Cyber Security Degree in Connecticut

Cyber Security Degree in Connecticut

With cyber attacks on the rise, you may want to earn a cyber security degree in Connecticut. This north east state has cyber security degree programs at all levels. These programs may equip you with vital tech skills. That said, when looking into a cyber security major, not all CT schools offer it. According to the U.S. Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard, there are 68 schools in Connecticut. Of them, only 4 awarded degrees in information assurance in 2018. In order of the number of cyber grads for the 2018 school year, these are: 

• Sacred Heart University – 36
• Charter Oak State College - 12
• Norwalk Community College - 2
• Gateway Community College - 1

 Online Cyber Security Programs in CT

If you plan to work while you study, there are online cyber security degrees in CT too. In them, you often make use of virtual labs and set your own schedule. This makes them a flexible option for those who need or prefer it.

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart U offers campus, online and hybrid cyber security degree programs. One of the hybrid programs is a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. As it has some lab work, students may need to visit the Fairfield campus. The study plan has deep roots in math and computer science (CS). But other topics are about cyber defense and cyber operations. 

For e.g., the program covers many practical tools like ethical hacking. It is one of the ways to detect weak areas in systems before black hat hackers can. SHU also offers graduate degree programs. Also, hybrid, there are master’s degree programs in information technology (IT) and CS. There is also a Master of Science in Cyber Security. It too, delivers in a hybrid format. MS students learn to perform cyber research and about risk management. The program also features labs (E.g. digital design) that pair with online classes. 

Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak offers an online bachelor’s degree program in cyber security. If you have CISSP certification, it may be useful to reduce your credit load. The program courses explain key terms, tools, tech, and tasks. From auditing and CS basics. To hacker techniques and network security. 

Along the way, there is a class in Management Information Systems. MIS is the study of people, tech, org’s, and how they relate to one another. Students also have the opportunity to choose electives. Topics include cyber warfare and security strategies for operating systems.   

Norwalk Community College

Norwalk offers an Associate’s degree program in computer security (AS) online. The program focuses on computer systems. Things like programming, hardware, software and data bases. Of note, NCC made the list of Military Friendly Colleges in 2018. As the school is NECHE accredited, AS credits may transfer to a bachelor’s program later.

Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac offers online master’s programs.  One is a fully online Master of Science in Cyber Security. A technical program, it covers many cyber themes. Students start by learning about cyber attacks and cyber defenses. Then also study cyber policy, penetration testing, and network security. These classes may build skills in secure app and system design.

Cyber Scholarships in CT

When it comes to paying for college, a scholarship helps to make a cyber degree more affordable. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Many colleges and other sources offer them to eligible students. You may 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 CT. The University of New Haven is one. Awards are open to eligible PhD, master’s or bachelor’s students. As long as they study cyber security full time. 

The funds pay students for up to two or three years. It depends on the program and school. But, the amount tends to pay tuition and fees, textbooks and a stipend. The stipend is about $22.5K for undergrads or $34K for grad students. Health ins perks and a mentor for research may complete the package. In return, students must lock in a gov’t internship during their summers. They must sign a work contract for an approved federal job to start when they graduate. 

Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

A Department of Defense (DoD) program that aims to recruit more minority high school students. Especially those with skills useful to the National Security Agency (NSA). Stokes is open to high school seniors who plan to major in CS or computer eng. As an NSA worker under the Stokes Program, students attend college full time.

The award, which pays up to $30,000 per year covers tuition and fees. In return, students spend the summers at NSA and earn a year long salary. To keep it going, you must have a 2.75 GPA. And, if selected to take part, you have to work for the NSA after you graduate.

Not all schools partner with the DoD. University of Connecticut was offering them for 2019 – 2020. The NSA does select most candidates up to a year in advance. So, it may be wise to reach out to them for details ahead of time. 

