Cybersecurity Guide

A complete list of cybersecurity education options in Louisiana

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

Louisiana offers multiple cybersecurity education pathways for students, comparing degree programs, schools, and long-term training options tied to real workforce needs.

Readers researching a cybersecurity school here will find college pathways shaped by hiring demand across finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.

This page stays focused on academic pathways and school options, with institutions included only when they support notable workforce development, research, or hands-on training initiatives.

How we keep this page current

We update this page using a short list of authoritative sources, including CyberSeek‘s workforce tool, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and official information from state cybersecurity offices and university initiatives.

Whenever institutions are referenced, program claims are verified against official university or state program pages. Time-sensitive workforce statistics and program information are updated or removed during routine reviews to ensure accuracy.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Herzing UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Arizona State UniversityOnline MA in Global Security - Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Louisiana

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Louisiana reflects national trends, with growing demand for professionals who can secure government systems, healthcare infrastructure, financial networks, and industrial systems.

According to CyberSeek’s cybersecurity workforce analysis, Louisiana regularly records hundreds of cybersecurity-related job postings each year, indicating steady employer demand for security professionals. CyberSeek measures demand through online job postings rather than confirmed employment positions.

State labor market projections from the Louisiana Workforce Commission Labor Market Information division indicate continued demand for computer and information technology occupations across the state. These projections include occupations tied to cybersecurity functions such as network security administration and systems protection.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information security analysts in Louisiana earn a mean annual wage approaching or exceeding $100,000, depending on experience and industry sector.

Another related occupation tracked by the BLS is network and computer systems administrators, which often serves as a pathway into cybersecurity roles. In Louisiana, these professionals earn a mean annual wage of roughly $85,000–$95,000 depending on experience and specialization.

Each of these sources measures different aspects of cybersecurity employment:

Together, these datasets provide context for students evaluating cybersecurity degree programs in Louisiana.

Cybersecurity degree pathways in Louisiana

Students interested in cybersecurity education in Louisiana typically pursue one of several academic pathways: associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, graduate degrees, and certification-focused workforce training.

Associate degrees

Associate-level cybersecurity programs are often offered through community colleges and technical education systems. These programs generally emphasize foundational cybersecurity and IT skills such as:

  • Network security fundamentals
  • System administration
  • Security operations monitoring
  • Vulnerability assessment basics

  1. Bossier Parish Community College

    Bossier City, Louisiana
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $139
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Recognition: The program is recognized by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
    • Courses: Students will study topics like IT basics, programming, network security, and computer forensics.
    • Partnerships: The program has ties with other institutions for further studies.
    Learn more: Program details

Many associate programs also prepare students for industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, or Cisco networking credentials.

Students considering associate programs should look for:

  • Transfer pathways into bachelor’s degree programs
  • Hands-on cybersecurity lab environments
  • Coursework aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework

Bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity or computer science with a security specialization provide broader technical training in cyber defense, risk management, and secure systems design.

Typical coursework includes:

  • Network defense and monitoring
  • Digital forensics
  • Cryptography
  • Secure software development
  • Security architecture and risk analysis

Campus-based bachelor’s degree

  1. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana
    Program: B.S. in Computer Science – Cyber Security Concentration
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $662 in-state | $662 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Program: Louisiana Tech offers top-notch computer science education.
    • Experience: Students can participate in advanced research projects.
    • Affiliation: The program has strong ties with the industry and is ABET-accredited.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana
    Program: B.S. in Cyber Engineering
    Credits: 128
    Cost per credit: $714
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Importance: This field is growing rapidly, much like biotechnology and IT, and can bring positive changes to the world.
    • Program's Goal: It trains students in computer science and engineering while also teaching them about cybersecurity's societal and ethical aspects.
    • Recognition: The program has received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity Concentration
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $173 in-state | $532 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Course: It covers both business and tech topics. Students can choose from areas like App Development, Web Design, System Management, and Cyber Security.
    • Overview: This program aims to prepare students for careers as information systems and technology professionals in various sectors.
    • Core Curriculum: Students must complete 80 semester hours within the 120 semester hour Computer Information Systems curriculum.
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Southern University and A & M College

