Cybersecurity Guide

A deep dive into cybersecurity degree programs in Indiana

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Last updated:
In this guide

This is a comprehensive guide to cybersecurity schools in Indiana. The guide also includes information about related cybersecurity degrees and training options in the state.

Since the 1970s, no state has ever produced more steel than Indiana. Ohio is the second-largest producer, however, their yearly production is just half that of Indiana’s.

Manufacturing is the backbone of Indiana’s economy: after office and administrative support, the production industry is Indiana’s leading employer.

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Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website

Ten years ago Indiana’s manufacturing output totaled just under $69 billion. By 2018 that number had grown to $100 billion in output and the number of manufacturing jobs in the state had increased by 25 percent.

Robust as that growth has been, experts expect the trend to continue into the next decade. That’s good for Indiana but what does it have to do with cybersecurity?

The manufacturing industry is increasingly high-tech. Advanced technologies like 3D printing and precision robotics make great products but they’re susceptible to a wide range of cyber threats.

Improperly secured devices can be hacked giving the attacker access to sensitive engineering information. Alternatively, a bad actor can disable machinery leading to costly production delays.

As the number of attack vectors rises so does the demand for cyber protection.

Although Indiana will never have the same demand for cybersecurity personnel as a state like California, there is nonetheless a growing opportunity for those with the right credentials.

This guide covers the basics of getting a cybersecurity education in Indiana as well as the state of the job market for those who graduate from an accredited program.

Cybersecurity in Indiana

Several recent initiatives prove that Indiana takes cybersecurity seriously. Since 2018 they’ve hosted the Cybertech Midwest conference. The Cybertech conference is a gathering of national and international cybersecurity experts.

Some of the topics discussed at the conference include major cyber threats, new technologies, strategies to combat cyber attacks as well as specific advice concerning cybersecurity in the government, infrastructure, and retail sectors.

With some of the biggest names in the industry speaking the conference has proven successful and appears likely to become an annual event in Indianapolis.

Indiana has published a comprehensive report on cybersecurity that highlights the risks that cyber threats pose to the state.

“The reality of interconnectivity is that cyber risks manifest at an unprecedented pace and can pose a profound effect on citizens, organizations, and industries.”

The report is further evidence of Indiana’s awareness of the need for a robust cybersecurity industry.

Finally, Indiana has embraced the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework. A national program, NICE is an attempt to introduce uniform language regarding cybersecurity work.

Cybersecurity organizations in Indiana:

  • Indiana Cybersecurity Council (IECC): A public-private partnership that works to advance cybersecurity in Indiana.
  • Indiana Office of Technology (IOT): The state agency responsible for cybersecurity for state government agencies.
  • Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS): The state agency responsible for coordinating homeland security and cybersecurity efforts in Indiana.
  • Indiana State Police (ISP): The state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime in Indiana.
  • Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center (IIFC): A state agency that collects and analyzes intelligence on cyber threats.
  • Indiana Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IN-ISAC): A non-profit organization that provides cybersecurity information sharing and analysis services to Indiana organizations.
  • Indiana Association of Information Security Professionals (IA-ISP): A non-profit organization that provides professional development and networking opportunities for cybersecurity professionals in Indiana.
  • Purdue Center for Information and Infrastructure Protection (CIIP): A research center at Purdue University that focuses on cybersecurity and infrastructure protection.
  • Indiana University Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education (CCRE): A research center at Indiana University that focuses on cybersecurity research and education.
  • Indiana Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (ICCE): A partnership between Purdue University and Indiana University that provides cybersecurity training and education to Indiana organizations.

Cybersecurity education in Indiana

Indiana is investing in cybersecurity education to address the growing threat of cyber attacks. The state has faced several high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, highlighting the need for cybersecurity education.

The state has several programs and initiatives in place to help students and adults learn how to protect themselves and their organizations from cyber attacks, including the Indiana Cybersecurity Internship Program which provides internships to students and adults interested in a cybersecurity career at a variety of organizations, such as businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

The Indiana Cybersecurity Talent Fund is another program that provides grants to businesses and organizations training their employees in cybersecurity that can be used to cover the cost of training programs, tuition reimbursement, and other expenses.

By investing in cybersecurity education, Indiana is taking steps to protect its businesses and individuals from the ever-growing threat of cyber attacks.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity Associate degrees in Indiana

An associate degree in cybersecurity is a good place to start. The degree can prepare the candidate for the further certifications he or she will need to secure a good job later on.

