In a cybersecurity program, you will learn how to protect computers, networks, and data from online threats. This involves understanding how hackers operate and spotting signs of potential attacks. You will also learn strategies for responding to attacks and preventing future breaches. Hands-on training is a big part of the program, giving you practical experience to defend real-world systems and networks. Cybersecurity programs prepare you to maintain a secure online environment.
In New York, cybersecurity programs cater to students with different career goals. Schools like NYU and Columbia offer well-respected programs with strong industry connections. Students studying cybersecurity also benefit from research opportunities and engagement with the cybersecurity community.
If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, choosing a college that provides excellent education is important as this can significantly affect your chances of finding employment. In this article, we will provide a compilation of the best colleges for cybersecurity programs in New York to assist you in making the best choice.
Best Colleges for Cybersecurity in New York
Top colleges for Cyber security in New York
1. Rochester Institute of Technology
Established in 1829 and situated in Rochester, New York, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is renowned for its inventive curriculum and dedication to technology. RIT provides a selection of academic offerings, spanning engineering, computing, business, design, and the arts.
RIT’s online Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity acquaints students with essential cybersecurity principles, covering topics such as network and system security, as well as risk management.
Tuition fees are calculated per credit hour, with each credit priced between $1,291 and $1,305.
2. Utica University
Established in 1946 and situated in Utica, New York, Utica University is acknowledged for its dedication to delivering top-notch education and cultivating an encouraging atmosphere for learning. Offering a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, including healthcare, business, cybersecurity, engineering, and liberal arts, Utica University caters to diverse educational interests.
One of Utica University’s offerings is an online Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity, which specializes in cyber operations, digital forensics, and incident response. Priced at $475 per credit hour, with additional fees, the program provides students with expertise in areas such as network security and vulnerability assessments.
3. Syracuse University
Established in 1870 and situated in Syracuse, New York, Syracuse University is celebrated for its extensive academic legacy and dedication to fostering innovation and creativity. Offering a wide array of academic programs spanning disciplines such as business, engineering, communications, arts and sciences, and more, Syracuse University provides students with diverse educational opportunities.
One unique program offered by Syracuse University is its Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in cybersecurity administration, a comprehensive 120-credit hour program. Tuition fees are calculated on a per-credit-hour basis, ensuring flexibility and affordability for students.
Endorsed by the National Security Agency (NSA), the program equips students with vital skills in managing technologies for safeguarding information systems and infrastructures.
4. Excelsior College
Founded in 1971, Excelsior College is a distinguished institution located in Albany, New York. Renowned for its dedication to providing adaptable and accessible education, Excelsior College offers a broad spectrum of academic programs tailored to suit the needs of adult learners.
Among its offerings is the comprehensive online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program, consisting of 120 credit hours and designed to be completed in a minimum of 18 months. Priced at $715 per credit hour, the program provides students with essential skills in areas such as network security, vulnerability assessments, and cybercrime investigation.
Excelsior College’s cybersecurity program is structured to prepare students for success in the dynamic field of cybersecurity, offering practical knowledge and hands-on experiences to navigate various challenges in the digital landscape.
5. Mercy College
Mercy College, founded in 1950, is located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, with additional campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Yorktown Heights. Recognized for its dedication to providing accessible and quality education, Mercy College offers a range of academic programs across various fields, including business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and more.
One notable program offered by Mercy College is its online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. This program, consisting of 120 credit hours, prepares students for careers in cybersecurity by providing them with essential skills in areas such as network security, digital forensics, and risk management.
Tuition fees at Mercy College vary depending on factors such as the program of study and student residency status. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to eligible students to help offset the cost of tuition and make education more accessible.
6. Hilbert College
Established in 1957, Hilbert College is a private Franciscan institution situated in Hamburg, New York. Renowned for its intimate class settings and individualized student support, Hilbert College offers an array of academic programs spanning liberal arts, business, criminal justice, and health sciences.
Hilbert College presents a robust online Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity, designed to equip students with the skills necessary to combat prevalent cybersecurity threats in today’s digital realm. With a curriculum comprising 120 credit hours, students can typically complete the program in around four years, although accelerated options allow for graduation in as little as 18 months.
Priced at $450 per credit hour, the program’s annual tuition cost is approximately $13,500 for full-time students following the traditional four-year trajectory.
7. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
SUNY College of Technology at Canton also referred to as SUNY Canton, was founded in 1906 and is located in Canton, New York. It is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
SUNY Canton offers an online Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity tailored primarily for working professionals and transfer students with a background in computer science, networking, and security.
This program, recognized with the esteemed NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, enables students to complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as four semesters, requiring a total of 123 credit hours.
8. New York University
New York University (NYU) is a distinguished private research institution in New York City. Founded in 1831, NYU stands as one of the largest private universities in the nation, celebrated for its academic distinction, inclusive student population, and lively campus atmosphere.
NYU presents an innovative program in partnership with NYU Law and NYU Tandon Engineering, tailored for individuals working in government, technology, and business.
This unique program offers a flexible format, combining low-residency sessions with online learning, allowing participants to complete their studies in just 12 months.
9. SUNY Brockport
The State University of New York College at Brockport, commonly known as SUNY Brockport, is a public liberal arts college in Brockport, New York. Founded in 1835, SUNY Brockport is part of the larger State University of New York (SUNY) system and provides an array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various academic disciplines.
