Cybersecurity Guide

Everything is bigger in Texas, including cybersecurity educational opportunities

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Expert reviewed by Steven Bowcut – Last updated:
In this guide

This guide discusses cybersecurity schools in Texas. It contains information about cybersecurity training programs and career opportunities.

Finally, there is extensive information about getting an online cybersecurity degree in Texas. 

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Abilene Christian UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Arizona State UniversityOnline MA in Global Security - Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity is a growing field all across the country, but certain states are definitively more prepared for the new digital frontier and are taking steps to ensure their place as leaders as the national economy develops.

Texas is one of the strongest contenders for the leader of cybersecurity development and continuation, largely thanks to its excellent digital infrastructure and economic advantages that allow the state’s various public and private organizations to pour money into this industry. 

Cybersecurity in Texas

Silicon Valley might be the current cybersecurity and overall digital tech hub in the world, but Texas has been at the forefront of technological development and innovations for much longer.

As a result, it’s no surprise that cybersecurity has a strong foothold in Texas both in terms of educational opportunities and economic foundations.

With a GDP of $1.6 trillion, Texas has lots of money to fund higher education opportunities and cybersecurity developments. As a result of the surplus, many industries have a home in Texas, offering ample appointment opportunities for graduates fresh out of college.

Part of this growing success is owed to the Texas Cybersecurity Council, which was created specifically to forge partnerships between public sector organizations and private industries in the realm of cybersecurity.

Aside from economic or educational development, there are lots of cybersecurity workshops and conferences in Texas where professionals can network or improve their skills.

The most important organization is CyberTexas, an organization that sponsors younger cybersecurity enthusiasts and allows for easy networking.

The Texas Cyber Summit is another good event, as it features several contests and opportunities to prove yourself among other cybersecurity talents. 

Cybersecurity education in Texas

There’s no doubt that cybersecurity education in Texas is in a league of its own. Out of all of the Lone Star State’s universities, the University of Texas at San Antonio is often the number one choice for budding cybersecurity professionals.

UT San Antonio consistently ranks high among the nation’s top universities for studying cybersecurity.

While UTSA’s cybersecurity program is robust and effective, plenty of other schools and opportunities are available to provide a plethora of training pathways for new professionals.

UT Dallas is another important cybersecurity university in Texas, partly due to a renewed focus on cybersecurity that started in 2012. In 2016, UT Dallas formed the Center for Engaging Women in Cybersecurity, which emphasizes closing or narrowing the gender gap in cybersecurity.

UT Austin has the Center for Identity, which is partnered with Equifax and focuses on identity theft, fraud, and privacy. Southern Methodist University has the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity, which is partnered with Raytheon, a well-known tech defense company with a significant presence in Texas.

Angelo State University Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) has with the Texas Department of Information Resources that will provide cybersecurity services to local, regional, and state entities to strengthen the region’s cybersecurity posture.

Several universities in Texas receive special CyberCorps Scholarships, offering free tuition and a worthwhile stipend for any students who manage to earn the scholarship.

The Texas Cybersecurity Council illustrates Texas’ commitment to cybersecurity. This broad organization helps to organize university curriculums and ensure that Texas education remains at the forefront of cybersecurity development for the foreseeable future. This has resulted in many of the cybersecurity degrees and certificates offered in Texas also being offered in online formats.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity associate degrees in Texas

There are about ten schools that offer associate degrees in cybersecurity. Most two-year schools in Texas don’t offer their cybersecurity associate programs online.

However, many classes that can count toward a cybersecurity degree are offered in an online format, potentially allowing students to complete a hybrid version of the degree or take distance classes while working toward a bachelor’s degree in the long-term future.

