Cybersecurity Guide

Get the latest on cybersecurity training programs in Tampa

Written by Steven Bowcut – Last updated:
In this guide

Tampa, Florida, including the metropolitan areas of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is a burgeoning hub for cybersecurity opportunities. These opportunities are driven by the presence of major employers like Raymond James Financial, Tech Data, and Jabil. These companies and the region’s defense contractors and healthcare institutions create a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals.

The area also has several prominent universities (see the full school listing below), such as the University of South Florida (USF), which offers comprehensive cybersecurity programs through its College of Engineering and Cybersecurity Education Programs.

Additionally, institutions like St. Petersburg College and the University of Tampa provide specialized training and degrees in cybersecurity, making Tampa an ideal location for students and early career professionals to launch their careers in this critical field.

Cybersecurity overview

The cybersecurity landscape in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater metropolitan areas is vibrant and rapidly growing, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled professionals. 

According to the latest data from Cyberseek, the region has over 5,000 cybersecurity job openings, with a total cybersecurity workforce approaching 16,000 professionals.

This robust job market is fueled by the presence of major financial institutions, technology companies, healthcare providers, and defense contractors, all of which require sophisticated cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and systems. The area’s strategic location and growing tech industry make it an attractive destination for cybersecurity talent.

Employers in the Tampa metro area actively seek professionals with a range of certifications and degrees that demonstrate their expertise and readiness to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

The most commonly sought-after certifications include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). These certifications are highly valued as they cover various aspects of cybersecurity, from technical skills to management and auditing capabilities.

In terms of academic qualifications, degrees in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, and related fields are highly desirable. The University of South Florida (USF) stands out with its well-regarded cybersecurity programs, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity and related disciplines.

St. Petersburg College and the University of Tampa also offer specialized programs that equip students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in the cybersecurity industry.

These institutions provide a strong educational foundation that, when combined with industry-recognized certifications, positions graduates for success in Tampa’s dynamic cybersecurity job market.

Cybersecurity program listings in Tampa

  1. Hillsborough Community College

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Network Security AS
    Cost per credit: $104 in-state | $380 out-of-state
    Program: Associate's
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Hillsborough Community College

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Operations AS
    Cost per credit: $104 in-state | $380 out-of-state
    Program: Associate's
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Hillsborough Community College

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity AS
    Cost per credit: $104 in-state | $380 out-of-state
    Program: Associate's
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  4. St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity A.S. Degree
    Cost per credit: $112 in-state | $387 out-of-state
    Program: Associate's
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity B.A.S.
    Cost per credit: $112 in-state | $387 out-of-state
    Program: Bachelor's
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: B.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management
    Cost per credit: $214 in-state | $577 out-of-state
    Program: Bachelor's
    Credits: 120
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: BS in Cybersecurity
    Cost per credit: $214 in-state | $577 out-of-state
    Program: Bachelor's
    Credits: 120
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of Tampa

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: BS in Cybersecurity
    Cost per credit: $664
    Program: Bachelor's
    Credits: 84
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management
    Cost per credit: $436 in-state | $881 out-of-state
    Program: Master's
    Credits: 30
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  10. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity, M.S.C.Y.S.
    Cost per credit: $436 in-state | $881 out-of-state
    Program: Master's
    Credits: 30
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  11. University of Tampa

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: M.S. in Cybersecurity
    Cost per credit: $709
    Program: Master's
    Credits: 32-40
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: MBA with Concentration in Cybersecurity
    Cost per credit: $497 - $750
    Program: MBA
    Credits: 33-49
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  13. University of Tampa

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: MBA Cybersecurity Concentration
    Cost per credit: $709
    Program: MBA
    Credits: 16
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  14. University of Tampa

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Professional MBA Cybersecurity Concentration
    Cost per credit: $709
    Program: MBA
    Credits: 60
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Fullstack Academy

    Brooklyn, New York
    Program: Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp
    Cost per credit: $14,995
    Program: Bootcamp
    Credits: 12 to 26 weeks
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  16. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Cost per credit: $10,900
    Program: Bootcamp
    Credits: 6 months
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Certstaffix

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: Cyber Security Essentials
    Cost per credit: $975
    Program: Certificate
    Credits: 34 courses
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  18. St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Cost per credit: $123 in-state | $426 out-of-state
    Program: Certificate1
    Credits: 18
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  19. University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Cyber Intelligence Graduate Certificate
    Cost per credit: $436 in-state | $881 out-of-state
    Program: Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  20. University of Tampa

    Tampa, Florida
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Cost per credit: $709
    Program: Certificate
    Credits: 12-20
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

The Tampa metropolitan area boasts a diverse array of academic institutions offering robust cybersecurity degree programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the industry. 

The University of South Florida (USF) is a key player, offering a range of programs, including the M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management, the Cybersecurity MSCYS, and a BS in Cybersecurity.

These programs are tailored to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address current and emerging cybersecurity challenges. USF’s comprehensive curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities make it a leading choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

The University of Tampa also offers competitive programs with its BS in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Cybersecurity, and Professional MBA with a Cybersecurity Concentration. These programs emphasize a blend of technical expertise and business acumen, preparing graduates to understand and mitigate cyber threats and manage and strategize cybersecurity initiatives within organizations.

The inclusion of a cybersecurity concentration within the Professional MBA program is particularly beneficial for those looking to integrate cybersecurity expertise with broader business leadership skills.

St. Petersburg College provides accessible and flexible options for those pursuing cybersecurity education, with its Cybersecurity A.S. Degree and Cybersecurity B.A.S. These programs are designed to cater to both entry-level students and those seeking to advance their careers.

The Associate’s degree offers foundational knowledge and skills, while the Bachelor’s degree builds on this foundation with more advanced coursework and practical experience. Students and professionals looking to gain a comprehensive education in cybersecurity will find these programs particularly appealing.

Resources

  • Florida Center for Cybersecurity – focuses on education, research, and outreach efforts, offering resources such as free training, conferences, and podcasts to make Florida a cybersecurity leader.
  • Tampa Bay Chapter of ISSA – a collaborative environment for senior-level cybersecurity executives. They provide educational forums, publications, and peer interactions to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional growth.
  • MCPA – Tampa – a non-profit that supports veterans and provides educational resources for the military cyber community.
  • CyberTech | X Accelerator – a specialized 90-day accelerator program called CyberTech|X Accelerator for technology startups in the cybersecurity industry. Participants receive support, networking opportunities, and coaching from cybersecurity experts.
  • Florida Cyber Alliance – a non-profit organization dedicated to building a security community and workforce throughout Florida.
  • Tampa Bay Tech – a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together and supporting the local technology community for over two decades.