While cybersecurity is a growing area, not all states and regions have the same degree of educational and economic opportunity to fully prepare for the opportunities and jobs opportunities in the evolving industry.
Cybersecurity Development in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a bit of a mixed bag for cybersecurity growth. It has several small cities and many large metropolitan centers near some of the world’s most important business centers, such as New York and Washington, DC.
Furthermore, Pennsylvania used to be one of the country’s major manufacturing centers but now focuses on banking, financial services, and insurance companies, especially in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Furthermore, Pennsylvania is home to many rapidly expanding technology firms.
As a result, Pennsylvania’s cybersecurity growth has accelerated relative to other partially rural states. In addition, the Pennsylvania Office of Administration has successfully pressed for cybersecurity advancement in the state, resulting in multiple awards and the promotion of a cyber-aware society, among other things.
Cybersecurity Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is an excellent place to pursue cybersecurity education, particularly because three of its universities are ranked among the top ten HP cybersecurity schools. Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh, and the West Chester University of Pennsylvania are the universities in question.
Other worthwhile schools are mentioned below, but these three provide robust cybersecurity initiatives and extensive resource networks to aid in job search after graduation.
Why is Pennsylvania such a good cybersecurity state?
For instance, the Army Research Laboratory leads the latest Cyber-Security Collaborative Research Alliance with Penn State. Present and potential cybersecurity practitioners will use this cybersecurity research collective to push the boundaries of current cybersecurity knowledge.
Furthermore, Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Adobe all have major presences in Pennsylvania and its universities. All of these big corporations have made substantial investments in the future of cybersecurity, and those who cut will have excellent job opportunities. In addition, they are responsible for a significant portion of the state’s existing cybersecurity jobs and growth.
Overall, Pennsylvania is well-positioned along the United States East Coast, with plenty of cybersecurity research and job openings within its borders and other companies driving distance for many of its graduates.
Associate Degrees
Campus-based cybersecurity associate’s degrees in Pennsylvania
As a starting point, associate degrees in cybersecurity are ideal. They usually have curricula that concentrate on fundamental cybersecurity and computer science concepts and many of a student’s general education requirements. Of course, these degrees aren’t always enough to get you to work in cybersecurity, but they’re a good place to start.
Butler County Community College, the Community College of Pennsylvania, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College are the five colleges that deliver on-campus associate degrees in cybersecurity.
Most of the degrees on offer are computer science, with cybersecurity as a specialty or specialization. This isn’t surprising, considering the need for an associate’s degree to concentrate on general knowledge rather than details.
CYBERSECURITY ASSOCIATE’S PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA
| School | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Butler County Community College | Butler | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Computer Forensics and Security |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Specialist – Network Technology Track |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville | Associate of Science in Computer Forensics and Digital Security |
| Northampton Community College | Bethlehem | Information Security (InfoSec), Associate in Applied Science |
| Pennsylvania Highlands Community College | Johnstown | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Cyber Security |
Online Associate Degrees
There are no online associate degree options in Pennsylvania. However, students will also get a cybersecurity education online from a Pennsylvania school if they participate in a bachelor’s program or higher; these programs would have the foundational courses that most associate degrees do.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Campus cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Pennsylvania
Bachelor’s degrees are far more focused on their subject matter, with more courses relating to cybersecurity or computer science expertise in their curricula. These degrees are typically the entry-level qualifications required for employment in the cybersecurity sector.
In Pennsylvania, 11 colleges offer on-campus bachelor’s degree programs. Penn State University’s cybersecurity program is renowned for its extensive class offerings and comprehensive educational pathways and its connections to numerous cybersecurity organizations that can help you find work after graduation.
Because of its proximity to many cybersecurity firms and major metropolitan areas, the University of Pittsburgh is also a good choice. Although these do not directly impact the school’s program’s efficiency, they do include ample networking opportunities during and after school.
Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Programs in Pennsylvania
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Pennsylvania colleges and universities now offer five online bachelor’s degree programs. At Penn State’s Main Campus, two of these are accessible. Their programs place a heavy emphasis on basic programming and statistical awareness and the mathematical underpinnings of many cybersecurity concepts. On the other hand, these systems are well-known for their outstanding performances.
Although it is in Cyber Forensics and Information Security, Robert Morris University also has an excellent curriculum. So if you want to merge a passion for criminal justice with your cybersecurity expertise, this might be a great degree.
Master’s Degrees
Campus-based cybersecurity master’s degrees in Pennsylvania
Master’s degrees aren’t required to work in cybersecurity, but they can open more doors to jobs than a traditional bachelor’s degree and have more advanced expertise in cybersecurity sub-fields. These degrees are a great option if you want to focus on a specific position or job direction, such as analysis, threat monitoring, or security.
Carnegie Mellon University is one of 11 universities that deliver on-campus master’s degrees in cybersecurity. This school stands out because of its high rankings in multiple cybersecurity program rankings and a diverse list of degree titles. Regulation and management, privacy engineering, information technology, and general information networking are all options.
Of course, Penn State’s master’s degree programs enable students who have already completed their bachelor’s degree at the university to continue their education faster than if they moved.
Cybersecurity Master’s Programs in Pennsylvania
Online Master’s Degrees
Twelve schools in Pennsylvania deliver online master’s degrees, with Penn State once again leading the list due to its wide range of degree titles and excellent curricula. These programs demand that all students have a bachelor’s degree in math or technology, but they still provide one of the best cybersecurity education in the state to those who cut.
For those with three years of work experience and an asynchronous schedule, Carnegie Mellon offers an MS online degree in Information Technology; it’s a great option for part-time students who need to work while studying.
Finally, Robert Morris University offers an MS in cybersecurity for current IT practitioners and many specializations with an Enterprise Systems focus.
Cybersecurity Online Master’s Programs in Pennsylvania
Certifications
Campus-based cybersecurity certificate programmes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania schools offer 11 different certificates. These certificates help you to advance your career or sharpen your cybersecurity skills in a specific field. Alternatively, you can receive these certificates without having a cybersecurity degree and, with the right advice, get a job in the sector.
Cybersecurity Certification Programs in Pennsylvania
Online Certificate Programs
A large number of online credential programmes are also available. In addition to the schools listed above, several of these are accessible from:
Cybersecurity Online Certification Programs in Pennsylvania
Cybersecurity Jobs in Pennsylvania
According to CyberSeek, Pennsylvania has 14,441 open cybersecurity jobs, compared to a total cybersecurity workforce of 29,851. As a result, the cybersecurity staff’s supply/demand ratio is 2.1, relative to a national average of 2.0. While there are fewer cybersecurity positions in Pennsylvania than in larger or more urban states, there are still plenty of opportunities for cybersecurity professionals and graduates.
Most of these jobs are entry-level or middle-management roles, such as cybersecurity engineers and analysts, cybersecurity managers and administrators, and vulnerability analysts and penetration testers. As a result, there are several job opportunities for new or experienced cybersecurity professionals.
Most jobs will be in Pittsburgh or similar metro areas, but you must consider the cost of living in this mixed rural/urban state. On a scale of one to ten, Pennsylvania’s average cost of living is 92.5, with ratings below 100 indicating a lower cost of living than the national average.
The average hourly wage for a cybersecurity worker in Pennsylvania is $46.93, with an annual income of about $97,000. These wages would go a bit farther in Pennsylvania than in other states, potentially making it a good place to save money or raise a family.
Pennsylvania and Cybersecurity
Overall, Pennsylvania is an excellent option for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Because of its proximity to many other tech-oriented states, there are numerous educational opportunities and choices and many paths to consistent jobs either in the state or within a short distance of those schools.
