Cyber Security Degrees in Hawaii

Cyber Security Degrees in Hawaii

A cyber security degree may let students learn how to protect computer systems. It is a combination of computer and security degrees. It is also growing in importance. As more businesses and people use the internet as a way to communicate, the need for protecting that gateway has grown. There is demand in this field. It may be perfect for those interested in computer sciences. Yet, learning how to do this job is the challenge. There are only a handful of schools that offer a cyber security degree in Hawaii. The U. S. Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard shows this. It says there are 20 colleges in the state. Of those, just 5 offer cyber security degrees in Hawaii. Only the University of Phoenix – Hawaii had graduates in 2018. They include: 

• University of Phoenix – Hawaii
• Honolulu Community College
• Hawaii Pacific University
• Maui College
• University of Hawaii at Manoa

Online Cyber Security Programs in HI

One of the ways to earn a cyber security degree is to take the courses online. Not all schools offer this. Many do not. Yet, for students who are busy, online learning may be perfect. Students may find schools offering the full degree online. That means they do not have to go to the campus at all. Others offer a hybrid approach. That means some of the classes are online. Students may have to go in to the school for labs.

Online cyber security programs in Hawaii offer a number of benefits. Students can learn at their own rate. They can also work while going to school. In some cases, students can use online programs to advance their current degree. This could make them more attractive to companies looking to hire. Each school is very different. Not many schools offer online degrees in Hawaii. This can change over time. Here are the current schools to consider for online cyber security in Hawaii.

University of Phoenix – Hawaii

The University of Phoenix – Hawaii is one option. It offers many degree options for cyber security. This is an accredited school. The key program is a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. It typically takes four years to complete. Students can earn the entire degree online. Classes start throughout the year.

Students may also wish to consider other course options. The Advanced Cyber Security certificate may be a good starting point. This may be perfect for students with limited experience. Perhaps they just want to test out the field. A Master of Information Systems is another option. This program offers more enhanced education for students.

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College offers another option. This school launched a cyber security program more recently. It is sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). That includes as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two Year school. It offers a Computing, Security, and Networking associates degree. This allows students to concentrate in cyber security.

This school’s programs are partially available online. That means students may need to visit the campus to finish their degree. They may need to complete off site lab work.

Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University has several program options available to students. This school offers an Associate of Science in Cyber Security. It is a standalone program with much to offer. It includes the foundations of security and networking. It also offers a computer science track. Students can take courses in cyber security through this program as well.

This school aims to offer some key benefits. That includes providing a fully online program. Students can also work to complete a computer science bachelor’s degree. It also does well by offering small class sizes.

Cyber Scholarships in HI

Students may wonder about the cost of getting a cyber security degree. This depends on the type of degree. The school itself plays a role in it. Yet, there are many ways to reduce costs. Many students can apply for federal student loans. These can reduce costs at the start. Some students may also qualify for grants. These come from a variety of programs and organizations. Students often do not have to pay back grants. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Scholarships make up a large component of the cost-saving options available for cyber security education. These are funds students generally do not pay back. The amount varies significantly. Many organizations offer them. That includes some programs from the schools themselves. Other times, students can apply for scholarships through third party organizations. This includes industry leaders and companies in the research field.

Many scholarships require a formal application. This may include several steps to apply. Many also only award one or a few scholarships each year. That means students should consider applying to any they qualify for even slightly. They should apply each year, too. Here are some cyber scholarships in Hawaii.

AFCEA Educational Foundation STEM Undergraduate Scholarship

The AFCEA Educational Foundation STEM Undergraduate Scholarship is one option. Many undergrad students can apply. The award differs each year. However, it can be very competitive. Limited options are available.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must apply online. They must have a 3.0 GPA. They must be U.S. citizens. They also must be attending a four year college or a full time second year undergrad program. These can be online or in person. They must be majoring in a STEM field. Cyber security counts. To apply, students need to submit two letters of recommendation. Essays are necessary as well.

SANS CyberStart Program

The SANS CyberStart program may be an excellent choice. It is from the SANS program, which focuses on cyber security training. This scholarship is for a high school graduate or senior. They must be planning to attend a cyber security degree program in the state of Hawaii (other states may qualify as well). They need to have an interest in cyber security. To apply, they need to fill out an application. They also need to provide all transcripts. Other steps may be necessary as well.

Applied Computer Security Associates Scholarship for Women Studying Information Security

For women studying cyber security, the ACSAC scholarship may be one of the most lucrative. The Applied Computer Security Associates Scholarship for Women Studying Information Security awards up to $10,000. To qualify, students must be a U. S. citizen. It is for just women. The program is for either grad or undergrad schooling. Students need to be studying cyber security.

CAISSA Cyber Security Scholarship

The CAISSA Cyber Security Scholarship is available to students who do not have an immediate family member that is a CAISSA board member or leadership team member. This program awards up to $4,000. Students need to enroll in an undergrad or graduate program. It has to be in cyber security or information assurance. Some other computer science degrees may qualify.

There is an online application. Students must have a 3.0 GPA. They also must submit a letter of recommendation and an essay. This is a competitive scholarship opportunity. That can make it hard to earn.

CISCO Systems Information Assurance Scholarship

Undergrad and grad students can apply for the CISCO Systems Information Assurance Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to $2,500. Students must plan to make a significant contribution to the information assurance field. They also must have a 3.2 GPA or higher. They must be majoring in computer science or an IT program. Cyber security qualifies.

