Cyber Security Degree in South Carolina

Cyber Security Degrees in South Carolina

If you are looking for cyber security degree programs in South Carolina, there are programs at all levels. Apart from cyber, there are a few popular majors. Among them are information assurance and network security. That said, not all schools in SC offer cyber security programs. According to the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard, there are 91 schools in the Palmetto State. Of these, there are 4 known to award cyber security degrees.  

In order of the number of cyber grads for the 2018 school year, these are: 

• Limestone College – 9
• Coastal Carolina University – 3
• Strayer University-South Carolina – 1
• University of South Carolina-Columbia – 1 

There are also schools that offer cyber diplomas and graduate certificate programs. Trident Technical College is one.  

Online Cyber Security Programs in SC

Many SC schools have online degree programs. These programs often use virtual labs and self paced learning. And, may be useful to at work students who want to study information security. If you are curious about the field and want a flexible format, here are a few to think about. 

Limestone College

Limestone College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with an option to major in Information Systems Security. This focus covers the tech and design aspects of security. And, aims to serves as a study guide for five certification exams. CISSP, CCSA, IACIS are a few.

Coastal Carolina University

At Coastal Carolina U there is no specific Bachelor’s degree in cyber. Rather, the school offers an online BS in Information systems (IS). As part of the IS focus, students may choose a minor in Intelligence and Security Studies. It covers networking, digital forensics and offensive security. Coastal does offer an online Master of Science in Information Systems Technology. It focuses on analytics, risk, secure cloud computing and deep learning. 

Strayer University – South Carolina

Strayer offers an online BS in Information Technology, Cyber Security. The National Security Agency’s Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) vetted this program. So, the courses align with its guides.

In it, students may learn how to protect data and defend networks. There are also courses in ethical hacking and pen testing. Other classes may serve as study guides for certifications exams. Like CompTIA (A+, Network+, and Security+) and EC-Council (CEH, and CHFI). 

There are also options for those who want an online master’s degree in cyber. Graduate programs have anchor points like IS, IA, and computer security. If keen on finance, there is also an online MS in Forensic Accounting. It may help students perform audits and sleuth out fraud. The school also has a robust menu of online criminal justice master’s programs. One focal point available is computer forensics. It is about using digital cues to solve crimes. 

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina’s CSE Dept. is a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE). Awarded by the NSA and DHS, their status covers two areas. Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE) and Research (CAE R). 

The school offers a cybersecurity focus at both undergrad and graduate levels. As a focus, it adds on to a BS or MS in Information Assurance. Both take a high tech look at computer security. But as a grad student, you may also research and study info warfare. 

Those eligible earn an award of completion. It meets the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals (INFOSEC). If you want a shorter program, there is a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity. It covers info sec and network basics plus two electives. 

Clemson University

Clemson U is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE) and Research (CAE R). The school recently built a Cyber Security Operations Center. Here, students may get hands on practice. One of the things they do is check Clemson’s network traffic. 

While Clemson doesn’t have fully online programs, they do offer blended formats. And, a broad range of cyber courses at all levels. Some of the courses cover security basics. And others dig into malware design and pen testing. 

Cyber Scholarships in SC

To help pay for a cyber degree in SC, some students may qualify for scholarships. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. These are like grants, and may offset the costs of tuition and fees, even some extras. Many colleges offer scholarships, but there are other providers too. Here are a few awards from the SC Commission on Higher Education. They are for students who live in SC who are also U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

Life Scholarship

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based award. It is available through the financial aid office of schools in SC that take part. Students who receive an award may use the funds to pay the cost of attendance. And, for up to eight terms from the first day enrolled.

To qualify, one must be pursuing a first degree. It can be an associate, bachelor’s, or professional degree. Award amounts vary. Students in four year public schools may get up to $4,700. For two year schools, the amount goes up to $5,000. 

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program. It is for high school students with high grades who plan to study at eligible SC colleges. Palmetto Fellows may receive up to $6,700 their freshman year. And, up to $7,500 for their sophomore, junior and senior years. 

The award renews up to eight full time terms towards a first bachelor’s degree. If eligible, Palmetto Fellows may also qualify for extra funds. To do so, one must declare a major in an approved math or science program. Called Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement, it pays up to $10,000. 