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor Of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $328 in-state | $245 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Program Objectives: Uphold professional and ethical responsibilities and actively engage in societal contributions.
    • Program Outcomes: Tackle tough computer challenges, build and test computer solutions, and make ethical decisions in IT.
    • Concentrations: Prepare students for advanced studies, research, and various tech jobs.
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $596 in-state | $596 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Study Choices: Students can pick from five specialized areas.
    • Hands-on Learning: They offer over 300 virtual labs for practical experience.
    • Partnerships: They have ties with CompTIA, AWS Academy, and others for added student benefits.
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: B.S. in Computer Science with concentration in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $315 in-state | $476 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Opportunities: Access to research and paid internships with industry partners.
    • Fast-Track Master's: Top students can start their Master's degree early, saving time and money.
    • Honors: A special program for high-achieving students to graduate with honors.
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degree

  1. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $596 in-state | $596 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Big Partnerships: They work with big names like CompTIA and AWS Academy.
    • Credits from Other Schools: They accept up to 60 credits from other recognized schools.
    • Expert Teachers: Learn from people who are leaders in the tech industry.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity Concentration
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $173 in-state | $532 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Course Details: To get this degree, students need to take specific core and specialized courses.
    • Overview: This program trains students for tech jobs in different sectors.
    • Cyber Security Concentration: Prioritizes skills needed to protect digital assets and information.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Phoenix-Louisiana

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $398
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • Practical IT Skills: The BSIT course covers important IT areas, including cybersecurity.
    • Real-World Learning: The program teaches how to use IT knowledge in real business situations.
    • Flexible Choices: Students can pick special areas of study and earn multiple qualifications.
    Learn more: Program details

Some universities also operate cybersecurity research centers or workforce initiatives that connect students with real-world cybersecurity challenges.

For example, Louisiana State University supports cybersecurity research and workforce initiatives through the Center for Computation and Technology, which conducts interdisciplinary research in areas including secure systems, computing infrastructure, and cyberinfrastructure.

Programs that integrate research opportunities or industry partnerships can provide valuable practical experience alongside academic coursework.

Master’s degrees

Graduate cybersecurity programs allow students to specialize in advanced security fields such as cyber operations, digital forensics, and security architecture.

Typical master’s-level coursework may include:

  • Cyber threat intelligence
  • Advanced network defense
  • Secure system architecture
  • Incident response management
  • Cyber risk governance

Campus-based master’s degree

  1. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Program: MS in Computer Information Systems
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $216
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Goal: Train students for tech roles in different sectors.
    • Study Plan: 80 out of 120 hours are specific to CIS. This includes core topics and a choice of one specialized area.
    • Business Analytics Certificate: An 18-hour program for those with a bachelor's degree. It boosts analytical and problem-solving skills.
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degree

  1. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Management
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $1,119
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • Courses: Students take essential courses and can pick two extra ones. These extra courses can lead to a specialized focus.
    • Homeland Security: Prepares students to identify and tackle national threats.
    • Job Opportunities: There's a predicted 28% job growth in cybersecurity from 2016 to 2026, showing its importance.
    Learn more: Program details

Graduate degrees are often pursued by students with backgrounds in IT or computer science who want to move into specialized cybersecurity roles or leadership positions.

Certifications and workforce programs

Many cybersecurity professionals complement degree programs with industry certifications.

Certifications frequently requested in cybersecurity job postings include:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Cisco cybersecurity certifications

Short-term cybersecurity training programs may also be offered through community colleges, workforce development programs, or university continuing education divisions. These programs often focus on certification preparation and hands-on lab experience.

