Cybersecurity Guide

Full access: Learn all about Virginia’s growing cybersecurity scene including degree programs and training options

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

A strong cybersecurity education page should do more than list schools — it should connect degree options to verified workforce demand and credible public data.

Students looking into a cybersecurity degree in Virginia will find college pathways aligned with hiring demand across finance, defense contracting, insurance, and healthcare.

This page focuses specifically on academic pathways and school-based opportunities. Institutions are referenced only when they operate distinctive workforce, research, or training initiatives that add meaningful value beyond a standard program listing.

How we keep this page current

This page is updated using authoritative sources, including CyberSeek, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Virginia labor market information, the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, and the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. 

Program descriptions and institutional initiatives are verified against official university or state government pages. Content is reviewed periodically, and time-sensitive claims or outdated metrics are updated or removed as new workforce data becomes available.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
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
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
University of Maryland Global CampusOnline Bachelor's in Cybersecurity website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in Virginia

Virginia consistently ranks among the leading states for cybersecurity employment due to its concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence organizations.

Data from CyberSeek shows that Virginia regularly reports one of the highest levels of cybersecurity job demand in the United States, with tens of thousands of workers employed in cybersecurity-related roles and a large number of annual job postings statewide. These figures reflect employer demand signals from job postings rather than actual employment counts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia employs a significant number of Information Security Analysts, one of the core cybersecurity occupations. The occupation reports a mean annual wage above $120,000 in the state, reflecting the concentration of government and defense-related cyber roles.

Virginia’s labor market projections and workforce dashboards also track demand across related fields such as network administration and cybersecurity engineering. These projections help estimate future employment needs but differ from job-posting data, which measures current hiring activity rather than long-term workforce size.

Together, these metrics provide complementary perspectives:

  • Job postings reflect current hiring demand.
  • Employment estimates and projections indicate the long-term size and growth of the workforce.

Both signals show Virginia maintaining a strong demand for cybersecurity talent.

Cybersecurity degree pathways in Virginia

Students interested in cybersecurity education in Virginia can pursue several academic routes depending on experience level and career goals.

Associate degrees

Associate-level cybersecurity programs are commonly offered through Virginia’s community college system. These programs typically introduce core technical foundations such as:

  • Network security fundamentals
  • Operating systems and system administration
  • Ethical hacking basics
  • Security policy and compliance

Campus-based associate’s degrees

  1. Tidewater Community College

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: A.A.S. in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 64-65
    Cost per credit: $161 in state | $337 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Laurel Ridge Community College

    Middletown, Virginia
    Program: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 66
    Cost per credit: $159 in state | $335 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Lord Fairfax Community College

    Middletown, Virginia
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 66
    Cost per credit: $159 in state | $335 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Northern Virginia Community College

    Annandale, Virginia
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 65
    Cost per credit: $185 in state | $364 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Online associate’s degrees

  1. Northern Virginia Community College

    Annandale, Virginia
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 65
    Cost per credit: $185 in state | $364 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Many associate programs are designed as transfer pathways into bachelor’s degrees, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before continuing at a four-year institution.

Virginia’s community colleges often coordinate with statewide workforce initiatives and regional employers to align curriculum with cybersecurity workforce needs.

Bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor’s degrees remain the most common pathway into cybersecurity careers. Programs typically combine coursework in:

  • Network security and architecture
  • Cryptography
  • Secure software development
  • Digital forensics
  • Risk management and compliance

Several Virginia universities operate cybersecurity research centers and cyber ranges that allow students to practice real-world defensive and offensive cybersecurity scenarios.

Campus-based bachelor’s degrees

  1. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $374 in state | $1039 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Regent University

    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $603
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of the Potomac

    Vienna, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Policy
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $240
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. George Mason University

    Fairfax, Virginia
    Program: BAS Concentration in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120-126
    Cost per credit: $547 in state | $1524 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Online bachelor’s degrees

  1. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $374 in state | $1039 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $374 in state | $407 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Regent University

    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber & Digital Forensics
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $395
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Regent University

    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $603
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Regent University

    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber & Digital Forensics
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $395
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of the Potomac

    Vienna, Virginia
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Policy
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $240
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. George Mason University

    Fairfax, Virginia
    Program: BAS Concentration in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 120-126
    Cost per credit: $547 in state | $1524 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

For example, Virginia Tech operates the Hume Center for National Security and Technology, which supports cybersecurity research, workforce development, and national security training initiatives. (Virginia Tech Hume Center).

Many bachelor’s programs in Virginia are also designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, recognizing programs that meet rigorous cybersecurity education standards. (National Centers of Academic Excellence)

Master’s degrees

Graduate cybersecurity programs in Virginia often emphasize advanced topics such as:

  • Security architecture and engineering
  • Cyber operations
  • Artificial intelligence and security analytics
  • Cyber policy and national security

Campus-based master’s degrees

  1. ECPI

    Richmond, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $720
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $571
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Fairfax

    Roanoke, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $529
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. George Mason University

    Fairfax, Virginia
    Program: MS in Digital Forensics (DFOR)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $845 in-state | $1,926 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degrees

  1. ECPI

    Richmond, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $720
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Hampton University

    Hampton, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $695
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Liberty University

    Lynchburg, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $565
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Norfolk State University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: MS Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $746 in-state | $1,455 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $571
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Fairfax

    Roanoke, Virginia
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $529
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Some graduate programs maintain partnerships with federal agencies and defense contractors, reflecting the state’s proximity to Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia’s technology sector.

