- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity in Colorado
- Jobs in Colorado
This guide is about cybersecurity schools in Colorado. It also contains information about some factors underpinning the state’s emerging cybersecurity economy.
Colorado is known by all for its strikingly beautiful scenery, ski resorts, tourist economy, and playground for adventurers. What is much less well-known is that Colorado has been diversifying its economy for decades. It has also been one of the fastest-growing state economies in the US for some time, although that growth has slowed in 2019.
On the other hand, part of the reason Colorado’s growth rate has been tempered is that the labor market is extremely tight. The state’s unemployment rate is well below the national average.
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
School Name | Program | More Info |
---|---|---|
Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
University of Denver | University of Denver Cybersecurity Bootcamp | website |
UC Berkeley School of Information | Master’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
Utica University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers in Colorado’s economy as of 2024 included professional business services, trade, transportation and utilities, government, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. Financial Services is the seventh largest employer in the state.
Occupations related to technology are expected to be among the fastest growing in Colorado. This is in part due to the dependence these leading industries have on technology.
What does this mean for cybersecurity professionals? Professional business services, trade, transportation and utilities, government, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality are among the largest users of cybersecurity services. And a tight labor market means few competing applicants for any available job openings.
Growing importance of cybersecurity in Colorado
As the Colorado economy grows and diversifies, the industries emerging in leadership roles are some of the biggest employers of cybersecurity personnel and services.
Listen to two podcast episodes about cybersecurity work in Colorado:
Due to the critical nature of information security in government, financial services, healthcare services, and professional business services, there is sure to be a rapidly escalating demand for cybersecurity professionals in Colorado. Add to that the state’s already tight labor pool and the Rocky Mountain state should be a very fertile ground for cybersecurity for years to come.
Since 2016, the Colorado state government has been one of the most proactive in the country. The state’s lawmakers have created a policy to ensure state resources are adequately applied to combat the growing problem of attacks on information security. This awareness prompted other initiatives as well.
In the same year, the National Cybersecurity Center, an infosec think tank, was founded in Colorado Springs. Located in the area of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is quickly establishing itself as one of the nation’s leading centers for cybersecurity, and not just because of the National Cybersecurity Center.
According to Colorado Springs Cybersecurity Project, there are more than 3,000 cybersecurity professionals employed in the Pikes Peak region, 125 of these companies are cybersecurity-focused workplaces, and over 7,000 cybersecurity positions are open in Colorado Springs through 2024.
There are also five military installations that are seeking cybersecurity professionals, and five colleges with cybersecurity programs that are approved by the National Security Administration’s Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE).
Related resources
The Pikes Peak area is also home to facilities of a number of large employers with substantial cybersecurity needs. These include Boeing, Apogee Enterprises, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cisco, General Dynamics, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Oracle, Raytheon, Verizon, and VMWare.
What’s more, there are two organizations devoted to the cybersecurity profession with regional chapters in Colorado Springs. The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) provides many resources for cybersecurity professionals and those interested in starting a career in information security.
In addition to educational opportunities, ISSA has annual conventions and many networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. One of the most respected cybersecurity certification organizations, (ISC)2, also has a chapter for the Pikes Peak Region.
Cybersecurity organizations in Colorado
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crime Unit: investigates and responds to cybercrimes in cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The unit also provides training and education to law enforcement and the public on cybercrime prevention and response.
- Colorado Cybersecurity Council: a public-private partnership that provides policy recommendations on cybersecurity to the Colorado State Legislature and the Governor’s Office. The council also works to raise awareness of cybersecurity issues and to promote best practices.
- Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC: promotes the growth of the cybersecurity sector locally. The organization works to attract and retain cybersecurity businesses and to create a supportive environment for the industry.
- National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs: a non-profit organization that offers training and research in cybersecurity. The center also works to promote cybersecurity awareness and education.
These organizations are working together to make Colorado a safer place to live and work online. They provide a variety of resources and services to help individuals and businesses protect themselves from cybercrime.
Cybersecurity education in Colorado
The list of higher education programs offered by Colorado learning institutions reflects the state’s focus on cybersecurity as a needed skill for the future.
Students have an ample choice of degree programs and certification opportunities. 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, students located in other states will also find a good selection of online programs offering all degrees and many certifications.
Cybersecurity associate degrees in Colorado
An associate’s degree in cybersecurity is a good way to break into certain entry-level positions for those lacking the time or resources to complete a full four-year degree program.
- Program: Cybersecurity, AAS
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 62-63
Cost per credit: $164 in-state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Job Prospects: There is a high demand for cybersecurity specialists, and this program prepares students for various certifications and jobs in this well-paying field.
