Cybersecurity Guide

Florida’s cybersecurity degree program options

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Expert reviewed by Steven Bowcut – Last updated:
In this guide

Cybersecurity is a booming industry no matter where you look — and the same is true in Florida.

Although it is currently seen more as a state for elderly retirement or for vacationing along its famous beaches and within its varied resorts, Florida is rapidly developing its cybersecurity infrastructure both in the educational and employment spheres.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Keiser UniversityOnline or Campus BS in Cybersecurity website
University of West FloridaOnline MS in Cybersecurity website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website

This is mainly because several companies maintain offices or business centers within Florida’s major cities, necessitating a new influx of cybersecurity grads to keep data safe.

While Florida isn’t quite the financial hot spot of New York nor the cutting edge of research the way California is, there is demonstrable cybersecurity value within the companies that have chosen to make the state home.

Cybersecurity development in Florida

In 2014, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity was established by the Board of Governors. This comprehensive group focuses on pushing cybersecurity development across the state across all aspects of growth, including education, community outreach, and various research opportunities through the university system and private companies.

The state’s educational focus has already yielded results in just five years. The NSA’s National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, an award that many universities compete heavily for and which leads to NSA recruitment at those locations, has already been awarded to five Florida schools.

Learn more about centers of academic excellence

There’s also a good collection of cybersecurity organizations and events throughout the state. One of the more well-known of these is HackMiami, which is an active cybersecurity group in South Florida.

More importantly, Florida’s status as a beach resort state makes it a natural match for conferences and workshops of all kinds, not just cybersecurity. The Florida Institute for Cybersecurity (FICS) Research at the University of Florida, hosts a conference every year for two days in Gainesville.

The InfoSecWorld expo is another excellent event that regularly arrives at Florida’s shores; not only does it offer several skill-improving workshops but it also has demonstrations of the newest and greatest cybersecurity tech for your perusal.

All of these events and more are part of what makes Florida more important in the cybersecurity scene than you might initially expect.

Check out the interview with Cliff Zou from the University of Central Florida.

Cybersecurity education in Florida

Despite its focus on vacationing and retirement prospects, Florida is tied with Texas when it comes to having the second-most NSA CAE (Centers for Academic Excellence) schools in any state.

As many of the schools are public colleges and universities, there are ample opportunities for future cybersecurity professionals to receive a top-tier education within this state.

This development has happened quite recently in the case of several of the below universities. Some of these programs have already reached national acclaim which speaks to their quality and academic excellence.

Many of these schools’ renewed focus on cybersecurity has yielded dividends already. The University of Central Florida, for example, won two out of three CyberSEED Competitions, marking their teams as outstanding overall.

While the University of Florida does not offer any degree programs in cybersecurity (yet), it is also the home of the FICS. This Institute focuses on hardware over software, which is an aspect of cybersecurity that many programs and research facilities do not normally emphasize.

Already, the Institute has developed nanoscale imaging equipment at its labs, representing a bold leap forward in digital forensics. The Institute is also home to an ongoing attempt to create a real block against ransomware. 

While this isn’t strictly related to cybersecurity education, it does show that the university is focusing on cybersecurity in a real and long-term way. Such a center is a great sign for future cybersecurity researchers in the state and may lead to UF developing a cybersecurity program of its own in the future.

Of all schools, St. Petersburg College and St. Leo University are both great options for long-term cybersecurity students, as they have programs across several levels of academic advancement.

This allows students to proceed through all or most of their education in cybersecurity without having to switch schools.

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Florida

Associate degrees are great for newcomers to the subject who want to pursue higher education in the field of cybersecurity.

Traditionally, an associate’s degree was a two-year program at a college or university that offered entry-level training (the curriculum equivalent of the first and second year of a four-year degree) for students looking for some level of education beyond a high school diploma.

Campus-based associate’s degrees

In Florida, a campus-based associate degree in cybersecurity offers students hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in protecting digital assets from cyber threats.

Some institutions are listed below, emphasizing both theoretical concepts and practical skills essential for a career in the cybersecurity field.

