From degree programs to training: New Mexico’s growing cybersecurity scene

• Associate degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Cybersecurity certifications
• Cybersecurity in New Mexico
• Jobs in New Mexico

This guide covers cybersecurity schools in New Mexico and is designed to overview the cybersecurity career opportunities in the “Land of Enchantment.”

New Mexico’s cybersecurity scene is growing rapidly, thanks to several factors, including the state’s strong research and development capabilities, thriving startup ecosystem, and commitment to cybersecurity education.

New Mexico is a hub for cybersecurity research, development, and education. Local companies are developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions to combat cyber threats, and they are also training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

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Cybersecurity development in New Mexico

New Mexico may not be very populated, but that doesn’t mean a lot is going on. The state is home to several major energy economic drivers, as it supplies oil, natural gas, and solar power to the surrounding state and beyond. 

It’s also home to several Air Force bases, providing multiple opportunities for employment by the government. The presence of these Air Force bases reinforces the need for national security on a statewide level, causing colleges to double down on their cybersecurity offerings.

These institutions are developing new technologies and solutions to protect against cyber threats, such as artificial intelligence-powered security analytics, quantum-resistant cryptography, and blockchain-based security platforms.

Several startups are also developing innovative cybersecurity solutions, such as cloud security, network security, and application security. These startups are attracting investment from venture capitalists and other investors, and they are helping to create new jobs in the state.

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Here are some of the cybersecurity organizations in New Mexico:

• New Mexico Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NMCCoE) – A development center for cybersecurity research and education. It is located at New Mexico Tech and partners with other universities, colleges, and businesses in the state to promote cybersecurity awareness and develop new technologies to protect against cyber threats.
• CyberReady New Mexico – Statewide consortium and initiative that strives to improve cybersecurity pathways for students and research. It offers a variety of programs and resources, including networking events, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts.
• New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC) Cybersecurity Peer Group – A professional organization that connects local professionals and organizations to share resources and technologies in the fight against cyber threats. Members have access to information, events, and workforce development programs.
• ISACA New Mexico Chapter – A global association of information systems control, audit, risk, and security professionals. The New Mexico chapter unites local cybersecurity professionals in a supportive network. Members take part in meetings to discuss current events and developments. They also have access to events, workshops, and seminars.

Cybersecurity education in New Mexico

Cybersecurity education is important in New Mexico because the state is home to several critical infrastructure systems, such as the electric grid and the financial system. These systems are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, and cybersecurity professionals are needed to protect them.

In addition, New Mexico is a hub for cybersecurity research and development. The state is home to Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, which are two of the leading research institutions in the world in cybersecurity.

These institutions are developing new technologies and solutions to protect against cyber threats, and they need a skilled workforce to implement these solutions.

Cybersecurity associate degrees in New Mexico

When studying cybersecurity, an associate degree is often the best place to start. These degrees can provide students with a foundation of computer science and cybersecurity knowledge without getting too technical or specific. 

1. Central New Mexico Community College

   Albuquerque, New Mexico

   
   Program: AAS Cyber Security
   Credits: 62
   Cost per credits: $179
   Delivery method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

2. Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Campus

   Ruidoso, New Mexico

   
   Program: Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 63
   Cost per credit: $53 in state | $106 out of state
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

3. National American University-Albuquerque West

   Albuquerque, New Mexico

   
   Program: Online Information Technology Associate Program - Computer Security
   Credits: 93
   Cost per credits: $380
   Delivery method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

4. University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

   Los Alamos, New Mexico

   
   Program: Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis
   Credits: 60-62
   Cost per credit: $140 in-state | $371 out of state
   Delivery method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in New Mexico

Bachelor’s degrees are the next step up after associate-level degrees. They provide more specific and detailed cybersecurity knowledge to all students who take their programs.

Some programs allow you to specialize in one aspect of cybersecurity or combine your cybersecurity interest with another field like forensics or criminology. Bachelor’s degrees are usually the first certification you need to get a job in the cybersecurity field.

1. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

   Socorro, New Mexico

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology – Security and Assurance Track
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $308 in-state | $883 out-of-state
   Delivery method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. New Mexico State University

   Las Cruces, New Mexico

   
   Program: Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) - Cybersecurity concentration
   Credits: 120
   Cost per credit: $395
   Delivery method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

3. EC-Council University

   Albuquerque, New Mexico

   
   Program: Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security (BSCS)
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $465.00
   Delivery method: Online
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in New Mexico

Master’s degrees are perfect for those who want to specialize even further in the area of cybersecurity or those who want to be better qualified for higher-paying positions. Many top-level cybersecurity jobs are only available to those with years of experience or master’s degrees.

1. EC-Council University

   Albuquerque, New Mexico

   
   Program: Master’s in Cyber Security (MSCS)
   Credits: 36
   Cost per credit: $540
   Delivery method: Online
   GRE Requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of New Mexico

   Albuquerque, New Mexico

   
   Program: Cybersecurity and Business Analytics (MS-CBA)
   CAE designation: CAE-R
   Credits: 33
   Cost per credit: $805
   Delivery method: Online
   GRE Requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in New Mexico

Certificates for cybersecurity can be valuable both to beginners and those with some experience under their belts.

Certificates can be pursued to learn a new specific skill within the cybersecurity sphere or to obtain certification so you can take a specific position at a company or agency. You can also use certificate programs to get a taste of the field and see if you want to pursue it further.

1. Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Campus

   Ruidoso, New Mexico

   
   Program: Certificate in Computer & Network Security
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Credits: 21
   Cost per credit: $53 in state | $106 out of state
   Delivery method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

2. Santa Fe Community College

   Santa Fe, New Mexico

   
   Program: Computer and Network Security Certificate
   Credits: 22
   Cost per credit: $49 in state | $144 out of state
   Delivery method: Campus
   Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in New Mexico

New Mexico isn’t a very populated state outside of its major metropolitan areas, but it does have a few major economic centers that demand high digital security.

As a result, CyberSeek shows us that New Mexico currently employs about 7,701 cybersecurity workers, with another 3,591 open positions at this time.

In other words, there’s plenty of demand for cybersecurity workers relative to the overall population of the state even though the number of open positions seems small. This means that there are fewer positions available than in a state like California, but each position will likely be filled quickly as soon as a suitable applicant comes along.

Another thing to consider is that New Mexico’s cost of living ranked as about 88.4 with a national standard of 100. In a nutshell, New Mexico is a very affordable state and every dollar you earn will go further than it would in a more expensive state.

How much can cybersecurity professionals expect to earn? In New Mexico, the average hourly salary for cybersecurity workers is $61.47 and the average annual salary is $127,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In short, New Mexico is a great state to be a cybersecurity employee if you want to make lots of money!

New Mexico and cybersecurity

Overall, there aren’t as many educational opportunities for cybersecurity in New Mexico compared to several other states, but there are lots of opportunities for worthwhile employment due to the spread of available jobs and a low number of current employees.

In terms of actual salary value, New Mexico may be one of the most profitable in the country.