Cyber Security Colleges in North Carolina
Home to the Research Triangle, cyber security colleges in North Carolina are plentiful. These schools aim to foster the tech skills to keep digital data safe. That said, not all schools in NC offer cyber security degrees. According to the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard, there are 159 schools in NC. Of them, 15 awarded degrees in information security and computer forensics in 2018. In order of the number of cyber grads for the 2018 school year, these are:
- Wake Technical Community College – 36
- Fayetteville Technical Community College - 15
- Guilford Technical Community College – 13
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - 8
- Forsyth Technical Community College – 8
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte - 8
- Gaston College – 5
- Methodist University – 5
- Durham Technical Community College – 4
- South Piedmont Community College – 4
- Southwestern Community College – 4
- Catawba Valley Community College – 3
- Guilford College – 3
- Montreat College – 2
- Cleveland Community College - 1
Online Cyber Security Programs in NC
Because cyber defense is a growing concern, many NC schools offer online degree programs. Online cyber programs use web tech to bring classes to you. Some even have virtual labs with hands on exercises. These features provide a flexible option, especially for at work students. If you can relate, here are a few cyber security colleges in NC with online programs.
Wake Technical Community College
Wake Technical Community College offers a hybrid associate degree in cyber security (AAS). It blends online learning with on campus classes, offered day or evening. The program aims to prep students to pursue entry level IT jobs. Courses include computer science basics. Like routing and switching, network security and admin.
Some topics also serve as study guides for industry certification exams. Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Enterprise Defender, CCNA Security, and Security+. For those who want a short term program, there is Security & Intelligence Certificate. It is online and draws on aspects of criminal justice.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville offers an online associate degree in systems security & analysis (AAS). It is part of their Information Technology program. The program takes a broad look at computer basics. Like server admin, network security and secure comms.
Students may also want to tack on a Certificate or Diploma. These are 2 to 3 semesters each. A few options are Cisco Networking and Java. Of note, the school is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE2Y). Also, of note, FTCC won the 2019 Academic Innovator of the Year Award. The EC Council awards it and aims to expand cyber education programs.
Guilford Technical Community College
GTCC offers a few associate degrees in cyber areas. Called eDegrees, they are fully online. The AAS in Information Technology is one. It comes with a Security and Data Assurance Track. Students in this track study the tech skills to manage and secure IT. There is room to make it more personal with electives.
In fact, the school suggests pairing a degree with an IT Certificate program. CISCO, Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics are a few options. For those who prefer to mix it up, there are also hybrid programs. These use some software you need to be on campus for. But also feature online classes.
One is an AAS in Cyber Crime Technology. It studies the tools and methods to find clues and recover data. Students also learn how to conduct a pen test and prep for a trial. There is a similar certificate program available with fewer courses.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
ABTech offers an online AAS in Info Tech – Systems Security. The classes cover many IT concepts. Networks, web pages, operating systems and server admin. Students also study ways to protect data, security controls and more. With these skills, grads may be ready to take certification exams. Of note, this program meets NSA standards for NIEP. Or, National Information Assurance Education and Training Program.
Forsyth Technical Community College
Forsyth is an NSA Cyber Security Regional Resource Center (CRRC). The school is also one of six community colleges with CAE status. When named a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security, it also got $156K in funding.
One of the programs they offer is an online AAS in IT and Cyber Security. Some of the classes relate to working with computers. Hardware, software, programming and the like. Other classes focus on the tech aspects of security. Through them, students learn about cybercrime and how to investigate it.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
UNC Charlotte is an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Research (CAE C/R). Here, there are focus areas in security at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels. Students may be able to take courses online as formats are changing. At the undergrad level, there is a BS in Computer Science. It is technical and math focused. Those who want may add a second major or minor in cyber.
Graduate programs go deeper into cyber security. The Master of Science gears to the study of privacy, network and application security. Other graduate degrees and graduate certificates are also available. These are in areas of computing and info security as well.
Gaston College
Gaston College offers a hybrid AAS in IT – Networking and Cyber Defense. IT courses are 100% online. But students may need to attend computer labs in person. The courses in part, address computers. How to install, configure and manage operating systems and networks.
