Cybersecurity Guide

Where to find the latest cybersecurity degree programs in Utah

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

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. 

That 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 NameProgram More Info
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Utica UniversityOnline 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.”

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, 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 cyber-attack. 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 combatting 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.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

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. 

  1. 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 details

  2. Southern Utah University

    Cedar City, Utah
    Program: 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

  1. Brigham Young University-Provo

    Provo, Utah
    Program: BS in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $331
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Utah Valley University

    Orem, Utah
    Program: 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. 

  1. Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 122
    Cost per credits: $658
    Delivery method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Program: 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

  1. Southern Utah University

    Cedar City, Utah
    Program: 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 details

  2. Utah Valley University

    Orem, Utah
    Program: 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 

  1. Southern Utah University

    Cedar City, Utah
    Program: 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 details

  2. Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Program: 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

No matter how thorough the program, no bachelor’s or master’s degree can teach students everything they need to know, especially regarding certain sub-sets 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.  

  1. Dixie State University

    Saint George, Utah
    Program: 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 details

  2. Salt Lake Community College

    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Program: 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 details

  3. Utah Valley University

    Orem, Utah
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $314 in-state | $948 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of Utah Professional Education

    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Program: 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 county 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.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

The state’s excellent economic prospects, as well as the affordable cost of housing, make it a good location to live, especially on a cybersecurity technician’s above-average salary. 

Cyberseek tells us that, from September 2023 through August 2024, 15,992 cybersecurity professionals were employed in Utah with 5,396 current job openings. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2023, security analysts in Utah were earning an average hourly wage of $52.18, and the average annual salary was $108,540.

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.