- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity jobs
- Cybersecurity in Michigan
This guide is about cybersecurity schools in Michigan as well as other training and certification options.
Michigan is far from the most populated state, but its history as the center of automotive development in America has kept it from remaining entirely rural at the same time.
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Michigan State University | Online MS in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Master’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
Its population centers are bustling zones of commerce and development and many of Michigan’s cities are hubs for digital innovation and cybersecurity progress.
Michigan is one of the national leaders in cybersecurity employment, research, and education. The state emphasizes its cybersecurity resources as a major source of economic income and renown.
As a result, it’s one of the best states for cybersecurity professionals to investigate, either for educational or employment opportunities.
Cybersecurity in Michigan
As cybersecurity continues to progress in importance across the country, Michigan is rapidly shoring up its share of the high-tech sector. Since the early 2000s, Michigan has continued to employ more and more high-tech workers who require a significant college education.
As a traditional center of automotive development, it’s no surprise that Michigan leads the nation in terms of automotive cybersecurity research and development.
As a leader of cybersecurity R&D, Michigan is an excellent state for cybersecurity professionals looking for long-term employment.
Because cars are becoming more automated, especially with the incoming advent of self-driving vehicles, adequate cybersecurity will become a necessity for the automotive industry. This has necessitated a focus on cybersecurity more than physical automobile manufacturing as in decades past.
Michigan is further proven to be a cybersecurity-focused state thanks to its high concentration of universities that award appropriate degrees or certificates for cybersecurity professionals.
This, combined with a low cost of living, has enabled a high concentration of cybersecurity workers to take up positions within the state, although many job openings still require filling.
A look inside the U.S cybersecurity job market from May 2023 to April 2024 reveals strong demand. Oversight and Governance positions led the way with 355,590 openings. Implementation and Operation and Design, and Development followed with 335,993 and 331,644 positions respectively. Additionally, there were 238,516 Protection and Defense roles and 19,525 Investigation openings.
Related resources
Cybersecurity education in Michigan
In Michigan, it’s possible to achieve all the education required to become a cybersecurity professional through its University system. There are also several certificates available in Michigan through several schools.
Educational options are diverse, granting students different pathways to success based on their budget or need for distance education.
Michigan Cyber Range Network
Established in 2012, the Michigan Cyber Range network was designed to teach cybersecurity certification courses and to enhance the cybersecurity educational network of the state. It operates from Ann Arbor but has physical locations at several of the below universities.
Essentially, the Cyber Range network helps cybersecurity students with their skills by responding to cyberattacks or incursions on real servers with simulated conditions. It’s one of the major ways in which Michigan continues to lead the charge in cybersecurity education and innovation.
The Cyber Range Network has locations at Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, and Battle Creek.
Cybersecurity associate degrees in Michigan
There are seven schools in Michigan in total that award associate degrees with a cybersecurity focus. These degrees are usually Associate in Applied Science degrees with specializations or emphasis in cybersecurity, requiring students to take several focused classes about the topic.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: Associates of Applied Science in Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $928 (Campus) | $928 in state | $627 out of state (Online)
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Learn Cybersecurity Basics: In just two years, students gain important skills to protect digital information and technology systems used by businesses and governments.
- Experienced Teachers: Instructors have real-world experience in cybersecurity, ensuring students get practical knowledge.
- Great Job Prospects: The cybersecurity field is growing fast, and this program prepares students for high-demand jobs.
Delta College
University Center, MichiganProgram: Associate in Applied Science in Information Security Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 71
Cost per credit: $127 in state | $224 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Complete Prep: Learn everything about cybersecurity to be ready for different job roles.
- Top Center: Delta's Cybersecurity Center is well-known across the country.
- Great Partnerships: Work with famous groups like Palo Alto and Cisco for better learning.
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MichiganProgram: Pre-CyberSecurity Associate Degree
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $118 in state | $374 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Wide-Ranging Coursework: It covers everything you need to know for a career in information security, from computer programming to laws and regulations.
