Discover cybersecurity degree and training options in Illinois

• Associate degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Cybersecurity certifications
• Cybersecurity in Illinois
• Jobs in Illinois

This guide is about how Illinois ranks as a place to pursue both cybersecurity education and a place to find cybersecurity-related employment after graduation.

Home to the fourth-most-important business center in the world, Illinois is a state whose cybersecurity landscape is rapidly developing.

All that development is sure to need an influx of new cybersecurity professionals to fill positions in both the private and public sectors. 

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Cybersecurity development in Illinois

Illinois is both an urban and rural state, with the third-largest city in the United States (Chicago) and a very robust economy spread among many industries, including farming, manufacturing, banking, and finance.

As an example, Boeing, United, State Farm, and Allstate all have a significant presence in Illinois, and that requires top-tier cybersecurity to protect customer information from hackers. This is especially true for the last two names, as Illinois’ biggest industry is insurance in 2019.

The state has enjoyed an exceptional growth rate for cybersecurity job postings over the last decade – easily making Illinois one of the more rapidly developing states in this area. This is partially because Illinois is focusing on a new cybersecurity strategy.

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology has taken steps to ensure the state’s digital security, as well as that of its citizens.

Here’s a small list of the many cybersecurity organizations in Illinois:

• Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP): A global non-profit organization that provides professional development and networking opportunities for IT professionals, including those in the cybersecurity field.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): A federal agency that provides cybersecurity resources and guidance to state and local governments, as well as private-sector organizations.
• Illinois Cyber Security Awareness Program (ICSAP): A state-wide initiative that aims to raise cybersecurity awareness and educate Illinois residents about how to protect themselves from cyber threats. ICSAP provides resources and training to schools, businesses, and community organizations.
• Illinois Information Security Task Force (IISTF): A public-private partnership that brings together representatives from government, academia, and industry to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives in Illinois. IISTF organizes events, workshops, and conferences to promote cybersecurity knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): A global association for IT audit, security, and risk professionals. ISACA Illinois has a local chapter that offers events, webinars, and other resources for cybersecurity professionals in the state.
• Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD): A public utility that provides wastewater treatment and flood control services to Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. MWRD has a strong cybersecurity program in place to protect its critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
• National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA): A non-profit organization that provides resources and training to help businesses and individuals protect themselves from cyber threats.
• OneSpan: Multinational cybersecurity company that provides authentication, identity verification, and encryption solutions. OneSpan is headquartered in Chicago and has a large presence in Illinois.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): A public research university that offers a variety of cybersecurity-related degree programs and research opportunities. UIUC is also home to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), which conducts research in cybersecurity and other fields.

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• How to get started: Cybersecurity for K-12

Cybersecurity education in Illinois

Although there is currently a lot of cybersecurity development occurring throughout Illinois, most of it is centered around its universities and colleges, which drive the majority of its cybersecurity research and host most of its conferences.

As a result, Illinois features a multitude of cybersecurity education options.

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Illinois

Associate degrees are excellent starting places for those who have no background in computer science or cybersecurity.

They generally introduce cybersecurity as a concept with a heavy collection of foundational computer science courses and is a great stepping stone to obtaining a bachelor’s level or higher degree in cybersecurity.

1. College of DuPage

   Glen Ellyn, Illinois

   
   Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Defense
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 64
   Cost per credit: $114 in state | $387 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. John A Logan College

   Carterville, Illinois

   
   Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cyber-Security/Information Assurance
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 65
   Cost per credit: $145 in state | $242 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

3. Rock Valley College

   Rockford, Illinois

   
   Program: Associate in Applied Science Cybersecurity Specialist
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 64
   Cost per credit: $125 in state | $694 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Illinois

Bachelor’s degrees are the next step above an associate-level degree, and generally, they incorporate a broader concentration on cybersecurity concepts and more specialized classes.

It’s possible to obtain a job in the cybersecurity field with a bachelor’s degree, though many proceed into graduate-level education for higher job placement or managerial responsibilities. 

1. Roosevelt University

   Chicago, Illinois

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $884
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Illinois - Springfield

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Program: Information Systems Security Bachelor’s Degree
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $647 out-of-state
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Illinois

Master’s degrees are a step above bachelor’s. These programs are usually quite intense and are focused even more on specific cybersecurity concepts, often allowing for specialization and research-oriented career placement.

