Cyber Security Degrees in Georgia
In Georgia, students have many colleges and universities to choose from. If a student wants a career in cyber security, only some of the colleges offer that programming. Of the 139 schools listed on the US Department of Ed’s College Scorecard, 12 offer cyber sec degrees. The colleges that offer cyber security in Georgia based on the number of 2018 graduates include:
- Kennesaw State University – 50 graduates
- Gwinnett Technical College – 41 graduates
- Chattahoochee Technical College – 34 graduates
- Augusta Technical College – 32 graduates
- Georgia State University – 22 graduates
- Georgia Institute of Technology Main Campus – 12 graduates
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College – 11 graduates
- Georgia Military College – 5 graduates
- Albany Technical College – 4 graduates
- Strayer University Georgia – 4 graduates
- Augusta University – 2 graduates
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College – 1 graduate
Online Cyber Security Programs in GA
Cyber is a degree that lends itself well to online education. Because the study focuses on computers and commuter security, students can enjoy the flexibility of online course work. Not all colleges that offer cyber security in Georgia offer online programs. These are some that do:
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State has partnered with eMajor, a University System of Georgia degree completion partnership, to offer a BS in Cyber Security. This degree taps the talent of KSU’s on-campus faculty that teach Business Admin in Info Security and Assurance, IT, and Criminal Justice classes. This means students develop not only tech skills but also business and criminal justice understanding. All students of the online program automatically earn an IT major, and they can choose to add criminal justice or crisis prep minors as well.
KSU also offers an MS in Cyber Security that students can complete online. The school’s BBA in Info Sec and Assurance is also available online or as a hybrid program. It is also an NSA Center of Excellence school.
Strayer University
At Strayer, the BS in IT Cyber Security is available fully online. This immersive program aims to build skills in digital forensics and managing online risk. The degree requires 40 courses to complete. Grads are prepared for CompTIA and EC-Council certification exams to launch their careers.
Strayer also has an MS in Information Assurance that is fully online. This program takes the skills built in the undergrad degree further, helping students learn not only to identify risk but also how to design security plans to avoid it.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech offers an MS in Cyber Security that is fully available online through its School of Computer Science. This program provides access to the same top instruction in info security, public policy, and energy systems as the on-campus program. The online environment provides flexibility. The program takes two to three years to complete.
At Georgia Tech, three of the school’s colleges each offer an MS in Cyber Sec. This includes the School of Computer Science, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the School of Public Policy. Each school has a distinct focus. The School of CS offers a tech focus. The School of ECE offers an engineering systems focus. The School of PUBP offers a policy focus. Georgia Tech is an NSA Center of Excellence.
Georgia Military College
The AS in Cyber Security at Georgia Military College is fully online. This program studies programming, networking, security, and data structures. The GMC degree program helps prep students for entry-level jobs in the field or for further education in a four-year program. The robust program includes 30 quarter hours in the degree field. The Guide to Online Schools named GMC one of the top 10 online community colleges in the state in 2020.
Albany Technical College
Albany Tech offers an AAS in Computer Info Systems Cyber Security. This program includes 15 general courses and 57 degree-specific courses, and it is available completely online or on-campus. After graduation, students have the skills they need to seek work as info sec specialists.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
GPTC offers a fully online AAS in Cyber Forensics Tech degree. This degree explores both computer and tech skills as well as criminal justice. This is an affordable option and provides flexibility for adult learners.
Cyber Scholarships in GA
Georgia does not have many state specific scholarship programs for cyber degree programs. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. These are some of the few that are available.
Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship
The Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship is available to a student with an active Amateur Radio License Class who resides in Georgia or Alabama. While it’s not cyber specific, preference goes to students studying computer or electronics fields. A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required. The scholarship awards one $1,000 award every year.
Lieutenant General Douglas D. Buchholz Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship awards $2,000 to a service member at Fort Gordon who is pursuing a STEM degree at an accredited school. Students must be at a four year school and have a minimum of 15 semester hours complete. The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must submit an essay on how the student will use the degree to benefit the country or the Department of Defense.
HOPE Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship is a Georgia scholarship for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This tuition assistance program requires the student to maintain that GPA throughout their college years. While it’s not cyber specific, the HOPE Scholarship is available to all Georgia students who have qualifying GPAs.
Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Georgia
Georgia, and particularly Atlanta, is popular as a place to host meetings. The cyber world has many events in the area. These provide opportunities for cyber students and those in their careers to learn about the field’s latest issues. They also give the chance to network with other cyber pros. Some of the top events to attend include:
Atlanta Cyber Sec Conference
Hosted at the Sheraton Atlanta, the Atlanta Cyber Sec Conference includes a CISCO panel. Data Connectors hosts this event.
