- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity initiatives in NC
- FAQs
North Carolina offers multiple cybersecurity education pathways for students, comparing degree programs, schools, and long-term training options tied to real workforce needs.
Readers researching a cybersecurity degree here will find college pathways shaped by hiring demand across finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.
This page stays focused on academic pathways and school options, with institutions included only when they support notable workforce development, research, or hands-on training initiatives.
How we keep this page current
This page is periodically reviewed using workforce and education data from CyberSeek, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Analysis Division, and official information from state cybersecurity offices and university initiatives.
When institutions are referenced, program information is verified against official institutional or government pages. Workforce statistics and program descriptions are reviewed regularly, and time-sensitive claims are updated or removed to maintain accuracy.
Ad
cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Wake Forest University | Online MS in Cybersecurity Leadership | website |
| Keiser University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Master’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity | website |
Cybersecurity workforce demand in North Carolina
North Carolina has one of the largest cybersecurity workforces in the Southeast, driven by major employers in financial services, research, healthcare, technology, and government.
According to CyberSeek’s cybersecurity workforce analysis, North Carolina consistently records tens of thousands of cybersecurity-related job postings over multi-year periods, indicating strong employer demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state. CyberSeek measures employer demand using online job postings rather than confirmed employment totals.
State labor market projections from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Analysis Division indicate continued growth in computer and information technology occupations, including roles tied to information security and network defense.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information security analysts in North Carolina earn mean annual wages typically exceeding $120,000, depending on experience and industry sector.
Another cyber-adjacent occupation tracked by the BLS is network and computer systems administrators, which often serves as a pathway into cybersecurity roles. In North Carolina, professionals in this occupation earn mean annual wages typically around the $95,000–$105,000 range, depending on experience and specialization.
These sources measure different aspects of cybersecurity employment:
- CyberSeek tracks employer demand through job postings
- BLS employment estimates measure workforce size and wages
- State labor projections estimate future occupational growth
Together, these datasets provide context for students evaluating cybersecurity degree programs in North Carolina.
Related resources
Cybersecurity degree pathways in North Carolina
Students interested in cybersecurity education in North Carolina typically pursue one of several pathways: associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, graduate programs, and certification-focused workforce training.
Associate degrees
Associate-level cybersecurity programs are commonly offered through community colleges and technical education systems. These programs focus on foundational cybersecurity and IT skills such as:
- Network administration
- Operating system security
- Security monitoring and incident response
- Vulnerability assessment basics
Campus-based associate’s degrees
Halifax Community College
Weldon, North Carolina
Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Credits: 67
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsMyComputerCareer
Raleigh, North CarolinaProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security
Credits: 72
Cost per credit: $438
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsWake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North CarolinaProgram: Cybersecurity – AAS Degree
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 69
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Online, Hybrid
Learn more: Program details
Online associate’s degrees
Craven Community College
New Bern, North CarolinaProgram: Associate in Applied Science- Cybersecurity and Networking
Credits: 75
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsMontreat College
Montreat, North CarolinaProgram: Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,047
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsRowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, North CarolinaProgram: Associate in Applied Science in Cyber Security
Credits: 70-71
Cost per credit: $76 in-state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Many associate programs also prepare students for industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, or Cisco networking certifications.
Students evaluating associate programs should look for:
- Hands-on cybersecurity labs or simulation environments
- Coursework aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
- Transfer pathways into bachelor’s degree programs
North Carolina’s community college system has expanded cybersecurity education through statewide workforce initiatives designed to support cybersecurity training pipelines.
Bachelor’s degrees
Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity or computer science with a security emphasis provide broader technical training in cyber defense, digital forensics, and secure systems design.
Common coursework may include:
- Network defense and monitoring
- Cryptography
- Secure software development
- Digital forensics
- Security architecture and risk management
Online bachelor’s degrees
Montreat College
Montreat, North CarolinaProgram: Bachelors of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $425
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Some universities operate cybersecurity research centers or workforce initiatives that provide additional hands-on training opportunities.
For example, North Carolina State University hosts the Secure Computing Institute, which conducts research on cybersecurity, privacy, and secure systems engineering while supporting collaboration with government and industry partners.
Programs affiliated with research centers or workforce initiatives often offer students opportunities for internships, applied research, and collaborative cybersecurity projects.
Master’s degrees
Graduate cybersecurity programs provide advanced training in areas such as cyber operations, cyber threat intelligence, and cybersecurity governance.