- Certification Preparation: The program helps students get ready for important industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, Linux+, Cisco CCNA Security, and EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
- Easy Transfer to Four-Year Colleges: After completing the program, students can easily transfer to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor's degree.
Jackson Community College
Jackson, MichiganProgram: Associate in Applied Science – Cyber Security
Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $185 in state | $277 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Well-Rounded Program: Learn everything you need to know about cyber security, from understanding hacker methods to preventing attacks.
- Get Ready for Certifications: The courses will help you get ready for important industry certifications.
- Real-World Experience: You'll get real-world experience through an internship or externship.
Macomb Community College
Warren, MichiganProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $111 in state | $265 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Continuous Learning: Given the evolving threats, students will continuously learn to stay effective in their role.
- Detecting Dangers: Students will gain skills to find and understand potential computer and network threats.
- Flexibility: Students will stay adaptable as new tech and threats appear.
Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MichiganProgram: Cybersecurity AAS Degree
Credits: 62-74
Cost per credit: $135 in-state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Overview: This program teaches students how to stay safe online, secure computer networks, manage systems, code for safety, and use data for smart choices.
- Flexible Learning: Select classes that match student's schedule, helped by advisors.
- Plan of study: Students can specialize, prepare for more learning, and even get a degree while learning at their own pace.
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MichiganProgram: Cybersecurity (APCSCY)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 65
Cost per credit: $99 in-state | $249 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Hybrid
Program highlights:- Program Objective: Comprehensive introduction to the field of cybersecurity, covering topics such as network security, vulnerability assessment, and incident response
- Certifications: Earn Computer Networking Academy Certificate, Principles of Cybersecurity, and Cybersecurity Operations Security.
- Transfer Opportunities: Seamless transfer to Eastern Michigan University’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity program
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Michigan
There are seven schools in Michigan that award bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. Currently, only one institution offers the bachelor’s degree entirely online.
Campus-based bachelor’s degrees
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MichiganProgram: Digital Forensics, BS
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $928
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Students will take courses such as reverse engineering malware, mobile device forensics and network forensics
- Full-tuition NSF scholarships available
- Industry-aligned curriculum
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MichiganProgram: Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance & Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 124
Cost per credit: $588
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Emphasis on design, integration, administration, hardening, and protection of all types of computer information systems and network infrastructures in modern cyber environments.
- Students are immersed in solid theories and intensive hands-on practical experiences
- Does not require a minor
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MichiganProgram: Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $492 in-state | $721 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- A unique, on-the-job perspective program that offers courses dealing specifically with cybersecurity as well as business and computer information systems
- The cyber lab houses a private cloud infrastructure
- Students will learn to think like a hacker
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MichiganProgram: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – Cybersecurity and Privacy Concentration
Credits: 123
Cost per credit: $580 in-state | $1,216 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Develop fluency in fundamental disciplines like confidentiality, integrity, access control, security architecture and systems, and attack-defense strategies.
- Train to tackle some of the most dynamic challenges of an interconnected world
- Get real world experience through internship, research, and study abroad opportunities
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MichiganProgram: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – Digital Forensics Concentration
Credits: 123
Cost per credit: $580 in-state | $1,216 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Develop fluency in fundamental disciplines like confidentiality, integrity, access control, security architecture and systems, and attack-defense strategies.
- Train to tackle some of the most dynamic challenges of an interconnected world
- Get real world experience through internship, research, and study abroad opportunities
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MichiganProgram: BS in Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $928
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Gain unique cybersecurity perspective & apply digital forensics to solve security issues with leading-edge security courses.
- Build a strong business foundation with courses in management, professional ethics and more.
- Enhance learning with real-world, hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
Regardless of where the degree is earned, students will complete curricula focusing on all aspects of cybersecurity, with several schools offering specialized courses for automotive security, given the Michigan job market’s bias toward professions of this type.