They also cover a range of practices that protect data, Students also learn to trouble shoot network and security issues. For those who want a 100% online program, there are options. There is an AAS in Criminal Justice Tech and a Homeland Security certificate.
Durham Technical Community College
Durham offers an online AAS in Information Technology - Network Security. It aims to build IT skills related to security issues. Students learn how to check network traffic and enforce security policies.
The program also covers computer basics. Things like how to set up a personal computer and install software. There are also classes that look at security controls, VPNs and more. Students may also tack on a Cyber Security CCNA Certificate to add server admin classes.
Montreat College
Montreat College is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE). They offer two online cyber degrees. One, an AAS in Cyber Security and the other, a BS in Cyber Security.
There are six start dates for new BS students each year. The study plan follows DHS and NSA guides to cover cyber in detail. Students in the program learn about the 3 C’s. Cyber crime, cyber law and cyber ethics. At the same time, learning to handle breaches and plan for attacks.
Cyber Scholarships in NC
One of the ways to make a cyber degree more affordable is through a scholarship. Scholarships are a kind of financial aid that you don’t tend to repay. Many colleges offer them, as do other providers who want to support NC students. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service (SFS)
This federal program partners with a few schools in NC. North Carolina A&T State University is one. It is for bachelor’s degree or master’s degree students who major in cyber. The program supports students for up to two or three years. Depending on the degree program.
Funds pay tuition and fees, textbooks and a stipend ($22.5K for undergrads, $34K for grad students. There may also be health ins perks. In return, students must study full time. Each one must also secure a gov’t internship during their summers. Upon graduation, students sign a work contract for a qualified cyber gov’t job.
Assistance League of Charlotte Scholarship Fund
These college scholarships are part merit, part need based. Factors that count are grades, community work and fulltime study. Awards are open to Charlotte Mecklenburg graduating high school seniors. Past ALC Scholars may apply too.
Recipients must attend one of the 16 public University of North Carolina system. Or, attend Piedmont Community College. The amounts given out vary from $1K to $12K. Those who keep up a 3.0 GPA may be able to renew.
NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans
This scholarship is from the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. It is for eligible children of deceased, disabled, combat, or POW/MIA veterans. Applicants must be under the age of 25 and access details by logging into the DMVA.
Korean American Scholarship Fund (Eastern Region)
KASF is a non profit that offers aid to those of Korean heritage. North Carolina is part of the Easter Region. The scholarships are open to Korean American High school, college, and grad students. Amounts range from $500 to $5K. The criteria used to assess applicants is broad. It includes grades, extra activities, community work, references and family income.
Cyber Workshops and Conferences in North Carolina
Once class is over, you may want to meet other cyber security professionals. Luckily, NC often hosts conferences, workshops and meetups. These events often bring in speakers and trainings that last a few hours or days.
Techno Security & Digital Forensics Conference
Comexposium will host this fall event in Myrtle Beach. A 3 day conference, it is about the most recent cyber tools. There will be trainings, speakers, and a chance to meet peers. Attendees may qualify for CPE credits.
Raleigh Cyber Security Conference
Hosted by FutureCon, this event brings in high level cyber training. And a panel of experts who discuss cyber crime. The focus for the next one will look at how to build cyber resilient org’s. So far, the date is TBA.
Triangle InfoSeCon Conference
This is the largest information systems security conference in the area. And, is the flagship event of the Raleigh Chapter of the ISSA. A two day event, there will be keynotes, a chance to meet people and more. One session will mock a cyber attack to help people learn to respond.
Retr3at Cyber Security Conference
Montreat College’s Center for Cyber Security Education and Leadership hosts this event. The schedule and speakers should be up in summer 2020. The event tends to be free for high school and college students.
University of North Carolina Cyber Security Symposium
Each year, UNC hosts this conference on the Charlotte campus. Slated for the fall, it will feature speakers who discuss security issues. And, some of the key practices known to lessen risks.
BSides
Security BSides organizes (now virtual) events through local Info Sec groups. At the events, there are demos, discussions and people interact.
Cyber Meetups in NC
Meetups are public groups where members share ideas in an informal way.
