Cybersecurity Guide

The complete list of cybersecurity schools in Colorado

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Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors

Collaborative Cybersecurity Guide byline for regularly updated content reviewed and maintained by multiple contributors.

In this guide

Students researching cybersecurity education options in Colorado can find a range of college pathways tied to employer demand in finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.

This page is narrowly focused on degree and school pathways and references institutions only when they support distinctive workforce development, research, or hands-on training opportunities.

How we keep this page current

This content is reviewed using labor market data and program verification from CyberSeek, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Colorado labor market information, the Colorado Office of Information Technology, and the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program.

Institutional initiatives referenced here are verified against official university or state agency webpages. The page is reviewed periodically, and time-sensitive workforce metrics or program claims are updated or removed as newer information becomes available.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Colorado Christian University Online BS in Computer Information Technology - Cyber Security website
Arizona State UniversityOnline MA in Global Security - Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Colorado

Colorado maintains a significant cybersecurity workforce supported by the state’s technology, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Data from CyberSeek shows that Colorado consistently reports thousands of cybersecurity professionals employed statewide, along with a steady volume of cybersecurity job postings each year. These postings reflect employer demand signals collected from online job listings rather than the total number of cybersecurity workers currently employed.

Employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Information Security Analysts in Colorado earn a mean annual wage above $120,000, reflecting strong demand for cybersecurity expertise in the state’s technology and defense industries.

Colorado’s labor market information systems also track employment trends and projections for cybersecurity-adjacent occupations such as Network and Computer Systems Administrators, which often serve as foundational roles for cybersecurity careers. These projections estimate long-term workforce demand, while job postings provide a snapshot of current hiring activity.

Together, these metrics provide a fuller view of the cybersecurity labor market:

  • Job postings reflect employer demand signals.
  • Employment and wage data show the size and compensation of the existing workforce.
  • State projections estimate future workforce growth.
Listen to two podcast episodes about cybersecurity work in Colorado:

Cybersecurity degree pathways in Colorado

Students pursuing cybersecurity education in Colorado can follow multiple academic pathways depending on their career goals and previous experience.

Associate degrees

Associate degrees in cybersecurity or information security are commonly offered through community colleges and technical institutions.

These programs typically provide foundational training in:

  • computer networking and system administration
  • cybersecurity fundamentals
  • ethical hacking basics
  • digital forensics
  • information security policy

  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

Many associate programs function as transfer pathways into bachelor’s degree programs, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before continuing at a four-year university.

Colorado community colleges frequently collaborate with regional employers and state workforce initiatives to align cybersecurity training with industry needs.

Bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs provide deeper technical preparation in areas such as:

  • network defense and penetration testing
  • cryptography
  • digital forensics
  • security engineering and risk management
  • secure software development

  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

Some Colorado universities host cybersecurity research initiatives and student cyber defense programs that provide hands-on training environments.

For example, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs operates the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC), a nonprofit organization focused on cybersecurity education, workforce development, and collaboration with government and industry partners.

Many Colorado cybersecurity programs are also designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. These designations recognize programs that meet national standards for cybersecurity education.

Master’s degrees

Graduate cybersecurity programs in Colorado typically emphasize advanced topics such as:

  • cyber operations and incident response
  • cloud and infrastructure security
  • threat intelligence and analytics
  • cybersecurity governance and risk management

Master’s degrees are often pursued by IT professionals seeking specialized cybersecurity roles or leadership positions in security engineering and policy.

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

Certifications and workforce programs

In addition to traditional degree programs, Colorado institutions may offer certificate programs and continuing education courses focused on cybersecurity skills.

These programs often prepare students for widely recognized certifications including:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certification-oriented coursework is frequently embedded within cybersecurity degree programs or offered through university extension programs.

  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

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. 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

Scholarship for Service (SFS)

Colorado universities participate in the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which funds cybersecurity education for students who commit to working in government cybersecurity roles after graduation.

The program provides tuition support, stipends, and professional development opportunities for students enrolled in cybersecurity programs at participating universities designated as NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

Unique state cybersecurity initiatives

Colorado operates several statewide initiatives designed to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across government agencies and critical infrastructure.

The Colorado Office of Information Technology (OIT) leads statewide cybersecurity policy and governance, coordinating efforts to protect state information systems and improve cyber resilience. These initiatives often involve collaboration with universities, research organizations, and workforce training programs.

Colorado also supports cybersecurity workforce development through partnerships between higher education institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations such as the National Cybersecurity Center, which provides training programs, cyber competitions, and community engagement initiatives.

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in Colorado

How many cybersecurity jobs are in Colorado?

CyberSeek data shows that Colorado has a substantial cybersecurity workforce with thousands of professionals employed statewide and a steady number of cybersecurity job postings each year. These postings reflect employer demand signals rather than total employment counts.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in Colorado?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts in Colorado earn an average annual wage exceeding $120,000, though salaries vary depending on experience, employer, and specialization.

What is the best cybersecurity degree in Colorado?

There is no single “best” cybersecurity degree. Students should look for programs that include:
– NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation
– Hands-on cybersecurity labs or cyber ranges
– Research or internship opportunities
– Partnerships with industry or government employers

Are there online cybersecurity programs in Colorado?

Yes. Many universities and colleges in Colorado offer online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, especially at the master’s and certificate levels.

Does Colorado have cybersecurity bootcamps or short-term training?

Some universities and continuing education programs offer short-term cybersecurity training and certificate programs designed to prepare students for professional certifications.

What certifications are most requested in Colorado?

CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Entry-level cybersecurity roles frequently require Security+ or similar foundational credentials.

Is cybersecurity in demand in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado’s technology sector, federal laboratories, aerospace companies, and government agencies contribute to a steady demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Can I start with an associate degree?

Yes. Many students begin with an associate degree in cybersecurity or information technology and later transfer into bachelor’s degree programs.

How long does a cybersecurity degree take?

– Associate degree: about 2 years
– Bachelor’s degree: about 4 years
– Master’s degree: about 1–2 years

Does Colorado participate in Scholarship for Service?

Yes. Several Colorado universities participate in the NSF Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which supports cybersecurity education in exchange for government service after graduation.

What industries in Colorado hire cybersecurity graduates?

Cybersecurity professionals in Colorado work across sectors including:
– Aerospace and defense
– Technology and cloud services
– Healthcare
– Financial services
– Government and public-sector agencies

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in Colorado?

Yes. Entry-level cybersecurity positions may include roles such as:
– Security analyst
– SOC analyst
– Network security technician
– Cybersecurity specialist
Employers often expect candidates to combine a degree with certifications and practical experience, such as internships or lab training.

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