Atlanta Cyber Sec Summit
This annual summit brings together senior execs and C-Suite professionals to discuss cyber issues with info security experts. Attendees benefit from interactive panels and discussions.
Hacker Halted
This annual IT security conference from EC-Council takes place in Atlanta. Breakout talks, panels, networking, presentations, and ethical hacker training are all part of the event.
BSides Atlanta
BSides Atlanta brings together Atlanta-area cyber pros to build networks and expand knowledge in the field.
Industrial Control Systems Cyber Sec Conference
This conference explores cyber issues in the industrial space. It takes place in Atlanta.
Cyber Meetups in Georgia
In addition to the workshops and conferences, many Georgia groups host cyber related meetups. Some of them include:
Atlanta Cyber Security for Control Systems
This group has regular meetups in Atlanta. Its goal is to connect area professionals with each other to further knowledge in the cyber world.
OWASP Atlanta
The Open Web App Security Project meets regularly in Atlanta to discuss webbased threats.
Cloud Security Alliance Atlanta
This group meets to discuss cloud related security issues, new insight, and certification.
Go Cyber Security Training Group
This group offers free cyber training to help people get started in their career field.
Cyber Security Jobs in Georgia
A job in cyber has strong income potential. Those properly trained in the field are also in high demand in a number of industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for cyber security jobs in Georgia in 2018 was $94,490 a year or $45.43 an hour. The employer, education, and experience all play a role in how much cyber professionals make.
Georgia has many employers who hire cyber pros. Some of these are federal contractors. Those looking for cyber jobs can check with these companies:
Southern Company
This federal contractor employs cyber pros and works in the energy sector. They have a facility in Atlanta.
Cyber Security Degree Programs in Georgia by College
To make it easier for you to find colleges in GA with cyber security degrees, we compiled a list of schools. We put these schools in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 year.
BS in Cyber Security
With a fully online BS in Cyber Sec, Kennesaw State University offers a flexible degree program for students. This degree program includes 78 credit hours in the major and minor fields. In 2018, KSU ranked first in the state with 50 cyber grads. Course examples include:
- Programming Problem Solving – Teaches how to use programming language to solve digital problems
- OS Concepts and Admin – The concepts and structure of popular OS systems
- Linux/Unix Admin – How to oversee Linux/Unix systems
- Cyber Defense – How to defend against common cyber risks
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- MS in Cyber Security
- BBA Info Sec and Assurance
- Undergrad and Grad Certs available
Scholarships:
School Features:
- Online Cyber Degrees: MS, BS, BBA
- NSA CAE-CD 2014-2021
AAS in Cyber Security
With 41 grads in 2018, Gwinnett Tech was the second program in the state. The AAS in Cyber Sec is a 72-credit hour course that includes 57 tech courses. It takes a minimum of five semesters to finish. Course examples include:
- Computer Concepts – Intro to computers and the tech that runs them
- Network Sec – Looks at keeping networks secure
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing – Teaches how to use hacking skills in an ethical way
- Computer Forensics – Intro to basic computer forensics topics and strategies
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
- Undergrad diplomas available
Scholarships:
School Features:
AAS Cyber Security
With 34 grads in 2018, CTC was the third program in the state. The school’s AAS in Cyber Sec is a 72 credit hour program. It takes advantage of a CISCO networking lab. Course examples include:
- Sec. Policies and Procedures – Looks at common policies and procedures in the cyber world
- Network Defense and Counter Measures – How to plan and use firewalls
- OS Concepts – Intro to common OS
- Intro to Networks CISCO – A CISCO focused intro to network tech
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
- Undergrad Diplomas available
Scholarships:
School Features:
- CISCO Networking Lab
- SACSCOC Accreditation
AAS Cyber Security
The AAS in Cyber Security at Augusta Tech is a 72-hour course that provides hands-on tech training. This program had 32 graduates in 2018, making it the fourth program in the state. Course examples include:
- UNIX/LINUX Intro – Intro to the Unix and Linux platforms
- Cisco Routing and Switching – Intro to routing and switching concepts
- Computer Forensics – Intro to the concepts that drive computer forensics
- Computer Concepts – Intro to computers and their tech
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
Scholarships:
School Features:
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- NSA CAE-2Y 2018-2023
MS in Computer Science Security & Privacy