  1. Miami Dade College

    Miami, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Associate in Science
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $83 in state | $331 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Northwest Florida State College

    Niceville, Florida
    Program: Associate in Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $72 in state | $287 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Pasco-Hernando State College

    New Port Richey, Florida
    Program: Associate in Science in Cyber and Information Technology Security
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $105 in state | $401 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Pensacola State College

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Associate in Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $105 in state | $420 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Valencia College

    Orlando, Florida
    Program: Associate in Science in Cybersecurity & Network Engineering Technology
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $103 in-state | $391 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online associate’s degrees

Florida has two online-only associate degrees related to cybersecurity. One of these is at St. Petersburg College. The other school is Saint Leo University, which offers an Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity

  1. Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo, Florida
    Program: Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $729
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. St Petersburg College

    Clearwater, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity A.S. Degree
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $112 in-state | $387 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Florida

Bachelor’s degrees are meant to help students specialize in the cybersecurity field and normally require some prerequisite knowledge to be completed. 

Most undergraduate cybersecurity schools require a high school diploma or a GED.

Campus-based bachelor’s degrees

Since cybersecurity is computer-intensive, learning the basic building blocks for computing infrastructure and programming might help demonstrate the skills and aptitude necessary to be a successful cybersecurity student and professional.

Here are three institutions that provide on-campus bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity.

  1. Miami Dade College

    Miami, Florida
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $130 in-state | $536 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. The University of West Florida

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity, B.S.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $212 in-state | $641 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity, BS
    Credits: 126
    Cost per credit: $700
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degrees

Currently, Florida offers two online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. Check below for more details.

  1. Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity, BS
    Credits: 126
    Cost per credit: $700
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo, Florida
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $410
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Florida

Master’s degrees are designed for those who’ve already completed a bachelor’s level education in either cybersecurity or computer science.

They often lead to more research-oriented positions, whereas bachelor’s level degrees are normally fine for most cybersecurity jobs.

Campus-based master’s degrees

Increasingly, cybersecurity master’s degree programs are expanding to try to be inclusive of students who might have an undergraduate degree outside of a computer-related technical discipline.

  1. Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $950
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $870
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. The University of West Florida

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $425
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Sponsored program details

  4. Florida Institute of Technology

    Melbourne, Florida
    Program: MS – Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,270
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of South Carolina

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: MS Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $468 in-state | $914 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degrees

There are a total of 3 cybersecurity master’s degrees offered online from Florida schools.

Nova Southeastern University, St. Leo University, and the University of West Florida offer online degree programs.

  1. Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $950
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $870
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. The University of West Florida

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $425
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Sponsored program details

Cybersecurity PhD degrees in Florida

Cybersecurity is a paramount concern in today’s digital age, and pursuing a PhD degree in Cybersecurity in Florida equips individuals with advanced knowledge and skills to combat evolving cyber threats.

Earning a PhD in Cybersecurity in the Sunshine State not only positions graduates as experts in the field but also opens doors to high-level positions in academia, government, and the private sector, ensuring a secure digital future for all.

As of now, there is only one school that offers PhD degree in Florida.

  1. Nova Southeastern University, College of Computing & Engineering

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity Management
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 51-66
    Cost per credit: $969
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Florida

More than any other cybersecurity education option, Florida has a ton of cybersecurity certificate opportunities both on-campus and online.

Campus-based certificate programs

A whopping 14 certificate options are available at various campus locations.

The big schools to focus on are the University of West Florida, as well as the University of Central Florida and Valencia College.

Almost all of the offered certificates are in cybersecurity by themselves while the others are either in computer forensics or more generalized topics like data security.

  1. Daytona State College

    Daytona Beach, Florida
    Program: Advanced Technical Certificate – Cybersecurity and Cyber Forensics
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits : 18
    Cost per credit: $69 in state | $276 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Florida A&M University

    Tallahassee, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $461 in state | $1103 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Florida State College at Jacksonville

    Jacksonville, Florida
    Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 40
    Cost per credit: $12
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Palm Beach State College

    Lake Worth, Florida
    Program: Applied Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $101 in state | $363 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. St Petersburg College

    Clearwater, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $112 in state | $387 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. The University of West Florida

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $212 in-state | $641 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of Central Florida

    Orlando, Florida
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Computer Forensics
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $288 in-state | $1,073 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Valencia College

    Orlando, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $80 in-state | $315 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. College of Central Florida

