- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity jobs
- Related resources
This guide is a brief summary of the cybersecurity ecosystem in the state of Ohio.
It includes a review of the legislative environment, state economy as it relates to cybersecurity, and some of the educational options and career opportunities available to would-be cybersecurity professionals.
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Ohio is still a center for industry decades after the Rust Belt years, thanks in part to the diversity of its economy and its role as center for science and technology.
Among the state’s largest employers who call Ohio home, most are healthcare companies or universities. Government employs the third most people of any industry in Ohio.
And as Ohioans have discovered, government and healthcare providers are among the most favored targets for cybercriminals.
Ohio is still a center for industry decades after the Rust Belt years, thanks in part to the diversity of its economy and its role as center for science and technology.
Among the state’s largest employers who call Ohio home, most are health care companies or universities. Government employs the third most people of any industry in Ohio.
And as Ohioans have discovered, government and healthcare providers are among the most favored targets for cybercriminals.
Ohio’s state government has taken the cybersecurity threat very seriously over the last few years. This is evidenced by the legislation and other initiatives put in place.
Some of these are outlined below. The stated goal is for Ohio to promote cybersecurity preparedness for all Ohioans, and to create an environment favorable to the cybersecurity industry. This includes providing ample education opportunities to would-be infosec professionals.
Government legislation surrounding cybersecurity in Ohio
In September 2016, the state of Ohio launched CyberOhio. CyberOhio is actually a collection of initiatives designed to provide Ohio businesses with technological solutions and support to maximize the security of their information.
In 2017, then Ohio Governor John Kasich requested, and the Ohio National Guard complied with the creation of an alliance between public, private, military and educational organizations to help combat cybercrime.
The mission of the more than 120-member Ohio Cyber Collaboration Committee (OC3) is to create an environment conducive to developing a stronger cybersecurity infrastructure and workforce.
One of OC3’s primary goals is to develop programs designed to increase the number of new professionals being trained in cybersecurity via certifications and degrees.
One of the outcomes of this collaboration was the development of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, which is a partnership between Ohio’s Department of Higher Education and the Adjutant General’s Department.
The goal was to leverage state resources to help students strengthen their cybersecurity skills through a virtual environment that mimics real-life cyber attacks.
On November 2, 2018, Ohio put into effect a cybersecurity law that was considered by many to be groundbreaking. The “Data Protection Act” provides a standard of protection against lawsuits alleging damages related to the malicious hacking of businesses.
As long as the cybersecurity practices of any Ohio business reasonably conform to industry-endorsed information security frameworks, the law protects them from damage claims arising from any data breaches.
On March 20, 2019, a bill targeting the information security practices of insurance companies went into effect. The law establishes cybersecurity requirements that must be followed by any insurance companies operating in the state of Ohio.
The goal is to maximize the industry’s preparedness and safeguard the private information of Ohio residents and businesses that these insurance companies store. It is just the second state, after South Carolina, to enact such a law.
On October 25, 2019, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law the creation of a new unit tasked with responding to cyberattacks on the state’s many local governments.
This cyber reserve force is intended to act like a National Guard unit, responding to emergencies when needed. But the force will be comprised of private citizens.
Cybersecurity education in Ohio
It’s evident from the above that Ohio’s government has tried to promote the development of top education alternatives for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Despite these efforts, higher education institutions in the state have been surprisingly inactive in developing cybersecurity certification and degree programs. To be sure, there are some excellent educational programs available to help professionals launch and advance their information security careers.
Still, in a state the size of Ohio and a place where so many quality colleges and universities reside, one would expect many more programs to be available. We anticipate that more cybersecurity education opportunities will be made available soon.
Related resources
Cybersecurity associate degrees in Ohio
The field of cybersecurity includes a broad range of necessary functions to provide adequate assurances against hacking. Many of these functions now require bachelor’s degrees, and a growing number of information security jobs require master’s degrees.
Partly due to the worldwide shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals, though, there are still plenty of entry-level positions and employers happy to hire a candidate with an associate’s degree.
Cybersecurity associate’s degree programs typically require one to two years to complete, so they are considerably more attainable for those with tight budgets and limited time to devote to school.
Completing a specialized associate’s degree in either a general study of information security or a particular specialty will enable new professionals to get their start.
We suggest that once a career is established, an effort be made to return to school to complete a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, and even a master’s degree if time and resources permit. Both degrees will be well rewarded in a labor-strapped job market like cybersecurity.