SC Hope Scholarship

The SC Hope Scholarship falls under the SC Education Lottery Act. A one year merit award, it is for first time new students. But only those who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships. Applicants also need a high school GPA of 3.0. They must also plan to enroll in an eligible South Carolina public or private four year school.

SC Wins

SC WINS is a state wide technical college scholarship program. It aims to address workforce gaps in South Carolina. The scholarship adds to Lottery Tuition Assistance. So, helps cover any tuition and mandatory fees left after applying all other scholarships or grants. 

Amounts vary, but in 2019 paid $50 per credit hour up to $600. There is also a book allowance of up to $300 per year for eligible students. To qualify, a student must pursue a certificate, diploma or degree. The program has to be from one of the SC Technical College System’s 16 colleges.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in South Carolina

Stay connected and in the know outside school too. SC hosts many events during the year. Choose from cyber workshops, conferences and meetups. 

Techno Security & Digital Forensics Conference

This conference plans to take place at the Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, SC. It unites pros from the cyber and forensics industries from around the world. A kickoff keynote will talk about data breaches and ways to step up strategy. The event also features networking. So, may put you in front of other cyber security professionals. After the event, if eligible, you may ask for a Certificate of Attendance for CPEs. 

BSides Greenville

This is a virtual and free event. It features opening remarks, keynotes and four tracks. A few talks cover “Active Threat Hunting”, API security and password sprays. But there are twelve per day and two days to enjoy. 

SC Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Summit

CyberSC hosts this annual conference. It aims to teach businesses how to lessen risks and also, identify and prep for potential threats. The event includes keynotes, panels, awards and networking. Past topics included cyber law and cyber insurance. Stay tuned for the 2021 roster. 

BSides Charleston

This event unites students, info sec pros, geeks and tinkerers. Slated for Fall 2020, it runs each year and offers free training sessions. There are also a range of workshops. One is on Assembly Language Basics. Another is on Modern Web App Testing W / Secure Ideas. If it sounds fun, you do have to register to reserve a spot.    

Cyber Meetups in SC

Meetups tend to be less formal but still enable you to expand your circles. Maybe even learn something new about the security industry. 

Charleston Cyber Security Meetup

This public group of 665 members meets to talk about info sec. Past talks explored cryptography, phishing, TrickBot targeting and more.

Charleston InfoSec Group

This public group has 566 members. Including info sec pros, hackers and hobbyists. Meetings (drinks and discussion) tend to take place the first Wednesday of the month. 

ColaSec

This is Columbia’s Info Sec Group. It is a free and informal gathering to discuss security news and topics. To learn about tools and platforms, and meet peers in the industry.  The meetings now take place online on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM. 

ISACA South Carolina Midlands Chapter

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association is ISACA. It is a member org and those who join access discounts to courses, networking and workshops. Chapter meetings look at various topics every few months. Coming is a workshop about NIST Security and Privacy Controls.   

Cyber Security Jobs in South Carolina 

Cyber security jobs in South Carolina may pay above average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage in SC in May 2018 was $75,770. When looking for a cyber job in SC, there may be options for a range of skill sets. Here are a few companies that may look to fill security analyst and other roles in SC. 

SAIC

A federal contractor whose markets include cyber, cloud and eng. They may recruit for jobs in Charleston and N. Charleston, SC.

Honeywell Inc

An American company and federal contractor. Their markets span cyber, aerospace and others and they may hire in Fort Mill, SC. 

MITRE Corp

A federally funded nonprofit with R & D centers and federal contractor. Their markets span AI, cyber security, space security etc. They may hire for the Shaw Air Force Base. 

Oasis Systems

A tech company that offers engineering solutions, IT, cyber security and other services. While not based in SC, they may hire in Charleston, SC. 

CACI International

A national security company that secures mobile comms for federal agencies. They may hire for the Shaw Air Force Base. 

Humana Inc

A health insurance company and federal contractor that stores vast amounts of health data. They may recruit for Lancaster or Greenville. 

Cyber Security Degrees in South Carolina by College

Public and private colleges in South Carolina offer cyber security degree programs. Some are centers of academic excellence. In them, courses follow guides from two key security agencies. The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. To help you find SC cyber schools, we compiled a list. We then put these schools in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 year.