ISSA - Information System Security Association
The ISSA has chapters in Triad NC, Raleigh, Fort Bragg and Charlotte Metro. Being a chapter member is a way to connect with others. It is also a way to take part in Cyber Exec Forums, web conferences, and the annual Summit.
RTP Security + Beers
This is a private group with 677 members. Right now, they meet online about every month to talk shop about info sec.
Triangle TechBreakfast
This public group has over 3,500 members. They use a “show and tell” format event. In it, up to five people demo their tech. The tech can be from any sector (robotics, space, hardware, software etc.)
Cyber Security Jobs in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for Info Sec Pros in May 2018 was $104,430. When looking for a cyber job in NC, there may be options for a range of skill sets. Here are a few companies that may recruit in SC.
Jacobs
A gov’t contractor. They service the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, NASA, US Special Operations and others. They may hire in Fort Bragg, NC.
Corning Inc
A U.S. multi national and innovator in materials science, optical comms, mobile consumer goods and more. As a gov’t contractor, they may hire in Charlotte, NC.
Kforce
A staffing and recruiting firm for tech, finance and accounting and gov’t contractor. They may look to fill jobs in Camp Lejeune and Durham, NC.
Wells Fargo
A large financial services company and gov’t contractor with deep interests in data security. They may post jobs in large cities like Raleigh and Charlotte, NC.
Raytheon Technologies
An aerospace and defense company and gov’t contractor. They have a few locations in NC including Charlotte and Winston Salem.
Truist
A gov’t contractor and the 6th largest bank holding company in the nation. Their new HQ, the Innovation and Technology Center, is in Uptown Charlotte, NC.
Cyber Security Degrees in North Carolina by College
Public and private colleges across North Carolina offer cyber security degree programs. Some of these schools are Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). CAE labelled schools follow coursework guides from two U.S. security agencies.
The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To make it easier for you to sort NC cyber colleges, we compiled a list of 12 schools. It puts them in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 year.
AAS In Cyber Security
Wake had the highest number (36) of cyber grads in 2018. This 72 credit program aims to teach students in three areas. Digital forensics, secure networks, and ethical hacking. Students also work in Microsoft, Linux, and Apple desktop and server op systems.
- Security Concepts – An intro that looks at risks, policies and security practices that keep information systems secure
- Intrusion Detection – Study ways to assess traffic, plan and put into use measures that keep hackers out
- Security Admin – A broad look at networks, TCP/IP, and tools to design security defenses
- Secure Comm – Learn how to transmit data in a secure way with topics like VPNs, SSL, SSH and IPSec
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Security and Intelligence Analysis
- Cisco Network Associate
- Global Windows Security Administrator Certificate
- Linux Security Specialist
Scholarships :
- Wake Tech Foundation Scholarships
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Diploma, Certificate Programs
- Online, hybrid formats
AAS in Systems Security & Analysis
FTCC had the second highest number (15) of cyber grads in 2018. This 66 credit program is about tech and how to secure it. The classes frame both computer and info sec basics. How to identify a hacker, for e.g. and security admin. Some sample classes:
- Intro to Protocol – This class is about the set of rules and tools that help network traffic stay secure
- Perimeter Defense – An intro to securing networks using routers, firewalls, VPNs and remote access tech
- Compliance – A broad look at ISO standards, security policies, and gov’t rules
- Security Concepts – About security controls, issues, trends, resources and
info sec processes
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Intelligence Studies
Scholarships:
- FTCC Foundation Scholarships
School Features :
- Associate Degree, Diploma, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
- NSA DHS CAE2Y Cyber Defense Two-Year Education
- 2019 Academic Innovator of the Year Award
- Cyber Defense Education Center
AAS in Information Technology – Security and Data Assurance
GTCC had the third highest number of cyber grads (13) in 2018. This 66 credit program starts with an intro to computers. It frames the ways hardware and software can solve problems. Other classes aim to teach students to spot and prevent threats. Some sample classes:
- Network and Security Basics – An intro to the tasks that keep local and wide area networks secure
- Info Assurance Basics – Learn how to keep digital assets private, whole and available as well as handle incidents
- Computer Crime – Sleuth for clues using the computer as the crime scene. Also, study ways to keep that evidence and bring it to court