1. DePaul University

   Chicago, Illinois

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 52
   Cost per credit: $900
   Delivery Method: Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

2. Lewis University

   Romeoville, Illinois

   
   Program: Cybersecurity, M.S.
   Credits: 33
   Cost per credit: $845
   Delivery Method: Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

3. Roosevelt University

   Chicago, Illinois

   
   Program: Master’s in Cyber Security and Information Assurance (MS)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $1,013
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

4. University of Illinois at Springfield

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $516
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Illinois

Certificates are not strictly necessary to obtain a job in the cybersecurity industry. But they do signify skills in particular cybersecurity aspects, programming languages, or operations, so they can make you a more attractive employee or allow you to hold positions horizontal to your actual field (as a forensic cybersecurity specialist, for example).

1. Carl Sandburg College

   Galesburg, Illinois

   
   Program: Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
   Credits: 16
   Cost per credit: $170
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. College of DuPage

   Glen Ellyn, Illinois

   
   Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity Specialist
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 24
   Cost per credit: $144 in state | $417 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

3. College of Lake County

   Grayslake, Illinois

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
   Credits: 36
   Cost per credit: $137 in state | $478 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

4. Elgin Community College

   Elgin, Illinois

   
   Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity-Vocational Specialist
   Credits: 32-33
   Cost per credit: $132 in state | $396 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

5. Elmhurst College

   Elmhurst, Illinois

   
   Program: Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
   Credits: 20
   Cost per credit: $655
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

6. Illinois State University

   Normal, Illinois

   
   Program: Information Assurance and Security Graduate Certificate
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 9
   Cost per credit: $423 in state | $878 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

7. Joliet Junior College

   Joliet, Illinois

   
   Program: Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity Specialist
   Credits: 33
   Cost per credit: $151 in state | $460 out of state
   Delivery Method: Online, Hybrid
   Learn more: Program details

8. Lincoln Land Community College

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Program: Certificate of Achievement in Computer Administration – Networking Track
   Credits: 36
   Cost per credit: $137 in-state | $411 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

9. McHenry County College

   Crystal Lake, Illinois

   
   Program: Information Security Analyst Certificate
   Credits: 45
   Cost per credit: $122 in state | $463 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

10. Rend Lake College

    Ina, Illinois

    
    Program: Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 25
    Cost per credit: $110 in state | $220 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

11. Southwestern Illinois College

    Belleville, Illinois

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 35
    Cost per credit: $120
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

12. Spoon River College

    Canton, Illinois

    
    Program: Cyber Security Certificate
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $158 in state | $390 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

13. Triton College

    River Grove, Illinois

    
    Program: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Certificate
    Credits: 24
    Cost per credit: $148 in-state | $377 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

14. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign, Illinois

    
    Program: Undergraduate Certificate in Global Security
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $1,171 in-state | $2,405 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Illinois

To determine how well the cybersecurity industry is doing in Illinois, we can look to CyberSeek.

There are currently 47,524 employed cybersecurity professionals compared to 19,595 open cybersecurity positions. This puts the ratio of cybersecurity worker supply/demand at 80 percent, compared to a national average of 83 percent.

Job spread is pretty good, too, with titles ranging from entry-level positions like cybersecurity analysts and engineers to systems engineers to cybersecurity managers and administrators.

The average hourly salary for cybersecurity workers in Illinois is $58.23, which translates to an annual yearly salary of about $121,110. Given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics records that the median wage for many IT positions is only $116,000, this shows that it can truly pay to work in cybersecurity in Illinois.

How far does that money stretch? On a scale with the US average cost of living being rated as “100”, Illinois is cheaper than the average with a rating of “93.7”. This means that every dollar you earn from your cybersecurity position will go further, even if you live in Chicago.

Illinois and cybersecurity

Overall, Illinois is a fantastic state for those considering pursuing cybersecurity as a career.

From comprehensive degree programs and professional certificates to non-credit training courses and public awareness initiatives, Illinois offers a diverse range of cybersecurity education opportunities for individuals at all stages of their careers.

Illinois is also home to several leading cybersecurity organizations, including AITP, CISA, ICSAP, IISTF, ISACA, MWRD, NCA, OneSpan, and UIUC. These organizations work together to promote cybersecurity awareness, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions to protect against cyber threats.

As Illinois continues to grow its technology industry, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to remain high. By investing in cybersecurity education and training, Illinois is ensuring that it has the workforce it needs to protect its digital future.