- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Certifications
- Related resources
- Cybersecurity in New Jersey
- Jobs in New Jersey
This guide is an overview of the educational and professional cybersecurity opportunities available in New Jersey. The guide also provides the economic context for New Jersey’s emerging cybersecurity industry.
For many, the name New Jersey probably brings to mind New York City and Philadelphia as much as anything in New Jersey. To be clear, though, the New Jersey shoreline is a huge draw for residents and tourists alike, particularly in summer.
New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state by area in the US, but in part, it is due to its proximity to surrounding cities; it is the 11th largest population state. New Jersey gets a bum rap in many respects. It is, by itself, a substantial economy, particularly given its geographic size.
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The state’s long shoreline provides a home to a massive shipping industry, which is easily the largest employer in New Jersey, and a thriving tourist industry.
Healthcare (particularly pharmaceutical manufacturers and biotechnology), professional and business services (particularly financial services), and government are the other large employers. Telecommunications is also big business here.
With relation to cybersecurity, it’s fair to say that New Jersey’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia is its best asset. The location of large financial institutions and other business service operations in the state is no accident, and one of the big reasons cybersecurity is a thriving industry in New Jersey.
New Jersey is currently home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. These companies include Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Chubb, Prudential Financial, and Schering-Plough.
The state government has been proactive in preparing itself and its citizens for cyberattacks through the NJCCIC division of the state’s Homeland Security department. However, unlike many other states, New Jersey hasn’t done much, if anything, to attract or stimulate the information security industry.
Related resources
Also, not much if anything, has been done by state and local governments in terms of attracting cybersecurity talent. There are no apparent government-sponsored education programs focused on cybersecurity, nor any efforts to encourage colleges and universities to develop programs to educate the next wave of infosec professionals.
That said, New Jersey has still become a favorable environment for cybersecurity, if only by default. The number of large multinational companies and dominant industries has made the state a lucrative information security market.
Growing importance of cybersecurity in New Jersey
The need for beefing up cybersecurity for all industries everywhere is apparent. New Jersey is no different. The makeup of the state’s economy pretty much guarantees that it will be critical to the future of New Jersey’s big industry, not to mention the government.
And, of course, its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia means that cybersecurity companies can and are located in New Jersey to serve clients outside the state. It also ensures that cybersecurity professionals will have ready access to both cities, even in the unexpected event that New Jersey employers fall short.
Here are some prominent cybersecurity organizations and resources associated with New Jersey:
- NJCCIC (New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell) – A primary state agency that works to improve New Jersey’s cybersecurity posture, reduce cyber vulnerabilities, and promote information sharing throughout the state.
- ISACA New Jersey Chapter – This chapter of the global ISACA organization provides resources, standards, and certifications for IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity.
- ISC2 New Jersey Chapter – The local chapter of the organization is known for the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification. They offer educational and networking events for cybersecurity professionals in the state.
- ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) New Jersey Chapter – An organization dedicated to promoting effective cybersecurity throughout the state via education, collaboration, and networking.
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) – A public research university with a strong cybersecurity program, including the Cybersecurity Research Center and the National Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research and Education (NCOE-CRE)
- New Jersey Association for Information Systems (NJAIS) – This organization often addresses cybersecurity challenges and solutions in the realm of information systems.
- New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP): The state agency responsible for coordinating homeland security and preparedness efforts, including cybersecurity.
New Jersey cybersecurity organizations are taking proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity posture by conducting risk assessments, implementing best practices, educating employees, and purchasing insurance to mitigate the risks of cyberattacks and safeguard their data and systems.
Cybersecurity education in New Jersey
New Jersey certainly has its fair share of high-quality higher education institutions. To date, though, only a few have taken it upon themselves to commit to cybersecurity education.
Rutgers has some offerings, but Fairleigh Dickenson and Stevens Institute of Technology are by far the most active in cybersecurity degrees and certifications.
Given that the state ranks 11th in the US for population, there are surprisingly few education alternatives available thus far for those interested in cybersecurity.
The available programs, however, still provide students with excellent options, whether or not New Jersey is home.
