Cyber Security Degrees in Texas

Cyber Security Degree in Texas

Texas is a large state and has a large number of college options. The US Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard shows 321 colleges in the state. Only 19 of those schools offer cyber security degrees in Texas. Of those, the 11 schools with the most graduates earning cyber degrees are:

  • The University of Texas at San Antonio – 93 grads
  • Texas State Technical College – 69 grads 
  • Collin County Community College District – 29 grads 
  • University of Houston – 26 grads 
  • San Antonio College – 21 grads 
  • St. Philip’s College – 21 grads 
  • University of Dallas – 18 grads 
  • Sam Houston State – 14 grads 
  • Our Lady of the Lake University – 13 grads 
  • The University of Texas at Austin – 11 grads 
  • Central Texas College – 7 grads 

Online Cyber Security Degree in TX

Working in a cyber field means working with computer and mobile technology. This makes this degree a perfect one for online education. Students looking for time freedom may apply to an online program to earn their degree with a flexible schedule.

University of Texas – San Antonio

UTSA’s BBA in Cyber Security degree is a fully online program. This immersive program is an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence. This school was one of the first to launch a cyber degree, offering it beginning in 1999. In 2014, the Ponemon Institute named this school’s cyber degree the best in the nation.

The online program may allow students to customize their education to meet their individual goals. It aims to provides real-time mentoring through ongoing online access to teachers. USTA also has a Computer Security Association student group that its students may join. The school’s cyber research centers and institutes provide students with options for their research and projects.

Central Texas College

Central Texas College offers a AAS in Cyber Defense, Information Assurance that is fully online. This 60-credit hour degree teaches students how to control access to data in various work environments. Students may study critical industry issues like computer fraud, ID theft, and security methods to prevent these problems. The primary focus of the program is the business world.

University of Dallas

University of Dallas offers an online MS in Cyber Sec. This degree, which is part of the Gputa College of Business, offers real-world education. This 30-hour program is available online or on-campus, or a hybrid model. This program is a NSA Center of Academic Excellence. In 2018, this school had 18 graduates in from this program.

The MS in Cyber Security may be taken as part of the school’s Accelerated BS/MS in CIS and Cyber Sec. degree program. This IT program is open to undergraduates who wish to take some grad level courses during their undergrad training. The credits count for both degrees.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State offers a fully online MS in Information Assurance and Cyber Security. This program has a strong business focus. It strives to teach students to work in corporate or government roles where secure tech is vital. This degree requires an undergrad major or minor in Computers or Information Systems. This school also offers an MS in Digital Forensics, which focuses on both the tech aspect of the field as well as the legal aspect. This degree is also available fully online, with similar required undergrad programs.

Sam Houston State holds FEPAC accreditation. This shows that the forensics science program is a high-quality option. A cyber forensics scholarship opportunity is also available for eligible applicants who pursue their degree here.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University offers an online MS in Info Systems and Security. This program provides hands-on training in the field. Students may study database managing, computer networks, info. assurance and systems analysis. This degree was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Ed. By the NSA and DHS.

OLLU has designed this MS program to be completely flexible. Students may take as long as they need to complete the 30 credit hours. A full-time student could finish in 12 months, but students may take longer if they more time. Graduates are prepared for the CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 CISSP exams.

Cyber Scholarships in TX

A cyber degree may open the door to various job options, but some students need financial help. While loans are an option, scholarships may provide money that typically doesn’t have to be repaid. These are some scholarships offered in Texas to students pursuing cyber or IT degrees.

Texas National Security Network Scholarship

The Texas National Security Network Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship for students who attend one of the 14 schools in the UT system and pursuing a grad degree in a security related field. In order to receive the scholarship, the student must be accepted into the Archer Center’s Graduate Program in Public Policy. This requires a Washington, DC security internship. After completing the internship, students get the award to complete their grad level degree. 

BHW Women in STEM Scholarship

The BHW Group is a Texas based tech group that offers a Women in STEM award. This $3,000 award is available to female undergrad or grad students majoring in a STEM field, including cyber sec. Applicants need to fill in an application and write an essay about their favorite app. 

Kathy Pace Tech Scholarship 

One student pursuing a tech industry degree will receive a $5,000 scholarship through the Kathy Pace Tech Scholarship program. This program is open to students who attend a Texas or Louisiana school. Students at any level of their training may apply. With their app, students must write an essay up to 800 words describing what tech means to them and how they hope to work in the field. 

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Texas

Attending cyber industry events in Texas helps students grow their network for future job options. It also helps expand their knowledge in the field. These are regular events in Texas for students to add to the schedule:

Cyber Sec. For Critical Assets USA

Meeting in the fall in Houston, this is the country’s top cyber sec. Summit. This event brings over 250 senior IT and OT industry leaders to explain current changes and risks. Discussions, case studies, and keynote speakers are all part of the event. 

Texas Cyber Summit

This three day summit is held at the Grand Hyatt River Walk in Austin. It discusses all things cyber, including AI. This is a tech heavy summit for both current and future pros in the field. 