  1. Ivy Tech Community College

    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Program: Cyber Security / Information Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $170
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. National American University-Indianapolis

    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Program: Online Information Technology Associate Program - Computer Security
    Credits: 93
    Cost per credit: $380
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s degrees in Indiana

A step above an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree can be the foot in the door that lands a graduate a first cybersecurity job.

Students studying for their bachelor’s degree can expect to be exposed to a host of new topics and teachings in the cybersecurity field. That may include programming, computer science, network infrastructure as well and security best practices.

Campus-based bachelor’s degree

  1. Anderson University

    Anderson, Indiana
    Program: Cybersecurity Major
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $1,102
    Delivery method: On campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Indiana Tech

    Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Program: Cybersecurity, B.S.
    Credits: 121
    Cost per credit: $606
    Delivery method: On campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington, Indiana
    Program: B.S. in Cybersecurity and Global Policy
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $313 in-state | $1,178 out-of-state
    Delivery method: On-campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Purdue University

    West Lafayette, Indiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology – Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $323 in-state | $627 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: On campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Purdue University-Northwest

    Hammond, Indiana
    Program: Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $272 in-state | $395 out-of-state
    Delivery method: On-campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degree

  1. Indiana Tech

    Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Program: Cybersecurity, B.S.
    Credits: 121
    Cost per credit: $606
    Delivery method: On Campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Purdue Global

    Indianapolis, IN
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 180
    Cost per credit: $420
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity Master’s degrees in Indiana

A candidate with a master’s degree in cybersecurity is more likely to get hired as well as earn a higher wage. The additional training will prepare them to fill more roles in a company as well as deal with more challenging threats.

Technicians with a bachelor’s degree, who are already working in the cybersecurity field, may also find that a master’s degree is necessary to advance in the company.

Campus-based master’s degree

To learn more about these programs please see the table.

  1. Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso, Indiana
    Program: Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $679
    Delivery method: On-campus & Online
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degree

For more information on the online programs please see the table below.

  1. Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso, Indiana
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $679
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity PhD degrees in Indiana

A doctoral degree in cybersecurity (Ph.D.) is the highest degree in the field. It’s primarily meant for individuals who would like to work in academia, for one of America’s three-letter agencies, or at the highest levels in a company.

  1. Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington, Indiana
    Program: Ph.D. in Informatics – Security Informatics Track
    Credits: 90
    Cost per credit: $1,960 in state | $2,198 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Purdue University

    West Lafayette, Indiana
    Program: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Information Security
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 90
    Cost per credit: $607 in state | $1175 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Purdue University

    West Lafayette, Indiana
    Program: Ph.D. in CS with an Info-Security Focus
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 90
    Cost per credit: $607 in state | $1175 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Indiana

Additional certifications look great on a resume and may be mandatory for certain positions within the cybersecurity industry.

  1. Ivy Tech Community College

    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Program: Cyber Security / Information Assurance - CERT
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $170
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. MyComputerCareer.edu-Indianapolis

    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Program: Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) - CERT
    Credits: 30-42 weeks
    Cost per credit: $587
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Purdue University Northwest

    Hammond, Indiana
    Program: Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $502 in state | $629 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bootcamps in Indiana

  1. Eleven Fifty Academy

    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot camp
    Credits: 3-6 months
    Cost per credit: $13,500
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Indiana

Indiana Cybersecurity Hub reports that there are more than 20,000 cybersecurity job openings in Indiana, and this number is expected to increase as new technologies emerge.

A career in cybersecurity is secure and well-paid, and there are many different paths to enter this field. Whether you are young or old, it is never too late to start a career in cybersecurity.

Cyberseek Indiana provides an interactive heat map that provides a clear and concise overview of the current job market, and the career pathway tool allows users to filter jobs based on their specific needs and qualifications

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for security analysts was $49.37 in 2023, with an average annual salary of $102,690. Cyberseek data shows that 13,705 people are currently employed in the cybersecurity field, with 4,959 openings for cybersecurity-related positions.

Cybersecurity in Indiana

Indiana might not be the first state people think of when it comes to cybersecurity, however, as their manufacturing industry becomes increasingly automated the demand for cybersecurity technicians continues to rise.

For those looking to take advantage of that demand by gaining an education in cybersecurity, Indiana is a surprisingly good choice. The state has a respectable selection of both undergraduate and graduate programs available, covering several different disciplines in cybersecurity.