Cyber Security Degrees in Maine

Cyber Security Degrees in Maine

Pursuing a cyber security degree may be the perfect choice. Students in Maine have just a few schools to consider if they wish to pursue a career in cyber. Maine currently has 36 colleges and universities according to the US Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard. Of those, online nine offer cyber degrees.

These schools with cyber degrees are: 

• Southern Maine Community College: 14 grads 
• Central Maine Community College: 9 grads 
• University of Maine at Augusta: 2 grads 
• University of Maine at Fort Kent: 2 grads 
• Northern Maine Community College
• Purdue Global University 
• University of Maine at Presque Isle 
• University of Southern Maine
• Washington County Community College

Online Cyber Security Programs in ME

Choosing to study cyber online means flexible courses and the ability to work while in school. Not all schools offer online programming, so students will need to dig to find one that does. Still, Maine students have the option to pursue most degrees online, including associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees, while studying cyber. Of the schools in Maine that offer cyber degrees, these are the ones with online programming.

University of Maine Augusta

The University of Maine Augusta has a robust cyber program with several options to pursue a degree online. Students can pursue a BS in Info Systems Security online as well as an MS in Cyber Sec. The master’s degree program is unique because it was made as a partnership between UMA and the University of Southern Maine. Faculty from both schools added input into the program to give students a well rounded graduate level experience.

This school offers of options for its students to receive hands on experience. It has a cyber club and a cyber range students may use to explore cyber projects. It is also a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence.

University of Maine Fort Kent

University of Maine’s Fort Kent campus offers a BS in Cyber Sec that students can complete online. It also offers an AAS in Info Sec degree that is available online. The flexible training makes it easier for students to complete this program quickly. The school also has an undergrad cert in cyber for those who are already working in information systems but want to add cyber certs.

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global is an online school that has onsite locations in Augusta and Lewiston. Because the school is designed entirely online, all of its programs can be completed without setting foot on campus. It has a BS in Cyber Sec and an MS in Cyber Sec to help students earn a degree in cyber. The ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science in Cyber Sec offers the option to use prior learning and work experience as a transfer credit. This allows students to skip the classes that cover things they already know to get their information technology degrees faster.

University of Southern Maine

USM has an online MS in Cyber Sec degree program. This program is a joint program in collaboration with UMA. It provides a high level education in cyber to help improve tech skills and knowledge. The 30-credit course includes 24 credits of class-based work and six credits of research or project work. Much of the program is hands on, giving students real world skills that translate well into the workplace. In addition to its online MS in Cyber Sec, it has an on campus BS in Cyber Sec for those who need the undergrad training.

Cyber Scholarships in ME

Finding a way to pay for college is often a challenge. Students may look to federal loan and grant programs for financial aid. Those who are interested in cyber training will find a number of scholarships specific to their degree field. This can help lower the cost of college to make it more affordable.

Some Maine cyber security scholarship options include:

Unitil Scholarship Fund

The Unitil Scholarship Fund offers up to $5,000 in award money to students pursuing a STEM major. It is available to high school students in Maine and the surrounding states. Applicants have a letter of recommendation from their high school teacher or principal. They also must submit an essay about their career objectives.

MTUG Scholarship Sponsor Program

This scholarship is an award of up to $1,000 fr students planning to study IT in the University of Maine system. To qualify, the student must be in a four year bachelor’s degree program in a tech field. They also must be a full time student. High academic achievement is required.

Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service

The Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service is a federal scholarship program for cyber students. It awards students up to three years of support for graduate or undergrad training. In return, students agree to work for the US government after graduation. The period of the work agreement will equal the number of years they received the scholarship.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Maine

Graduates of cyber programs and current students can build their professional networks while also expanding their knowledge of cyber by attending workshops and events. These provide the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, see the latest products in the field, and network with other cyber pros. Maine hosts a few regular events throughout the year.

Annual Cyber Workshops in Maine

Some cyber events in Maine take place once or twice a year. They are larger events and provide a good chance to network and learn.

Maine Digital Government Summit

This event is primarily for state government employees. It covers all things tech, but has a heavy emphasis on cyber sec protocols. IT pros can attend the summit to network with government officials.

Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness

This government conference focuses on prepping for emergencies. A heavy emphasis on state infrastructure is presented. However, it has cyber sec focuses as well. Tech track breakout sessions are good cyber learning options.

MTUG Tech Summit and Tradeshow

The annual Tech Summit and Tradeshow sponsored by MTUG focuses on all things tech. It is when MTUG presents its scholarships. It also provides tech pros, including cyber pros, chances to interact with one another.

Cyber Groups and Meetups in Maine

In addition to annual events, cyber pros in Maine can attend regular groups and meetups. These happen often on a monthly basis and provide a less formal networking opportunity. Some worth considering include:

(ISC)2 Maine Chapter

This group meets monthly to discuss IT security issues. It has over 300 members and meets in Portland. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month.

Hacker Club

The Hacker Club meets in Bangor. This is a shared hacking experience. Guests bring their own laptops to work together on projects or explore new ideas in hacking. OWASP Maine. The Open Web App Sec Project (OWASP) has a Main chapter that meets regularly in Portland. This group meets once per quarter. They have networking opportunities, open discussion, and lighting talks. Some meetings have extended presentations.

DefCon Maine

DefCon Maine meets on the second Thursday of the month. These locations change each month, so guests should check with the local group first. Hands on experiences, hacker talks, and free food and drink are part of these events.

DC207

DC207 meets regularly in Portland to discuss cyber and play cyber security games. DC207 meets on the second Thursday of the month in Old Port. This group also hosts larger events and workshops from time to time.

Cyber Security Jobs in Maine

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage in 2018 was $82,270. Recent grads can look for work at these companies:

SAIC

SAIC is a tech company that offers mission support, info tech, logistics, ground vehicle tech, and weapons systems tech. This federal contractor that often needs cyber pros to help with its projects. This facility has a location in Portland.

Humana

Humana is a health insurance company. They need cyber pros to help keep their information secure. Humana is a federal contractor with a location in Portland.

American Express

American Express is a credit card company and a federal contractor. They have a location in Augusta that often needs cyber pros to help detect and stop fishing and other cyber threats.

CDM Smith

CDM Smith is an engineering and construction company that needs cyber security professionals to help with their needs. CDM Smith is a federal contractor and has a location in Lewiston, Auburn, Bangor, and Portland.

UNUM

UNUM is a Fortune 500 insurance provider that serves as a federal contractor. They have a location in Portland and are often looking for cyber security trained professionals.

Martin’s Point Health Care

Martin’s Point Health Care offers primary care and health insurance plans. This Maine company has a Portland location. 

Cyber Security Degrees in Maine by College

Cyber sec degrees may be harder to find in Maine than in other states. Students who are looking for this degree may want to find a quality program to pursue. These nine schools are the ones that offer cyber security or information assurance degrees in Maine, ranked by the number of grads in 2018.