Cyber Security Colleges in Maryland

Cyber Security Colleges in Maryland

Students interested in a Maryland cyber security degree have many schools to consider. The U.S. Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard shows 77 schools in Maryland. Of those, 20 offer cyber security degree programs. These are the top cyber schools in Maryland based on the number of graduates in 2018:

• University of Maryland Global Campus – 1595 graduates
• Johns Hopkins University – 87
• Capital Technology University – 80
• Montgomery College – 77
• Community College of Baltimore County – 65
• Anne Arundel Community College – 50
• University of Baltimore – 44
• Frederick Community College – 41
• College of Southern Maryland – 33
• Prince George’s Community College – 33
• Harford Community College – 26
• Hagerstown Community College – 19

Online Cyber Security Programs in MD

Cyber is a field closely connected to computers and mobile tech. For that reason, the degree works well for online instruction. Students who need flexibility or time freedom may find online programs fit their goals best. These Maryland schools offer online cyber security degrees: 

University of Maryland Global Campus

At UMGC, students can choose from three bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs that are fully online. The school also offers undergrad and grad level certificates in cyber. With over 1500 grads in 2018, UMGC is among the top cyber programs in the country. The school is an NSA National Center of Academic Excellence. It also is a DACCA National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence school.

UMGC’s programs stand out not only because of the diverse degree options, but also because of their success. Students from these programs regularly place in cyber competitions. The programs have earned accolades from SC Magazine and Military times.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers an online and hybrid MS in Cyber Sec degree through the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals school. This program focuses on analyzing risk and understanding of computer networks. The unique program allows students to work on-site if they wish, but offers a fully online option as well. The curriculum is constantly changing in an effort to match the most current threats and keep students at the forefront of the industry.

Johns Hopkins has faculty who are actively working fighting threats in cyber. Students study encryption, hash functions, authentication, and signature schemes in this degree.

Capital Technology University

Capital Tech’s cyber security program are designed so that the junior and senior-level classes are all offered online so students may pursue their careers. This school’s BS in Cyber Security is a hybrid program with both online and on-campus delivery, while the MS in Cyber Security is fully online. This school holds the distinction of being one of the first in the nation to receive NSA recognition as a National Center of Excellence. The focus of the BS program is preparing students for industry certification exams, including A+, Network+ and Certified Ethical Hacker. Close proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC gives students opportunities for hands-on training in government locations.

Community College of Baltimore County

CCBC offers an AAS in Cyber Security or Digital Forensics that is available both online and in a hybrid model. This is an NSA Center of Excellence program Students at CCBC study at the Cyber Security Institute, which offers varied forms of instruction. This allows students to study in a way that meets their needs. They also meet weekly with local industry experts and members of the government. Students may have many options for interning with the school’s industry partners.

University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore offers an MS in Cyber Sec Management that students may complete online. This program works to teach students better skills in assessing and fixing risks. The program strives to not only give students tech skills, but also skills as leaders. Students study both business and cyber to make them well-rounded grads. This school’s program is part of its Merricck School of Business.

Harford Community College

Harford Community College offers an AAS in Info Assurance and Cyber Security that is an accelerated program. Students may take a mix of evening and online courses to earn their degree in 17 months of less. This is an entry-level degree in cyber, and many students go on to earn four-year degrees.

Hagerstown Community College

The AS in Info Sec at HCC is available as an online program. This particular program is designed as a transfer program, so students can get the basics of cyber at HCC then transfer to a four year institution. The school also has a non online AAS degree that is completed on campus. Cisco CCNA prep, advanced network security, and network security certificates are also offered.

Cyber Scholarships in MD

Students looking at a cyber security degrees in MD may find a number of scholarship options. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. These are specific to the state of Maryland:

Cyber Sec. Public Service Scholarship Program

The state of Maryland offers an award to students in programs the Secretary of Higher Ed has chosen for cyber. Students within two years of finishing their credit bearing degree in cyber can apply for the Cyber Sec Public Service Scholarship Program. Students can only receive this award if they are not receiving the Federal Cyber Corps program and are attending an in state school.