    Ocala, Florida
    Program: Advanced Technical Certificate in Data Security
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $130 in state | $438 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  10. George Stone Technical Center

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity, Applied Certificate
    Credits: 750 hours
    Cost per credit: $2,250 total cost
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Orange Technical College-Mid Florida Campus

    Orlando, Florida
    Program: Applied Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 1050 hours
    Cost per credit: $2,190 total tuition
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Palm Beach State College

    Lake Worth, Florida
    Program: Applied Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $101 in state | $363 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  13. William T McFatter Technical College

    Davie, Florida
    Program: Applied CyberSecurity Certificate
    Credits: 750 hours
    Cost per credit: $2,100 in-state | $8,400 out of state
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Withlacoochee Technical College

    Inverness, Florida
    Program: Applied CyberSecurity Certificate
    Credits: 750 hours
    Cost per credit: $2,489
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online certificate programs

There are six total online certificate options from various schools.

All of these are cybersecurity certificates that provide individuals with formal recognition of their knowledge and skills in protecting digital assets and networks from cyber threats.

  1. Broward College

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Technical Certificate
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton, Florida
    Program: Cyber Security Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $304
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. St Petersburg College

    Clearwater, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $112 in state | $387 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Phoenix-Florida

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

  5. University of West Florida

    Pensacola, Florida
    Program: Graduate Certificate Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $425
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. William T McFatter Technical College

    Davie, Florida
    Program: Applied CyberSecurity Certificate
    Credits: 750 hours
    Cost per credit: $2,100 in-state | $8,400 out of state
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bootcamps in Florida

Given Florida’s status as a major hub for businesses and technology, having a trained pool of cybersecurity professionals from bootcamps ensures that organizations in the state can proactively address vulnerabilities and protect their data, infrastructure, and reputation.

  1. Florida International University

    Miami, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Length: 6 months
    Cost: $4,275
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Ironhack

    Miami, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity bootcamp
    Length: 12-26 weeks
    Cost: $12,000
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Florida

    Gainesville, Florida
    Program: Online Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Length: 30-370 hours
    Cost: $180 / $17,800
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Miami

    Coral Gables, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp
    Length: 30 - 370 hours
    Cost: $500 / $15,500
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Florida

Florida is home to several important companies that traditionally employ a surplus of cybersecurity professionals, such as Lockheed Martin or MacAulay-Brown.

Both of these companies hold several offices in Florida, specifically in Tampa or Orlando. Miami and Melbourne are also good choices, both due to their metropolitan surplus of employment opportunities and proximity to several universities.

In short, there is ample employment opportunity in Florida for cybersecurity graduates, particularly if they can manage to get an internship while at school.

Finally, Florida’s status as a haven for retirees has had the unintended effect of driving out many young people, leading to a shortage of able-bodied workers across the board. This is potentially bad for the state, but great for any job seeker.

Florida is currently looking for a large number of cybersecurity professionals according to CyberSeek. To date, around 22,686 total cybersecurity jobs are open, with the majority of these being cybersecurity analysts, engineers, consultants, or administrators.

There are cybersecurity jobs open all across the experience range and several are available for upper management.

The supply of cybersecurity workers to demand is above the national average, sitting around 89 percent of available cybersecurity workers relative to employer demand. This indicates that Florida isn’t any more or less likely to be friendly to job seekers than the rest of the country.

Given the above data about how many jobs are needed, though, it’s clear that ambitious cybersecurity professionals should be able to find employment without too much trouble.

In terms of salary, Florida is competitive compared to more rural states like Maine or Louisiana, which is practically next door.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average annual salaries are around $113,020 per year. This salary can lead to excellent quality of life depending on where you live in Florida.

While many of the coastal cities have a very high cost of living, particularly due to their status as resort and vacation hotspots, inner Florida is known to have a low cost of living.

As a state, Florida is a bit on the expensive side compared to the US average, though cybersecurity jobs are also lucrative compared to salaries on average.

Learn more about cybersecurity jobs

Florida and cybersecurity

All in all, Florida isn’t the busiest or the most developed state when it comes to cybersecurity education and work opportunities.

But like many other states in the country, it’s rapidly developing and has several unique perks, including a few major cybersecurity companies, within its borders that make it a viable option, particularly if you already live in Florida or want to go to school there.