Ohio schools currently offer ten choices for obtaining an associate’s degree in cybersecurity via a campus-based and online format. These ten choices are detailed in the list below.
Belmont College
Saint Clairsville, Ohio
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security & Computer Forensics
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $126 in state | $230 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsClark State Community College
Springfield, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity / Information Assurance Technology
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $175 in state | $323 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsColumbus State Community College
Columbus, OhioProgram: Computer Science - Cybersecurity Major AAS
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 64-65
Cost per credit: $178 in state | $364 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsLorain County Community College
Elyria, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber and Information Security
Credits: $159 in state | $336 out of state
Cost per credit: 64-65
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsOwens Community College
Perrysburg, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
Credits: 63-65
Cost per credit: $173 in state | $345 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Investigation Technology
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $136 in state | $339 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSouth State Community College
Hillsboro, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology - Networking & Cybersecurity
Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $192 in state | $366 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsStark State College
North Canton, OhioProgram: Associate of Science in Cyber Security and Computer Forensics
Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $195 in state | $324 out of state
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsTerra State Community College
Fremont, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Credits: 63.5
Cost per credit: $194 in state | $388 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, OhioProgram: Assoc. Information technology Network Security
Credits: 108
Cost per credit: $224
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Ohio
The cybersecurity job market is extremely tight, meaning there are far more jobs being created than the current supply of infosec professionals can fill.
Employers needing qualified information security candidates to fill their job openings must sometimes make concessions and hire those not as experienced or with as specific education as they would prefer. Many cybersecurity jobs are filled by those with bachelor’s degrees in technology fields other than cybersecurity.
STEM majors are often enough for many employers. However, for those yet to choose a field of study but sure cybersecurity is for them, there is no substitute for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Majoring in or having a concentration in some aspect of information security will provide an advantage over other technology majors when it comes time to land an entry-level job.
Only four schools offer bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Ohio. Refer to the list below.
Ashland University
Ashland, OhioProgram: Cybersecurity, B.S.
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $924 in-state | $924 out-of-state
Delivery method: On-campus & online
Learn more: Program detailsCedarville University
Cedarville, OhioProgram: BS in Cyber Operations
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
Credits: 128
Cost per credit: $280
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsFranklin University
Columbus, OhioProgram: Bachelors in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 128
Cost per credit: 398
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsValley College
Cleveland, OhioProgram: Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $503
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Ohio
As the field of cybersecurity continues to grow and evolve, the need for professionals with advanced education, particularly master’s degrees, is increasing rapidly. Of course, information security veterans interested in transitioning to academia as a professor, into research positions, or even cybersecurity consulting, a specialized master’s degree in cybersecurity is a must.
In addition, those destined for management-level information security positions, particularly c-suite corporate posts such as Chief Information Security Officer, will also find a master’s degree is well worth the time to acquire.
Campus-based master’s degrees
At present, there are three options being offered by Ohio colleges and universities for master’s degrees in cybersecurity. Wright State University provides a program leading to a Master of Science in Cybersecurity through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. The Graduate School of Engineering and Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Operations.
Air Force Institute of Technology
Wright-Patterson AFB, OhioProgram: Master of Science degree with a major in Cyber Operations
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 48
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Toledo
Toledo, OhioProgram: Master’s Programs in Cyber Security
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $627 in-state | $1,101 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsWright State University
Dayton, OhioProgram: Master of Science in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $660 in-state | $1,125 out of state
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Online master’s degrees
Currently, there are only three universities that offer online master’s degree in cybersecurity. See more details below.
Franklin University
Columbus, OhioProgram: M.S. in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $670
Delivery method: Online
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsTiffin University
Tiffin, OhioProgram: Master of Science Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $700
Delivery method: Online
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsWright State University
Celina, OhioProgram: Master of Science in Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $660 in-state | $1,125 out of state
Delivery method: Campus & online
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity certifications in Ohio
Cybersecurity certifications come in several flavors. Different programs are designed with different purposes and different audiences in mind. There are certifications to serve the needs of everyone interested in cybersecurity.
Those just looking to gain some exposure to determine if it’s the right career for them can find introductory certifications. Beginning students hoping to get a jump start to their careers or gain an edge in the job market can take basic cybersecurity certification courses.
Information security professionals whose careers are already well underway can find specialty certifications such as penetration testing to advance their knowledge and expertise.