Women in Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter STEM Education Scholarship

This $2,500 award is offered to a female high school senior who is enrolled in a public cyber program in Baltimore, Cecil, or Harford counties or within the city of Baltimore. The applicant must be a US citizen and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in high school. The Women in Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter STEM Ed award requires a writing sample.

AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter Freedom Scholarship

The AFCEA Central Maryland chapter provides several STEM scholarships to students in central Maryland. The Chapter Freedom Scholarship is a $10,000 award to a student taking STEM classes, including cyber, at a four-year school. To qualify, the student must show they have overcome hardship in their personal or family life.

AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter Cyber Studies Scholarship

Students pursuing cyber programs at a four year school can apply for this merit based scholarship. The Cyber Studies Scholarship is available to high school students who want to pursue careers in the military, defense, or intelligence after earning their degrees. 

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Maryland

Attending programs and meetings with other cyber pros can help a student build a network and learn more about the industry. Maryland, because it is so close to Washington, DC, has many such programs. These are some of the best: 

Annual Events in Cyber in Maryland

These events happen every year and bring in some of the cyber industry’s best. 

AFCEA TechNet Cyber

This event brings industry, military, and education pros to discuss the industry. The event takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center and discusses innovation, engagement, and strategy.

BSidesCharm

This chapter of Security B-Sides meets in Baltimore at Sheraton Baltimore North. In addition to keynote speakers, BSidesCharm offers attendees the option to explore villages, areas with vendors, and experts in specific cyber fields.

Billington Cyber Sec Summit

This fall summit is one of the top events in Maryland. It has been in place for over 10 years and addresses the hottest topics in cyber with the industry’s best coming to speak.

High Confidence Software and Systems Conference

This conference has been meeting for two decades and focuses on keeping software and systems secure. It meets in Annapolis, MD.

Cyber Security Meetups and Events

These regular meetings and events give students the chance to network and learn in a less formal setting: 

DataTribe Cyber Sec Meetup

DataTribe hosts talks and meetups regularly from its location in Maple Lawn. The company invites regular cyber experts to speak.

MC-Cyber

This meetup gives anyone interested in cyber the chance to learn about it. It meets every other week in Silver Spring.

Mid Atlantic Cyber Sec Experts Meetup

In Aberdeen, this meetup discusses all things cyber. It focuses on real-world problems and their solutions.

The Ethical Hackers Group

This group meets in Columbia to discuss cyber sec and its certificates. Group members meet regularly to help new players break into the field.

Cyber Security Jobs in Maryland

In Maryland, the state’s location next to Washington, DC, puts students near the action of many national defense organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for cyber jobs in Maryland in May of 2018 was $107,960 a year.

Oasis Systems

Oasis Systems is a tech company focused on systems engineering and enterprise systems. It has a strong need for cyber pros at its Rockville, MD location.

Parsons Corp

Parsons is a federal contractor in Annapolis Junction and Aberdeen that works in defense, intelligence, and infrastructure.

Exelon

Exelon is a federal contractor with a place in Owings Mills that works in the energy sector.

SAIC Inc.

This Fortune 500 company works in engineering, IT, logistics, vehicles, and weapons systems. It is a federal contractor in Suitland that often needs cyber professionals.

General Dynamics Info Tech

This tech company focuses on bringing new tech to the market and focuses on strategy. They hire cyber pros at their Beltsville location.

Sabre Systems

Sabre Systems works in cyber, C5ISR, business intel, data analytics, and digital transformation, located at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Cyber Security Degrees in Maryland by College

Maryland is a hotbed for cyber, and many universities and colleges offer cyber security degrees in MD. These are the top 12 schools based on the number of cyber security graduates in 2018.