  1. Amarillo College

    Amarillo, Texas
    Program: A.A.S. in Computer Networking/Cyber Security
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $47 in state | $111 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Collin County Community College District

    McKinney, Texas
    Program: AAS - Information Systems Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $60 in state | $185 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. El Paso Community College

    El Paso, Texas
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $116 in state | $201 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Hill College

    Hillsboro, Texas
    Program: Associate of Applied Science - Networking Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $97 in state | $297 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Richland College

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: AAS in Cyber Security
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $79 in-state | $135 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. San Antonio College

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, A.A.S.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $109 in-state | $476 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. San Jacinto Community College

    Pasadena, Texas
    Program: Cyber Security Specialty, Associate of Applied Science
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $135 in-state | $210 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  8. South Texas College

    McAllen, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $164 in state | $250 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. St Philip’s College

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $109 in state | $476 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Texas State Technical College Williamson County

    Hutto, Rosenberg, Marshall, Harlingen, Waco, and Red Oak, Texas
    Program: Associate of Applied Science – Cyber Security
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $479 in-state | $789 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Texas

Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity are offered at several universities. The time and resource investment needed to attain a four-year degree is not insignificant, and this decision can change your life.

There are various options for earning a bachelor’s degree that will open a career in cybersecurity. This section lists Texas’s most relevant degree programs if this is your chosen field. 

Campus-based bachelor’s degree

  1. Angelo State University

    San Angelo, Texas
    Program: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $621 in-state | $1,437 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. San Jacinto College

    Houston, Texas
    Program: Bachelor of Applied Technology in IT - Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $144 in state | $223 out of state (includes all fees)
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of North Texas

    Denton, Texas
    Program: Bachelors in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $753 in-state | $1,161 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degree

  1. Angelo State University

    San Angelo, Texas
    Program: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $621 in-state | $1,437 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. San Jacinto College

    Houston, Texas
    Program: Bachelor of Applied Technology in IT - Cybersecurity
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $144 in state | $223 out of state (includes all fees)
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Texas

If your educational goal is to specialize in a particular aspect of cybersecurity or if you want to advance to the top levels of the profession, a master’s degree in cybersecurity might be your best option. 

Campus-based master’s degree

  1. St. Mary’s University

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $1,099
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Stephen F. Austin State University

    Nacogdoches, Texas
    Program: Master of Science Degree in Cyber Security
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $589 in-state | $1,289 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Houston

    Houston, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity (M.S.)
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $642 in-state | $1,150 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of North Texas

    Denton, Texas
    Program: Masters in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,505 in-state | $2,102 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required for international students
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degree

  1. Our Lady of the Lake University

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Master’s in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $981
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Southern Methodist University

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: Masters in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,704
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. The University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler, Texas
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $990 in state | $1488 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Dallas

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: Masters of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,250
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in Texas

Some certificates in cybersecurity specialize in Information Assurance, Computer Networking, and other related fields or interests. These certifications can open entry-level doors for students who wish to learn the basics of cybersecurity and jump into the job market quickly.

  1. Amarillo College

    Amarillo, Texas
    Program: Computer Cyber-Security Certificate
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $156 in-state | $305 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Central Texas College

    Killeen, Texas
    Program: Certificate of Completion in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 16
    Cost per credit: $105 in state | $205 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. South Texas College

    McAllen, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $164 in state | $250 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. St. Mary’s University

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,099
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Texas A&M University

    College Station, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $799
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. The University of Texas at Dallas

    Richardson, Texas
    Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity Systems (CCSS)
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,651 in-state | $2,449 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. The University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso, Texas
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $782
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of North Texas

    Denton, Texas
    Program: Undergraduate Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 27-28
    Cost per credit: $100 in-state | $916 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. University of Texas at Dallas

    Richardson, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Systems Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO, CAE-R
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,000
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  10. University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso, Texas
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $503 in-state | $1,040 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details
Learn more about professional certifications

Cybersecurity bootcamps in Texas

In addition to the programs outlined above, cybersecurity boot camps are another viable option for people interested in quickly jumping into the cybersecurity profession. 

Often, cybersecurity boot camps are designed for professionals who already have some technical background in computer science or information technology but are quickly looking to retool and learn cybersecurity-specific tools and technologies.

Whether a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, cybersecurity boot camps are designed to teach in-demand skills.

In addition to helping jumpstart a cybersecurity professional network, which can lead to future job opportunities, cybersecurity boot camps also give participants the skills needed to take popular certifications such as the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker. 