- Data Recovery – Study the tools and means to recover erased files, and de-encrypt data
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
Scholarships:
- Bill and Clara Scarborough Scholarship
- Wells Fargo Technical Scholarship
- Dr. John C. Hamil Endowed Scholarship
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Diploma, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
AAS in Information Technology – Systems Security
ABTech ties for the fourth highest (8) cyber grads in 2018. This 68 credit program covers a range of IT concepts. Students also learn how to spot threats and use security controls. Some sample classes:
- Network and Security Basics – About the tasks that keep local and wide area networks secure
- Operating Systems – Learn about OS concepts. How to manage files, simple user creation and more
- Security Basics – An intro role of policy, people, and processes in info sec
- Security Admin– This class frames TCP/IP concepts, protocols and network traffic analysis
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Information Technology
Scholarships:
- ABTech Scholarships
- 100 Men and Women Minority Scholarship
- Women in STEM Scholarship
- Shiloh Community Scholarship
School Features:
- NSA – NIETP
- Associate Degree, Diploma, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
AAS in IT – Cyber Security
Forsyth ties for the fourth highest (8) cyber grads in 2018. This 68 credit program covers IT and security basics. IT classes delve into the use of computers, networks and data bases. There are also a range of classes about cyber crime and how to collect clues. Some sample classes:
- Data Recovery – About the skills and methods that recover erased files and help with a cyber crime investigation
- Tech, Crimes and Law – Study state, federal and int’al laws as the relate to cyber crime and criminal acts
- Networks – Build the skills to conduct a pen test, assess weak areas in networks and scan for hackers
- Trends in Cyber Crime – A look at cyber crime tech, computer forensic tools and threat response
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- IT Cyber Security Certificate
Scholarships :
- Bob H. Greene Scholarship
- State Employees Credit Union Scholarship (SECU)
- Wachovia Technical Scholarship
- Forsyth Tech Foundation Scholarships (Endowed)
School Features:
- NSA Cyber Security Resource Center
- NSA CAE – Cyber Security
- Davis iTech Cyber Security Center
- Associate Degree, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
MS in Cyber Security
UNC Charlotte ties for the fourth highest (8) cyber grads in 2018. This 30 credit program is all about protecting data assets. In core courses, students learn about cyber attack methods and risks. Other topics are practical. These focus on how to apply security measures and design secure software. Some sample classes:
- Computer Forensics – A look at digital evidence, tracking, data hiding, hostile code and how to respond to incidents
- Applied Cryptography – Study topics like secret and public key ciphers, one way hashing, user authentication and data recovery
- Network Security – Learn about email security, instant messages, apps, and network based storage security
- Wireless Security – About wireless and cellular networks with topics such as denial of service attacks and secure routing
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Computer Science – Cyber Security
- MS in IT – Info Security and Privacy
- PhD in Computing and Info Systems
- Graduate Certificates
Scholarships:
- Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service (SFS)
- Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship
- Cyber Defender Scholarship
- UNC Scholarships
- CCI GANN Fellowship
- Research Assistantships
School Features:
- NSA CAE – Cyber Defense Education and Research
- ISACA Student Chapter
- 49th Security Division
- CyberDNA Research Center
- Center for Cyber Security Analytics and Automation
- Cyber Resiliency, Security and Trust Lab
- Lab of Info Integration, Security and Policy
AAS in Information Technology – Networking and Cyber Defense
Gaston ties for the fifth highest (5) cyber grads in 2018. This 76 credit program covers the basic skills that surround info sec controls. Students may learn to design, install, configure and manage networks. And, may qualify to take industry certification once they graduate. Some sample classes:
- Wireless Tech – Learn about wireless app protocol (WAP), link manager, and other basics of wireless comms
- Secure Comm – An overview of the secure transport of info across networks with side topics such as VPNs, SSL, SSH, and IPSec
- Intro to Computers – About key functions and operations as well as security issues and the use of software
- Intrusion Detection – Study the methods used to spot hackers and check network traffic
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
Scholarships:
- Gaston College Scholarships
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
BS in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
