Cybersecurity Guide

The complete list of cybersecurity schools in Colorado

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

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 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
University of DenverUniversity of Denver Cybersecurity Bootcamp 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 Colorado’s economy as of 2023 included government, professional business services, education and health services, manufacturing, 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? Financial services, government, professional business services, and health services industries are among the largest users of cybersecurity services. And a tight labor market means few competing applicants for any job openings that are available.

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).

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. 

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

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.

  1. Arapahoe Community College

    Littleton, Colorado
    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.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Front Range Community College

    Westminster, Colorado
    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.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Pikes Peak Community College

    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    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.
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Pueblo Community College

    Pueblo, Colorado
    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.
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Red Rocks Community College

    Lakewood, Colorado
    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.
    Learn more: Program details

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.

  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Denver, Colorado
    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
    Learn more: Program details

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

  1. Colorado Technical University

    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    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
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of Denver

    Denver, Colorado
    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

  1. Regis University

    Denver, Colorado
    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.

  1. Colorado Mountain College

    Glenwood Springs, Colorado
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $200 in state | $510 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Front Range Community College

    Westminster, Colorado
    Program: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
    Credits: 23
    Cost per credit: $280 in state | $674 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Red Rocks Community College

    Lakewood, Colorado
    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
Learn more about professional certifications

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.

  1. Coding Dojo

    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 24 weeks
    Cost per credit: $16,995
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of Denver

    Denver, Colorado
    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’s deficit is well above the national average.

Colorado has a total employed cybersecurity workforce of just over 32,593. At the same time, the unfilled job openings for cybersecurity were reported to be 19,851.

Cyberseek’s calculated “location quotient,” measuring the concentration of cybersecurity job demand, for Colorado is nearly two-and-half times the national average, which places it in the top six states in the country.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics research concluded that in 2022, security analysts were enjoying an average hourly wage of $52.70. The average annual security analyst salary was $118,480.

Both of these numbers are well above the national average. So we can add a huge unsatisfied demand for cybersecurity professionals and high wages to the reasons for considering Colorado as a favored destination for those considering a career in cybersecurity.

Colorado has become a national leader in cybersecurity advancements, awareness, and collaboration. In response to the growing threat of cybercrime, the state has taken proactive steps to foster an environment where cybersecurity organizations can thrive.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

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.