Graduate degrees are commonly pursued by:

  • Government and defense employees pursuing advanced credentials
  • IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity
  • Engineers specializing in security architecture

PhD degrees

Virginia offers advanced educational opportunities in cybersecurity, with one institution providing a PhD degree in the field.

  1. Marymount University, School of Technology and Innovation

    Arlington, Virginia
    Program: D.Sc. in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $1,190
    Delivery Method: Campus, Hybrid, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

Certifications and workforce programs

In addition to academic degrees, cybersecurity training in Virginia may include:

  • short-term certificate programs
  • employer-sponsored training initiatives
  • Cybersecurity bootcamps offered through universities or continuing education programs

These programs typically focus on hands-on skills aligned with widely recognized certifications such as:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Campus-based cybersecurity certifications

  1. Lord Fairfax Community College

    Middletown, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity and Networking Foundations Certificate
    Credits: 16-17
    Cost per credit: $159 in state | $335 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Marymount University

    Arlington, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $1,275
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Southwest Virginia Community College

    Richlands, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Career Studies Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 29
    Cost per credit: $163 in state | $363 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Thomas Nelson Community College

    Hampton, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity and Networking Foundations - Career Studies Certificate
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $161 in-state | $337 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Tidewater Community College

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity and Networking Foundation Career Studies Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 24
    Cost per credit: $161 in-state | $337 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Wytheville Community College

    Wytheville, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity and Networking Certificate
    Credits: 16
    Cost per credit: $159 in-state | $335 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online cybersecurity certifications

  1. Danville Community College

    Danville, Virginia
    Program: Certificate in Cyber Security
    Credits: 40
    Cost per credit: $241
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia
    Program: Cyber Risk Management Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-R
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $599 in state | $1439 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Radford University

    Radford, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 18
    Cost per credit: $296 in state | $578 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Southwest Virginia Community College

    Richlands, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Career Studies Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 29
    Cost per credit: $163 in state | $363 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Thomas Nelson Community College

    Hampton, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity and Networking Foundations - Career Studies Certificate
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $161 in-state | $337 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Bootcamps in Virginia

Only one university offers a cybersecurity bootcamp program where students can acquire the necessary skills to combat cybercrime and potentially land a job in the rapidly expanding cybersecurity industry.

  1. University of Richmond Boot Camps

    Richmond, Virginia
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    Length: 24 Weeks
    Cost: $11,995
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details
Learn more about cybersecurity bootcamps

Scholarship for Service (SFS)

Virginia institutions participate in the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which provides funding for cybersecurity students in exchange for post-graduation service in federal, state, local, or tribal government roles.

The program supports tuition, stipends, and cybersecurity workforce development through universities designated as NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence.

SFS participation helps strengthen the pipeline of cybersecurity professionals entering public-sector roles.

Unique state cybersecurity initiatives

Virginia maintains several statewide cybersecurity initiatives that support workforce development and academic partnerships.

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) oversees statewide cybersecurity governance and works with public-sector organizations and educational institutions to strengthen cyber workforce capabilities across state government.

The state also supports collaboration between universities, research centers, and government agencies to expand cybersecurity education, research, and training programs aligned with national security needs.

These initiatives often include partnerships with universities, research labs, and workforce training programs designed to strengthen the cybersecurity talent pipeline.

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in Virginia

How many cybersecurity jobs are in Virginia?

CyberSeek reports that Virginia has one of the largest cybersecurity workforces in the United States, with tens of thousands of cybersecurity professionals employed statewide and thousands of annual job postings. These figures represent job demand signals rather than total employment counts.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in Virginia?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Information Security Analysts in Virginia earn an average annual wage exceeding $120,000, reflecting strong demand for cybersecurity expertise in the state’s government and defense sectors.

What is the best cybersecurity degree in Virginia?

There is no single “best” cybersecurity degree. Students should look for programs with:
– NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence designation
– hands-on cyber labs or cyber ranges
– industry or government partnerships
– internship opportunities with technology or defense employers

Are there online cybersecurity programs in Virginia?

Yes. Many Virginia universities and colleges offer online or hybrid cybersecurity degree programs, especially at the master’s and certificate levels.

Does Virginia have cybersecurity bootcamps or short-term training?

Several universities and continuing education programs offer short-term cybersecurity training and certificate programs designed to prepare students for professional certifications.

What certifications are most requested in Virginia?

Employers frequently request certifications such as:
– CompTIA Security+
– CISSP
– Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certification demand varies by role and experience level, with entry-level positions often requiring Security+.

Is cybersecurity in demand in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia’s proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates sustained demand for cybersecurity professionals across government, consulting, and private-sector organizations.

Can I start a cybersecurity career with an associate degree?

Yes. Many students begin with an associate degree in cybersecurity or information technology and later transfer into bachelor’s programs to complete their education.

How long does a cybersecurity degree take?

– Associate degree: about 2 years
– Bachelor’s degree: about 4 years
– Master’s degree: about 1–2 years

Does Virginia participate in Scholarship for Service?

Yes. Several Virginia universities participate in the NSF Scholarship for Service program, which funds cybersecurity education in exchange for government service after graduation.

What industries in Virginia hire cybersecurity graduates?

– Federal government agencies
– Defense contractors
– Consulting and technology firms
– Financial services and healthcare organizations

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in Virginia?

– Security analyst
– SOC analyst
– Network security technician
– Cybersecurity specialist

Sources