Roberta B. Willis Need – Merit Scholarship Program

This program is from the CT’s Office of Higher Education. It is for CT residents who are high school (HS) seniors or graduates. It is in part, a merit award. Applicants must have a HS junior year class rank of 20% or better. And or SAT scores of at least 1200 or ACT score of at least 25.

There is also a need component. One must complete a FAFSA and be in contact with their school’s financial aid office. Recipient must attend a CT public state university or non-profit private college.

The amount pays up to $5,250 a year for full time students in a 4 year program. Or, up to $4,650 a year for full time students in a 2 year program. The Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program is much the same. It sets an EFC range though. And pays up to $4,500 for full time study in a 2 or 4-year program.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Connecticut

One way to meet other information systems security professionals is to attend an event. A conference or workshop may expand your networks. Plus, expose you to new ideas, industry leaders and tech vendors. 

Data Connectors

Each year, Data Connectors hosts the Hartford Cyber Security Conference. It unites many CIOs and IT execs. Past events featured things like an FBI keynote and CISO panel. At present, all their conferences are virtual. But, still bring in information security pros and topics. 

North East Annual Cyber Security Summit

NEACS is an annual cyber conference for business and tech pros. It connects attendees with experts in security, privacy and risk. Held for one full day, the event tends to feature a few workshops. A few prior themes were AI, Governance and Audit. While the last one was in Trumbull, CT, the next one is still in planning phase. 

CyberSEED

The University of Connecticut hosts this annual cyber competition. Once accepted into the competition, the team gets a travel award to cover expenses. UConn unites many colleges and universities at this event. Teams play Capture the Flag which is a skills test. Players need to know reverse eng., web application security and more.

Cyber Meetups in CT

Meetups are less formal as they often include food or drinks. Still, they often include member presentations and networking events.

(ISC)2 Southern Connecticut Chapter

The local chapter continues the mission to inform about computer security issues. Chapter meetings tend to be the last Thursday of the Second Month of every Quarter. Members may also be able to gain CPEs. 

ISACA Greater Hartford Chapter

ISACA was the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. They accept student members and host CISA trainings. CISA is Certified Information Systems Auditor. 

Connecticut Cyber Security Meetup | OWASP Hartford

OWASP is short for Open Web Application Security Project. They meet to discuss industry news, trends and share ideas. 

ISSA Connecticut

The CT ISSA Chapter is a member group of Information System Security pros. They meet to network and learn about security issues and trends.

Cyber Security Jobs in Connecticut

CT is one of the highest paying states for Information Security Analysts. So, cyber security jobs in Connecticut tend to pay above average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage in May 2018 was $112,900. When looking for a cyber job in Connecticut, there may be options for various of skill sets. Here are a few companies that may hire in CT.

Capgemini

A French multinational corp. and gov’t contractor. They provide consulting, technology, professional, and outsourcing services and may hire in Hartford, CT.

NBC Universal

An entertainment / media company and also, a gov’t contractor. They may recruit to fill jobs in Stamford, CT.

Deloitte

A gov’t contractor with expertise in cyber risk, forensics, assurance and internal audits. They may hire in Hartford, CT.

Raytheon Technologies

A U.S. aerospace and defense co. and gov’t contractor. They recently merged with United Technologies Corp. and may hire in Farmington, UTC’s HQ.

Sonalysts

An employee owned aerospace and defense contractor that offers business and tech solutions to their clients. Their HQ is in Waterford, CT.

OTIS

An elevator co. and gov’t contractor. They commit to the cyber security of their products and services and may hire in their HQ which is in Farmington, CT.

Cyber Security Degrees in Connecticut by College

Public and private colleges in Connecticut offer cyber security degree programs. Some of these schools are National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). And others just use the guidelines to help map their curriculum.

A Center of Academic Excellence - CAE school gets its approval from two U.S. security agencies. The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To make it easier for you to find cyber colleges in CT, here’s a list of three schools. It’s in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 school year.