Cyber Security Degree Programs in Colorado

Cyber Security Degree Programs in Colorado

If curious about keeping data safe, cyber security degrees in Colorado are plentiful. One reason is that Colorado Springs is home to lots of high tech. In fact, it is an epicenter for both aerospace and cyber defense. With that in mind, only a few schools in CO offer cyber security degree programs. According to the U.S. Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard, there are 88 schools in Colorado. Of them, only 5 awarded degrees in information security in 2018. In order of the number of cyber grads for the 2018 school year, these are: 

• Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs - 100
• University of Denver - 3
• University of Colorado - Colorado Springs - 2
• National American University-Centennial – 1
• National American University-Colorado Springs South – 1

There are also many community colleges which award certificates.  

Online Cyber Security Programs in CO

For those who need a flexible format, one option is to look for an online cyber security program in CO. These programs tend to use virtual labs and classrooms. Some are self paced too, making them an accessible option for at work students.

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs

CTU offers 100% online learning. The school is also a National Center of Academic Excellence (NSA CAE). Both in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (IA / CD).  They offer programs at all levels. Associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. Some are in homeland security and criminal justice. Others, are more technical.

One to note is a bachelor’s degree in computer science (CS). It offers an anchor point in cyber security engineering. In the courses, you study new models, tools and tech that helps design safer software. Students may continue these studies in CTU graduate programs.  

One is a master of science in the same focus area (cyber eng.). Another option at CTU is a master’s degree in information security management. It is PMI accredited, and studies network security and leadership.  

University of Denver

U Denver is a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense ( NSA CAE). The school also ranks as a Top 100 University on U.S. News 2020 list. They do offer bachelor of science programs. But these focus mainly in computer science and are on campus.  

There is also a Master of Science in cyber security that is available evenings. It is not online but may suit people without a tech background.  One of the online programs they offer is a Master’s in Cyber Security Management. 

It studies the skills and tactics used to craft a corporate cyber plan. Students also learn about risk management and also, how to deter breaches. Another feature is that you plan and set your own schedule. This allows some students to finish in as few as 18 months or, take up to five years.

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

UCCS is a National Center of Academic Excellence (NSA CAE). The school earned this status for Information Assurance Education (IAE). With this credential, UCCS offers a range of unique programs. Like a Bachelor of Innovation (BI) in CS Security. And a PhD in Security.

Both of these are at present, on campus. Students enrolled in them have many cyber labs at their fingertips. For distance learners, there is an online MBA in Cyber Security Management. It unites classic business administration themes with four cyber classes. In them, students learn how to put cyber policies in place that lessen risks and secure data assets. 

National American University – Centennial

NAU offers a few online cyber security degree programs. Some focus in Intel, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. Others are more specific to enterprise security. Like the BS in IT - Cyber Security and Forensics. Because it is an IT degree, the core topics are about computer systems. Programming, data bases, computer networking and the like.

The cyber major looks at cyber crime. How to watch networks to detect it. And, use tools to track down evidence to report it. If you aren’t quite ready, the school also offers online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees.  An AAS often focuses on getting students familiar with operating systems and basic IT concepts. 

Regis University

Regis is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA CAE-CD). A Jesuit school, they offer online courses in 8 week terms. One of their online programs is a BS in Cyber Security. It explores cyber threats, network security and digital forensics. 

Students may also elect to earn a dual degree. The dual master’s degree stacks this bachelor’s program with a MS. Choose cyber, IT management, data science etc. Another popular option at Regis U is an online graduate certificate. They offer one in IA and many of the credits transfer should you decide to earn a MS later on. 

Cyber Scholarships in CO

A scholarship is a kind of financial aid used to make a cyber degree more affordable. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Many colleges and other sources offer them to students who qualify on the basis of need and or merit. 

Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service

This is an NSF funded scholarship. It aims both to foster a trained group of new students. And place them into gov’t cyber jobs. SFS Scholarships are available at partner schools in CO. Colorado Washington Security Scholars Program (CSSWP) is one. The awards are open to eligible PhD, master’s or undergrad students. As long as they study cyber full time.

