University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for cybersecurity in Texas.

Compare Popular Online Cybersecurity Programs

What is Cyber Security?


We live in a digital world, and no one is free from hacking and those otherwise seeking to harm the systems we depend on. The demand for cyber security experts far exceeds the current supply, so these are jobs in great demand. Texas boasts some of the top colleges and universities for cyber security in the country. No matter where you live in this huge state, it is possible to find a school offering cyber security classes and degrees from community colleges to the top universities. Of course, you can live anywhere and benefit from obtaining a degree online. Cyber security jobs are also portable, as there is a shortage of such professionals globally.

Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Texas


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,678
    • Out-of-State: $42,778
  • Net Price: $17,434
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 52,384
  • Undergrad Students: 41,309
  • Graduate Students: 11,075
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Texas at Austin
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,099
    • Out-of-State: $40,328
  • Net Price: $20,375
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 74,014
  • Undergrad Students: 57,512
  • Graduate Students: 16,502
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Texas A&M University-College Station
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3

LeTourneau University

Score: 78.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,500
    • Out-of-State: $35,500
  • Net Price: $26,974
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,536
  • Undergrad Students: 3,350
  • Graduate Students: 186
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • LeTourneau University
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,564
    • Out-of-State: $40,064
  • Net Price: $13,555
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,570
  • Undergrad Students: 21,617
  • Graduate Students: 9,953
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 27:1
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,460
    • Out-of-State: $64,460
  • Net Price: $45,094
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,053
  • Undergrad Students: 7,056
  • Graduate Students: 4,997
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southern Methodist University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,711
    • Out-of-State: $22,191
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,700
  • Undergrad Students: 37,943
  • Graduate Students: 8,757
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Houston
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7

Austin College

Score: 74.38

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $46,500
    • Out-of-State: $46,500
  • Net Price: $24,739
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,182
  • Undergrad Students: 1,167
  • Graduate Students: 15
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Austin College
8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,240
    • Out-of-State: $41,240
  • Net Price: $12,281
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 876
  • Undergrad Students: 792
  • Graduate Students: 84
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Hallmark University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9

University of Dallas

Score: 73.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,880
    • Out-of-State: $50,880
  • Net Price: $27,250
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,328
  • Undergrad Students: 1,453
  • Graduate Students: 875
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Dallas
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,026
    • Out-of-State: $22,626
  • Net Price: $13,025
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,306
  • Undergrad Students: 7,383
  • Graduate Students: 3,923
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,660
    • Out-of-State: $33,660
  • Net Price: $19,207
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,588
  • Undergrad Students: 2,646
  • Graduate Students: 942
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of St. Thomas-Houston
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
12

Baylor University

Score: 70.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,844
    • Out-of-State: $54,844
  • Net Price: $45,988
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,709
  • Undergrad Students: 15,213
  • Graduate Students: 5,496
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Baylor University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

University of North Texas at Dallas

Score: 70.7

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,590
    • Out-of-State: $22,189
  • Net Price: $10,351
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,685
  • Undergrad Students: 3,001
  • Graduate Students: 684
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of North Texas at Dallas
14

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Score: 70.56

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,930
    • Out-of-State: $20,947
  • Net Price: $10,646
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,110
  • Undergrad Students: 1,761
  • Graduate Students: 349
  • Grads Salary: $90,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Texas A&M University-Texarkana
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,164
    • Out-of-State: $21,244
  • Net Price: $15,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 44,767
  • Undergrad Students: 33,023
  • Graduate Students: 11,744
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • University of North Texas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,991
    • Out-of-State: $21,965
  • Net Price: $12,664
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,393
  • Undergrad Students: 29,686
  • Graduate Students: 4,707
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
17