Typical master’s-level coursework may include:
- Advanced network security
- Cyber threat intelligence
- Secure systems engineering
- Incident response management
- Cybersecurity risk and governance
Graduate degrees are commonly pursued by professionals with backgrounds in IT, computer science, or engineering who want to move into advanced technical roles or cybersecurity leadership positions.
Certifications and workforce programs
Many cybersecurity professionals supplement academic degrees with industry certifications.
Certifications frequently requested in cybersecurity job postings include:
- Cisco cybersecurity certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Short-term cybersecurity certificate programs and bootcamps may also be offered through community colleges, workforce development initiatives, or university continuing education programs.
Students evaluating these programs should prioritize training that includes hands-on cybersecurity labs, certification preparation, and employer partnerships.
Campus-based cybersecurity certifications
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North CarolinaProgram: Cyber Crime Certificate
Credits: 13
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsFayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, North CarolinaProgram: Cyber Crime Analysis Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsGuilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, North CarolinaProgram: Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 13
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Carolina State University
Raleigh, North CarolinaProgram: Graduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $526 in state | $1635 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program detailsQueens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North CarolinaProgram: Cybersecurity Management Certificate
Credits: 15
Cost per credit: $1,165
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program details
Online cybersecurity certifications
Craven Community College
New Bern, North CarolinaProgram: Cybersecurity Technician Certificate
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, North CarolinaProgram: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $240 in state | $867 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Carolina State University
Raleigh, North CarolinaProgram: Graduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $526 in state | $1635 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program detailsQueens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North CarolinaProgram: Cybersecurity Management Certificate
Credits: 15
Cost per credit: $1,165
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program details
Scholarship for Service
The National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program funds cybersecurity education for students who commit to working in federal, state, local, or tribal government cybersecurity roles after graduation.
The program provides scholarships covering tuition, stipends, and professional development opportunities. Students interested in government cybersecurity careers may benefit from institutions participating in the SFS initiative.
Unique North Carolina cybersecurity initiatives
Secure Computing Institute at North Carolina State University
The Secure Computing Institute at North Carolina State University researches cybersecurity, privacy, and secure computing systems. The institute collaborates with government agencies, industry partners, and academic researchers to advance cybersecurity technologies and workforce development.
Research institutes like this provide students with opportunities to participate in applied cybersecurity research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
State cybersecurity coordination
Cybersecurity strategy for the North Carolina state government is coordinated through the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, which supports statewide cybersecurity initiatives, threat monitoring, and government cybersecurity readiness programs.
State cybersecurity organizations often collaborate with universities and workforce programs to support cybersecurity education and talent development across the state.
Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in North Carolina
CyberSeek reports tens of thousands of cybersecurity-related job postings in North Carolina over multi-year periods, reflecting strong employer demand for cybersecurity professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts in North Carolina typically earn mean annual wages exceeding $120,000, depending on experience and industry sector.
The best cybersecurity degree depends on career goals. Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity or computer science with a security emphasis are common starting points. Programs connected to cybersecurity research centers or workforce partnerships may offer additional hands-on experience.
Yes. Many universities offer online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while gaining the same foundational cybersecurity knowledge as campus programs.
Some community colleges and workforce training programs offer short-term cybersecurity certificate programs or bootcamps designed to prepare students for industry certifications.
CyberSeek job-posting analysis indicates employers frequently request certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Yes. CyberSeek job-posting data and occupational projections from the North Carolina Department of Commerce both indicate sustained demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Yes. Associate degrees can prepare students for entry-level IT or cybersecurity support roles. Many professionals continue their education with bachelor’s degrees while working in the field.
Associate degree: about 2 years
Bachelor’s degree: about 4 years
Master’s degree: 1–2 years
Some universities participate in the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which funds cybersecurity education in exchange for service in government cybersecurity roles.
Cybersecurity professionals in North Carolina work across industries, including financial services, healthcare, research institutions, technology companies, and government agencies.
Yes. Entry-level cybersecurity roles may include security analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, vulnerability analyst, and IT security specialist positions.
Sources
- CyberSeek | Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map | Accessed March 9, 2026
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics | Accessed March 9, 2026
- North Carolina Department of Commerce | Labor & Economic Analysis Division | Accessed March 9, 2026
- North Carolina Department of Information Technology | State Cybersecurity Programs | Accessed March 9, 2026
- North Carolina State University | Secure Computing Institute | Accessed March 9, 2026
- National Science Foundation / OPM | Scholarship for Service Program | Accessed March 9, 2026