Florida Cyber Security Programs Online: Finding the Right School

A Look Into Cybersecurity Associate Degrees

An associate degree in cybersecurity offers students the foundational knowledge necessary to jumpstart their careers. Students gain skills in areas like digital forensics, network security, and computer systems while also completing various general education requirements. An associate degree is often an affordable way to complete requirements before transferring to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree.

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity experience comprehensive education, introducing vital areas like network security and cyber defense. Graduates with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity can choose various careers, including information security analysts in public and private sectors. Full-time students can graduate in about four years.

Exploring FL’s Online Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

For bachelor’s grads wanting to expand their career options, a master’s in cybersecurity offers sophisticated skills and advanced knowledge to take on leadership roles or specialization in various fields. Students often tackle specializations in areas like machine learning, biometrics, advanced data mining, cryptography, and data privacy and security.

Advanced Education: Cybersecurity Doctorates & Graduate Certificates

Whether you’re interested in college-level teaching or a research-led career, a cybersecurity PhD program can help you get there. Students specialize in areas spanning from secure cloud computing to global strategy and operations. Those who want to develop cybersecurity skills in a relatively short time can do so with a graduate certificate.

Florida Cybersecurity Students FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Are scholarships available for cybersecurity programs in Florida?

Yes, there are a number of cybersecurity scholarships available in Florida. To determine eligibility for various programs, complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Not only do the results show your eligibility for federal aid, but schools also use this information to determine your eligibility for institutional financial aid opportunities. Steps offers a financial aid and scholarships guide to help you explore other ways to fund your cybersecurity degree.

Can you get a job with a two year cybersecurity degree?

While exploring what you can do with a cybersecurity degree, you’ll find many jobs in the field prefer a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s possible to get started with an associate degree. If you want to start your career and earn a salary as quickly as possible, then getting your associate degree first could be a wise choice. If you want to extend your education after you’ve gained some experience, you can work on a specialization and/or a bachelor’s degree at a later date.

How fast can I get a cybersecurity degree in Florida?

That depends on several factors, including the type of degree you want to earn and whether you can commit to full- or part-time study. In general, expect to spend two years earning an associate degree, four years on a bachelor’s degree, and two years in master’s programs. If you need to scale back to part-time study, expect to spend more time in your degree program.

How important is it that my cybersecurity program is accredited?

Accreditation is incredibly important for cybersecurity programs, since it’s a marker of a high-quality education that meets the commonly accepted industry standards of information security. It also means that the curriculum will prepare you for certification exams. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) is managed by the NSA’s National Cryptologic School and works with colleges and universities to establish standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence.

How much does an online cybersecurity degree program in Florida cost?

The cost will vary depending on the school and program you choose. Generally speaking, expect public community colleges to offer some of the most affordable cybersecurity programs, while advanced degrees, especially those at private colleges and universities, are more expensive.

Earnings and Careers: Cybersecurity in Florida

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Florida Resources for Cybersecurity Students & Professionals

Getting your degree in cybersecurity is only the beginning. Additional resources, from professional associations to support services, can give you a leg up on the competition when it comes to networking, staying up-to-date in the field, and getting a job after graduation. Here are 10 resources for cybersecurity students and professionals in Florida.

• Central Florida ISSA Chapter: This chapter of the Information Systems Security Association is dedicated to advancing individual growth, managing technology risk, and knowledge-sharing in the field.
• Cyber Florida: Cyber Florida is a state-funded initiative offering awareness and training for public sector workers in the state. Operated through the University of South Florida, the organization provides workers with access to various training, events, outreach, and funding opportunities.
• Florida Cyber Alliance: The Florida Cyber Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works toward building up the security workforce and community in Florida through training, fellowship, and outreach.
• Florida Cyber Range: Offered in partnership with the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity, Florida Cyber Range is a cutting-edge platform facilitating cybersecurity research, education, and training.
• FLWG Cyber Program: The Civil Air Patrol has partnered with Cisco and local colleges to help support cadets and senior individuals as they pursue career paths as cyber professionals.
• HackMiami: Based in South Florida and made up of experienced information security professionals, HackMiami is a recruitment resource for skilled hackers who specialize in vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, and information technology and security.
• (ICS)2 Central Florida Chapter: This Florida chapter of the (ISC)2 professional association provides students and professionals with various events, trainings, workshops, and networking. This group also promotes mentorships, professional development, and scholarship opportunities.
• National Cybersecurity Society:This Pensacola-based organization helps small and medium sized businesses obtain cybersecurity services and understand their cyber risk. It also advises them on the type of protection they need.
• Secured Rattler Club at FAMU: Located within the College of Science and Technology, this club promotes information security awareness and engages students in activities that enhance their technical capabilities to address information security threats.
• South Florida ISSA Chapter: This regional chapter of the Information Systems Security Association is committed to enhancing awareness and dialogue on challenges and solutions in cybersecurity.

Best Online Cybersecurity Schools: Florida Edition

The best online cybersecurity programs in Florida are also more diverse than you may think. To help you choose the best one for you, we’ve created a ranking of all programs that offer cybersecurity programs partially or fully online in Florida. We evaluated each school based on the number of online programs, percent of online students, affordability, and student outcomes. See which schools came out on top in our rankings below.