St. Mary's University

Score: 68.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,242
    • Out-of-State: $36,242
  • Net Price: $21,379
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,253
  • Undergrad Students: 2,001
  • Graduate Students: 1,252
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • St. Mary's University
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,228
    • Out-of-State: $19,020
  • Net Price: $13,632
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,480
  • Undergrad Students: 18,235
  • Graduate Students: 3,245
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Sam Houston State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,859
    • Out-of-State: $19,939
  • Net Price: $8,105
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,559
  • Undergrad Students: 26,434
  • Graduate Students: 5,125
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
20

McMurry University

Score: 68.1

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $31,372
    • Out-of-State: $31,372
  • Net Price: $18,757
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,237
  • Undergrad Students: 1,231
  • Graduate Students: 6
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • McMurry University
21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,648
    • Out-of-State: $18,720
  • Net Price: $11,682
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,958
  • Undergrad Students: 10,153
  • Graduate Students: 5,805
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Texas Woman's University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,319
    • Out-of-State: $18,399
  • Net Price: $12,838
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,599
  • Undergrad Students: 9,066
  • Graduate Students: 1,533
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Angelo State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
23

Lamar University

Score: 67.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,690
    • Out-of-State: $18,482
  • Net Price: $11,757
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,803
  • Undergrad Students: 8,264
  • Graduate Students: 8,539
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Lamar University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,600
    • Out-of-State: $20,680
  • Net Price: $13,858
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,327
  • Undergrad Students: 9,905
  • Graduate Students: 1,422
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Stephen F. Austin State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,904
    • Out-of-State: $23,212
  • Net Price: $10,370
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,848
  • Undergrad Students: 4,640
  • Graduate Students: 1,208
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Texas Permian Basin
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Online Cyber Security Education in Texas


Gaining a good job in the cyber security field requires an advanced degree. Obtaining an associate degree can get your foot in the door in the tech field, but moving up the IT hierarchy requires extensive education, including ongoing continuing education as the field evolves so rapidly. There are many accredited institutions of higher learning in Texas that can help cyber security employees at every step on their career ladder. The good news is that many employers will reimburse employees for tuition, especially those seeking specialized master’s degrees that will aid the company moving forward. Certifications offered by schools help cyber security workers stay at the top of their game. Of course, with more education comes the opportunity to earn more money, and cyber security salaries are already generous.

When it comes to pursuing a cyber security degree, students have a variety of options. These include attending classes in-person, online, or in a combination of the two. The student’s personal situation can help him or her decide the best way to attend school. For example, students with small children or those who are working full-time may opt for online coursework, so they can take classes on their own schedule.

At all levels, from associate to doctorate and certificate programs, you’ll be able to take advantage of high-quality degree programs that put you on the path to a rewarding and lucrative career.

Online Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)

When attending school full-time, cyber security associate degree may be completed within two years. This degree presents the graduate with the skills necessary for an entry-level job in the field. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Those considering an associate degree should have achieved good grades in their high school science and math courses. Core courses may include algebra, as well as specific classes relating to computers such as introductions to Linux and Unix operating systems and security concepts.

Example Courses

  • Beginning HTML and CSS
  • A+ Hardware
  • Principles of Info Assurance
  • Network Security
Best Ranked Online Cybersecurity Associate Programs

Online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security (BS)

It’s possible to complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years if the student goes to school each summer, but most full-time students take four years to finish. Admissions requirements mirror those of the associate degree, though bachelor’s programs may require a higher GPA and/or a minimum SAT/ACT score. The core courses might include information technology, networking, computer ethics, cyber defense, and digital forensics.

Example Courses

  • Introduction to IT
  • Network and Security - Foundations
  • Network and Security - Applications
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
Best Ranked Online Cybersecurity Bachelor Programs

Find Your Online Cybersecurity Program

Online Master's Degree in Cyber Security (MS)

Because most people pursuing a cyber security master’s degree are already employed in a related field, the majority choose to take classes online. You can expect to earn the degree in 18 to 24 months. Eligibility usually includes having already earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology or a related degree, strong familiarity with programming, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. However, candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a similar field with strong work experience in tech fields may prove eligible at some universities. Schools often require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results for consideration. Core courses vary based on the student’s specific track.

