Cybersecurity Guide

Cybersecurity degrees and training in Tennessee

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

Cybersecurity students need more than a school list — they need clear, verified pathways connected to real industry demand.

Those researching a cybersecurity program in Tennessee will find a range of college options aligned with employer needs in finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.

This page focuses on academic pathways and school-based opportunities, mentioning institutions only when they offer distinctive workforce connections, research initiatives, or training programs that go beyond a standard degree listing.

How we keep this page current

This page is periodically reviewed using workforce and education data from CyberSeek, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and official information from state cybersecurity offices and university initiatives.

Whenever institutions are referenced, program information is verified against official institutional or government sources. Workforce statistics and program descriptions are reviewed regularly, and time-sensitive claims are updated or removed as new data becomes available.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
East Tennessee State UniversityOnline Master's of Business Administration - MBA in Cybersecurity Management website
Herzing UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Tennessee

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Tennessee reflects growing employer demand across industries such as healthcare, logistics, finance, government, and manufacturing.

According to CyberSeek’s cybersecurity workforce analysis, Tennessee consistently records thousands of cybersecurity-related job postings annually, indicating strong employer demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state. CyberSeek measures employer demand using online job postings rather than confirmed employment totals.

State labor market information from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development indicates continued growth in computer and information technology occupations, including roles associated with network security, systems protection, and information security analysis.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information security analysts in Tennessee typically earn mean annual wages exceeding $110,000, depending on experience and industry sector.

Another cyber-adjacent occupation tracked by the BLS is network and computer systems administrators, which often serves as an entry pathway into cybersecurity careers. In Tennessee, professionals in this occupation typically earn mean annual wages around the $90,000 range, depending on specialization and experience.

Each of these sources measures different aspects of cybersecurity employment:

Together, these sources provide context for students evaluating cybersecurity degree programs in Tennessee.

Cybersecurity degree pathways in Tennessee

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

Associate degrees

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

  • Network administration
  • Operating system security
  • Security monitoring and incident response basics
  • Vulnerability assessment fundamentals

  1. Jackson State Community College

    Jackson, Tennessee
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems: Cyber Defense Concentration
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $176 in state | $726 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Motlow State Community College

    Tullahoma, Tennessee
    Program: A.A.S. in Computer Information Technology – Cyber Defense Concentration
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $226 in state | $776 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Roane State Community College

    Harriman, Tennessee
    Program: Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Tech: Cyber Defense
    CAE designation: $176 in-state | $726 out of state
    Credits: 63
    Cost per credit: $176 in-state | $726 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

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

Students evaluating associate programs should look for:

  • Hands-on cybersecurity labs or simulated environments
  • Coursework aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
  • Transfer agreements into bachelor’s degree programs

Tennessee’s community college system has expanded cybersecurity education through statewide workforce initiatives designed to support cybersecurity talent development.

Bachelor’s degrees

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

Typical coursework includes:

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

  1. LeMoyne-Owen College

    Memphis, Tennessee
    Program: Major Criminal Justice ( Cyber Defense/Cyber Security Concentration)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $427 in-state | $427 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Tennessee Tech University

    Cookeville, Tennessee
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $451 in state | $626 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga, Tennessee
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $550 in-state | $672 out-of-state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Memphis

    Memphis, Tennessee
    Program: B.S. Computer Science Cybersecurity Concentration
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $355 in state | $540 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus & online
    Learn more: Program details

Some universities operate cybersecurity research centers or workforce initiatives that support applied cybersecurity education.

For example, Tennessee Tech University hosts the Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center, which supports cybersecurity research, workforce development, and collaboration with government and industry partners.

Programs connected to research centers or workforce partnerships often provide students with opportunities for internships, applied cybersecurity research, and collaborative cybersecurity projects.

Master’s degrees

Graduate cybersecurity programs provide advanced training in areas such as cyber operations, cyber threat intelligence, and cybersecurity governance.

  1. University of Tennessee

    Knoxville, Tennessee
    Program: MS in Computer Science - Applied Cybersecurity
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $704 in-state | $799 out of state
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Typical master’s-level coursework may include:

  • Advanced network security
  • Cyber threat intelligence
  • Secure systems engineering
  • Incident response management
  • Cybersecurity policy and governance

Graduate degrees are commonly pursued by professionals with backgrounds in computer science, information technology, or engineering who want to move into specialized cybersecurity roles or leadership positions.

PhD degrees

A PhD degree is the highest level of education possible in the cybersecurity field. A PhD will all but guarantee the graduate a great job with plenty of opportunities for advancement.  

  1. The University of Tennessee

    Knoxville, Tennessee
    Program: Ph.D. in Computer Science – Cybersecurity
    Credits: 72
    Cost per credit: $751 in state | $1011 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Certifications and workforce programs

Many cybersecurity professionals supplement academic degrees 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 certificate programs or bootcamps may also be offered through community colleges, workforce development programs, or university continuing education divisions.

Students evaluating these programs should prioritize training that includes hands-on labs, certification preparation, and employer partnerships.

  1. University of Memphis

    Memphis, Tennessee
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $532 in-state | $755 out of state
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Scholarship for Service

The National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program funds cybersecurity education for students who commit to working in government cybersecurity roles after graduation.

Learn more with our scholarship guide

Participating institutions receive funding to support cybersecurity degree programs and provide scholarships covering tuition, stipends, and professional development opportunities.

Unique Tennessee cybersecurity initiatives

Tennessee Tech Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center

The Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center at Tennessee Tech University supports cybersecurity research, workforce development, and collaboration with government agencies and industry partners.

The center focuses on applied cybersecurity research, cybersecurity workforce training, and partnerships designed to strengthen cybersecurity talent pipelines.

State cybersecurity coordination

Cybersecurity strategy for the Tennessee state government is coordinated through the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration Strategic Technology Solutions. The state cybersecurity office oversees statewide cybersecurity initiatives, digital infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity readiness programs.

State cybersecurity offices often collaborate with universities and workforce development organizations to support cybersecurity workforce development and education initiatives.

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in Tennessee

How many cybersecurity jobs are in Tennessee?

CyberSeek reports thousands of cybersecurity-related job postings annually in Tennessee, indicating strong employer demand for cybersecurity professionals across industries including healthcare, finance, logistics, and government.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in Tennessee?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts in Tennessee typically earn mean annual wages exceeding $110,000, although salaries vary depending on experience and industry sector.

What is the best cybersecurity degree in Tennessee?

The best cybersecurity degree depends on career goals. Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity or computer science with a security emphasis are common entry points. Programs connected to cybersecurity research centers or workforce partnerships may offer additional hands-on training opportunities.

Are there online cybersecurity programs in Tennessee?

Yes. Many universities offer online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while gaining the same foundational cybersecurity knowledge taught in campus programs.

Does Tennessee have cybersecurity bootcamps or short-term training?

Some community colleges and workforce training programs offer short-term cybersecurity certificate programs or bootcamps designed to prepare students for industry certifications.

What certifications are most requested in Tennessee cybersecurity job postings?

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

Is cybersecurity in demand in Tennessee?

Yes. Job-posting data from CyberSeek and labor market projections from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development both indicate continued 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 cybersecurity support roles. Many professionals later complete 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 Tennessee 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 after graduation.

What industries in Tennessee hire cybersecurity graduates?

Cybersecurity professionals in Tennessee work across industries including healthcare, logistics, finance, manufacturing, technology, and government agencies.

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in Tennessee?

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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