- Certifications: Students will be prepared for important industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, CySA+, and ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner.
- Internships: The program includes internship opportunities with local businesses for real-world experience.
- Program: A.A.S. in Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing
Credits: 60-62
Cost per credit: $280 in state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Developing Technical Skills: The program aims to equip students with the technical skills necessary to manage various aspects of cloud infrastructure.
- Alignment with Industry Needs: The program is designed to meet the needs of the industry and prepare students to address real-world challenges.
- Guidance and Support: There is a strong emphasis on guidance and support, with a recommendation for students to consult with the Program Director for proper advice and course sequencing.
- Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 61-62
Cost per credit: $164 in state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Wide-ranging Curriculum: Covers everything from various aspects of cyber security including risk management, cryptography, security architecture, operations security, legal regulations, and physical security.
- Practical Skills: Focuses on equipping students with practical skills needed in cyber security, IT, and computer networking.
- Real-world Experience: Includes an internship to provide real-world experience.
- Program: Associate of Applied Science in Networking Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $164 in state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Expert Teachers: The teachers at PCC are certified experts and are trained according to national standards.
- Wide-Ranging Training: PCC offers detailed training in many areas of cybersecurity, including computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and security.
- Specialized Lab: PCC has a special lab just for cybersecurity students, which is separate from the school's main computer network.
- Program: AAS in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 63-64
Cost per credit: $280 in state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Guarding Valuables: Students will discover how to keep important computer stuff safe, like personal info and important files.
- Activities: Throughout the course, students will likely engage in hands-on activities, case studies, and practical exercises to apply their knowledge.
- Real World Projects: Students might have opportunities to work on projects that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios and challenges.
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Colorado
It is now required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity for most information security career paths. Specific degree options within cybersecurity vary quite a bit, often specializing in a definitive category of cybersecurity.
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $412
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- knowledge of combating cybercrime, skills to analyze and manage cyber threats and security, theoretical and analytical comprehension of criminal behavior.
- Focuses on understanding criminal cyber-criminal behaviors, preventing cyber crimes, as well as understanding cyber laws governing prosecuting and punishing cybercriminals.
- Emphasizes hands-on learning experience
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Colorado
For cybersecurity professionals, a master’s degree can also be a vehicle for consulting, academic, or research positions for those inclined to take a path outside the typical corporate structure.
Campus-based master’s degree
- Program: Master’s in Cybersecurity Online
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $610
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: No
Program highlights:- Strong and broad Computer Science related technical background as well as systematic, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Develop security policies and procedures to protect valuable data, networks and devices
- Program: MS Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $806
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE/GMAT Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details
Online master’s degree
- Program: MS in Information and Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $870
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity certifications in Colorado
Certification programs are an excellent avenue for those currently working in cybersecurity to further their education. They are also a great option for those considering a start in cybersecurity. It can provide a perfect introduction to cybersecurity, as well as a start to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
- Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $200 in state | $510 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
Credits: 23
Cost per credit: $280 in state | $674 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Cyber Security Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 20
Cost per credit: $154 in state | $629 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity bootcamps in Colorado
Cybersecurity bootcamps are a great option for people who are looking to make a career change to cybersecurity, or for people who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity.
- Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 24 Weeks
Cost per credit: $11,995
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity jobs in Colorado
Worldwide, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is outpacing supply, and the gap is growing. The US is experiencing the same phenomenon, and Colorado is below the national average.
Colorado has a total employed cybersecurity workforce of just over 36,267. At the same time, the unfilled job openings for cybersecurity were reported to be 15,280.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics research concluded that in 2024, security analysts were enjoying an average hourly wage of $61.70. The average annual security analyst salary was $128,340.
Cybersecurity in Colorado
Whether or not you yearn to explore the Rocky Mountains and ski the storied slopes of Colorado, cybersecurity professionals likely can’t find a better home in America. Government initiatives have helped spur a burgeoning information security industry.
Colorado is already a hub for cybersecurity, with a think tank, two cybersecurity industry professional association chapters, dozens of cybersecurity service companies, five federal government military posts, and many mega-international employers’ housing facilities within the state. The Pikes Peak/Colorado Springs region is by far the most active and vibrant area for cybersecurity in Colorado.
Cybersecurity educational opportunities abound as well, both campus-based programs for state residents and online programs for remote students, not to mention SecureSet’s five-month program.
In summary, Colorado is becoming a haven for cybersecurity companies and professionals. And if nature adventures are in one’s wheelhouse, Colorado could very well be the best place imaginable.