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in New Jersey
Most employers and most job postings now require a bachelor’s degree in some sort of technology or STEM-related discipline. In a market like New Jersey, which may not quite as competitive as elsewhere in the country, it may be preferable to do something to stand out from the crowd for professionals looking to start in cybersecurity.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New Jersey
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 125
Cost per credit: $1,876 in-state | $1,876 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in New Jersey
As the cybersecurity industry continues to grow and mature, the number of senior and management-level positions being created is expanding rapidly. Even though there is a shortage of senior-level corporate cybersecurity professionals, obtaining these advanced positions may very well require having a master’s degree.
Campus-based master’s degree
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, New JerseyProgram: Cybersecurity, M.S.
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $798
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsStevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New JerseyProgram: Master of Science – Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,776
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program detailsSaint Peter’s University
Jersey City, New JerseyProgram: Masters of Science in Cyber Security
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $945
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Online master’s degree
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, New JerseyProgram: Cybersecurity, M.S.
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $798
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
Learn more: Program detailsRowan College at Burlington County
Mount Laurel, New JerseyProgram: M.S. in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $780
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsStevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New JerseyProgram: Master of Science – Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $1,776
Delivery Method: Campus, Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity certifications in New Jersey
Specialized certifications can be an excellent vehicle for career enhancement, and this is particularly true in cybersecurity. Fortunately, there are certification programs available for all levels. Students wanting to get acclimated to cybersecurity can find programs for that purpose.
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, New JerseyProgram: Cybersecurity, Academic Credit Certificate of Achievement
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 12-18
Cost per credit: $153 in state | $284 out of state
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Analyzing Cyberseek’s nationwide data reveals the distribution of professionals holding key cybersecurity certifications. The current figures are as follows:
- CompTIA Security+: 265,992 certification holders
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): 91,765 certification holders
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC): 46,318 certification holders
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): 35,812 certification holders
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): 20,300 certification holders
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP): 13,652 certification holders
Professionals wishing to expand their careers in a specialty, such as penetration testing, and/or their education, can accomplish it through certifications. And senior-level executives are looking for a resume boost or an update in some specialized aspect of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity bootcamps in New Jersey
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, New JerseyProgram: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 6 months
Cost per credit: $4,275
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsNew Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New JerseyProgram: Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 32 weeks
Cost per credit: $7,800
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity Jobs in New Jersey
Analysis of the U.S. job market from May 2023 to April 2024 reveals substantial nationwide demand within the cybersecurity sector.
Oversight and Governance roles represented the largest segment of openings (355,590). Implementation and Operation positions followed with 335,993, and Design and Development accounted for 331,644. Demand for Protection and Defense roles stood at 238,516, with Investigation roles comprising 19,525.
The cybersecurity workforce in New Jersey totaled 33,675 according to Cyberseek’s data. There were 13,074 new information security job openings posted by New Jersey employers.
The northern part of the state, around Newark, and commuting distance to New York City, has by far the highest concentration of cybersecurity professionals in the state, with a total employment of 71,474. Further south, however, near Camden and in proximity to Philadelphia, there is also a sizeable demand for information security skills and experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, security analysts were being paid an average hourly wage of $65.09, and the average annual salary was $135,390.
New Jersey currently affords cybersecurity professionals one of the highest pay rates in the country.
However, New Jersey also has one of the highest standards of living in the country. Pretty much everything is more expensive in New Jersey as compared to the average US state, but housing is particularly pricey. This is especially true in the northern end of the state in the vicinity of New York City.
Cybersecurity in New Jersey
New Jersey has a large and thriving economy with a diverse base of contributors. Large companies and industries typically associated with needing advanced cybersecurity services are important elements of this economy.
The state is also strategically located with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, and all that those economies and business communities have to offer.
The government of New Jersey hasn’t yet embraced the cybersecurity industry enough to establish incentive programs. And only a few colleges and universities have fully embraced cybersecurity as an educational curriculum.
Still, the state’s economic size and makeup will ensure that cybersecurity is a critical and growing industry for a long time to come.