- 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.
In fact, there are several Fortune 500 companies that have homes in Chicago or others that require cybersecurity professionals.
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.
This state-mandated strategy involves funding for universities and expanding its partnerships with private and public sector cybersecurity firms and companies.
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.
Related resources
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.
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 detailsJohn A Logan College
Carterville, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsRock Valley College
Rockford, IllinoisProgram: 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.
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $884
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Illinois - Springfield
Springfield, IllinoisProgram: 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.
DePaul University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsLewis University
Romeoville, IllinoisProgram: Cybersecurity, M.S.
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $845
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsRoosevelt University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsUniversity of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IllinoisProgram: 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).
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsCollege of Lake County
Grayslake, IllinoisProgram: Cybersecurity Certificate
Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $137 in state | $478 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsElgin Community College
Elgin, IllinoisProgram: Certificate in Cybersecurity-Vocational Specialist
Credits: 32-33
Cost per credit: $132 in state | $396 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsElmhurst College
Elmhurst, IllinoisProgram: Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Credits: 20
Cost per credit: $655
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsIllinois State University
Normal, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsJoliet Junior College
Joliet, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsLincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsMcHenry County College
Crystal Lake, IllinoisProgram: Information Security Analyst Certificate
Credits: 45
Cost per credit: $122 in state | $463 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsRend Lake College
Ina, IllinoisProgram: Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
Credits: 25
Cost per credit: $110 in state | $220 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSouthwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IllinoisProgram: Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
Credits: 35
Cost per credit: $120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSpoon River College
Canton, IllinoisProgram: Cyber Security Certificate
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $158 in state | $390 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsTriton College
River Grove, IllinoisProgram: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Certificate
Credits: 24
Cost per credit: $148 in-state | $377 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IllinoisProgram: 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.