Cybersecurity Guide

From novice to pro: Cybersecurity schools in Georgia

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

This guide provides an overview of cybersecurity in the state of Georgia. The information below is a summary of cybersecurity educational and career opportunities that now exist in Georgia.

It also includes a review of economic conditions, particularly as it relates to the expected future growth of demand for Georgia cybersecurity services.

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Georgia ranks 24 by geographic area but eight in terms of largest by population. About 60 percent of the state’s residents live in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

For the past few decades, the Atlanta region has provided most of the economic growth that has taken place in Georgia. Industries such as financial services and technology took root in the 1970s and 1980s and are now mainstays for the state’s economy.

In the past year, the state of Georgia has experienced strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. In terms of new cybersecurity job openings, Georgia ranked eighth in the country behind North Carolina.

Georgia is home to 17 Fortune 500 corporations, including Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS, SunTrust Banks, Anthem, and Honeywell. 

Aside from the large financial services industry, the state government has thrown its support behind developing the cybersecurity industry, in addition to fortifying the state’s information security readiness.

Growing importance of cybersecurity in Georgia

The state government created the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) “way back” in the year 2000. It was one of the first state-sponsored cybersecurity organizations established in the US. One of GTA’s missions is to ensure the security of the state’s information technology infrastructure. 

Then in January 2017, the governor announced the creation of the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta, subsequently building a $100 million facility to house the Center. Its two-fold mission is to educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and to support innovative cybersecurity companies based within the state.

In 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) completed a case study of how the state of Georgia has organized and executed its efforts to maximize cybersecurity in the state. The study was used as an example of successful cyber governance for other states to follow.

In 2018, the GTA initiated the Cybersecurity Workforce Academy within the Georgia Cyber Center to educate cybersecurity professionals working in state agencies.

The Academy and the Center now collaborate to offer cybersecurity certificate programs and are also involved with several undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity education programs.

In 2020, Fort Gordon in Augusta became the national U.S. Army Cyber Command central post for all of the U.S. Army’s Cybersecurity Operations. The plan calls for more than 4,700 high-tech military personnel to be relocated to Georgia.

The Command center will include a “cyber range” to provide real-world cyber warfare training and technology research. In addition to enhancing the nation’s information security, the state intends to use it to help train young students showing an interest in cybersecurity.

Learn more about cybersecurity in critical industries

Like everywhere, Georgia’s economic strength will be largely dependent upon the state’s ability to educate and attract cybersecurity professionals in the future. The government and business community are already acutely aware of what needs to be done.

Unlike many other states, Georgia is taking the challenge seriously, which should make it a hospitable place for the cybersecurity industry to thrive. 

Cybersecurity education in Georgia

With support from the state government, Georgia’s colleges and universities are taking their role in cybersecurity efforts seriously, particularly the state university system.

There are already eight schools that have been awarded the NSA’s designation for Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), including Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of North Georgia.

Georgia Tech has developed a Cyber and Network Security Boot Camp for information security beginners. The intent is to produce students knowledgeable in many different aspects of cybersecurity.

The University of Georgia created the Institute for Cybersecurity and Privacy (ICSP) in Athens, Georgia. ICSP’s mission is to be “a state hub for cybersecurity research and education.” The NSA has designated the institute as a CAE in Cybersecurity Research.

In 2004, Kennesaw State was the first US educational institution to be recognized by the NSA as a CAE and has continued to hold various CAE designations ever since. The school’s Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development was founded to oversee the school’s cybersecurity education programs and to work with state authorities to assist in public information security efforts.

Given the state’s determination to be a leading influencer in cybersecurity and the resources being brought to bear by the state university system, there are likely few states better suited to provide a quality education, learning environment, and post-graduation career opportunities than Georgia.

This is particularly true for undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s degree and certificate programs are plentiful in Georgia. At present, though, there is a lack of associate’s and Ph.D. programs, but that is likely to change in the coming years.

Learn more about Cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Georgia

Associate’s degrees in cybersecurity generally require only a year or two to complete, so they provide a good alternative to bachelor’s degrees for those lacking the time and resources to complete a four-year program. 

  1. Atlanta Technical College

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity AAS
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $153
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Augusta Technical College

    Augusta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity, Associate of Applied Science Degree
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $531
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Chattahoochee Technical College

    Marietta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science Degree
    Credits: 70-72
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Georgia Military College

    Milledgeville, Georgia
    Program: AS in Cyber Security
    Credits: 65-69
    Cost per credit: $226
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Georgia Military College

    Warner Robins, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Associate Degree
    Credits: 65-69
    Cost per credit: $148 (Campus) | $169 (Online)
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Georgia Northwestern Technical College

    Rome, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity (IS23) Associate of Applied Science Degree
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Georgia Piedmont Technical College

    Clarkston, Georgia
    Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $400 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Gwinnett Technical College

    Lawrenceville, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity, AAS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $400 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. West Georgia Technical College

    Waco, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity associate degree
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $100
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Georgia

While some cybersecurity employers require only an associate’s degree for entry-level job openings, most information security positions now call for at least a bachelor’s degree.

