What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is a rapidly growing part of today's technological picture. With words like malware and ransomware attacks becoming ever present in our collective vocabulary, so have cyber security professionals become ever present in today's contemporary corporate structure. Since so many of our assets are now held in a digital format, we are ever reliant on these security experts to safeguard our money, valuables, and even homes.
A cyber security specialist is a high-tech professional who specializes in keeping computer networks and databases safe from hackers, malware, and viruses, among other threats. They are specifically trained to identify weaknesses in computer systems and to help eliminate those weaknesses. This field is currently experiencing high demand and those with an accredited cyber security degree in Florida are sure to find brilliant careers in the niche of their choosing.
Cyber security specialists can focus on a number of sub-specialties such as penetration testing, cryptography, blockchain technology, and network architecture, among others. These professionals can also find employment in a variety of environments. Some work for the government in law enforcement or as IT professionals within an agency. There are also cyber security professionals who work for financial and other private institutions. Others can work as remote consultants. Almost all of them will work on computers scrutinizing computer code and security protocols.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Florida
University of Florida
Score: 88.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Florida State University
Score: 82.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,656
- Out-of-State:$18,786
- Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 44,161
- Undergrad Students: 32,936
- Graduate Students: 11,225
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of South Florida
Score: 79.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Central Florida
Score: 77.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
Florida A&M University
Score: 77.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,785
- Out-of-State:$17,725
- Net Price: $11,583
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,215
- Undergrad Students: 7,709
- Graduate Students: 1,506
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Miami
Score: 77.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,926
- Out-of-State:$59,926
- Net Price: $36,467
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 19,402
- Undergrad Students: 12,504
- Graduate Students: 6,898
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Florida International University
Score: 76.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of North Florida
Score: 73.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State:$20,793
- Net Price: $11,338
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 16,406
- Undergrad Students: 14,171
- Graduate Students: 2,235
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 72.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 71.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Score: 70
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,304
- Out-of-State:$42,304
- Net Price: $38,983
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 10,301
- Undergrad Students: 9,533
- Graduate Students: 768
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Nova Southeastern University
Score: 69.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,080
- Out-of-State:$37,080
- Net Price: $29,589
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 20,948
- Undergrad Students: 6,971
- Graduate Students: 13,977
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida Gateway College
Score: 67.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,100
- Out-of-State:$11,747
- Net Price: $3,079
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 2,706
- Undergrad Students: 2,706
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Florida Southern College
Score: 66.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,360
- Out-of-State:$42,360
- Net Price: $27,324
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 3,281
- Undergrad Students: 2,721
- Graduate Students: 560
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
The University of Tampa
Score: 66.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,424
- Out-of-State:$33,424
- Net Price: $34,653
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 10,566
- Undergrad Students: 9,602
- Graduate Students: 964
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Jacksonville University
Score: 65.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,180
- Out-of-State:$46,180
- Net Price: $26,943
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 3,837
- Undergrad Students: 2,563
- Graduate Students: 1,274
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Stetson University
Score: 65.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,220
- Out-of-State:$55,220
- Net Price: $25,756
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,928
- Undergrad Students: 2,561
- Graduate Students: 1,367
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Score: 65.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,665
- Out-of-State:$11,665
- Net Price: $17,002
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Total Enrollment: 11,574
- Undergrad Students: 8,479
- Graduate Students: 3,095
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Saint Leo University
Score: 64.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,360
- Out-of-State:$28,360
- Net Price: $20,390
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 10,242
- Undergrad Students: 7,320
- Graduate Students: 2,922
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Florida Polytechnic University
Score: 63.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,940
- Out-of-State:$21,005
- Net Price: $12,373
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,593
- Undergrad Students: 1,531
- Graduate Students: 62
- Grads Salary: $58,900
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
St. Petersburg College
Score: 63.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State:$9,286
- Net Price: $2,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 23,501
- Undergrad Students: 23,501
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Miami Dade College
Score: 62.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,661
- Net Price: $5,478
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 47,245
- Undergrad Students: 47,245
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 62.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State:$11,447
- Net Price: $3,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 14,323
- Undergrad Students: 14,323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Indian River State College
Score: 61.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,764
- Out-of-State:$10,201
- Net Price: $5,019
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 14,862
- Undergrad Students: 14,862
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
St. Thomas University
Score: 61.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,770
- Out-of-State:$34,770
- Net Price: $28,654
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,370
- Undergrad Students: 3,950
- Graduate Students: 2,420
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Online Cyber Security Education in Florida
To address this growing need for cyber security, Florida's colleges and universities have risen to the challenge and now offer first-rate cyber security training to students. Whether a school offers a degree in cyber security, most computer science and information technology programs include coursework in cyber security. There are also cyber security degree programs at the associate degree level, as offered through Florida's community college system.