The funds support students for up to two or three years. While amounts may vary, the award tends to pay tuition and fees, textbooks and a stipend. The stipend is about $22.5K for undergrads or $34K for grad students. There may also be health ins perks and a mentor for their research. In return, students must secure a gov’t internship during their summers. Then, upon graduation, must sign a work contract for an approved federal job. 

Partner Colorado Foundation

A nonprofit, this foundation offers an annual scholarship program. It is open to students who are permanent residents of CO. Awards are at least $1,000 each but do depend on fundraising efforts. If a student stays on track with the guidelines, they may apply for a renewal. To qualify, you must be at least 17 years old and up to age 40. You must also be in good standing. But the main criteria for this award is financial need.

American Council of Engineering Companies Scholarship

The ACEC Research Institute will award ten Scholarships in 2021. There are two categories – general and specialty. The specialty is for structural eng. General Scholarships pay either $3,000, $5,000 or $10,000 each. If you study cyber software engineering, you may be able to apply.

ACEC General Scholarships are for students entering junior, senior, fifth, or master’s degree year.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s in Eng. To qualify, an applicant gets points for each part of their complete form. GPA, work history, reference letters, and outside activities. 

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Colorado

One way to get in front of other cyber security professionals is to attend an event. Some conferences travel the United States, and may favor big cities like Aspen or Denver for their meetings.

Often attending a conference, workshop or training helps you score professional credit hours. But it also keeps skills fresh beyond your coursework. Not to mention, you get to interact and widen your networks.  Due to COVID 19, some annual events may skip a year. But joining a conference mailing list will keep you apprised.

Aspen Security Forum (ASF)

ASF unites people from gov’t, business, academics and journalism to discuss national security issues. The event tends to include keynotes and panels. 

Rocky Mountain Information Security Conference

The RMIS conference tends to blend a few days of workshops and networking. If you work in information systems security it may be one to attend.

Space Symposium

A space industry event that lasts about one week. The agenda includes speakers, exhibits and tracks like Cyber Classified. It’s a one day forum for industry and gov’t attendees.

Cyber Meetups in CO

Meetups are less formal ways to meet peers and discuss computer security.

(ISC)2 Pikes Peak Chapter

(ISC)2 is a large group of information security professionals. Members discuss hot topics in app security. And may earn CPE credits along the way. This Chapter serves the communities near Denver and Colorado Springs. 

Denver Cloud Security Alliance Colorado Chapter

CSA is a cloud security group. They have over 1,500 members and now host virtual meetings. The topics vary each month. Last one was about “Cyber Crime in a Crisis”. 

DenverSec

A gathering of people who talk about info sec in the Denver / Boulder area. The “where” of the meetings vary, and the “when” is twice per month. 

Colorado Springs Cyber Security Meetup

This public group of over 790 meet online at the moment. An upcoming event is Capture the Flag which aims to hone hacking skills.  They also host a speaker series and offer CPE’s. That’s short for Continuing Professional Education credits.

Cyber Security Jobs in Colorado

Cyber security jobs in Colorado may pay above average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage in May 2018 was $102,820. When looking for a cyber job in Colorado, there may be options for a range of skill sets. Here are a few possible sources that may recruit for cyber security roles in CO.

Aerospace Corp

A nonprofit that provides tech guidance on space missions, satellites and more. May hire in Colorado Springs, CO.

Parsons Corp

A U.S. tech company and gov’t contractor. Services span defense, intelligence, security, and eng. They may hire for the Schriever AFB, CO. 

Lockheed Martin

A U.S. aerospace, defense, arms, security, and tech company. As a gov’t contractor, they may hire for the Schriever AFB, CO.

Raytheon Technologies

A U.S. aerospace and defense company that services the military. Also, a gov’t contractor, they may recruit for the Schriever AFB, CO.

Centauri, LLC

A tech focused company that offers services for intel, cyber, eng, national security and ISR. They may hire in Colorado Springs, CO.

LinQuest

Provides services and solutions related to cyber systems, space and national security. They may hire in Colorado Springs, CO.

Cyber Security Degrees in Colorado by College

Public and private colleges across Colorado offer cyber security degree programs. Some of these schools are Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). A CAE school has the approval of two U.S. security agencies. The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To make it easier for you to find CO cyber colleges, we compiled a list of 5 schools. It’s in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 year.