Methodist U ties for the fifth highest (5) cyber grads in 2018. This 120 credit program studies cyber crime and how to secure digital assets. It starts out about networks and computer crimes. Then moves into skills used to sleuth and find system risks to prevent hackers. Some sample classes:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice – A study of the American criminal justice system including police, courts, and corrections
- Cyber Crime Law – Learn about the laws that deal with the regulation of cyber security and criminal activities
- Digital Crime – The basic skills needed to look into computer crimes, gather clues and prep for a court date
- Cyber Threats and Counterintelligence – This class is about advanced persistent threats and their role in the use of Intel
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Forensic Science – CSI
- BS in Information Assurance and Security
Scholarships:
- Wright Scholars Program
- Presidential Scholarships
- Valedictorian Scholarship
- Merit Scholarships
School Features:
- CompTIA Authorized Academy
- Cyber Forensics Club
AAS in Information Technology – Network Security
DTCC ties for sixth highest number (4) of cyber grads in 2018. This program entails 69 to 70 credits. The classes aim to teach students to solve tech issues. Especially those related to network systems, interactive media and info sec. Woven in are skills courses that may prep grads to take industry certification exams. Some sample classes:
- Security Concepts – An intro to security controls and security issues as well as how to set up and enforce info sec policies
- Network and Security Basics – Learn network concepts, terms and protocols for LAN and WAN networks
- Routing and Switching – Covers topics such as ethernet switching, VLANs, STP, and VTP
- Hardware and Software Support – This class is about personal computers and how to install, operate and interact with software
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Information TechnologyCyber Security CCNA Certificate
Scholarships:
- Durham Tech Promise
- Durham Tech Institutional Scholarships
- Single Parent Program Grant
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Certificate Programs
- Online formats
AAS in Cyber Crime Technology
SP Community College ties for sixth highest number (4) of cyber grads in 2018. This 66 credit program aims to prep students to enter the field of computer crime investigations and private security. As such, it stacks classes in criminal justice and computer information systems. Some sample classes:
- Network and Security Foundations – About network concepts, terms and security protocols for LAN and WAN networks
- Computer Forensics – Study the tools and methods that track clues of cyber crime and prepare them to help law enforcement
- Security Concepts – An intro to info sec controls and policies that protect digital assets
- Ethical Hacking – Learn how to conduct a pen test and assess system flaws before a malicious hacker can
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Ethical Hacking Certificate
- Cyber Crime Certificate
Scholarships:
- South Piedmont Community College Endowed Scholarships
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Certificate Programs
AAS in Cyber Crime Technology
SCC ties for sixth highest number (4) of cyber grads in 2018. This program entails 74 credits. It covers three main areas. Criminal justice, computer Info systems and cyber crime. Students may thus build the tech skills to look into and bring to trial evidence of computer crime. Some sample classes:
- Operating System Basics – How to install, keep in good order and install OS
- Network and Security Basics – Study network concepts, terms and security protocols for LAN and WAN networks
- Computer Crime Investigation – Learn how to identify cyber crime activity, retrieve clues and preserve them in a report
- Forensic Password Recovery – An intro to decryption. Topics span PGP key rings, private keys, EFS hard drives, and more
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
Scholarships:
- SCC Foundation Scholarships
School Features:
- Associate Degree, Certificate Programs
BS in Cyber Security
Montreat had 2 cyber grads in 2018. Both from their bachelor’s degree program. This 120 credit program aims to prep students to solve cyber issues. It takes a data driven approach while also weaving in the Christian worldview. While building cyber defense skills, other classes explain how info system tech affects business. Some sample classes:
- Principles of Cyber Security – Explore current standards, security models, threat analysis and security policy
- The 3 C’s – All about cyber crime, cyber law and cyber ethics
- Incident Response – Learn how to handle breaches and also, craft a plan to keep a business going in case of an attack
- Penetration Testing – Study the tools that assess how secure a system is and find the flaws before hackers do
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- AAS in Cyber Security
Scholarships:
- DoD Cyber Security Scholarship
- Keystone Scholarship
School Features:
- Hosts RETR3AT Cyber Security Conference
- NSA CAE in Cyber Defense Education
- Online formats