Often, employers will require a technology major, preferably in a STEM-based discipline. However, majoring or having a concentration in cybersecurity will certainly be viewed favorably over other technology majors. 

Campus-based bachelor’s degree

  1. Albany Technical College

    Albany, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Degree
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $100
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro, Georgia
    Program: Cyber Security Minor
    Credits: 124 (18 Cybersecurity Credits)
    Cost per credit: $182 in-state | $643 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $185 in state | $654 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of North Georgia

    Dahlonega, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Minor
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120 (16 cybersecurity)
    Cost per credit: $187 in-state | $658 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degree

  1. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $185 in state | $654 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Georgia

Master’s degrees in cybersecurity are definitely growing in importance in the industry. Management-level information security jobs are increasingly demanding applicants have a graduate degree in a cybersecurity specialty.

C-suite corporate positions like Chief Information Security Officer almost always now require a master’s degree, and sometimes even a PhD.

Also, cybersecurity professionals choosing to pursue a career in academia, cybersecurity research, or cybersecurity consulting are now finding master’s degrees beneficial for landing quality positions.

  1. Georgia Institute of Technology

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $310
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $296 in-state | $1,066 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Georgia

Cybersecurity certifications are perfect vehicles for students just starting out in cybersecurity and for experienced professionals. A range of various types of certification programs is available depending on individual circumstances and needs.

  1. Atlanta Technical College

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $159
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Columbus Technical College

    Columbus, Georgia
    Program: Cyber Security Certificate
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Georgia Northwestern Technical College

    Catoosa County, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity (IS81) Certificate
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro, Georgia
    Program: Cyber Security Undergraduate Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $182 in state | $643 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Lanier Technical College

    Oakwood, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 34
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Ogeechee Technical College

    Statesboro, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $100
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Southeastern Technical College

    Vidalia, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate - Technical Certificate of Credit
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $100 in state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of Georgia

    Athens, Georgia
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 18-20
    Cost per credit: $370 in-state | $1,050 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

    Valdosta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity certificate
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $100 in-state | $200 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Trying to decide if cybersecurity is the right career? Try a certification program designed to provide an introduction to information security.

When it comes time to apply for entry-level positions in cybersecurity, these certifications will prove to be an advantage. 

Learn more about cybersecurity professional certifications

Cybersecurity bootcamps in Georgia

  1. DigitalCrafts

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate Bootcamp
    Credits: 15-30 weeks
    Cost per credit: $9,500
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $4,275
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Valdosta State University

    Valdosta, Georgia
    Program: Cybersecurity Master Boot Camp
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $4,275.00
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Georgia

CyberSeek reports that there were 37,568 cybersecurity professionals employed in the state of Georgia from September 2022 through August 2023. There were also 18,926 new information security jobs posted by Georgia employers during that time.

Compared to other states in the US, Georgia has a very high concentration of cybersecurity job demand.

There are more than 120 cybersecurity companies based in the state of Georgia, including IBM Security Services, generating nearly $5 billion in annual revenues.

Cybersecurity jobs in the Atlanta metropolitan area are by far the biggest contributor to the demand with 13,892 openings in 2023. The next closest region in Georgia (Augusta) experienced less than 1,800 cybersecurity job openings.

Learn more about cybersecurity jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, security analysts in Georgia have an average annual salary of $118,520 or $56.26 hourly wage. This is about in line with or slightly lower than national averages. But Georgia also sports a standard of living about seven percent below the national average.

Housing is the biggest reason for the lower cost of living, but most other things tend to be relatively inexpensive in Georgia too. And even in the Atlanta area, housing is substantially cheaper than the US average.

Cybersecurity in Georgia

Georgia is already one of the leading states in the country for cybersecurity, and everything is being done to ensure that it continues to hold a leadership role. The existing cybersecurity industry is one of the largest in the country and growing rapidly.

The US Army also opened its cybersecurity central command in Augusta in 2020.

The state government and educational institutions have thrown their full support into ensuring Georgia has a strong supply of new cybersecurity professionals. And a growing economic base has a critical need for infosec services.

With these advantages, Georgia promises to be a prime location for up-and-coming cybersecurity professionals for the foreseeable future.