Learn about the latest cybersecurity degree options in Maine

• Associate degrees
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Cybersecurity certifications
• Cybersecurity jobs
• Related resources

This guide is about cybersecurity schools in Maine and it will take a look at what the state has to offer in terms of cybersecurity programs and employment prospects.

Maine is the easternmost state in the country. The United States 2023 census had the state’s population at 1,393,445, and will further increase by 2030.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Maine’s total population is projected to increase by 0.9 percent from 2020 to 2025 and a further 1.7 percent from 2025 to 2030. Over the next ten years, Maine’s population is projected to increase by 2.6 percent.

It’s no surprise that most of its economic development is driven by outdoor tourism and other natural resource industries like fishing and logging.

Maine produces 90 percent of the nation’s lobster supply.  Nearly 89 percent of Maine’s land area is covered by forest. As a result, the state is one of the world’s leading producers of paper products.

However, tech developments have recently begun to rise. There are some pockets of innovation such as the Maine Aqua Ventus project, which is designing the first floating offshore wind platform.

Until 2018, none of the companies listed in the Fortune Top 1000 were headquartered in Maine. However, there are several larger businesses like banks and insurance companies that have opened offices in the state, bringing with them cybersecurity employment opportunities.

Cybersecurity organizations and resources in Maine

Maine Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) cyber security initiative aims to mitigate the effects of cyber incidents on Maine’s communities. The growing menace of hostile cyber actions poses a significant risk to the state’s digital systems and essential infrastructure.

Therefore, integrating cyber security into comprehensive state emergency planning is crucial. MEMA’s cyber security strategies will support local communities by providing education, disseminating information, coordinating efforts, and aiding in incident response.

MEMA administers the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) to improve Maine’s cybersecurity posture following the grant goals set forth by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Maine Cyber Security Cluster is also creating a space where people can work together to develop and test new cybersecurity tools. It focuses on providing more training in cyber security and becoming a go-to place for cyber security expertise and education in the nation.

The University of Southern Maine is making the state’s first Cyber Security Lab. This will be a place where companies and government groups can try out and improve their computer security technologies.

Related resources

• From every angle: Is cybersecurity a good career?
• How to get into cybersecurity and build a rewarding career
• How to become an ethical hacker: A blueprint
• What is cyber defense? An introduction
• Find the latest on cybersecurity scholarship opportunities

Cybersecurity education in Maine

Maine is a phenomenal state for those looking for a quality education. Three Maine public universities hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The University of Maine (the flagship in Orono) has 12 accredited programs, including a program in computer science.   

There are several community colleges with cybersecurity offerings as well as universities with cybersecurity education programs (check out the school listings below for more info).

One state university (University of Southern Maine) has formed a partnership for a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

Let’s take a look at some of the cybersecurity programs available in this state.

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Maine

Associate-level degrees in cybersecurity are excellent entry points for those wishing to study the field.

These often incorporate a high proportion of general education classes but usually cover the fundamentals or foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in cybersecurity. 

Maine has several institutions, but only two have on-campus cybersecurity associate degree programs.

1. Central Maine Community College

   Auburn, Maine

   
   Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity-Digital Forensics
   Credits: 60-61
   Cost per credit: $96 in state | $384 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. Southern Maine Community College

   South Portland, Maine

   
   Program: Associate Degree in Cyber Security
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $96 in state | $192 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Maine

Bachelor’s degrees are a great choice for students wanting to solidify cybersecurity as their professional field. These degrees have curriculums that focus more on actual cybersecurity topics rather than just foundational computer science areas.

Many of these include opportunities for work internships or practical projects that can be used to demonstrate skills and may be necessary for graduation.

Bachelor’s degrees are typically the first-degree type needed to secure a job in the cybersecurity field.

Three institutions offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree:

1. Thomas College

   Waterville, Maine

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science in Security & Cyber Defense
   Credits: 121
   Cost per credit: $1,972
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Southern Maine

   Portland, Maine

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $288 in-state | $810 out-of-state
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Maine at Augusta

   Augusta, Maine

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 121
   Cost per credit: $245 in state | $625 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Maine

In Maine, obtaining a Master of Science in Cybersecurity is essential, as it provides graduates with the vital capabilities required to meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity leadership.

The University of Southern Maine’s program delivers an extensive educational experience that merges practical engagement with theoretical insights and experiential learning, equipping students with the proficiency to effectively oversee and implement strategies within the intricate realm of cybersecurity.

1. University of Southern Maine

   Portland, Maine

   
   Program: Master’s in Cybersecurity
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $447
   Delivery Method: Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Maine

Cybersecurity certificates are a good choice for people who aren’t fully committed to the field as a primary profession or for those who want to increase their skill set to pursue a job related to cybersecurity, like an IT administrator.

Certificates are perfect for combining with another computing degree that doesn’t focus explicitly on cybersecurity. Or students can use it to get a taste of the field and see if it’s something that they want to pursue more seriously.

Maine has two cybersecurity certificate options:

1. Central Maine Community College

   Auburn, Maine

   
   Program: Network Security Advanced Certificate (CNS)
   Credits: 18
   Cost per credit: $160 in-state | $320 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Maine at Augusta

   Augusta, Maine

   
   Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 15
   Cost per credit: $445 in-state | $587 out of state
   Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Maine

Maine is a rural and low-population state. It only has a few cities large enough to warrant a cybersecurity workforce. Portland, Maine, is by far the biggest cybersecurity hub and metropolitan area, so most cybersecurity workers would either live nearby or be based in that city.

When it comes to wages, Maine is about average compared to many other states in the country. The average hourly wage of a cybersecurity worker in Maine is $46.18, which translates to a yearly average salary of about $96,060, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

CyberSeek states that there are a total of 4,257 currently employed in Maine with 1,595 job openings for cybersecurity-related positions.

Maine and Cybersecurity

All in all, Maine is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to cybersecurity education and employment.

It has several excellent programs up to the bachelor’s degree level and a great master’s level program.