What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security generally refers to the way individuals, companies, and organizations protect themselves against the risk of online cyber-attacks. It often entails securing various personal devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones in residential, commercial, and public settings. Additionally, cyber security functions to prevent the unauthorized access of important personal information that is frequently stored on these items and online.
Because the use of technology, as well as attempts to exploit those who use it, has become prevalent in recent years, positions in this field are becoming more necessary than ever. People use electronic devices and the internet to conduct a wide variety of tasks, from posting on social media platforms and shopping for groceries to sending work correspondence and managing finances. Cyber security professionals play a vital role in stopping and catching criminals who seek to misuse associated accounts and data. Some of the greatest and most common threats include malware, password theft, traffic interception, phishing, social engineering, and ransomware.
The state of Alabama has several notable academic programs available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in cyber security. If you enjoy working with computers and have an interest in developing or enhancing protective measures for those who use cloud computing or social networks, this field may be a good fit for you.
It’s particularly important to consider local cyber security programs if you are planning to pursue employment in Alabama after graduation. Every state has its own stakes in various industries, with varying numbers and types of businesses involved in the technology sector. By earning a degree from the state you expect to work in, you will likely be better prepared to find employment in the area and have the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge sought by local employers.
Featured Online Programs
Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Alabama
Auburn University
Score: 82.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,536
- Out-of-State:$33,944
- Net Price: $25,271
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 31,764
- Undergrad Students: 25,379
- Graduate Students: 6,385
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Score: 79.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,770
- Out-of-State:$24,662
- Net Price: $18,588
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 9,237
- Undergrad Students: 7,169
- Graduate Students: 2,068
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Birmingham-Southern College
Score: 79.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,750
- Out-of-State:$22,750
- Net Price: $21,153
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 975
- Undergrad Students: 975
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Tuskegee University
Score: 78.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,440
- Out-of-State:$23,440
- Net Price: $35,596
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,570
- Undergrad Students: 2,100
- Graduate Students: 470
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
The University of Alabama
Score: 76.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,900
- Out-of-State:$33,200
- Net Price: $20,592
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 38,644
- Undergrad Students: 32,458
- Graduate Students: 6,186
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Score: 74.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,832
- Out-of-State:$21,864
- Net Price: $16,834
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 21,639
- Undergrad Students: 13,032
- Graduate Students: 8,607
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Jacksonville State University
Score: 72.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,426
- Out-of-State:$22,716
- Net Price: $11,953
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,632
- Undergrad Students: 8,310
- Graduate Students: 1,322
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Samford University
Score: 72.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,144
- Out-of-State:$38,144
- Net Price: $31,803
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 5,682
- Undergrad Students: 3,672
- Graduate Students: 2,010
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of North Alabama
Score: 71.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State:$22,190
- Net Price: $9,837
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,830
- Undergrad Students: 7,214
- Graduate Students: 2,616
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Troy University
Score: 70.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,792
- Out-of-State:$19,584
- Net Price: $13,187
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 14,156
- Undergrad Students: 10,768
- Graduate Students: 3,388
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Auburn University at Montgomery
Score: 65.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,436
- Out-of-State:$20,092
- Net Price: $13,163
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 5,109
- Undergrad Students: 3,754
- Graduate Students: 1,355
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Columbia Southern University
Score: 63.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,808
- Out-of-State:$5,808
- Net Price: $12,366
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 15,948
- Undergrad Students: 11,330
- Graduate Students: 4,618
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
Alabama A&M University
Score: 62.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,024
- Out-of-State:$18,634
- Net Price: $14,600
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 6,007
- Undergrad Students: 5,206
- Graduate Students: 801
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Athens State University
Score: 61.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,530
- Out-of-State:$15,060
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 2,894
- Undergrad Students: 2,520
- Graduate Students: 374
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,980
- Out-of-State:$8,790
- Net Price: $9,619
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 5,965
- Undergrad Students: 5,965
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
John C Calhoun State Community College
Score: 51.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,060
- Out-of-State:$8,870
- Net Price: $6,308
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 8,163
- Undergrad Students: 8,163
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,200
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Snead State Community College
Score: 51.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,472
- Out-of-State:$9,536
- Net Price: $7,667
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,507
- Undergrad Students: 2,507
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Gadsden State Community College
Score: 49.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,032
- Out-of-State:$7,080
- Net Price: $4,777
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 4,352
- Undergrad Students: 4,352
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,200
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Lawson State Community College
Score: 46.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,980
- Out-of-State:$8,790
- Net Price: $4,629
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 2,919
- Undergrad Students: 2,919
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,900
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Coastal Alabama Community College
Score: 46.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,980
- Out-of-State:$8,790
- Net Price: $7,938
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 6,800
- Undergrad Students: 6,800
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,100
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