With 22 grads in 2018, Georgia State was the fifth program in the state. It offers an MS in Computer Science with Security & Privacy Concentration. This program delves into details about cyber concepts. Course examples include:
- Advanced Computer Networks – A closer look at networks and how they work
- Network Sec. – A detailed overview of security issues for networks
- Advanced OS – An advanced look at popular OS options
- Advanced Database Systems – A detailed look at database systems and management
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Computer Science with Cyber Cert
- Undergrad Certs available
Scholarships:
School Features:
Online MS in Cyber Security
With a fully-online MS in Cyber Sec., Georgia Tech provides options for people who want to complete their training while working. The 32-credit hour course includes a five credit practicum. With 12 graduates in 2018, this program was sixth on the list of top in cyber. Course examples include:
- Info Sec Lab – A hands-on class exploring the info sec world
- Advanced OS – Advanced look at popular OS
- Principles of Network Management – How to manage networks
- Cyber Sec. Practicum – Independent study program looking at real-world cyber problems
More Cyber Degree Programs:
Scholarships:
School Features:
- NSA CAE-R 2019-2024
AS Cyber Security
Wiregrass Georgia Tech College has an AS in Cyber Sec that is a 72-hour program with 57 degree-area courses. With 11 grads in 2018, it was the seventh program. Course examples include:
- Sec. Policies and Procedures – Explores policies and procedures that drive the field
- Network Sec. – An intro to networks and how to keep them secure
- Computer Forensics – An intro to forensics in the digital age
- Network Home and Small Business – Explores how networks in homes and small companies are protected
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
- Undergrad Diploma available
Scholarships:
School Features:
AS in Cyber Security
The AS in Cyber Security at Georgia Military College offers on-campus and online training in cyber. This program includes 30-core quarter hours. With 5 grads in 2018, GMC was the eighth cyber school in the state. Course examples include:
- Principles of Computer Programming – Intro to the core concepts of computer programming
- Advanced Database Apps – Close look at database apps with hands-on training
- Networking – An intro to computer networks
- Data Structures – An intro to data structure design and use
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
Scholarships:
School Features:
- SACSCOC Accredited
- Top 10 Online Community Colleges in
Georgia, Guide to Online Schools
AAS in Cyber Security
Albany Technical College offers an AAS in Cyber Security degree that is available online or on-campus. This program requires 72 credits, including 57 in the degree field. With 4 graduates in 2018, it was the ninth program. Course examples include:
- Intro to Computers – An intro to how computers work
- OS Security – An intro to security issues for most OS
- Computer Forensics – An intro to computer forensics
- Network Security – An intro to network security issues
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
- Cyber Sec. Diploma
Scholarships:
School Features:
- SACSCOC Accredited
- Online Cyber Degrees – AAS
BS in IT Cyber Security
Strayer University offers an online BS in IT Cyber Security degree. This program requires 40 11-week courses to complete. With 4 graduates in 2018, it was the tenth program. Course examples include:
- Network Server Admin I – Teaches the Windows server environment and how to secure it
- Computer Forensic Tech – Intro to cyber crimes and computer forensics
- Perimeter Defense – A lab course that explores network security, ethical hacking, and network defense
- Info Tech Capstone – The capstone course for the Info Tech portion of the degree
More Cyber Degree Programs:
Scholarships:
School Features:
- MSCHE Accreditation
- Online Cyber Degrees – BS and MS
BS in Cyber Security
The BS in Cyber Sec at Augusta University is a hands-on program that has an NSA Center of Excellence. It is a 124-hour degree program that had 2 graduates in 2018. It was the eleventh program. Course examples include:
- Database Management Systems – Explores how to manage database structures
- Info Systems – Builds understanding of info tech and systems
- OS Concepts and Admin – How to understand manage popular OS
- Cyber Network Defense and Counter Measures – Defending networks from attack
More Cyber Degree Programs:
Scholarships:
School Features:
- SACSCOC Accredited
- NSA CAE-CD 2016-2021
AAS in Cyber Forensics Technology
The AAS in Cyber Forensics Tech at GPTC is available fully online. This program explores both tech topics and criminal justice topics. It had one graduate in 2018, making it the 12th program. Of the 62 credit hours, 47 are in the degree field. Course examples include:
- Computer Concepts – Basic intro to computers
- OS Concepts – Basic intro to OS systems
- Cyber Crime Investigations – Intro to cyber crime forensics
- Network Security – Intro to keeping networks secure
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Undergrad Certs available
Scholarships:
School Features:
- SACSCOC Accredited
- Online Degree Programs – AAS