- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- PhD degrees
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity jobs
- Related resources
This guide is intended as an overview of the cybersecurity schools in the District of Columbia. It also includes other cybersecurity educational programs, such as online degrees and certifications, available in the Washington DC area.
Reports from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services indicate that approximately one-quarter of the Washington DC workforce is employed by some agency of the federal government.
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Master’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity | website |
| Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
Add to this the government support industries, such as defense contractors, law firms, civilian contractors, and lobbying firms and we get a picture of the driving force behind most economic activity in the district.
It also gives us a clear picture of why the District of Columbia region has the single most densely concentrated cybersecurity workforce in the country.
And why it’s the area with the largest shortage of qualified infosec employees. The opportunities for employment in and around Washington DC are the most diverse in the US, in addition to being among the easiest to find.
The cybersecurity climate in Washington DC
Washington DC is the national center for the intelligence, military, and political communities. The private corporate government support network also has a critical presence and is nearly as critical a storehouse for highly sensitive data.
It follows, then, that it is also the national center for critical information networks and databases, as well as those for many international agencies with a US presence.
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) in Washington, DC, is a group effort by security experts, non-profits, schools, and government to educate people, small businesses, and schools about staying safe online.
They work to make people more aware of the dangers of the internet and offer free advice and steps to stay secure. By working together with different organizations, the NCSA’s goal is to make sure everyone knows how to avoid cyber crimes and stay safe on the internet.
The extreme need for the best and brightest cybersecurity professionals in the District of Columbia is obvious, and just as obvious to not wane in the future.
Related resources
Cybersecurity education in Washington, DC
It’s a very small district. As such, there aren’t many colleges and universities located within the District of Columbia. But the ones that are there are top-flight learning institutions.
And a couple of them are taking it upon themselves to deliver strong catalogs of cybersecurity degrees and certification programs.
George Washington University and Georgetown University each have impressive cybersecurity degree offerings. Being in Washington, DC, though, it’s not surprising that these are also expensive schools to attend.
Taking advantage of all available scholarship opportunities will be critical for those unable to afford the full price tag.
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Washington, DC
As already stated, the majority of long-term career paths in the cybersecurity industry now demand at least a bachelor’s degree, usually in some related technology category.
STEM degrees are particularly attractive to employers. That said, a BS in a cybersecurity specialty will be advantageous when conducting a job search.
Just two cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is now offered by District of Columbia colleges and universities. It is made available via an on-campus format by George Washington University.
GWU’s Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion program is designed for students already holding an associate’s, applied associate’s degree, or a non-technical bachelor’s degree.
There are currently no cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs available from Washington D.C. schools using an online format.
George Washington University
Washington, District Of Columbia
Program: Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $925
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: BA/BS in Computer Science / MS in Cybersecurity in Computer Science
Credits: 144
Cost per credit: $2,075
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Washington DC
Master’s degrees in cybersecurity specialties are increasingly in demand as the industry matures and more management and leadership roles are created. Cybersecurity master’s degrees are particularly important for academia and research positions.
Campus-based master’s degrees
At present, District of Columbia universities boast four cybersecurity master’s degree programs. They are offered at the George Washington University. See the list below for more information.
George Washington University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: Master of Science Cybersecurity in Computer Science
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $2,075
Delivery Mehod: Campus
GRE/GMAT Required: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgetown University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Management
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $1,208
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgetown University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master's in Cybersecurity Risk Management
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $1,527
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: MS in Cybersecurity in Computer Science
Credits: 144
Cost per credit: $2,075
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Online master’s degrees
For those preferring the convenience of online coursework, Washington, DC schools now have six online master’s degree programs with cybersecurity specialties.
Of the six, five come from George Washington University and one from Capitol Technology University. The list below contains more information.
Capitol Technology University
Greater Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master’s of Science in Cyber Analytics
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 36-39
Cost per credit: $630
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,195
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgetown University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Management
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $1,208
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgetown University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master's in Cybersecurity Risk Management
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $1,527
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,195
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree — Cybersecurity Analytics
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,195
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Required
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity PhD degrees in Washington DC
The George Washington University offers a Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree in Cybersecurity Analytics, which is taught online and on weekends.
