What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is a critical field for businesses and organizations of all sizes. In order to protect their systems and data, many companies are turning to cybersecurity professionals for help. As a result, the demand for qualified cyber security professionals is high and is only expected to grow in the years ahead.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, North Carolina is a great place to start your training. There are several colleges and universities in North Carolina that offer degree programs in cyber security. And, thanks to the growing demand for cyber security professionals, these programs are constantly expanding and evolving to meet the latest needs of the industry.
So, if you're looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date education in cybersecurity, North Carolina has plenty of degrees that are definitely worth considering.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina
Duke University
Score: 91.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,805
- Out-of-State:$65,805
- Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 18,023
- Undergrad Students: 6,640
- Graduate Students: 11,383
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 85.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Score: 82.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,895
- Out-of-State:$31,767
- Net Price: $14,852
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 36,700
- Undergrad Students: 26,254
- Graduate Students: 10,446
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Wake Forest University
Score: 80.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,758
- Out-of-State:$64,758
- Net Price: $26,197
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 8,963
- Undergrad Students: 5,447
- Graduate Students: 3,516
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Carolina A&T State University
Score: 73.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State:$20,408
- Net Price: $9,189
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 13,487
- Undergrad Students: 11,833
- Graduate Students: 1,654
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Score: 72.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,214
- Out-of-State:$21,876
- Net Price: $13,951
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 29,551
- Undergrad Students: 23,461
- Graduate Students: 6,090
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Appalachian State University
Score: 70.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State:$24,537
- Net Price: $13,084
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 20,436
- Undergrad Students: 18,558
- Graduate Students: 1,878
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Score: 69.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,317
- Out-of-State:$22,985
- Net Price: $18,709
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 17,843
- Undergrad Students: 14,294
- Graduate Students: 3,549
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
East Carolina University
Score: 69.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State:$23,638
- Net Price: $14,410
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 27,151
- Undergrad Students: 21,688
- Graduate Students: 5,463
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Elizabeth City State University
Score: 65.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State:$7,412
- Net Price: $4,120
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,033
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Score: 65.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State:$23,339
- Net Price: $10,979
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 17,978
- Undergrad Students: 14,198
- Graduate Students: 3,780
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 63.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Guilford College
Score: 63.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,140
- Out-of-State:$41,140
- Net Price: $23,882
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,167
- Undergrad Students: 1,129
- Graduate Students: 38
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Mount Olive
Score: 61.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,950
- Out-of-State:$25,950
- Net Price: $17,878
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 2,239
- Undergrad Students: 2,019
- Graduate Students: 220
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Gardner-Webb University
Score: 60.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,450
- Out-of-State:$33,450
- Net Price: $22,339
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 3,144
- Undergrad Students: 1,812
- Graduate Students: 1,332
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
North Carolina Central University
Score: 60.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,542
- Out-of-State:$19,578
- Net Price: $13,708
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 7,553
- Undergrad Students: 5,634
- Graduate Students: 1,919
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Score: 60.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,900
- Out-of-State:$30,900
- Net Price: $21,843
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 2,354
- Undergrad Students: 1,529
- Graduate Students: 825
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Score: 59.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State:$7,571
- Net Price: $8,208
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 7,666
- Undergrad Students: 5,643
- Graduate Students: 2,023
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Pfeiffer University
Score: 59.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,930
- Out-of-State:$33,930
- Net Price: $21,575
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 1,076
- Undergrad Students: 683
- Graduate Students: 393
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
High Point University
Score: 58.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,208
- Out-of-State:$44,208
- Net Price: $40,221
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 5,981
- Undergrad Students: 5,036
- Graduate Students: 945
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Bennett College
Score: 58.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,140
- Out-of-State:$19,140
- Net Price: $20,545
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 168
- Undergrad Students: 168
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Methodist University
Score: 56.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,664
- Out-of-State:$39,664
- Net Price: $28,129
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 1,811
- Undergrad Students: 1,448
- Graduate Students: 363
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Shaw University
Score: 53.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,176
- Out-of-State:$17,176
- Net Price: $14,204
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 14%
- Total Enrollment: 1,067
- Undergrad Students: 924
- Graduate Students: 143
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Gaston College
Score: 51.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,186
- Out-of-State:$9,330
- Net Price: $4,103
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,558
- Undergrad Students: 5,558
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Wake Technical Community College
Score: 49.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,336
- Out-of-State:$7,582
- Net Price: $3,914
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 21,551
- Undergrad Students: 21,551
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Online Cyber Security Education in North Carolina
A cyber security professional is someone who is responsible for the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. They protect against cyber-attacks and hacker threats, and work to ensure that confidential data is kept safe. To become a cybersecurity professional, you need to have a strong understanding of computer security principles and practices, as well as experience in network administration and system administration.
Cybersecurity professionals work in a variety of jobs, from IT support staff to cyber security analysts. Many cybersecurity professionals are employed by companies that provide services to other businesses such as network engineers, computer consultants, and IT management organizations.
Online Associates (AS)
Cyber security is a vital part of our lives and, with the increasing number of cyber threats, it’s important to have professionals who can protect our data. An online associate degree in cyber security can provide you with the skills you need to enter this growing field.
To pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, students will need to complete around 60 credits, as they will with nearly any associate degree program. Online courses may include general education courses and major-related coursework. Students may complete courses in network security, computer operating systems, digital forensics, and networking essentials. And, if you aren’t sure about cybersecurity as a focus, you can complete an associate degree in computer science, information technology, or another similar field and start by taking a few classes in cyber security. If you do want to pursue the field further, you can learn either on the job or in a bachelor’s degree program.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor's degree in cyber security can provide you with the skills you need to enter this growing field or continue to gain promotions if you’ve already finished an associate degree or found your way into the career through self-taught skills. Through coursework in areas such as network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and risk management, you will learn how to identify and respond to threats to computer systems. You will also gain experience in creating and implementing security measures to protect these systems.
Cyber security professionals must have a thorough understanding of the global, national, and local business environments in which they operate. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity provides you with the training you need to understand these environments and how they can be exploited and protected from exploitation. A bachelor’s degree takes four years of learning, or about twice as long as an associate degree, though, if you have already completed an associate degree, you may be able to enter a bachelor’s degree program as a junior rather than a freshman and finish after two years instead of four.
Online Masters (MS)
If you are looking to excel in your cyber security career, earning a master's degree in cybersecurity is the way to go. The field is relatively easy to enter but earning a higher-level degree will give you an easier way to earn more money, gain access to more promotions, and be more quickly considered for supervisory or managerial roles. A quality online program will have a solid foundation in computer science and provide a strong background in cybersecurity. As at every other level, a cyber security master’s degree will focus on the protection of computers, computer networks, and data. It may also examine current laws and trends in cybersecurity.
To earn a master's degree in cybersecurity, you should already have a bachelor's degree in computer science. Your previous education should include strong math and statistics, as well as knowledge of computer forensics and network security, though you will earn a deeper understanding of all these things through a master’s program. Cyber security master's degree programs should also prepare you for the legal side of this field. Master's degree programs nearly always require applicants to have previous work experience in the field, which will help you land a job after graduation if you aren’t planning to just move up within your current company.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
Online PhD in Cyber Security programs offer many advantages to students who wish to earn a doctoral degree in the field. These programs typically offer a wide range of degree titles and course concentrations and may be affiliated with industry organizations. These programs emphasize research and teaching, and professors teach important course content and act as mentors. In addition to preparing students for research and teaching careers, online PhDs in cyber security train them in theoretical and practical frameworks for decision making.
Applicants seeking admission to online PhD in cybersecurity programs should have a strong background in computer science, physics, or chemistry. Some programs require letters of recommendation, while others may require these from supervisors within a professional environment. Applicants may also have to submit an essay as part of the application process. The essay should highlight why you are interested in pursuing a cybersecurity degree and describe your past accomplishments within the industry.
Graduates can look forward to working in research or academia, though some may choose to start their own consultancies.
Online Certifications
With cyber-crime on the rise, many companies are looking for IT workers who can help them to protect their data or online communications. One way to do this is to hire computer science professionals who have certifications in cyber security. There are many different types of cyber security certifications available, and workers can find choosing the right one to be confusing. The best way to choose a certification is to consider your needs and goals for your future career.
The most common type of cyber security certification is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. This certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It’s designed for experienced information security professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as risk management, incident response, and cryptography. Another popular certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, which provides you with the skills to find and expose weaknesses in your employer’s systems. This certification is offered by the EC-Council.
No matter what your job or what industry you work in, there are a huge number of certifications available. Computer science is one of the fields that has the highest number of certifications that you can choose from, so take your time before signing up for any certification program.
Become a Cyber Security Professional in North Carolina
If you are interested in becoming a cyber security professional in North Carolina, there are a few steps that you can take to get started.
-
Step 1: Get educated
A key step in becoming a cybersecurity professional is getting educated in the field. There are many colleges and universities that offer degrees in cyber security, information assurance, and other related fields. While it used to be normal for workers in computer science to be self-taught and learn more on the job, most employers these days expect you to have some amount of formal education. This can be just an associate degree or, more commonly, requires a bachelor’s, but any education can help you gain access to a career.
-
Step 2: Get experience:
Another important step is gaining experience in the field. This can be done by working as a security analyst, penetration tester, or vulnerability assessor. Really, any job that you can get will give you experience, but you might just want to look for an internship while you complete your education. This might even be a good way to find a job since many students who work in internships are hired on after they graduate.
-
Step 3: Stay up to date on new threats and technologies
It's no secret that the world of information security is constantly evolving. As new threats and technologies emerge, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest security news. By doing so, you can protect your organization against potential attacks.
-
Step 4: Build strong problem-solving skills in cybersecurity
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving as new threats are identified and countered. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to have strong problem-solving skills. Cyber security professionals must be able to quickly identify a problem, isolate the issue, and find a solution. In addition, they must be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team in order to resolve complex issues. Problem-solving skills can be developed through practice and experience. Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity should take advantage of opportunities to learn new techniques and strategies.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Cyber Security?
In the era of big data and increasing cyber-attacks, it's no wonder that cyber security is one of the most in-demand fields today. So what can you do with a bachelor's degree in cyber security? A bachelor's degree in cyber security can prepare you for a career as a network administrator, computer scientist, information systems manager, or software engineer. With this degree, you will learn how to protect networks and computer systems from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. You will also learn how to develop secure software and manage information systems. If you are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, be sure to check out the best colleges for cyber security.