This guide is about cybersecurity schools in Texas. It also contains information about cybersecurity training programs and career opportunities. Finally, there is extensive information about getting an online cyber security degree in Texas.
Associate’s Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Master’s Degree Programs
Online Master’s Degree Programs
Certification Programs
Online Certification Programs
Bootcamps
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Purdue University Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| ECPI University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Utica College | Online BS in 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 leader of cybersecurity development and continuation, in large part 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 new 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 is 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 Cybersecurity for Oil and Gas Summit is perhaps a predictable occurrence, given Texas’ focus on this economic sphere. 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 the number one choice for many budding cybersecurity professionals. After all, in 2014, this school was ranked as the nation’s top university for studying cybersecurity. While UT San Antonio’s cybersecurity program is robust and effective, there are plenty of other schools and opportunities available to provide a plethora of training pathways for new professionals.
UT Dallas is another important cybersecurity University in Texas, in part due to a renewed focus in cybersecurity starting 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 which focuses on identity theft, fraud, and privacy. Southern Methodist University has the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity in 2014, which itself is partnered with Raytheon, a well-known tech defense company that already has two of its five divisions in Austin and McKinney, respectively.
Six of the universities in Texas receive special CyberCorps Scholarships, offering free tuition and a worthwhile stipend for any students that manage to earn the scholarship.
Above all, Texas’ focus on cybersecurity can best be seen by the TCEEDC, or the Texas Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council. This broad organization helps to organize university curriculums and ensure the 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.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Campus-based cybersecurity associate’s degrees in Texas
There are about a half-dozen schools that offer associate degrees in cybersecurity. Amarillo College, Central Texas College, and Dallas Community College are a few examples. Several of these schools, such as South Texas College, offer specializations in digital forensics or information security.
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.
The AAS in Information Security from Central Texas College is a notable exception, as it incorporates an internship and provides lots of technical experience for young professionals new to the cybersecurity sphere. This is a suitable degree to then pivot into a more meaningful bachelor’s degree or for future IT security managers.
Alamo Colleges District – Northeast Lake View College also has a 2+2 arrangement with Texas A&M San Antonio for Cyber Security B.A.A.S. degree where students gain the hands-on foundational knowledge in our program and them more over to TAMUSA to finish out a Bachelors or Masters.
Online cybersecurity associate’s degrees in Texas
There are two programs that specifically offer online cybersecurity associate’s degree programs in Texas.
- San Antonio College grants an Associate of Applied Science and Cybersecurity degree.
- St. Philips College offers an Associate of Applied Science and Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree.
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Campus cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Texas
Several excellent universities offer bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. These include Sam Houston State University, Houston Baptist University, Southern Methodist University, and Texas A&M, the last of which is nationally renowned.
Online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Texas
While most of the undergraduate cybersecurity degree options are available through campus-based programs, many of those programs do offer some kind of online course component.
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a completely online undergraduate cybersecurity degree called the online bachelor of arts in security studies.
MASTER’S DEGREES
Campus-based cybersecurity master’s degrees in Texas
Several Texas schools offer on-campus master’s degrees in cybersecurity, including Texas A&M, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Texas at Dallas.
Online cybersecurity master’s degrees in Texas
Texas does offer plenty of master’s degrees in cybersecurity through online formats. Texas A&M and the University of Texas are two major contributors to this development, although their programs are still pending and are hopefully going to be completed/ready for entrance soon.
Sam Houston State University, on the other hand, is a public school that has lots of online courses and programs, including an MS in Information Assurance and Security. This does require that all applicants have proficient technical backgrounds but is a perfect degree for becoming a security professional in government or private business organizations. It also offers an MS in Digital Forensics for those with a mind for criminal justice.
SMU offers MS degrees in computer science and security engineering; while neither is strictly in cybersecurity, these specialties are rightly regarded as cybersecurity adjacent and can still allow a degree holder to get a job in the cybersecurity field.
Our Lady of the Lake University offers an MS in Information Systems and Security, as well. This is a one year program, so it’s perfect for professionals with lots of time on their hands and who want to complete their education as it is possible.
CERTIFICATIONS
In total, 15 schools offer certificates in cybersecurity. Many of these specialized in Network Security, Computer Networking, and other related fields or interests. Houston Community College, San Antonio College, and South Texas College are a few examples.
Online cybersecurity certificate programs in Texas
There are plenty of online certificate program opportunities in Texas. Central Texas College offers several undergraduate certificates, numbering over 100 online exclusive certificate programs across many disciplines. A certificate to become an Information Security Specialist is available, as an example.
Sam Houston University, mentioned earlier, also offers many graduate certificates, such as a Cybersecurity certificate or a Data Assurance Certificate. Most interestingly, it offers a certificate in Digital Investigation, which is meant for criminal justice workers that want to combine their cybersecurity expertise with the latter’s career focus.