Example Courses

  • Advanced Computer Networks
  • Computer Forensics
  • Computer Network Security
  • Advanced Database and Database Security (Elective)
Best Ranked Online Cybersecurity Master Programs

Online Certifications in Cyber Security

Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, most certifications are completed within one year. Certifications are mostly focused on those currently working in the cyber security realm. Advanced certifications often require a prior certification, degree, and/or several years employment in the cyber security industry. Such certifications include Certified Cloud Security Professional, Ethical Cyber Hacker, Certified Information Security Manager, and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, among others. For those just entering the field, there are certifications designed for newbies and requirements depend upon the particular certification sought.

Example Certificate Options

  • Microsoft Professional OS
  • Network Security
  • Tactical Perimeter Defense
  • Computer Forensics
Best Online Cybersecurity Certification Programs

Why is Accreditation Important?

Do not consider attending a school that is unaccredited. A college or university’s accreditation status is vital, because it means the institution has met at least the minimum standard necessary. It is also not possible to receive financial aid from the federal or state government, as well as many scholarships, if the school has no accreditation. Few employers will hire someone graduating from an unaccredited school. In Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges are responsible for regional accreditation.

As far as cyber security is concerned, the best schools receive National Centers in Academic Excellence (CAE) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA). Such colleges and universities meet the highest academic and program standards in cyber security in order to become CAEs.

CAE Accredited Programs in Texas


  • El Paso Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2018-2023
  • Hill College
    CAE-2Y / 2019-2024
  • Houston Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2017-2022
  • Laredo College
    CAE-2Y / 2018-2023
  • McLennan Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2019-2024
  • Our Lady of the Lake University
    CAE-CD / 2017-2022
  • San Antonio College
    CAE-2Y / 2014-2020
  • South Texas College
    CAE-2Y / 2017-2022
  • Southern Methodist University
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
  • St. Phillip’s College
    CAE-2Y / 2014-2020
  • Texas A&M University
    CAE-CD / 2016-2021
    CAE-R / 2016-2021
  • Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
    CAE-CD / 2016-2021
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
    CAE-CD / 2017-2022
  • Texas State Technical College in Harlingen
    CAE-2Y / 2018-2023
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
  • University of Dallas
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
  • University of Houston
    CAE-CD / 2014-2020
    CAE-R / 2014-2020
  • University of North Texas
    CAE-CD / 2017-2022
    CAE-R / 2019-2024
  • University of Texas at Austin
    CAE-R / 2019-2024
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
    CAE-R / 2014-2021
  • University of Texas at Dallas
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
    CAE-R / 2014-2021
    CAE-CO / 2015-2020
  • University of Texas at El Paso
    CAE-CD / 2014-2020
    CAE-CO / 2016-2021

Find Online Cybersecurity Schools

Careers for Cyber Security Graduates


Approximately 364,000 people in the Lone Star State are employed in the IT or computer field. In Texas, the mean annual salary for those in computer-related occupations as of May, 2018, was $90,743, but many in this field earn considerably more. From 2016 to 2026, the number of workers in this field is expected to grow by 19.1%, meaning demand is very high. Many of these careers require a bachelors in cybersecurity or computer science.

A breakdown of employees and wages according to specific jobs includes:

  • Computer Programmers - 20,960 workers - $91,970 mean annual wage
  • Computer systems analysts - 51,710 workers - $98,000 mean annual wage
  • Database administrators - 11,020 workers - $95,470 mean annual wage
  • Information security analysts - 8,520 workers - $104,000 mean annual wage
  • Network and computer systems administrators - 35,100 workers - $ 89,500 mean annual wage
  • Software developers - 28,720 workers - $110,740 mean annual wage

Top College Scholarships in Texas for Cyber Security


  • CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service – Texas A&M University