  1. QuickStart

    Austin, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 12 - 24 Weeks
    Cost per credit: $5,100 - $7,900
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Rice University

    Houston, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 24 weeks
    Cost per credit: $11,995
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Southern Methodist University

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 24 Weeks
    Cost per credit: $11,995 - $13,495
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Texas A&M International University

    Laredo, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $9,254 in state | $23,390 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of Houston

    Houston, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $4,275
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Texas–Austin

    Austin, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    Credits: 24 Weeks
    Cost per credit: $12,995
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of Texas–San Antonio

    San Antonio, Texas
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 24 Weeks
    Cost per credit: $12,245
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in Texas

Texas has lots of educational opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, but what about after graduation?

According to CyberSeek, a leading cybersecurity supply and demand website, there are currently around 36,873 cybersecurity job openings in Texas alone, compared to a cybersecurity workforce of over 100,346.

These jobs range from entry-level positions up to full-on managers and architects. Some of the more common jobs for cybersecurity professionals in Texas include cybersecurity engineers, analysts, security consultants, IT auditors, vulnerability analysts, network engineers, and architects.

This is great news for any cybersecurity professionals who want to stay in the field for their careers. It’s entirely possible to start at the bottom of a company’s ladder and work your way up to a management position thanks to how many open spots are currently available.

What do Texan cybersecurity jobs offer in terms of salary? It’s all good news. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that average information security analysts earn an annual wage of about $119,480 per year.

These numbers accurately reflect how much Texas is willing to pay for skilled cybersecurity professionals and should provide plenty of incentive to attract new talent in the coming years.

Because some places in Texas offer extremely low costs of living, the above salaries could potentially stretch even farther, boosting the standard of living of those cybersecurity techs who can work remotely and live in affordable towns.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

Cybersecurity in Texas at the city level

San Antonio and New Braunfels

There’s no doubt that San Antonio is arguably the best place for new cybersecurity professionals to check out. It’s gained Military City USA and Cyber City USA titles because of its economic development and focus in those spheres; indeed, the military has many cybersecurity recruitment centers in San Antonio to locate graduates fresh out of college.

In addition, the Air Force has a significant presence in San Antonio, so both private sector and government job opportunities are likely to be plenty.

CyberSeek has more data to analyze:

  • 4,583 cybersecurity jobs open
  • 13,785 currently employed cybersecurity workers
  • 84 percent supply/demand ratio for cybersecurity workers

Austin and Round Rock

Austin is another rapidly developing metropolitan area, both in terms of cybersecurity and in general employment. As a tech center and one of the most modern cities in the state, it has more than doubled its cybersecurity workforce within the last ten years.

As Austin is the capital of the state, you can bet that this growth will only continue as long as Texas remains on an upward trend.

Let’s examine what the CyberSeek data shows:

  • 5,463 cybersecurity job openings
  • 15,948 currently employed cybersecurity workers
  • 84 percent apply/demand ratio for cybersecurity workers

Houston area

Houston is developing rapidly in the cybersecurity sphere, as well, although its metropolitan area supports a larger number of suburban neighborhoods and smaller cities and towns.

As a result, it’s possible to find more affordable housing within a drivable distance of the Houston metropolitan area in one of these surrounding territories.

CyberSeek has some more data we can examine:

  • 6,178 total cybersecurity job openings
  • 28,608 currently employed cybersecurity workers
  • 92 percent supply/demand ratio for cybersecurity workers

Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington area

Dallas’ metropolitan area is similarly bustling. Its proximity to the Fort Worth airport offers many economic opportunities for many airlines, specifically American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which keep primary hangers in this region.

In other words, this area should be a key job opportunity for cybersecurity professionals who want to segue into aviation or government contracts; Lockheed Martin keeps a presence here, as well.

Let’s look at the CyberSeek data for this region:

  • 16,920 job openings
  • 45,405 currently employed cybersecurity workers
  • 82 percent supply/demand for cybersecurity workers

While any of these large metropolitan areas will be a good choice for new cybersecurity professionals, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas are the three where employment is most likely. 

Texas and cybersecurity

All in all, Texas has been a state defined by the frontier for all of its history. While the physical frontier may have faded into the annals of history, the digital frontier is still being trailblazed at this very moment.

Young cybersecurity professionals who want to reach their highest potential and maximize their chances for employment would do well to study in Texas and seek jobs there after graduation.