Jacksonville, Florida, is a vital cybersecurity hub driven by a dynamic mix of prominent employers and respected educational institutions. The city is home to notable employers like Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and CSX Corporation, both known for their robust cybersecurity operations.
Additionally, Jacksonville’s proximity to military installations such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville provides a steady demand for cybersecurity expertise.
For those seeking academic excellence, the University of North Florida (UNF) stands out with its comprehensive cybersecurity programs and research initiatives, making Jacksonville an attractive destination for students and early career professionals eager to advance in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity overview
Jacksonville boasts a robust cybersecurity landscape with a thriving job market and a substantial workforce dedicated to protecting digital assets. As of recent data, there are around 1,900 cybersecurity job openings in the Jacksonville metro area, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
The city’s cybersecurity workforce is bolstered by the presence of major financial, transportation, and healthcare companies, as well as military and defense contractors. These employers seek talent to fill roles such as information security analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and network administrators, ensuring a steady influx of opportunities for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Employers in Jacksonville prioritize candidates with recognized certifications and degrees that validate their expertise and readiness to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges. Among the most sought-after certifications are Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security+. Additionally, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications are highly valued, particularly for cybersecurity management and auditing roles.
On the academic front, degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity, and Master of Science in Cybersecurity are commonly preferred by employers. Notable institutions offering these programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity program listings in Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Program: Associate in Science (A.S.) in IT Security
Cost per credit: $117 in-state | $401 out-of-state
Program: Associate's
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsJacksonville University
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: B.S Cybersecurity
Cost per credit: $1,560
Program: Bachelor's
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Florida
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: MS Computing & Information Sciences - Cybersecurity Concentration
Cost per credit: $494 in-state | $1,044 out-of-state
Program: Master's
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsJacksonville University
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration
Cost per credit: $1,350
Program: MBA
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus & Online
Learn more: Program detailsFlorida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Cost per credit: $4,275
Program: Bootcamp
Credits: 595 hours
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Florida
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Cost per credit: $14,995
Program: Bootcamp
Credits: 12-26 weeks
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsFlorida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: Certificate in Cybersecurity
Cost per credit: $499
Program: Certificate
Credits: 40 hours
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsJacksonville University
Jacksonville, FloridaProgram: Cybersecurity Strategy Graduate Certificate
Cost per credit: $900
Program: Certificate
Credits: 12
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Jacksonville offers a diverse array of academic programs in cybersecurity, catering to various levels of education and career aspirations. The University of North Florida (UNF) is a prominent institution that provides a Master of Science in Computing & Information Sciences with a concentration in cybersecurity.
This program is designed for those looking to delve deeply into advanced cybersecurity concepts and practices. Additionally, UNF offers a Cybersecurity Bootcamp, an intensive program that equips students with practical, job-ready skills in a shorter time frame.
Jacksonville University (JU) also contributes significantly to the cybersecurity education landscape with various programs tailored to different career stages. Their MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration is ideal for professionals seeking to combine business acumen with cybersecurity expertise, preparing them for leadership roles.
JU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive undergraduate education covering fundamental and advanced topics in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Strategy Graduate Certificate provides a focused curriculum for those looking to enhance their strategic understanding of cybersecurity issues.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) provides accessible and practical options for those starting their cybersecurity careers. The Associate in Science (A.S.) in IT Security offers foundational knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions. FSCJ also offers a Cybersecurity Bootcamp for those looking to gain practical skills and enter the workforce quickly.
For individuals seeking to build on existing knowledge or specialize further, FSCJ’s Certificate in Cybersecurity provides targeted education in critical areas of the field. These programs collectively create a robust educational ecosystem in Jacksonville, preparing students for successful careers in cybersecurity.
Resources
- IronTech Security – a cybersecurity arm of Kirkham.IT, offering IT services to different sectors for more than 17 years. They utilize a diverse range of vendors and cybersecurity solutions to provide a strong security strategy, ensuring the protection of businesses’ and clients’ data from cyber threats.
- 9th Bridge Jacksonville – a community-driven organization that combines technical knowledge sharing with character-building
- Cyber Range – provides a hands-on learning environment where students can improve their skills in protecting against cyber attacks, preparing them for the complexities of safeguarding digital systems in today’s interconnected society.
- Infragard Jacksonville Members Alliance (IJMA) – a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It brings together individuals representing businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants.