- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity in Utah
- Jobs in Utah
This guide covers some of the rapidly expanding cybersecurity educational and career opportunities in Utah.
The US economy has been expanding for years, but not to be outdone, Utah’s economic prospects have been growing even faster. Since 2019, Utah’s real gross domestic product has been growing at a rate of over 4 percent.
Economic growth is being driven by several key industries. Aerospace manufacturing is big in Utah, with nearly 1,000 aerospace firms calling the state home. Utah has also been ranked as “Fourth in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.”
Besides aerospace manufacturing, the IT industry in Utah is thriving, according to a recent Wells Fargo report.
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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 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Southern Utah University | Online MS in Cybersecurity (Four Specializations Available) | website |
| Eastern Oregon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Master’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
“Business, labor, and government work well together in Utah, which consistently ranks as one of the best states to do business. Utah also has a large and growing presence in some of the most rapidly growing parts of the tech sector, including cloud computing, big data, and software development.”
Related resources
Across the United States, cybersecurity demand was high from May 2023 to April 2024.
Oversight and Governance saw 355,590 openings, Implementation and Operation had 335,993, and Design and Development totaled 331,644. Protection and Defense roles accounted for 238,516, with Investigation at 19,525.
Regarding big data, Utah is home to “Silicon Slopes,” a large concentration of data centers outside of Salt Lake City. Several factors make this region suitable for high-tech data centers. There is a low risk of natural disasters, abundant renewable energy, excellent fiber-optic connectivity, and relatively inexpensive land.
Those features have attracted some serious development. The NSA, for instance, has a $1.5 billion data center, which some call the world’s largest spy center.
Recently, DataBank, an American cloud provider, began construction on its fourth Utah-based data center. A company spokesman explained the decision, “Utah’s high elevation and dry desert geography allow us to efficiently cool our data centers, and the state also touts some of the lowest occurrences of natural and man-made disasters in the United States.”
Even Facebook has plans for the state. The social media giant had already begun construction of a nearly 1,000,000-square-foot data center when they announced that they’d be increasing the size of the building by an additional 50 percent. Their investment will total more than $1 billion by the time the facility is finished.
Data centers are great for Utah’s economy; however, they also make it susceptible to cyberattacks. A data center is like a chest of gold for a hacker, and security needs to be tight.
Thankfully, Utah is aware of how important it is to stay safe, and cybersecurity is promoted throughout the state.
Cybersecurity in Utah
As a member of MS-ISAC (Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center), Utah has access to a wide variety of resources to combat cybercrime and cyberterrorism.
Specifically, MS-ISAC is designed to guide in the event of a cybersecurity breach. The program is also a convenient way for states to share information and resources. That includes a regularly updated list of nefarious IP addresses as well as a 24/7 help center.
Utah’s Former Governor, Gary Herbert, recognizes the importance of a thriving cybersecurity industry. In 2019, he announced that Utah would join the Girls Go CyberStart initiative.
Utah’s preoccupation with cybersecurity has not gone unrewarded. In 2020, the state cybersecurity technicians found themselves combating cyber threats from Iran. These attacks were aimed at disrupting both state and national digital systems.
Thankfully, these attempted attacks were intercepted and Utah’s cybersecurity technicians were able to neutralize the threats before any harm was done.
That was a big win for Utah, and it’s a real-world example of why cybersecurity is so important. It’s no surprise, then, that Utah has a variety of educational programs for people who are considering a career in the industry.
In 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed the “Cybersecurity Affirmative Defense Act” into law on March 11th. This law protects businesses that have implemented strong cybersecurity measures.
Key cybersecurity organizations in Utah:
- Utah Department of Public Safety – Statewide Information Analysis Center (SIAC): A secure platform for sharing cyber threat intelligence and facilitating collaboration among law enforcement, government agencies, and private-sector organizations.
- UtahSAINT Organization: Professional organization for cybersecurity professionals in Utah. It hosts events, workshops, and conferences to promote knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development in the field.
- ISACA Utah Chapter: A global association for information systems professionals, its Utah chapter focuses on promoting cybersecurity education, training, and professional development opportunities in the state.
- Utah Cybersecurity Society (UCS): A non-profit organization that aims to educate and engage the public in cybersecurity issues. It organizes events, workshops, and competitions to promote awareness and understanding of cybersecurity challenges.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): A federal agency that provides cybersecurity resources and guidance to state and local governments. It also collaborates with the Utah SIAC to enhance the state’s cybersecurity posture.
- National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) – CyberSecure My Business™: A program that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) improve their cybersecurity practices and protect their sensitive data.
- Utah Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCOE): A collaborative effort between Salt Lake Community College and the Utah System of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity education programs and support research in the field.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Utah Fusion Center: A collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and investigate cyber threats.
- InfraGard: A public-private partnership that connects private-sector cybersecurity professionals with law enforcement to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): A central reporting mechanism for internet-related crimes, including phishing, malware, and identity theft. It provides resources for victims and helps law enforcement investigate cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity education in Utah
Utah offers a variety of cybersecurity education options for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field. These options include degree programs, professional certificates, and non-credit training courses.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to surge.
Utah’s commitment to cybersecurity education and its growing technology industry make it an ideal place to launch a career in this dynamic field.
Cybersecurity associate degrees in Utah
An associate’s degree is a good choice for someone who would like to find work as soon as possible. The two-year program takes less time than a bachelor’s and is typically less expensive as well.
Ensign College
Salt Lake City, Utah
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology - Cybersecurity
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $162 Church Member | $324 Non-Church Member
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSouthern Utah University
Cedar City, UtahProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology - Cyber Concentration
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 64-73
Cost per credit: $465 in state | $1,514 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Utah
While an associate’s degree is an inexpensive option, many cybersecurity jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher to be considered. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree will study a wide variety of topics, both within the cybersecurity field and outside of it.
Campus-based bachelor’s degree
Brigham Young University-Provo
Provo, UtahProgram: BS in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $331
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUtah Valley University
Orem, UtahProgram: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Computer Forensics and Security Emphasis
Credits: 122
Cost per credit: $184 in-state | $563 out-of-state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Online bachelor’s degrees
Online degrees are often more affordable than their campus-based counterparts. Also, an online degree offers more flexibility, making it suitable for students who wish to hold down a job while they’re studying.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 122
Cost per credits: $658
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsWestern Governors University
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Online Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 111
Cost per credit: $262
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in Utah
More technically demanding cybersecurity positions typically require a master’s degree. A master’s degree may also be required for upper management positions within any given company.
While a master’s degree takes longer to complete and is more expensive than an undergraduate degree, graduates can expect to earn a higher salary upon graduation.
Campus-based master’s degree
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UtahProgram: Master of Business Administration – Cybersecurity Emphasis (M.B.A.)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 36-39
Cost per credit: $799 in state | $2,393 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUtah Valley University
Orem, UtahProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $449 in-state | $1,083 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Online master’s degree
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UtahProgram: Master of Cyber Security & Information Assurance
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $799 in-state | $2,393 out of state
Delivery method: Online
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsWestern Governors University
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 30
Cost per credit: $573
Delivery method: Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity certifications in Utah
Exploring the broad scope of cybersecurity expertise, Cyberseek’s nationwide data highlights the current number of professionals with these common certifications:
- CompTIA Security+: 265,992 certification holders
- CISSP: 91,765 certification holders
- GIAC: 46,318 certification holders
- CISA: 35,812 certification holders
- CISM) 20,300 certification holders
- CIPP: 13,652 certification holders
No matter how thorough the program, no bachelor’s or master’s degree can teach students everything they need to know, especially regarding certain subsets of cybersecurity.
That’s why there are certifications. A certification is a chance for a student to learn a particular skill in the cybersecurity industry. Certifications look good on a resume and may also increase the chances that an applicant is hired for a job.
Dixie State University
Saint George, UtahProgram: Undergraduate certificate in Computer Forensics/Cyber Crime
Credits: 15
Cost per credit: $508 in-state | $1,455 out-of-state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSalt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Network and Cyber Security Certificate of Proficiency
Credits: 16
Cost per credit: $312 in state | $951 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUtah Valley University
Orem, UtahProgram: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Credits: 18
Cost per credit: $314 in-state | $948 out of state
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Utah Professional Education
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $12,995
Delivery method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Cybersecurity jobs in Utah
Returning to the Wells Fargo report on Utah, we are reminded of the state’s economic growth. “Utah ranked as the second fastest-growing state in the country in terms of real GDP. – The state’s burgeoning tech sector is driving much of the state’s success.”
Considering the rapid expansion of Silicon Slopes and the billions of dollars being invested in new data centers, it appears likely that the demand for cybersecurity technicians is only going to grow.
For candidates seeking a career in cybersecurity, now is a great time to apply in Utah.
The state’s excellent economic prospects, as well as the affordable cost of housing, make it a good location to live, especially for a cybersecurity technician’s above-average salary.
Cyberseek tells us that, from May 2023 through April 2024, 16,021 cybersecurity professionals were employed in Utah, with 5,440 current job openings. According to BLS, security analysts in Utah were earning an average hourly wage of $46.72, and the average annual salary was $97,180.
Cybersecurity in Utah
There is a global trend towards digitization. Self-driving cars, smartphone apps replacing traditional services, and the continued growth of social media.
All of these transformations lead to big data, and that data has to be stored somewhere. For many American companies, Utah represents the ideal choice.
With its affordable real estate, lack of natural disasters (as opposed to California with its forest fires and earthquakes), and reliable access to renewable energy, Utah does indeed fit the profile of a tech-friendly state.
The only thing the state is lacking is the cybersecurity technicians necessary to keep all of that data safe. Utah is currently understaffed when it comes to cybersecurity, and all the statistics indicate that this employment trend won’t change anytime soon.