BSidesDFW

BSides is a low cost cyber conference. It meets at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth. The one day conference has talks from industry leaders on hot topics in the field. 

FutureCon San Antonio Cyber Sec. Conf.

FutureCon has a San Antonio chapter that brings C-suite execs and CISOs to talk on cyber topics. Attendees can learn from the best about the latest trends and threats. 

ElevateIT Houston Tech Summit

This summit tackles a topic in cyber each year. Often the topics are Texas specific, such as why South Texas is a hotbed for issues. It takes place at the NRG Center in Houston. 

Cyber Security Meetups and Events

In addition to cyber workshops, meetups are helpful. These allow cyber pros to get together and discuss topics on a less formal level. Some meetups and groups include:

CyberDef Dojo

Tech pros and enthusiasts meet in San Antonio for in person talks and discussions. 

North Texas Cyber Sec. Group

This group meets in Dallas each month. Speakers discuss the latest issues in the field and techniques to fight them. 

NCC Group Security Open Forum

This Austin forum meets every quarter for short talks in cyber. This is an invite only forum. 

Cyber Security Jobs in Texas 

In Texas, cyber security careers in May of 2018 earned an annual mean wage of $104,170 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is high earning potential, but it can vary quite a bit. The place where someone works and the role they have can impact the income. Cyber jobs may be found with many companies in Texas. Much of the cyber work takes place in the oil industry. Some places to look for cyber jobs in Texas include: 

Alcatel-Lucent

This Federal Contractor in Dallas hires cyber pros. This global company works in networking, IP tech, mobile, and software. 

Lockheed Martin

With a location in Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin is rich in cyber security jobs. This Federal contractor designs and manufactures defense and space systems. 

SAIC

This Fortune 500 company works in IT, logistics, engineering, and weapons systems. It is a federal contractor in Austin. 

Abacus Technology

This San Antonio company works in IT, engineering, and research and development. 

Samson Electronics America

Samsung has a location in Austin that is a Federal contractor. It makes parts for electronics. 

Textron

Textron is an aviation company with a location in Fort Worth. This company makes aviation, industrial, and defense products. Textron is a Federal contractor 

Cyber Security Degree in Texas by College 

Texas has many schools that offer cyber degrees. The 11 schools with the most graduates earning cyber degrees are:

1

The University of Texas-San Antonio

One UTSA Circle | San Antonio, TX 78249

BBA in Cyber Security 

UTSA graduated 93 students in 2018 with cyber security degrees. The BBA in Cyber Security is a fully online degree program. Course examples include:

  • Digital Forensic Analysis – Teaches how to analyze digital data and evidence.
  • Cyber Ops – Teaches core facts students need for work in security operations centers. 
  • Cyber Law and Legal System – Teaches how the legal system handles cyber crimes. 
  • Intro to Programming Concepts – Shows basic programming skills. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships:  

School Features: 

2

Texas State Technical College

3801 Campus Dr. | Waco, TX 76705

AAS Cyber Security 

The AAS in Cyber Sec from Texas State Tech. College is a 60-credit course available at five of the school’s campuses. Of the credits, 45 are in the cyber field. Texas State Tech had 69 grads in 2018, making it second on the list of cyber schools graduates. Course examples include:

  • Routers – This course teaches how to configure routers for LAN and WAN and IP protocols. 
  • Computer Systems Forensics – Looks in depth into computer forensics including analysis of breaches. 
  • Intrusion Detection – How to spot intrusion and threats in networks. 
  • Enterprise Network – This capstone course is a lab course where students work on a case study to design a network solution to a problem. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships: 

School Features: 

  • NSA CAE-2Y 2018-2023 
3

Collin County Community College District

3452 Spur 399 | McKinney, TX 75069

BAT in Cyber Security 

The 120-credit BAT in Cyber Security aims to provide students with a foundation in the field. This degree focuses on forensics and risk.  Course examples include:

  • Intro to Networks – Shows students the basics of IT networks. 
  • Op. System Sec. Teaches students how to keep popular OS programs free from risk. 
  • Incident Response and Handling – Discusses how to handle breaches or other incidents. 
  • Computer System Forensics – Basic intro to forensics in the IT world. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships: 

School Features: 

4

University of Houston

212 E. Cullen Building | Houston, TX 77204

MS Cyber Security 

The UH MS in Cyber Security helps prep students to pursue careers as CSOs or CISOs. This hands-on training program uses real-world data to help students. The 30-credit program includes the option for a Master’s Thesis or Master’s Project. Course examples include:

  • Secure Enterprise Computing – Hands on experience with securing UNIX and Windows. 
  • Cyber Sec. Risk Analysis – Looks at risk and the Internet. 
  • Advanced Digital Forensics – Discusses processes and procedures for forensics in a digital world. 
  • Secure Software Design – Design software that is lower in risk. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships: 

School Features:

  • NSA CAE-CD 2014-2020 
  • NSA CAE-R 2014-2020 
5

San Antonio College

1819 N. Main Ave. | San Antonio, TX 78212

AAS Information Assurance and Cyber Security 

With an AAS in Info Assurance and Cyber Sec from San Antonio College, students learn how to design secure networks.  Course examples include:

  • Intro to Networks – An intro to computer network tech. 
  • Routing and Switching – Basic operation of routers. 
  • Intro to Digital Forensics – Intro to the basics of digital forensic law and processes. 
  • Advanced Linux – An advanced look into this OS. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

  • Undergrad Certs available 

Scholarships: 

School Features:

  • NAS CAE-2Y 2014-2020 
6

St. Philip's College

1801 Martin Luther King Dr. | San Antonio, TX 78203

AAS Information Technology Cyber Security Specialist 

The AAS in Infomation Technology Cyber Security Specialist degree from ST. Philip’s College preps students to design, install, and secure computer networks. Course examples include:

  • Linux Installation and Config – Learn how to install and configure the Linux OS securely. 
  • Routers – A full intro to routers and security issues they present. 
  • Info Tech Sec. – Security issues in the info tech world. 
  • Intrusion Detection – Detect security intrusions in this hands on coursework. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

  • Undergrad Certs available 

Scholarships: 

School Features: 

  • NSA CAE-2Y 2014-2020 
7

University of Dallas

1845 E Northgate Dr. | Irving, TX 75062

MS in Cyber Security 

The MS in Cyber Sec had 18 graduates in 2018. This degree strives to teach how to protect and defend networks and their data. This is a 30-credit program that helps prepare students for CISSP exam. Course examples include:

  • Compliance and Legal Issues – Teaches students legal and privacy issues to help businesses stay compliant. 
  • Network Security – Issues related to keeping networks secure. 
  • Data Protection – Techniques used in protection of different types of data. 
  • Digital Forensics – Teaches how to perform forensics on digital evidence. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships:  

School Features: 

  • Online Cyber Degrees – MS 
  • NSA CAE-CD 2014-2021 
8

Sam Houston State University

1806 Ave J | Huntsville, Texas 77341

BS in Digital and Cyber Forensic Engineering Tech 

Sam Houston State’s BS in Digital and Cyber Forensic Engineering Tech is an on-campus degree program that requires 121 credit hours. This degree studies both digital forensics and cyber security tech. The school had 14 graduates in 2008. Students graduate prepared to pursue careers in government or law enforcement. Course examples include:

  • Intro to Computer Networks – Intro to what makes computer networks work. 
  • Database Systems – Studies the design of info systems and database software. 
  • Data Mining – Studies the mining of info from data to solve problems. 
  • Info. Sec. – Intro to basic tech security. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships: 

9

Our Lady of the Lake University

411 SW 24th St. | San Antonio, TX 78207

Bachelor of Science in Computer Info. Systems and Sec. 

OLLU offers a BS in CISS that takes a detailed look at computer tech and info systems to give a broad intro to the cyber field. Of the 120 credit hours, 60 are in the major field. OLLU had 13 cyber grads in 2018. It also works as an accelerated program with dual credits that also apply to the MS in ISS. Course examples include:

  • Computer Programming – Intro to techniques and code in programming. 
  • Database Analysis and Design – Discusses how to use database design to meet needs in companies. 
  • Network Design – Looks at the server-side of network designs. 
  • Network Tech – Teaches the tech that goes into building networks. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

Scholarships:  

School Features: 

  • Online Cyber Degrees – MS
  • NSA CAE-CD 2017-2022 
10

University of Texas at Austin

110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78705

BS in Computer Science with a Cyber Security Concentration

With 11 grads in 2018, University of Texas at Austin is. The BS in Computer Science with a Cyber Security Concentration is a full BS program in CS, with 12 credit hours of cyber added. Course examples include:

  • Intro to Computer Sec – Intro to core concepts in the field
  • Computer Networks – Shows how networks present risks and need proper structure
  • Network Sec and Privacy – Network risks and how to protect against them
  • Real World Info Sec – Studies real-world case studies in the field

More Cyber Degree Programs:

Scholarships:

School Features:

  • NSA CAE-R 2019-2024
11

Central Texas College

6200 West Central Texas Expressway | Killeen, TX 76549

AAS Cyber Defense 

CTC offers an AAS in Cyber Defense Info Assurance degree. It’s a 60 credit degree that takes two years of full time study to complete. An online version of this degree is offered. With 7 grads in 2018, it was eleventh on the list of Texas cyber schools. Courses may include: 

  • Intro to Computing – Intro to basic computing concepts. 
  • Intro to Networks – Intro to basic network risk and how to secure networks. 
  • Network Admin – Shows how to manage computer networks. 
  • Firewalls and Network Sec – Teaches how to use network firewalls to secure networks. 

More Cyber Degree Programs: 

  • Undergrad Certs available 

Scholarships: 

School Features: 

  • Online Cyber Degrees – AAS 
  • Evening and weekend classes