While most of Florida's cyber security degree programs are top-notch, students should also look out for programs that are considered a Center of Academic Excellence, or CAE. This designation comes from a collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, the largest employers of cyber security professionals in the United States. This credential would indicate that graduates are prepared to handle the cyber-attacks that threaten our national security. The curriculum is thus expected to be rigorous and thorough.
Upon graduation from a cyber security degree program, Florida's economy is sure to have jobs for a graduate. There are jobs available with federal law enforcement agencies that have outposts in Florida as well as state agencies that need information security professionals who can strengthen their cyber security systems and protocols. On top of this, Florida's strong private sectors need security professionals to protect their cyber assets. The financial sector in particular needs robust protection, but also the state's healthcare systems need protection. Indeed, hospitals are known to be the target of ransomware attacks. Their patient records all need to be secured so that they aren't held hostage.
All in all, Florida is a terrific state in which to start and build a successful career in cyber security. The dynamic and ever-changing economy is sure to provide challenges and rewards for a lifetime.
Online Associates (AS)
There are many community colleges that now offer an associate cyber security degree or other associated technology degrees. These programs are able to help students launch into the cyber security field with the knowledge necessary to help their firm achieve top security. Even the top cyber security accreditation, CAE, is available to these associate degree programs.
When students start off from a community college, they see that their up-front tuition costs are far lower than those from a Florida college or university. They also tend to find smaller class sizes and a peer group that is just as engaged with cyber security as any other student. Since many community college instructors are working cyber security professionals who love teaching, the level of instruction in a community college can often equal or surpass that found in top Florida universities. Thus, they can use their associate cyber security degree as an affordable academic launchpad for their career or as a foundation for more study including professional certifications, a bachelor’s degree, and more.
Online Bachelors (BS)
For most employers, a bachelor’s cyber security degree is the minimum requirement for their hiring process. These degrees also offer students a lot more in terms of fleshing out their cyber security education to include more programming knowledge as well as deeper explorations into specific areas of cyber security such as penetration testing, security architecture, and database security. A four-year degree that concentrates on information security offers other advantages.
For instance, a bachelor’s cyber security degree can allow students the opportunity to take on a minor concentration that informs their primary focus. Some complimentary fields include mathematics, computer science, and even philosophy. Along the way, students can find internships that will allow them to gain real-world experience in cyber security. A full bachelor’s degree is also a necessary prerequisite for a master’s cyber security degree and many professional certifications. Those professional certifications can be equally, if not more important when it comes to advancing a career.
Online Masters (MS)
For those who want to see their salaries and status explode, a master’s cyber security degree is vital to long-term growth and success. In fact, many will want to consider an MBA if their desire is to move into management and the C-suites. The title of chief information security officer (CISO) often requires that candidates have deep training in business as well as their technological focus. For these professionals, an MBA that is paired with an information security concentration is optimal.
Yet another option is to pursue a dual MBA. These programs have been flourishing in the past few decades as professionals need a broad base of knowledge and expertise. Cyber security experts can thus find a dual MBA program that will fast-track two graduate degrees, one in business and the other in cyber security. Dual MBA programs typically take three years to complete and will launch your resume to the top of the stack.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
High tech fields are one area where big business seems to seek out those with a PhD or doctorate degree. Cyber security experts who go the full distance and achieve a doctoral degree will find that their opportunities expand greatly. In fact, many will even leave their doctoral programs prior to full completion. That is, it's not uncommon for students to complete the PhD coursework yet not finish their dissertations. These professionals are known as ABD, or all but dissertation and this status is unlikely to have a negative impact on their careers.
If a cyber security professional can show that they have PhD level skills in areas such as cryptography, data science, or other areas pertinent to information security, they will have to fend off all of the dream job offers. Many of these offers may end up be an extension of their academic work as many of them will land positions where they conduct vital research projects that will result in new products or information security protocols.