When it comes to handling cyberattacks, Penn State hasn’t got so much luck. There was a recent survey carried out on the data sourced from the FBI, it was found that Pennsylvania ranks second worst when it comes to handling cyber threats.
This study sourced from Cybersecurity Insiders shows that attackers compromised most business emails and about 195 victims were recorded out of every 100,000 people in the state of Pennsylvania, giving the commonwealth a grade of D when it comes to cybersecurity defense.
Enrolling in some of the IT and cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania can really be the game changer for you and this blog post will highlight some of the top schools to send your application to.
Is there a demand for Cybersecurity experts in Pennsylvania?
Yes, highly skilled Information Technology professionals especially those that major in cybersecurity are highly demanded in the state.
This is because of the recent increase in cybercrime, according to Cyberstates, there are currently 24,078 job opportunities for cybersecurity professionals and software engineers.
What are the best Cybersecurity Schools in Pennsylvania?
The list below shows the most recommended schools in the state where you can get top-notch cybersecurity training, it is in no particular order.
1. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university. Carnegie Mellon stands among the world’s most renowned educational institutions and sets its course.
Students can apply for the Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) program that offers a technical focus on security and computer systems, further developed through research opportunities.
And also, The CERT Cybersecurity Engineering and Software Assurance Professional Certificate program target software-reliant systems engineering and acquisition activities to infuse an awareness of cybersecurity and an approach to identifying security requirements, engineering risks, and supply chain risk early in the life cycle.
2. Butler County Community College
Butler County Community College is also one of the top cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania, the school offers credit degrees, noncredit certificates, training, and lifelong learning classes.
Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Computer Forensics and Security program is available for students who want to obtain an associate’s degree.
3. Lehigh Carbon Community College
Lehigh Carbon Community College was founded in 1966 and serves more than 9,700 credit and 4,100 noncredit students each year from Lehigh and other locations.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Specialist – Network Technology Track, This program prepares students who are new to the industry or upgrading an existing skill set for jobs in the networking, telecommunications, and cyber security fields.
Graduates are eligible to take appropriate certification exams and can expect to work as entry-level engineers, administrators, or help desk technicians.
Also, the Computer Forensics and Digital Security A.S. program provides a comprehensive foundation in the theory and application of both technical and non-technical security skills. The program covers a range of competencies required by the quickly evolving digital security industry.
4. Northampton Community College
Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements.
The AAS degree in Information Security they offer will prepare students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to protect and defend computer systems and networks.
5. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg was Founded in 1839 and was built on the vision that higher education should be available to anyone ready to work for a better life.
Today that tradition continues, with limitless opportunities for our students across the Commonwealth and beyond. They offer a Bachelor’s in Digital Forensics.
6. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg University is a comprehensive university in northeastern Pennsylvania offering 58 undergraduate programs, 21 master’s programs, and 2 doctoral programs.
Candidates for graduation from the Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Security must satisfactorily complete all university graduation requirements and the following departmental requirements.
7. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Technology at Harrisburg University is more than just computer screens and keyboards. It’s a hands-on study of the complex information systems and peripherals that power our world and shape our future.
The ABET-accredited Computer and Information Science Bachelor of Science degree program focus on the science behind the coolest gadgets and gear on the market.
8. The Indiana University of Pennsylvania IUP -Main Campus
Founded nearly 150 years ago, IUP has grown into a world-renowned, highly affordable university spread over 374 beautiful acres. Throughout their many decades, they’ve stayed true to their purpose—bringing their students a world-class education and outstanding opportunities.
IUP offers a BS in computer science/cybersecurity track and a minor in cybersecurity. The IUP Cybersecurity curriculum is an NSA-validated Program of Study (PoS) and IUP is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).
Prepares students for a variety of careers in cybersecurity such as network administrator, information security specialist, digital forensics specialist, or network security manager.
9. Marywood University
Marywood University, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, is a comprehensive, independent, private, Catholic university.
Marywood University’s information security program prepares students for one of the fastest-growing segments of that field: cybersecurity.
The Computer Science program prepares students for in-demand careers in information technology and software engineering.
Computer Science majors may apply for a Business and Computer Science dual degree or M.S. in Information Security in their junior year to earn a master’s degree in five years.
10. Mercyhurst University
Mercyhurst University’s Cyber Security bachelor’s program is one of the first stand-alone programs in the nation to follow both of these guidelines.
Mercyhurst University is now able to leverage its experience, faculty expertise, cutting-edge resources, and industry connections to provide an unparalleled cyber education at the undergraduate level.
11. Mount Aloysius College
Mount Aloysius College provides students with a unique hands-on learning cyber experience with real-world applications.
They offer a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Concentration. Their dedicated Cybersecurity lab includes virtual environments that can be used for classes, competitions, demonstrations, testing, and research.
12. Pennsylvania College of Technology
With a Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security degree in Information Assurance & Cyber Security from the Pennsylvania of Technology, you’ll learn how to safeguard sensitive data and prevent critical attacks.
From IT essentials like programming, databases, and networking to threat prevention, assessment, and testing, this industry-driven curriculum pulls it all together to create the diverse skill set that future employers want most.
13. Pennsylvania State University-Main
Opening its doors in 1999, the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations to a thriving community of students, scholars, staff, alumni, and friends.
Through innovative research and a student-centered approach to interdisciplinary education, they are delivering on the college’s founding mission to prepare leaders for the Information Age.
14. Saint Vincent College
Founded in 1846 as the nation’s first Benedictine college, Saint Vincent College ranks as a first-tier National Liberal Arts College (US News and World Report).
A successful CIS graduate at Saint Vincent College will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of three majors: Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity.
The curriculum is based on the guidelines of prominent professional organizations. It combines theory with current in-demand technical skills to prepare graduates for continual learning throughout their careers in this fast-paced field.
15. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information prepares professionals and leaders for the accelerated world.
Their BS in Information Sciences: Networks and Security Specialization is awarded to the students that partake in this program.
16. University of Scranton
The University of Scranton will help students develop the analytical skills to understand cybercrime to inform policymakers and the public.
They learn about the impact on national security and how technology relates to different aspects of homeland security. They will graduate with a BS in Cybercrime and Homeland Security Major for enrollment in this program.
17. York College Pennsylvania
In York College’s Cybersecurity Management program, students will combine their understanding of technology with skills in strategic communication and management.
Their students will also develop insight into the origins of cyber threats as they pursue one of four specializations: strategy, operational security, intelligence analysis, or criminal justice by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management.
18. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
The West Chester University Computer Science Department, within the College of Sciences and Mathematics, provides access, through education and state-of-the-art technology, to the ever-growing professional opportunities available in the field of Computer Science.
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania is one of the top-ranked Universities in Pennsylvania that offers both Graduate Computer Security Certificates and Undergraduate Computer Security Certificates.
How much does a Cyber Security Analyst make in Pennsylvania?
ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $130,965 and as low as $37,226, the majority of Cyber Security Analyst salaries currently range between $73,107 (25th percentile) to $104,502 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $121,097 annually in Pennsylvania.
The average pay range for a Cyber Security Analyst varies greatly (as much as $31,395), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
What are the Best Paying Related Cyber Security Analyst Jobs in Pennsylvania
According to ZipRecruiter, it found at least 5 jobs related to the Cyber Security Analyst job category that pay more per year than a typical Cyber Security Analyst Salary in Pennsylvania.
Top examples of these roles include Senior Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Manager, and Senior Cyber Security Consultant.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is a great place to earn a cyber security degree because of its proximity to business and government centers in need of tech professionals. while cybersecurity schools prepare students with the fundamental skills needed to be part of the tech growth in the state.