Located in Brockport, NY, SUNY Brockport is recognized as a notable institution, achieving the 8th position in the ranking for Best Online Master’s in Biology and the 11th position for Best Online Colleges in New York in 2023.
The college offers two prominent online cybersecurity programs: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in cybersecurity operations management and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in cybersecurity.
The BBA program entails the completion of 120 credits within a four-year timeframe.
The BS program, which offers concentrations in cyber operations, cybercrime and fraud investigation, information assurance, and network forensics and intrusion investigation, can be finished in four to five years, also requiring 120 credits for completion.
10. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, for-profit Christian institution situated in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1949, GCU has expanded to become one of the largest universities in the nation, renowned for its dedication to delivering top-tier education within a Christian-oriented setting.
GCU extends its courses nationwide, making its online programs accessible to residents of New York. Among its offerings is the online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program.
This online program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, with courses typically spanning seven weeks and a tuition rate of $485 per credit.
Embracing GCU’s Christian worldview, the program emphasizes professional and ethical principles within the cybersecurity field.
What To Expect From A Cybersecurity Degree Program
A cybersecurity degree program covers a range of topics related to protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Here’s what you can generally expect from such a program:
- Core Concepts: You will learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including principles of cryptography, network security, information assurance, and risk management.
- Technical Skills: Expect to gain hands-on experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies. This might involve learning how to configure firewalls, use intrusion detection systems, conduct vulnerability assessments, and perform penetration testing.
- Programming: Many programs include coursework in programming languages commonly used in cybersecurity, such as Python, and C/C++, and scripting languages like Bash and PowerShell. Understanding programming is necessary for tasks like writing security scripts, analyzing malware, and developing secure software.
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: You will likely learn about ethical hacking, learning how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This knowledge helps you understand how attackers operate and how to defend against them effectively.
- Security Policies and Compliance: You will study the legal and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity, including compliance frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Understanding these regulations is essential for ensuring that organizations meet legal requirements and protect sensitive data.
- Cyber Defense Strategies: Expect to learn about different strategies and techniques for defending against cyber threats, including incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
- Cybersecurity Management: As you progress, you may explore topics related to cybersecurity governance, risk management, and strategic planning. This includes understanding how to assess and mitigate risks, develop security policies, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Specializations: Some programs offer specializations or elective courses in areas like digital forensics, cloud security, secure software development, or industrial control systems security. These allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
- Real-World Projects and Internships: Many programs incorporate real-world projects or internships to give you practical experience and exposure to industry practices. These experiences can be invaluable for building your skills and networking with professionals in the field.
A cybersecurity degree program will provide you with a solid foundation in both the technical and non-technical aspects of cybersecurity, preparing you for a variety of roles in this dynamic and critical field.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Cost?
- Public Universities (In-State): If you go to a public university in your state, it might cost around $10,000 to $20,000 per year for tuition and fees.
- Public Universities (Out-of-State): Going to a public university in another state could be more expensive, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per year.
- Private Universities: Private universities tend to cost more, with tuition and fees ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 or higher each year.
- Online Programs: If you choose to study online, the cost could be anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
Remember that these are rough estimates, and actual costs depend on factors such as location, program reputation, and financial aid availability.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity?
A Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity can lead to quite several rewarding career paths including the following:-
- Cybersecurity Analyst: As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll be responsible for monitoring computer systems and networks for security breaches, investigating security incidents, and implementing security measures to protect an organization’s data and information assets.
- Security Consultant: Security consultants work with organizations to assess their security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. They may also guide regulatory compliance and best practices in cybersecurity.
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, are hired by organizations to assess the security of their systems by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled manner. They help identify weaknesses that malicious hackers could exploit and recommend remediation measures.
- Security Engineer: Security engineers design, implement, and maintain security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. They collaborate with other IT professionals to integrate security measures into the organization’s infrastructure and applications.
- Incident Responder: Incident responders are tasked with investigating security incidents, such as data breaches or cyberattacks, and coordinating the organization’s response efforts. They play a critical role in mitigating the impact of security incidents and restoring normal operations.
- Security Administrator: Security administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining security systems and tools, such as antivirus software, access controls, and authentication mechanisms. They configure security settings, monitor system logs, and respond to security incidents.
- Cybersecurity Policy Analyst: Policy analysts focus on developing and implementing cybersecurity policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. They may also conduct risk assessments and recommend security controls.
- Cybersecurity Educator/Trainer: With additional training or certifications, you could pursue a career in cybersecurity education, teaching aspiring cybersecurity professionals or conducting security awareness training for employees within organizations.
These are just a few examples of the many career paths available in cybersecurity. As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, you may also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as cloud security, IoT security, or digital forensics.
How long does a cybersecurity degree take?
How long it takes to finish a cybersecurity degree can differ based on factors like the program type, degree level, and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Here’s a basic summary:-
- Associate’s Degree: It takes about 2 years of full-time study.
- Bachelor’s Degree: It takes around 4 years of full-time study.
- Master’s Degree: It usually takes 1 to 2 years after getting a bachelor’s degree.
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): It can take 3 to 7 years or more after a master’s degree.
Remember, these are just rough estimates, and the time it takes to finish a cybersecurity degree can differ based on individual factors like how many courses you take, what classes you need to finish first, and the rules of your program. Also, some programs might let you speed things up or count credits from other courses, which could change how long it takes you to graduate.