This program is designed for professionals with a master’s degree in a related field and focuses on equipping students with the skills to protect organizational networks, monitor for security breaches, and build resilient computer systems.
George Washington University
Washington, DCProgram: Online Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $1,625
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity certifications in Washington, DC
Based on Cyberseek’s comprehensive nationwide data, the current number of professionals holding common cybersecurity certifications is as follows:
- CompTIA Security+: 265,992 certified professionals
- CISSP: 91,765 certified professionals
- GIAC: 46,318 certified professionals
- CISA: 35,812 certified professionals
- CISM: 20,300 certified professionals
- CIPP: 13,652 certified professionals
Cybersecurity certification programs can be excellent avenues to enhancing educational backgrounds beyond the standard degree programs.
From introductory curriculum to easier-to-complete surrogates for master’s degrees, certifications should be pursued by new students and experienced professionals alike whenever practical.
Professionals in their careers can also find focused specialty certifications, such as penetration testing, that advance their knowledge in a chosen discipline.
At present, cybersecurity certification programs offered by Washington, DC schools are limited, but will likely change in the future to meet increased demand.
George Washington University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: Graduate Certificate in Computer Security and Information Assurance
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $2,075
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsHoward University
Washington, District Of ColumbiaProgram: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Credits: 15
Cost per credit: $2,488
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity jobs in Washington, DC
Curious about the hottest cybersecurity jobs across the U.S. last year?
From May 2023 to April 2024, Oversight and Governance topped the list with 355,590 openings. You’d also find plenty of roles in Implementation and Operation (335,993) and Design and Development (331,644). Protection and Defense was strong with 238,516 positions, and Investigation had 19,525.
Combined with the surrounding metropolitan regions of Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, the Washington, DC area boasts the largest concentration of cybersecurity professionals and job demand of any in the country.
According to Cyberseek‘s data, this region is home to 28,438 cybersecurity professionals. Employers listed 15,064 new job openings for positions related to information security.
The tightly concentrated market for cybersecurity professionals is more than seven times as dense as the average metropolitan region in the US. And the supply of qualified cybersecurity professionals relative to the huge demand makes the Washington, DC region one of the most strained markets in the country. Demand far exceeds the available workforce.
The extreme tightness of the District of Columbia cybersecurity employment market translates into some of the highest pay rates in the US. Using the position of security analyst as a representation of information security pay rates in general, the average hourly wage in Washington, DC is $61.43, and the average annual salary is $127,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This ranks the District of Columbia third in the nation, behind only the states of New York and New Jersey, for highest-paid cybersecurity professionals.
Of course, these high pay rates come at a cost: the cost of living. Washington, DC is easily one of the most expensive places to live in the country. The standard of living there is estimated to be more than 50 percent higher than the average cost of living in the US. But because it’s such a tiny area, one doesn’t have to live in the District of Columbia to work there.
The cost of living in commuting distance townships is significantly more affordable. It will depend on what one considers to be an acceptable commute, particularly since the road system around DC is one of the most congested in America.
Cybersecurity in Washington, DC
There is no higher prize for cybercriminals than the information, systems, and networks of the US federal government. Thus, the District of Columbia and the surrounding region are by far the largest, most important, and most highly concentrated job market for cybersecurity professionals.
The types of infosec jobs available and the breadth of organizations needing highly skilled information assurance professionals are second to none anywhere in the US.
Cybersecurity pay rates in Washington, DC, are behind only New York and New Jersey. Education opportunities are somewhat limited in quantity, but this is only because there are few colleges and universities located within the bounds of the nation’s capital.
Georgetown and George Washington Universities are each offering several high-level education opportunities, both degrees and certifications, that present excellent avenues for cybersecurity professionals to establish a presence in probably the world’s largest information security job market.
One need only look to the adjacent territories in Maryland and Virginia to find many more educational options.