Because much of Michigan’s cybersecurity force is focused on automotive security, there are several degrees available that focus on digital forensics over classic cybersecurity. This will allow professionals to adequately assist police investigators regarding lost vehicles or other matters.
Five of the schools that offer cybersecurity degrees are CAE-rated, or approved by the National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA. The NSA, one of the premier employers of cybersecurity experts, is known to hire straight out of some of these universities.
To be approved by the CAE, a school’s curriculum must:
- Emphasis on cyber defense research and expertise
- Promote higher cybersecurity education
- Have a history of producing cybersecurity professionals
Put simply, any CAE-rated school is a university of excellence that would be a great choice for any cybersecurity student.
Online bachelor’s degrees
Currently, there is only one online bachelor’s degree program available in Michigan.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MichiganProgram: BS in Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $928
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Acquire a distinct cybersecurity viewpoint and use digital forensics to address security challenges through cutting-edge security classes.
- Establish a solid business base through courses in management, professional morality, and beyond.
- Augment your education with practical, real-life experiences outside the classroom setting.
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Michigan
Michigan also offers four master’s degrees in cybersecurity, with two of them being offered online by Davenport University and Eastern Michigan University.
These degrees are referred to either as Masters of Science in Cybersecurity or Masters of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.
Either way, these degrees are a great way for professionals to earn higher salaries and become team leaders of cybersecurity groups.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MichiganProgram: Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 31
Cost per credit: $1,006
Delivery Method: Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Program highlights:- A degree that offers a unique blend of technology and management
- Develop in-demand risk management and analysis skills and work through legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity such as data protection — domestically and internationally.
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MichiganProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,767
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE/GMAT Required: Required for International Students
Program highlights:- Foundation in information confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MichiganProgram: Master of Science in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 32
Cost per credit: $1,837 in-state | $2,899 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Designed to provide a strong foundation and detailed technical knowledge in information security, computer security, network security, software security
- Knowledge in theory and practice to understand current cyber security threats
- Expand beyond state-of-the-art technique by exploring new and creative approaches to address emerging threats
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MichiganProgram: Cyber Security [M.S.]
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,834
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Program highlights:- Curriculum emphasizes both offensive and defensive security measures—preparing you to anticipate cyber attacks and arming you with the software, tools and resources to counterattack
- Learn the most in-demand skills, including: cyber defense, cybersecurity threat and risk evaluation, digital forensics, disaster recovery, identity management, incident response, network detection and response, penetration testing , systems architecture and so much more
- Can be completed in a few as 12 months
They often include some management or decision-making courses as part of their curricula, reflecting the focus on problem-solving and innovation rather than merely completing cybersecurity tasks assigned by a superior.
Those with master’s degrees in cybersecurity will also be better educated and better positioned to develop their cybersecurity software or innovate for their employing company.
It will be easier to get a cybersecurity job in Michigan, given its focus and draw for cybersecurity professionals around the nation, with a master’s degree as opposed to a bachelor’s.
Cybersecurity certifications in Michigan
The latest Cyberseek data outlines the number of professionals currently holding these common cybersecurity certifications in the U.S.:
- CompTIA Security+: 265,992 certification holders
- CISSP: 91,765 certification holders
- GIAC: 46,318 certification holders
- CISA: 35,812 certification holders
- CISM: 20,300 certification holders
- CIPP: 13,652 certification holders
Michigan’s school system has six schools that offer various certificates in cybersecurity, although the exact certificate options vary from university to university.
Two of these certificates can be earned entirely online and on campus, respectively. These allow students to obtain some proficiency in this field while pursuing a degree of a different type.
The other certificates offered can be attained on the campuses of the colleges that offer them. These are similar to the above certificates, marking one as proficient in the area of cybersecurity.
This is often enough to get a job in the cybersecurity field, provided that your main degree is in a related field such as computer science or programming.