  1. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana
    Program: Information Assurance Certificate Program
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $714
    Delivery method: Campus
    Program highlights:
    • Overview: Offers certificate programs for those wanting to boost their skills or learn new areas in business.
    • Admission: No prerequisites are needed other than a baccalaureate degree.
    • Program: Focuses on ensuring the security and integrity of information.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,119
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • Study Anywhere: Students will get access to virtual labs and mentorship programs.
    • For Working Professionals: Tulane focuses on helping those who are already working and want to climb higher in their careers.
    • Career Boost: This certificate can open doors to leadership roles in cybersecurity.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cyber Leadership
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,119
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • About the Program: Teaches students how to lead in the IT world and protect against cyber threats.
    • Flexible Learning: Students can use online labs and get mentorship.
    • Jobs: Chance for students to learn important IT leadership skills and get ready for better job opportunities in cybersecurity.
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cyber Technology Fundamentals
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $1,119
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • Program: It teaches the basics of cyber technology.
    • Jobs After the Course: Students can get jobs like IT manager, cybersecurity expert, or risk manager.
    • Aid: Financial help is available.
    Learn more: Program details

Scholarship for Service

The National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program funds cybersecurity students who commit to working in federal, state, local, or tribal government cybersecurity roles after graduation.

The program supports cybersecurity education through scholarships that can cover tuition, stipends, and professional development. Students interested in government cybersecurity careers may benefit from enrolling in programs at institutions participating in the SFS initiative.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

Unique Louisiana cybersecurity initiatives

Louisiana State University cybersecurity research initiatives

The Center for Computation and Technology at Louisiana State University conducts research across multiple computing disciplines, including cybersecurity and secure infrastructure. The center supports interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners working on advanced computing and cybersecurity challenges.

Research centers such as this can provide students with opportunities to participate in cybersecurity research projects, internships, and collaborations with government or industry partners.

State cybersecurity coordination

Cybersecurity strategy for the Louisiana state government is coordinated through the Louisiana Office of Technology Services. State cybersecurity offices often collaborate with universities, workforce programs, and government agencies to support cybersecurity workforce development and strengthen cyber resilience across public-sector systems.

These collaborations can create opportunities for student internships, workforce training partnerships, and applied cybersecurity research.

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in Louisiana

How many cybersecurity jobs are in Louisiana?

CyberSeek reports hundreds of cybersecurity-related job postings annually in Louisiana, indicating steady employer demand across industries such as healthcare, government, finance, and technology. CyberSeek tracks job postings rather than confirmed employment positions.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in Louisiana?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts in Louisiana earn mean annual wages approaching or exceeding $100,000, depending on experience and industry sector.

What is the best cybersecurity degree in Louisiana?

The best cybersecurity degree depends on career goals. Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity or computer science with a security emphasis are common starting points. Programs connected to research centers or workforce partnerships can provide additional hands-on experience.

Are there online cybersecurity programs in Louisiana?

Yes. Many universities offer online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while gaining the same core technical skills as on-campus students.

Does Louisiana have cybersecurity bootcamps or short-term training?

Some community colleges and workforce development programs offer cybersecurity certificate programs or bootcamp-style training designed to prepare students for industry certifications.

What certifications are most requested in Louisiana cybersecurity job postings?

CyberSeek job-posting analysis shows employers frequently request certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Is cybersecurity in demand in Louisiana?

Yes. CyberSeek job-posting data and occupational projections from the Louisiana Workforce Commission both indicate ongoing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Can I start a cybersecurity career with an associate degree?

Yes. Associate degrees can prepare students for entry-level IT or security support roles. Many professionals continue their education with bachelor’s degrees while working in the field.

How long does a cybersecurity degree take?

Associate degree: about 2 years
Bachelor’s degree: about 4 years
Master’s degree: 1–2 years

Does Louisiana participate in Scholarship for Service?

Some universities participate in the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which funds cybersecurity education in exchange for service in government cybersecurity roles.

What industries in Louisiana hire cybersecurity graduates?

Cybersecurity professionals in Louisiana work across industries including energy, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and government agencies.

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in Louisiana?

Yes. Entry-level cybersecurity roles may include security analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, vulnerability analyst, and IT security specialist positions.

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