    Amount: $22,500 undergraduate - $34,000 graduate
    Deadline: February 2
    Link: https://cybersecurity.tamu.edu/students-corner/available-scholarships/sfs-scholarship/
    In partnership with Houston Community College, Texas A&M offers the Scholarship for Service to students in their final year at HC who plan to pursue further education at Texas A&M. For the graduate scholarship, students must be in their junior or senior year at Texas A&M and plan to pursue a master’s degree there. Recipients must undertake summer internships in cyber security at a federal, state, or local government agency and after graduation, they must work in a position at a similar government agency or national laboratory for as many years as they received the award.

  • Cyber Security Scholarship – University of Texas at Dallas

    Amount: $22,500 undergraduate - $34,000 graduate
    Deadline: April 19
    Link: https://utdallas.edu/finaid/scholarships/scholarship-listing/109
    Only US citizens may apply for this scholarship. Students require enrollment or admission in the undergraduate fast track program or as a graduate student in the Computer Science Department when applying. A minimum GPA of 3.2 for undergraduates and 4.0 for graduate students is necessary for eligibility.

  • Infosec Scholarship for Service - University of Texas at Austin

    Amount: $24,000/Year
    Deadline: Spring
    Link: https://www.cs.utexas.edu/undergraduate/academics/scholarship-service
    Students already enrolled full-time in the UTA computer science program may apply for the Infosec Scholarship for Service (SFS). The scholarship is only available for undergraduates. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and must complete the cyber security concentration of coursework within two years of entering the SFS.

  • Texas National Security Network Fellowships

    Amount: Minimum $3,000
    Deadline: N/A
    Link: http://www.archercenter.org/texas-national-security-network-fellowship.html
    Archer Fellows are competitively selected from applicants throughout the University of Texas system to participate in the graduate program in public policy at the Archer Center in Washington, D.C. The goal of these fellowship is creating the top university system in the nation for network security. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this internship.

Conferences and Workshops


Cyber Texas

Held each August in San Antonio by the Cyber Texas Foundation, this conference also features a vendor hall with the latest cyber tech products. Visitors come from around the world to share information and analysis and learn from experts in the field.

InfoSec Southwest

Early May in Austin means it is time for the annual InfoSec Southwest information security and hacking conference. Designed and hosted by the Austin hacker community, InfoSec covers a broad range of subjects, from hacker culture and legal issues to cutting edge tech. The open forum permits anyone to speak at this conference.

Texas Cyber Summit

Held each October in Houston, the Texas Cyber Summit welcomes every cyber security group or organization to its multi-day conference. The event features renowned keynote speakers, cutting-edge research papers, technical briefings, various workshops and hands-on training. Most training sessions are held in English, but there are Spanish speakers and trainers available. The TCS is run by the Texas for-profit companies TXCIBER, Inc. and Grayhat.

Resources in Texas for Cyber Security


  • Cyber Texas Foundation
    The CTF’s mission is organizing cyber workforce development initiatives on the local, state, and national level for cyber security workforce development. This includes conducting clinics for future cyber workforce development, as well as retaining, recruiting, and growing Texas cyber businesses.
  • North Texas Cyber Security Group
    The mission of the NTCSG includes enriching members’ professional skills via interactive forums, learning about various offensive and defensive cyber security concepts, and staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the cyber security industry. The group also offers networking and socialization opportunities.
  • South Texas ISSA
    Membership in the non-profit South Texas Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is perfect for information security professionals. ISSA provides opportunities for educational forums, professional interaction, and other activities to further knowledge and career advancement. Members are encouraged to pursue formal security certifications in their fields and STISSA offers continuing education options.
  • Texas Cybersecurity Council
    Created by the Department of Information Resources, the TCC’s purpose is developing partnerships between the private and public sectors to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure. The TCC also helps develop an “exemplary cybersecurity workforce” for protecting resources from threats, as well as strategizing for solutions.
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