,866	$94,500 – $131,600

Resources

Source

• Cybersecurity supply/demand information | From Cyberseek in October 2025