Central Michigan University
Mt Pleasant, MichiganProgram: Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 15
Cost per credit: $758
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Demand: Cybersecurity experts are in high demand globally.
- Faculty: Students learn from experienced faculty members affiliated with organizations like the U.S. Army, General Motors, and Accenture.
- CMU's Cyber Center: Students have access to cyberdefense tools at the Cyber Center, serving both students and faculty.
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MichiganProgram: Certificate in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $483 in state | $800 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Program highlights:- The program aims to elevate students' skills in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and incident response.
- The program is designed specifically for the online learning environment by industry expert faculty and course designers.
- It offers the flexibility to work on classes based on the student's schedule, allowing them to engage in lectures and collaborate with peers and instructors from anywhere.
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MichiganProgram: Cybersecurity - Certificate of Achievement
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 27
Cost per credit: $265 in-state | $350 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- The program provides a mid-level understanding of the technological needs, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Students will be equipped to write UNIX shell scripts, recognize networks and operating systems.
- Ofers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
Monroe County Community College
Monroe, MichiganProgram: Computer Information Systems: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Certificate
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $204 in state | $227 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- The program is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity and information assurance.
- Covers a wide range of topics, from basic information security principles to advanced networking practices.
- The curriculum includes courses that provide hands-on experience with tools and technologies relevant to the cybersecurity industry.
Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MichiganProgram: Computer Information Systems: Cybersecurity Certificate
Credits: 35
Cost per credit: $135 in state | $268 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus
Program highlights:- Program Aim: The program is crafted to train students in the fast-evolving field of Cybersecurity.
- Course Depth: The curriculum touches on various aspects of security, including design, vulnerability testing, penetration testing, and defense mechanisms.
- Course Structure: The program spans over two years, with courses distributed across fall and winter semesters.
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MichiganProgram: Principles of Cybersecurity (CTCYS)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 13
Cost per credit: $99 in-state | $249 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Program highlights:- Program Purpose: The program is tailored to address the rising need for expert cybersecurity professionals in the IT sector and the business world.
- Practical Training: Students will learn to use various tools to spot network vulnerabilities and safeguard networks using defense strategies.
- High Demand: The program is recognized as a high demand, high skill, and high wage course by the Michigan Community College Network.
Cybersecurity jobs in Michigan
With such an emphasis on cybersecurity research and development, it’s no wonder that Michigan is home to a high number of cybersecurity job openings: 9,755, according to CyberSeek.
This includes their currently employed cybersecurity workforce of 26,906, indicating that Michigan’s automotive and high-tech industries are still looking to grow despite their current concentration. Essentially, there are plenty of cybersecurity openings available, and employers are seeking talented professionals right now.
The cybersecurity jobs available can vary greatly in terms of their exact title or salary. Titles can range from cybersecurity engineer to cybersecurity analyst to cybersecurity consultant, all of which are less managerial and not usually involved in leadership or research.
But there are other positions available, such as network engineers/architects or cybersecurity administrators, that do have greater responsibilities and higher salaries as a result.
This wide range of possible job openings is good news for any aspiring cybersecurity professional, as it indicates that there is room for anyone to enter the market at any level of experience, plus plenty of room to grow as one gains skills and experience.
Regardless of the exact position held, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Michigan is $104,540 per year. Hourly rates are around $50.26 per hour. This indicates that most cybersecurity jobs in Michigan will pay well, especially compared to national employment rates.
Michigan and cybersecurity
Although car manufacturing and Michigan go hand in hand, it’s long since shifted in form. As automobiles become more affected by digital elements, so too does the automotive industry and the statewide job market.
As of now, Michigan already has a sizable population of cybersecurity personnel performing innovation and development to determine the market’s path in the future.
With more job openings on the way and plenty of room for growth, the state will likely see a significant economic boom in the cybersecurity sphere, at least soon.
Its other benefits, such as its plethora of natural beauty and low cost of living, mark this as a valuable state for any young professional looking to build a career.