The program also encourages applicants to be involved in community activities. This may include other forms of extracurriculars. A full essay is necessary. Some students may also apply with a scholarly project. It must relate to internet solutions in the field.

Graduate Cyber Security Scholarship

Students may wish to apply to the Graduate Cyber Security Scholarship from ISC. This is for just grad students. They must have a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship aims to make it more affordable for students to obtain an advanced degree in the field. There is no citizenship requirement. Students can apply for the offer for online or on campus learning.

This scholarship offers between $1,000 and $5,000 in funds. The funds must be used for tuition and related costs. Students must be working on a cyber security degree. This could be a graduate or doctoral degree. An information assurance degree qualifies, too. They must have a GPA of 3.5. Students need to apply with transcripts. Resumes and an essay are required. A letter of recommendation is necessary.

Generations Google Scholarship

Students in high school applying for college may wish to consider the Generations Google Scholarship. Students may earn up to $10,000 for their education for each year. This scholarship is awarded to someone in need based on their ability to impact diversity and leadership. It is also based on academic backgrounds. It is designed for any applicant, but underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Students need to be enrolled in an undergrad or grad program. They must plan to enroll in a bachelors, masters, or PhD program. They must be applying to an accredited school.

National Society of High School Scholars Foundation

Another option is for STEM students. It is from the National Society of High School Scholars Foundation. This program is aimed at underrepresented groups. The goal is to make it easier for students in these groups to qualify for financial support. Students need to show good academic skills. They also need to want to be leaders. Show it in the app. They also need to want to work in a STEM career.

To apply, students must complete an online app. They must provide an essay. Students must display financial need as well.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Hawaii

Learning on an ongoing basis is very important for cyber professionals. This is an industry that is always changing. New threats come online often. One way to keep at it is to attend cyber workshops and conferences. There are a number of options in Hawaii that can help.

LocoMoco Security Conference

This conference happens each year. It brings together a range of speakers. Most are in the cyber security field. They also bring in execs to discuss risks and challenges. The goal here is to keep the conversation of security going. Panel discussions are available. Networking opportunities exist.

International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks

This event happens each year in Honolulu. It attracts global pros in the industry. The goal is to encourage communication in the industry. Vendors are often present with new solutions.

International Conference on Blockchain Technology

This event happens each year. It focuses on blockchain. It includes some areas of cyber defense. The goal is to promote community discussions on cyber risks and applications. It focuses on new methods and ideas. There are many pros here across all industries.

Objective by the Sea

This event happens annually. It is more of a training focused workshop. It happens over a few days in Maui. It is also mainly for Mac users. Panelists are present. There are also a number of interactive demos most years. Vendors offer product displays. Students and pros can network here as well. This can be a good way to learn about new solutions from industry experts.

BSides Hawaii

Bsides is meant to be a local way of businesses sharing information about security risks. It does that through this chapter. Members communicate often, usually several times a year. They aim to keep each company in the know about the latest threats.

INFOSEC Cyber Security Series for Small Business

This conference is for small businesses. It is important for those working in cyber with smaller companies to attend. Industry pros are here. Demos are present. This event also brings together a way for companies to affordably work to protect their cyber security risks in an ever changing world.

Cyber Security Jobs in Hawaii

Those in the field of cyber know how important their job is. Cyber security can protected many business operations. It is important in government organizations, too. Pursuing a job in the field is the goal. The good news is many public and private sector jobs may be available. In Hawaii, a variety of companies hire these pros.

The amount a cyber security job pays in Hawaii depends on numerous things. This includes the type of job. It also includes the position. The applicant’s experience matters as well. Those with a higher level of education may qualify for better paying jobs as well. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average cyber security pros earned $86,720 in 2018 in Hawaii. Here is a look at some of the companies hiring cyber security pros in the industry.

Leidos

Leidos is a technology company. They have offices in Hawaii. They create software solutions for companies. It also works with government agencies. Their goal is to make the world safer. Cyber security pros are very important to the work they do. This company is a federal contractor.

U. S. Pacific Fleet

The U. S. Pacific Fleet is a part of the U. S. government. They are a part of the U. S. Navy. It is stationed at Pearl Harbor. This group hires cyber security pros to monitor security data. They also use it for data mining and research.

The MITRE Corporation

This is a federal contractor. It is an organization that oversees the research money and development projects for the U.S. government. It also does consulting work. It uses cyber security pros to safeguard key information and projects.

Booz Allen Hamilton

This company works in the public and private sector. It provides tech solutions for all. This includes strategy and engineering services. It also develops security solutions. Digital solutions are a focus with this company. Cyber security pros work within this company heavily.

Lockheed Martin

This American company employs 110,000 employees including in Hawaii. They provide aerospace and defense services to the U.S. government. They also work with tech companies. They aim to improve security in all areas. They are a federal contractor. They use cyber security pros for many tasks including development. It also has some focus on research.

Amentum

This company provides technical and engineering services. It works with the U.S. government. It also works in the private sector. They work in areas of defense and intelligence. That includes developing cyber security solutions. 

Cyber Security Degrees in Hawaii by College

Earning a Hawaii cyber security degree starts with choosing a school. Cyber security jobs often start with a person’s education qualifications. Some security professionals need a bachelor’s degree. Other times, a Master of Science is necessary. In all cases, where a student gets their cyber security education matters.

Choosing a school is a big decision. Many factors need to be thought about before choosing. To help, here is a breakdown of available cyber security schools in Hawaii ranked based on graduates and available programs for the 2018 school year.