Get Matched With Cybersecurity Programs
What is Cyber Security?
Simply because Vermont is a small state does not mean it is safe from cyber-attacks. In 2017, Russian hackers breached Vermont Electric Utility. While the intrusion did not result in any catastrophic damage, the fact they could break into such a vital part of everyday life for Vermonters should be enough to concern everyone. As a result, Vermont is in as much need as any other state for well-trained cyber security professionals. Fortunately, the colleges and universities in the state are ready to prepare students to enter the cyber security workforce. You can find cyber security work in a variety of areas throughout the entire state of Vermont including corporations, education providers, non-profits, government entities, and more.
You may find that an advanced degree is a requirement for all cyber security jobs and professionals in Vermont. Whether you choose to begin with an associate, a bachelor’s degree, a certificate in cyber security, or a master’s degree. An advanced degree in cyber security will provide critical verification to potential employers that you are, in fact, qualified to be a cyber security professional. The more education you have, the more money you will make, and the more job opportunities for which you will qualify. However, having a degree or certificate may not be enough if you don’t ensure that your college or university is accredited, as well. With an accredited degree, you can expect to earn between $80,000 and $90,000 annually in Vermont after several years of experience.
Compare Popular Online Cybersecurity Programs
Online Cyber Security Education in Vermont
Online Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)
An associate degree in cyber security will allow you to apply for entry-level cyber security jobs. This type of degree typically takes two years to complete. Many of these types of cyber security degrees can be completed online. You can expect to take courses that provide you with a basic education in cyber security, ethics, and computer science. If this is your first degree, you will have to use your high school GPA or your GED to apply for entry. If you have a bachelor’s degree and you wish to change careers, you will likely have to use your GPA from your bachelor’s degree when you apply for a program. In some situations, relevant work experience will count toward your acceptance into a cyber security program.
Find Your Online Cybersecurity Program
Online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security (BS)
If you wish to advance your career within an organization, you will require a bachelor’s degree. Many people will begin with a two-year associate degree to start working straight away. Once you begin working, you can earn your bachelor’s degree online. Keep in mind that many employers offer at least a contribution toward continued education as long as it is relevant to your position. It is important to note that if you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree after your associate, be sure to complete a pathway or transfer program to minimize the chance you will have to retake courses for an extra cost. At the very least, you will need to pay close attention to your associate degree accreditation.
Online Master's Degree in Cyber Security (MS)
People who complete a master’s degree in cyber security will be eligible for leadership positions in any organization including managerial, director, and C-suite roles. Most top employers, regardless of size, will require a master’s degree to be able to apply for career advancement. Again, most employers will reimburse at least some of your tuition. Some will offer more reimbursement than others. Coursework for master’s degrees in cyber security is often based more on management and leadership than technical intricacies of cyber security so that you can learn to manage others and direct the organization properly. A master’s degree in cyber security will advance your career by up to 10 years more quickly than without one and it will boost your salary by up to $20,000 more a year than your co-workers in the same position who do not have a master’s degree.
Online Certifications in Cyber Security
Certifications are one of the best ways to change your career trajectory from one field in IT to a career in cyber security. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue an undergraduate or graduate certificate so that you have a solid understanding of cyber security operations and management. If you do not yet have a degree, you can complete a low-level certificate far more quickly than it would take to complete an entire degree. It will also save you a significant amount of money. Keep in mind that nearly all certificate programs require some prerequisite courses. You can also select professional cyber security certificates that specialize in specific areas that will boost your career opportunities and salary.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation varies from those that cover entire higher learning institution to only programs. You will find several different types of accreditation at colleges and universities, as well as some that do not have any accreditation at all. It is important to stay away from non-accredited colleges and universities if possible, as they are not proven to provide a quality education. You would be much better off completing a degree from a nationally accredited college or university. The best type of accreditation you could complete would be a degree from a regionally accredited higher learning institution. For those in pursuit of a cyber security degree, you may want to find an accredited college or university with a cyber security program that is endorsed as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE). This endorsement states that your cyber security program follows the exceptionally high standards of the NSA and Homeland Security.
CAE Accredited Programs in Vermont
- Champlain College
CAE-CD / 2017-2022 - Norwich University
CAE-CD / 2017-2022
Top College Programs in Vermont for Computer Science and Cybersecurity
-
Champlain College
Champlain College cyber security programs are available both in a classroom setting and online for individuals from anywhere as long as they meet the requirements. The program focuses on hands-on preparation, problem solving, adaptivity, digital environments, digital assets, security breaches, and more. You will also learn the importance of confidentiality, ethics, and integrity.
Find Online Cybersecurity Schools
Programs Offered:
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificate
Computer Programming/Programmer - Associate, Bachelor’s Degrees & Undergraduate Certificate
Computer Science - Bachelor’s Degree
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management - Bachelor’s Degree & Undergraduate Certificate
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration - Bachelor’s Degree
Network and System Administration/Administrator - Bachelor’s Degree & Undergraduate CertificateTuition Cost
In-State: $41,010
Average Net Price: $38,577
College Retention Rate: 77% -
Norwich University
Norwich University has specialized computer science and cyber security-focused programs. These courses are catered to working adults who are continuing their education. You can select from various technology or business-related degrees with various concentrations. You can pursue many of these courses online.
Program Offered:
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Bachelor’s Degree
Computer Science – Bachelor’s Degree
Information Science/Studies – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate CertificateTuition Cost
In-State: $40,041
Average Net Price: $26,695
College Retention Rate: 79% -
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont allows you to focus on cyber security as a computer science major or to focus specifically on cyber security at the undergraduate degree level. Upon graduation, you could work for private or public sectors. These programs prepare you to navigate the ever-changing cyber security environment no matter your employer.
