Cybersecurity Guide

A look at all of the cybersecurity degree and professional training in Kentucky

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

This guide is about some of the many cybersecurity schools in Kentucky as well as some of the cybersecurity-related career opportunities available in the state.

Accounting for one of every six jobs in the state, manufacturing is one of the backbone’s of Kentucky’s economy. There are roughly a quarter million manufacturing jobs in the state, the result of 4,276 manufacturing facilities. 

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Those manufacturing plants produce a lot of products and Kentucky exported $34.4 billion of Kentucky-made products, a new record. Those numbers, increase in exports over the years, make Kentucky a larger exporter than the entire country of Greece. 

While Canada is Kentucky’s largest trade partner, their exports make their way to almost two-hundred countries each year. The largest category of manufactured export is aerospace products. 

Manufacturing doesn’t tell the whole story, however. There is another multi-billion dollar industry in Kentucky that thrives due to the state’s advantageous geography. 

Kentucky isn’t dead center in the United States, however, it is nearly perfectly centered when accounting for population. That has led to the development of a massive shipping and logistics industry, an industry unapparelled anywhere in the world.

Take package sorting, for example. “The UPS Worldport at Louisville International Airport is the largest fully automated package-handling facility in the world.” That facility processes about 1.5 million packages a day, or put differently, 17.4 packages a second. 

That’s a lot of packages and it represents the work of just one company. DHL also has a facility in Kentucky that recently underwent a $100 million expansion. FedEx is also expanding its in-state operation. 

While impressive, these facilities have a weakness. By necessity, they’re heavily automated. What’s automated is susceptible to cyberattack and even though disrupting America’s package supply might not be the first order of business for a cybercriminal, the threat is real enough.

Thankfully Kentucky is aware of the important role that cybersecurity plays in this computer-powered age. Through conferences and state-driven initiatives, they’re seeking to promote cybersecurity awareness and find solutions to today’s most pressing digital problems. 

Cybersecurity in Kentucky  

The Cyber Security Conference has become an annual event in Kentucky. Designed especially for enterprise IT employees, as well as government security technicians, the conference is a chance to learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to combat them. 

Learn how to respond to cyber threats

Attendees can also learn about compliance; ensuring that their company’s digital systems are fully compliant with the latest regulations. 

In addition to the conference, Kentucky’s legislator recently passed KY HR 171, “A resolution urging a comprehensive study of and subsequent plan to deal with the growing blockchain technology.” 

What’s interesting is that instead of vilifying cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, as many have done, the state of Kentucky acknowledges their potential.

“These advances in blockchain technology have great potential in the area of economic development as many innovative startups and entrepreneurs have entered the blockchain sector.”

The legislation does recognize, however, that without proper oversight and regulation blockchain and cryptographic currencies may do more harm than good. 

Finally, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recently named Kentucky’s Owensboro Community & Technical College’s computer and information technology program a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. 

The designation recognizes the program’s high standard of teaching in regards to cybersecurity and cyber defense. It illustrates the focus that Kentucky places on cybersecurity education. Indeed, they have a number of cybersecurity programs available to potential students. 

Learn more about cyber defense

Cybersecurity education in Kentucky

Educating people about cybersecurity is really important in Kentucky as it helps them learn how to defend important computer systems and data. As cyber attacks become more common, it’s vital to have trained people ready to protect the private information of individuals, businesses, and the government.

Also, as Kentucky’s economy gets bigger, especially in areas like healthcare, making things, and moving goods around, strong cybersecurity is even more important.

This makes teaching cybersecurity a key part of keeping Kentucky safe and successful in the future.

Related resources

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Kentucky

While an associate’s degree may limit the number of cybersecurity jobs that a graduate will be able to apply for, the two-year degree has the advantage of being less expensive than a bachelor’s.  

Currently Kentucky has two schools that offer associate’s degree: Bluegrass Community and Technical College and Owensboro Community and Technical College.

  1. Bluegrass Community and Technical College

    Lexington, Kentucky
    Program: AAS in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 61-64
    Cost per credit: $186 in state | $250 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Owensboro Community and Technical College

    Owensboro, Kentucky
    Program: Associate in Applied Science in Information Security Track
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60-64
    Cost per credit: $186 in state | $250 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Kentucky

A bachelor’s degree is a great choice as most cybersecurity jobs require a four-year degree or higher. A bachelor’s program will prepare students to recognize and neutralize many of the most common types of cyber threats. 

