Alabama’s growing cyber sector: Learn about cybersecurity degree and program options in the state

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

The following guide covers cybersecurity schools in Alabama as well as other training and certification options in the state.

Alabama was once a largely agricultural society and economy. But since World War II, the state has diversified, and today agriculture represents less than one percent of the state GDP.

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Other industries that have come to the fore are manufacturing, particularly automobile manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, education, banking, and information technology.

However, since the decline of agriculture, the rural areas of Alabama have suffered economically. The state now ranks sixth for the highest poverty rate in the US, largely due to these rural regions. 

Mercedes-Benz, Walmart, AT&T, and Boeing are the other prominent names on the list. Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota have also opened manufacturing facilities in Alabama in just the last few decades, making the automotive industry the largest source of new jobs in that period. 

Fortunately for the cybersecurity industry, all of the leading employment sources in the state are prime targets for cybercrime. Information security employment is probably now the fastest-growing sector of the Alabama economy, and will likely continue to lead the state’s employment gains for some time to come.

The environment for cybersecurity in Alabama

The state government of Alabama is taking steps to ensure the security of information under its control, as well as the cybersecurity and awareness of its citizens. However, not much is being done to promote or entice cybersecurity as an industry. 

On the other hand, a non-profit organization known as Cyber Huntsville has been organized in that city to help advance the interests of the infosec industry.

Comprised of representative organizations and agencies from government, industry, and academia, Cyber Huntsville was created in 2010, making it one of the earliest such organizations in the country.

According to Made in Alabama, cybersecurity job growth has outpaced all other technology careers.

And the state’s modern aviation and automotive manufacturing base, as well as its finance, healthcare, and other critical economic concentrations present cybersecurity professionals and companies with an abundance of opportunities.

Cybersecurity education in Alabama

Given the small size of Alabama, both economically and in population, the state’s colleges and universities have assembled a surprisingly strong stable of degree and certification programs for cybersecurity students.

The University of Alabama leads the way in terms of a number of options. Its Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice maintains a strong cybersecurity contingent, including several advanced research projects.

Alabama would be an easy place to overlook for many students searching for cybersecurity degree programs. But it would be a mistake to do so. There are several programs worthy of attention in Alabama.

Related resources

• Your fast track to become an infosec manager
• How to build a cybersecurity career network
• Learn how to code for cybersecurity
• Find the latest on cybersecurity scholarship opportunities
• Internet safety resources for students

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Alabama

There is still a good supply of entry-level positions requiring only an associate’s degree in cybersecurity. These programs generally only take a year to two to complete.

Once a cybersecurity career is established, professionals would be well advised to earn a bachelor’s degree, or higher, when time and money permit. Associate’s degree coursework is often transferable to many bachelor’s degree programs, making it easier to finish the next level.  

At present, just two cybersecurity associate’s degree programs are available from Alabama schools.

One of them is at John C. Calhoun State Community College which established the Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE), which now offers a CIS AAS Degree in Cybersecurity on its Tanner, Alabama campus. 

1. Wallace State Community College

   Hanceville, Alabama

   
   Program: AS General Studies with Concentration in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 62
   Cost per creedit: $127
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. John C Calhoun State Community College

   Tanner, Alabama

   
   Program: CIS AAS Degree in Cybersecurity/IT Concentration
   Credits: 64-65
   Cost per credit: $178 in state | $305 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Alabama

Bachelor’s degrees are a minimum educational requirement for most cybersecurity careers. Degrees in a cybersecurity specialty are not usually demanded by employers, but majoring or having a concentration in cybersecurity will certainly provide an advantage over other majors.  

There are currently three cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs being offered by Alabama colleges and universities. See the list below for more information.

1. Columbia Southern University

   Orange Beach, Alabama

   
   Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cyber Security
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $245
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Alabama in Huntsville

   Huntsville, Alabama

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
   Credits: 124
   Cost per credit: $326 in-state | $742 out-of-state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Alabama

   Tuscaloosa, Alabama

   
   Program: Cyber Security, BS
   Credits: 122
   Cost per credit: $364 in-state | $1,031 out-of-state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Alabama

Master’s degrees in cybersecurity have grown in importance in recent years, and will likely continue to do so. Many management-level information security positions now require candidates to have a graduate degree.

As the below list indicates, there are three cybersecurity master’s degree programs being offered by Alabama colleges and universities. 

1. Auburn University

   Auburn, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science - Cybersecurity Engineering
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
   Credits: 33
   Cost per credit: $594 in-state | $1,782 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

2. Auburn University at Montgomery

   Montgomery, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems & Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
   Credits: 35
   Cost per credit: $451 in-state | $1,014 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE/GMAT Required: Required
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Alabama in Huntsville

   Huntsville, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $758 in-state | $1,565 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Required
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Alabama

Cybersecurity certifications are available for the benefit of students just starting in cybersecurity, as well as for experienced professionals. Different certification programs are designed for different audiences.

Introductory certifications, cybersecurity specialization certifications, and advanced degree certifications are all now being made available in the US. However, Alabama schools have a limited catalog of cybersecurity certification programs available today.

Alabama schools of higher learning now offer two cybersecurity certification programs. The below list has more information. 

1. Snead State Community College

   Boaz, Alabama

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Short-Term Certificate
   Credits: 12
   Cost per credit: $127 in state | $254 out of state
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Alabama at Birmingham

   Birmingham, Alabama

   
   Program: Certificate in Computer Forensics
   Credits: 18
   Cost per credit: $368 in-state | $911 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Alabama

Alabama is one of the smaller economies in the US, it’s not surprising that the size of its cybersecurity workforce is also smaller than most states. Cyberseek tells us that, there are 18,637 cybersecurity professionals employed in Alabama.

There are also 8,019 new cybersecurity job openings published by Alabama employers. The job market is tight, with restricted supply and rapidly growing demand, which augurs well for the future of Alabama cybersecurity professionals.

The regions within Alabama that saw the most new infosec jobs were Huntsville (4,192), Birmingham (1,186), and Montgomery (1,156). 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that, security analysts in Alabama were earning an average hourly wage of $52.61 and the average annual salary is $109,420. Not surprisingly, this pay scale is somewhat lower than the average for the US as a whole.

However, the cost of living in Alabama is nearly 18 percent below the national average, so cybersecurity pay rates are high in the state by comparison. With such a low standard of living, Alabama-based information security professionals will find the compensation allows for a comfortable lifestyle.

Cybersecurity in Alabama

Alabama’s economic makeup is conducive to future growth in the cybersecurity industry. Modern manufacturing facilities, healthcare, education, and finance organizations are all in critical need of top cybersecurity practices and practitioners.

The state’s largest employer, the government, is also a prime target for cybercriminals. 

Job growth is therefore likely to remain strong for the foreseeable future. There is also strong support from Alabama colleges and universities.

The broad range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs already available makes Alabama a surprisingly attractive source of cybersecurity education options. And with a very low relative cost of living, Alabama cybersecurity professionals can earn a very comfortable living at current wage scales.