Cybersecurity Guide

Explore cybersecurity school and degree options in Arizona

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Last updated:
In this guide

This guide is all about the cybersecurity-related educational and career opportunities available in Arizona.

The following information includes a look at specific cybersecurity degree options in the state, as well as how local and regional economic trends might impact career options.

For most people, Arizona brings to mind desert golf courses and retirement communities. But Arizona is one of the fastest-growing state economies in the US and has been for several years.

Education, healthcare services, and construction are leading the way to employment and personal income gains. And this growth, which is well above the national average, is expected to continue for the next few years.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Arizona State UniversityASU Cybersecurity Boot Camp website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Utica UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers in Arizona’s economy as of 2023 included, in order starting with the largest: trade, transportation, and utilities; education and healthcare services; professional and business services; and government. 

And while all industries are now under threat of cyber attacks, healthcare, business services, and government are some of the most high-profile targets for hackers.

It follows then, that these employers are also some of the most active consumers of cybersecurity services. And it explains why Arizona already employs over 23,000 cybersecurity professionals.

At present, Arizona is not one of the most active providers of educational programs for cybersecurity disciplines.

However, the state’s government has made cybersecurity a priority going forward and is taking steps to ensure that Arizona is among the leading sources of cybersecurity talent.

There are, to be sure, a number of quality options for cybersecurity professionals seeking further education. But for Arizona to be a leader, the state’s colleges and universities will need to expand on the degree and certification programs they offer. Expect this to happen in the next few years. 

The growing importance of cybersecurity in Arizona

In 2018, the governor of Arizona issued an executive order to create the Arizona Cybersecurity Team or ACT. The team, which is comprised of experts from state, local and federal government, the private sector, and higher education, has a three-pronged focus. 

First, ACT is charged with protecting Arizonans from cyber attacks. Second, the team will work to attract top cybersecurity professionals to Arizona. Third, ACT will prompt educators to offer degree and certification programs that create a renewable pool of top talent. 

Other main Arizona state organizations that work on cybersecurity:

  • Arizona Department of Administration – Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology: ASET provides oversight for the state’s IT projects and manages the state’s IT infrastructure. This office also establishes and enforces policies related to information technology, including cybersecurity.
  • Arizona Cyber Command: Statewide information security and privacy office, established by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security at the direction of Governor Ducey in July 2021. ACC serves as the strategic planning, facilitation, and coordination office for information security in the state.
  • Arizona Risk and Authorization Management Program: A state-wide program that helps organizations assess and manage their cybersecurity risks. AZRAMP is managed by ACC and is available to all Arizona state agencies and local governments.
  • Statewide Cyber Readiness Program: Provides resources and training to help Arizona organizations improve their cybersecurity posture. The program is managed by ACC and is open to all Arizona businesses and organizations.

Private sector organizations that play a role in cybersecurity in Arizona:

  • Arizona Technology Council: A trade association that represents the technology industry in Arizona. The council provides resources and support to its members, including cybersecurity education and training.
  • Arizona Information Security Consortium: A non-profit organization that provides education and training on cybersecurity to Arizona businesses and organizations.
  • Arizona Cybersecurity Alliance: A Non-profit organization that promotes collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sectors on cybersecurity issues.

These are just a few of the organizations that are working to improve cybersecurity in Arizona. By working together, these organizations can help to make Arizona a more secure place for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Cybersecurity education in Arizona

To date, Arizona colleges and universities have developed a reasonably strong set of degree options for cybersecurity students and professionals. Programs are available across all degrees, particularly for state residents able to attend on-campus formats.

Those students residing in the state will be greeted by a rapidly growing job market that is lacking an adequate number of qualified applicants for open jobs.

However, given the current size of the state’s cybersecurity community and the goal of being an infosec leader, one might expect more options to be available.

The Arizona Cybersecurity Team has only been assembled for over a year, so whatever impact it will have will not have taken root as yet. If successful, ACT should help prod Arizona education institutions to step up soon and increase the available cybersecurity degree and certification options. 

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Arizona

Cybersecurity was once considered a backroom occupation for 20-something hackers in hoodies. This is no longer the case. Today, the industry has evolved into a much more sophisticated profession. 