In addition, students may study subjects outside of the IT field like history or English literature. 

Campus-based cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees

Kentucky currently offers three cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs. Please see the following list for more information. 

  1. Eastern Kentucky University

    Richmond, Kentucky
    Program: B.S. in Network Security and Electronics
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $318 in-state | $357 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Kentucky State University

    Frankfort, Kentucky
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Computer Information Security Option
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Sullivan University

    Louisville, Kentucky
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 180
    Cost per credit: $420
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

Online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees

The main advantage of an online degree is flexibility. With an online degree, it’s easier to study while working, making this an ideal way for someone to earn an income while also furthering their education. 

Students in Kentucky can choose from four online bachelor’s degree programs. 

  1. Monroe College

    Williamsburg, Kentucky
    Program: Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems - Cybersecurity concentration
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $624
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of Cumberlands

    Williamsburg, Kentucky
    Program: Bachelor's in Information Technology - Concentration Information Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $335
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green, Kentucky
    Program: B.S. in Computer Information Technology - Cybersecurity Concentration
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $551
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Sullivan University

    Louisville, Kentucky
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 180
    Cost per credit: $420
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Kentucky

The primary advantage of a master’s degree is that the graduate will not be held back within the company. For instance, some companies may stipulate that those in upper management must have a master’s degree or higher.  

Graduates with a master’s degree also, on average, earn a higher salary and have more employment opportunities as their expertise is more in demand.  

Kentucky offers four cybersecurity master’s degrees. For more information please see the list below. 

  1. Murray State University

    Murray, Kentucky
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management online
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $549
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Northern Kentucky University

    Highland Heights, Kentucky
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Online
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $480
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Cumberlands

    Williamsburg, Kentucky
    Program: Master of Science in Information Systems Security
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $355
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE Requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green, Kentucky
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Data Analytics
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $607 in-state | $917 out of state
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Kentucky

Certifications are a compliment to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. They train students in a particular cybersecurity skill and some jobs may require candidates to possess a certain certification as a prerequisite to being hired. 

Kentucky has five certification programs. Please consult the following list for more information. 

  1. Kentucky State University

    Frankfort, Kentucky
    Program: Cyber Security Certificate
    Credits: 12-13
    Cost per credits: $255
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Northern Kentucky University

    Highland Heights, Kentucky
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 22
    Cost per credit: $438 in state | $879 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Owensboro Community and Technical College

    Owensboro, Kentucky
    Program: Digital Forensics Specialist - Certificate
    Credits: 20
    Cost per credit: $186 in state | $250 out of state
    Delivery method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Sullivan University

    Louisville, Kentucky
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $420
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green, Kentucky
    Program: Cybersecurity Analytics Graduate Certificate
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $607 in-state | $917 out of state
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Kentucky   

Recently, there is an alarming shortage of cybersecurity technicians throughout the United States. The jobs are there, the salaries are above average, but still there are tens of thousands of unfilled vacancies.

A CNN article highlighted the problems Kentucky is having securing its voting equipment. While a great deal of that problem is funding related, also highlighted is the lack of cybersecurity technicians to work with the digital voting equipment. 

This is just one small example of the many industries which are understaffed when it comes to cybersecurity. Given this shortage, candidates with a cybersecurity degree have a great deal of choice in which industry they’d like to work. 

Government voting, advanced manufacturing, shipping, and logistics, etc. As more industries become digitized, the demand for cybersecurity technicians is only going to grow.

Currently, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average rate of security analysts in Kentucky is at $44.95, and the average annual salary of $93,500.

Cyberseek website also reported that 8,546 cybersecurity workers are currently employed and there are 3,618 jobs available in Kentucky.

Cybersecurity in Kentucky   

Like much of America, Kentucky is becoming increasingly automated. From their advanced manufacturing industry, which employs a not-insignificant amount of the state’s total workers, to their shipping and thriving export economy, everything depends on computers and those computers are susceptible to a cyberattack. 

Kentucky’s corporations and government organizations are aware of the threat posed and there is a huge demand for cybersecurity technicians with not enough people to fill the vacancies. In fact, CyberSeek rates the number of cybersecurity technicians in Kentucky as “very low.” 

Given the high demand and low supply, there has never been a better time to take an education in cybersecurity. The job market is wide open and the salary is excellent.

Kentucky has a wide variety of cybersecurity education programs, especially undergraduate programs, and getting a degree could be a great way to start a new career in an industry that’s only set to expand.