Programs Offered:
Computer Science – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
Computer Systems Analysis – Bachelor’s DegreeTuition Cost
In-State: $18,276
Out-of-State: $42,516
Average Net Price: $19,261
College Retention Rate: 87% (Full-time Students); 60% (Part-time Students) -
Marlboro College
Marlboro College does not have a degree dedicated entirely to cyber security at this time. Keep in mind that this could change at any moment given the speed at which colleges and universities are adapting curriculum to meet the demands of cyber security professionals. You can, however, complete a computer science degree with a few internet security course options.
Programs Offered:
Computer Science – Bachelor’s Degree
Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree
Computer Programming/Programmer – Bachelor’s DegreeTuition Cost
In-State: $40,840
Average Net Price: $20,160
College Retention Rate: 61% -
Vermont Technical College
Vermont Technical College offers a cyber security certificate for individuals in pursuit of specific cyber security positions such as penetration testing, network defense analysis, and security engineering. You will be required to either have at least a bachelor’s degree or have experience working in cyber security for at least two years to be eligible to apply.
Programs Offered:
Information Technology – Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
Network and System Administration/Administrator – Undergraduate CertificateTuition Cost
In-State: $15,108
Out-of-State: $27,780
Average Net Price: $19,861
College Retention Rate: 77% (Full-time Students); 71% (Part-time Students) -
Landmark College
Landmark College offers a computer science degree specifically to prepare students for various technology-related degrees in a wide array of fields including cyber security, informatics, computer software design, and more. This program provides program participants with high-level skills for advance careers. You will learn the best ways to analyze any technical situation and ways to solve problems in an effective and efficient manner.
Programs Offered:
Computer Science – Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
Tuition Cost
In-State: $56,800
Average Net Price: $51,088
College Retention Rate: 47% (Full-time Students); 25% (Part-time Students)
Top College Scholarships in Vermont for Cyber Security
-
Champlain College Women in Technology Scholarship
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: November 15 - January 15
The Champlain College Women in Technology Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate women in pursuit of a degree in technology. You must be an incoming Champlain College student who has been accepted into the school. You will receive $10,000 a year for up to four years and recipients must be nominated to qualify. -
DoD Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
Amount: Full Tuition+
Deadline: February 18
The Champlain College DoD Cybersecurity Scholarship Program is for junior and senior undergraduates in pursuit of a cyber security degree. You will receive full tuition, a sizeable living stipend, and allowances for other items. You must be considering a career in information technology, cyber security, or information assurance to qualify and you must be a US citizen. -
Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: March 16
Link: https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
The Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship is dedicated to students who were born in Vermont and attend either Springfield or Windham County high school. You must also be in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in either technology or engineering and must be able to demonstrate financial need. -
VSAC-Freeman Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Link: https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
The VSAC-Freeman Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for students who are the first in their family to go to college, or neither of your parents has completed a bachelor’s degree. You must reside in Orleans, Essex, or, Caledonia County in Vermont to qualify and have at least a 3.0 GPA. You will also have to demonstrate your need for financial assistance.
Conferences and Workshops
Norwich University Cyber Security Summit
The Norwich University Cyber Security Summit is an annual summit dedicated exclusively to Norwich alumni who do not have technology experience. You must be a business manager or a C-level executive to attend. The summit lasts three days and it is complete with workshops, presentations, and more.
Shields Up Forum
The Shields Up Forum at Champlain College is committed to protecting individuals, networks, devices, and more from cyber-criminals and all cyber-threats. Attendees will be able to participate in discussions and listen to panels featuring industry experts and federal agents.
H-ISAC Medical Device Security Workshop
The H-ISAC Medical Device Security Workshop is dedicated to cyber security professionals who work in healthcare. These workshops are ideal for various staff and personnel such as clinical engineers, security risk analysts, risk managers, information security personnel, and others. You will have ample time to network and learn.
Search Programs Offering Cybersecurity Majors
Careers for Cyber Security Graduates
- Information Security Analysts
Security analysts currently hold roughly 130 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $84,680. As an information security analyst, you will be responsible for all software upgrades and installations, current security practice examinations, and activate process improvements to the existing system and network. - Computer Systems Analysts
Systems analysts currently hold around 520 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $80,190. As a computer systems analyst, you will be required to carefully analyze the current design and process of each system. You will also provide efficient and effective solutions to improve upon practices. A solid understanding of both IT and business is also a requirement. - Computer Programmers
Computer programmers currently hold approximately 490 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $81,680. As a computer programmer, you will be required to write in several programming languages, as well as test and repair code that already exists. - Database Administrators
These administrators currently hold about 170 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $78,150. As a database administrator, you will collaborate with various team members to ensure all databases work together properly, as well as to create new databases, merge databases, and eliminate outdated and ineffective databases. - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
These administrators currently hold roughly 1,290 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $75,170. As a network and computer systems administrator, you will manage the daily operations of any and all networks and computer systems. - Software Application Developers
These application developers currently hold about 910 jobs in Vermont with a median salary of $97,720. As a software application developer, you will develop new applications based on end-user needs, tool limitations, budget constraints, and deadlines.
Resources in Vermont for Cyber Security
- State of Vermont Agency of Digital Services
Th agency has a wide array of resources, tools, and guides for every Vermonter, including businesses and individuals. You will find ways to prevent cyber threats and learn steps to take to repair any damage caused by cyber-criminals. - Vermont League of Cities & Towns
This group was developed to address cyber security concerns presented by members of the organization. You can currently use security audits for vendors and complete cyber security technology assessments. Soon, you’ll be able to access vital training, resources and guidance for members. - Vermont Security Operations Center
Vermont SOC was created in coordination with the Vermont Agency for Digital Services. The SOC was established as a way to track credible threats more effectively and efficiently. This center will monitor Vermont's interests every minute of every day, all year long.