For those lacking the time or resources to complete a full four-year degree program, an associate’s degree can be a good foot in the door. Once an entry-level job is landed and some experience accumulated, it’s a good idea to continue on and get a bachelor’s degree.

Associate’s degree coursework can usually be applied to bachelor’s degree requirements to shorten the path to a second degree.  

  1. Cochise College

    Douglas, Arizona
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 66-67
    Cost per credit: $93 in state | $139 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Cochise County Community College District

    Sierra Vista, Arizona
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 66-67
    Cost per credit: $93 in state | $139 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Estrella Mountain Community College

    Avondale, Arizona
    Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 62-77
    Cost per credit: $85 in state | $472 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. GateWay Community College

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 62-77
    Cost per credit: $97 in state | $372 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Northland Pioneer College

    Holbrook, Arizona
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 64
    Cost per credit: $88 in state | $410 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Pima Community College

    Tucson, Arizona
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in CyberSecurity
    Credits: 61-62
    Cost per credit: $92 in state | $316 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. South Mountain Community College

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 62-77
    Cost per credit: $122 in state | $217 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Arizona

Cybersecurity professionals seeking to enhance their career paths and attain senior and management-level infosec positions would be well served to invest the time and resources to obtain a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

Top information security posts such as chief information security officer typically require a master’s degree. And for those seeking a different career path, perhaps in academia, research, or cybersecurity consulting, a master’s degree is a must-have.

Campus-based master’s degrees

  1. University of Advanced Technology

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $722
    Delivery Method: On-campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of Advancing Technology

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $1,138
    Delivery Method: On-campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degrees

  1. Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Program: Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 34
    Cost per credit: $575
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. The University of Arizona

    Tucson, Arizona
    Program: Master’s in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $1,332
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Advanced Technology

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $722
    Delivery Method: On-campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Advancing Technology

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $1,138
    Delivery Method: On-campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of Arizona

    Tucson, Arizona
    Program: Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $1,332
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Arizona

Cybersecurity certification programs can be designed with several distinct goals. Some provide an introduction to information security and potentially a foot in the door to an entry-level job, or at least a step up on attaining a degree.

Other certification programs are intended for those currently working in cybersecurity to further their education in a specific cybersecurity specialty, such as penetration testing.

Still, others are designed to be a substitute or a stepping-stone to a full advanced degree. 

  1. Glendale Community College

    Glendale, Arizona
    Program: Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $260 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Northland Pioneer College

    Holbrook, Arizona
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 45
    Cost per credit: $70 in state | $410 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Arizona

    Tucson, Arizona
    Program: Cybersecurity - Undergrad Cert
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $500
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Phoenix-Arizona

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $392
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Arizona

Worldwide, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is outpacing supply, and the gap is growing. The US is experiencing the same phenomenon, and Arizona also is experiencing a shortage of infosec employees. Arizona is already a sizeable employer of cybersecurity professionals.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

Cyberseek‘s 2023 data shared that 23,085 people are employed in some aspect of cybersecurity. Not surprisingly, during the same time period, Phoenix accounted for 9,255 of the state’s cybersecurity job openings. The two next closest municipalities are Tucson with 1,213 job openings Sierra-Vista with 949 job openings.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics research in 2022, security analysts were enjoying an average hourly wage of $51.14, and the average annual salary was $107,420. These are about in line with or slightly above national pay rate averages.

Arizona’s standard of living is a little above the national average, primarily due to higher housing costs.

The list of cybersecurity job titles in Arizona is headlined by the following:

Cybersecurity in Arizona

Arizona is certainly not known for its economic might, but the state has been experiencing growth well above the national norm for several years now. And the state’s government has recently shone a spotlight on the cybersecurity industry.

Through its Advanced Cybersecurity Team, it hopes to educate the resident population and organizations on keeping information secure. It also aims to attract the best and brightest cybersecurity professionals and companies to the state and to spur its higher education institutions to offer top-flight cybersecurity degree options.

If the state’s initiative is successful, Arizona will become a leader in cybersecurity. Even now, there are ample jobs available for cybersecurity professionals, and the demand will certainly grow rapidly in the coming years. And education options are beginning to look attractive, particularly from state institutions.