And even infosec professionals looking to add a master’s degree to their resume but lacking the time to do so can find cybersecurity master’s degree certifications that can be completed in much less time.
Any and all of these types of cybersecurity certification programs can prove very valuable for those that take the time to complete them.
Campus-based cybersecurity certifications
Eleven Ohio schools now provide cybersecurity certification programs.
Belmont College
Saint Clairsville, OhioProgram: Cyber Security Certificate
Credits: 32
Cost per credit: $126 in state | $230 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsColumbus State Community College
Columbus, OhioProgram: IT Security Stackable Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 24
Cost per credit: $178 in state | $364 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsKent State University at Ashtabula
Ashtabula, OhioProgram: Computer Forensics and Information Security Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 23
Cost per credit: $881 in state | $$1670 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsKent State University at East Liverpool
East Liverpool, OhioProgram: Computer Forensics and Information Security Undergraduate Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 23
Cost per credit: $714 in state | $1240 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsKent State University at Tuscarawas
New Philadelphia, OhioProgram: Computer Forensics and Information Security Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 23
Cost per credit: $714 in state | $1240 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsLorain County Community College
Elyria, OhioProgram: Digital Forensics and CompTIA+ Security Certification Preparation Certificate
Credits: 8
Cost per credit: $159 in state | $336 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Central State College
Mansfield, OhioProgram: Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate
Credits: 10
Cost per credit: $187 in state | $373 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsOwens Community College
Perrysburg, OhioProgram: Security Tech Certificate
Credits: 27-28
Cost per credit: $173 in state | $345 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OhioProgram: Computer Security, Certificate
Credits: 21
Cost per credit: $800 in-state | $1,077 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OhioProgram: Cyber Operations Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
Credits: 18-20
Cost per credit: $746 in-state | $1,333 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsWright State University-Main Campus
Dayton, OhioProgram: Cyber Security Analytics Undergraduate Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 12-16
Cost per credit: $464 in-state | $857 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Online cybersecurity certifications
Right now, there are five cybersecurity certification program offered by Ohio schools via online access.
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OhioProgram: Cybersecurity Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Duration: 31 weeks
Cost: $4,455
Delivery method: Online & Hybrid
Learn more: Program detailsMyComputerCareer.edu-Columbus
Westerville, OhioProgram: Cyber Security Specialist (CSS)
Duration: 30-42 weeks
Cost: $587
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsOhio State University
Columbus, OhioProgram: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Offense and Defense
Credits: 12
Cost per credit: $756
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, OhioProgram: Cyber Investigation Certificate
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 33-34
Cost per credit: $136 in state | $339 out of state
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsZane State College
Zanesville, OhioProgram: Cybersecurity Technician
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $194 in-state | $381 out of state
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity jobs in Ohio
Cyberseek reports that Ohio had 31,238 cybersecurity professionals employed in the state currently. There were also 13,952 new information security jobs listed by Ohio employers in the period.
There were four metropolitan areas in Ohio contributing significant demand for information security professionals. The Columbus area led the pack by a significant margin with employers posting 3,614 new infosec jobs, followed by Cincinnati (2,510), Cleveland (3,662), and Dayton (2,547).
Ohioans as a state enjoy a standard of living that is about 11% less costly than the national average. Average annual pay scales for security analysts in Ohio only partially reflected this lower standard of living.
The average hourly wage of $50.94 and the average annual salary of $105,960 was only slightly below national averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even the Columbus area, which is the most expensive in Ohio, enjoys a cost of living nearly 10% below the national average.
Cybersecurity in Ohio
Ohio as a whole has suffered its share of successful cyber attacks. And the state government has responded with several laws and initiatives aimed at protecting government, businesses, and citizens from future cyber breaches.
These initiatives include efforts to increase and bolster the state’s cybersecurity workforce through education opportunities. These opportunities have not yet come to fruition in the numbers one might expect, however.
The plus side of this for cybersecurity professionals is that the state’s workforce of qualified information security employees is more likely to remain shorthanded.
This means even greater job security and higher wages for those already working in the field or soon to enter it. So if Ohio is a favored state of residency, take advantage of the educational opportunities that do exist there and enjoy the demand for cybersecurity workers.
This demand has already led to comparative average cybersecurity wages being significantly higher than the relative standard of living in Ohio would suggest. And that differential is likely to increase in the future.