Cybersecurity Degrees and Careers Florida Guide

Florida International University

The Florida International University, ranked by the Florida Board of Governors as the second-best college in Florida, offers a wide variety of computer-based bachelor's degree programs. With approximately 10 degrees to choose from in computer-based industries, you’re sure to find one that dovetails with your career goals. The university also offers a master’s degree program as well as a PhD program.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences - Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance - Master’s Degree
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst – Master’s Degree
Information Technology - Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

Tuition Cost

In-District: $6,556
In-State: $6,546
Out-of-State: $18,954
Average Net Price: $9,180
College Retention Rate: 90% (Full-time Students); 87% (Part-time Students)

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers strong programs in the areas of computer science. Whether you want to get a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or go all the way for a PhD, you can do so here. Established in 1964, it currently has eight campuses that are located in Florida and Puerto Rico. The school offers both online and classroom courses, allowing you to design an educational schedule that fits your lifestyle and obligations.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Master’s, Doctoral Degrees & Postgraduate Certificates
Computer Science – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration – Postgraduate Certificate
Information Science/Studies – Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
Information Technology – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

Tuition Cost

In-State: $30,900
Average Net Price: $25,867
College Retention Rate: 79% (Full-time Students); 50% (Part-time Students)

University of South Florida – Main Campus

The University of South Florida is known worldwide as a public research university. Established in 1956, this large university offers an array of cyber security programs for its students. In 2018, more than 41,000 students were enrolled at USF's main campus in Tampa, Florida. You can obtain your bachelor's degree, master’s or PhD, in computer science with a cyber security concentration from this university.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree
Computer Science – Master’s Degree
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst – Master’s Degree
Information Science/Studies – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
Information Technology – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

Tuition Cost

In-State: $6,410
Out-of-State: $17,324
Average Net Price: $10,460
College Retention Rate: 91% (Full-time Students); 72% (Part-time Students)

St Leo University

With 13 campuses in Florida, St. Leo University is easily accessible to most Florida residents. If you would prefer to reside elsewhere but still attend, the university also offers online coursework. The school year consists of 8-week academic terms, with six different start dates each school year. Internet courses, video conferences, or in classroom settings are all a possibility.

When it is time for a master’s degree in cyber security from Saint Leo you will choose either the online or the traditional, on campus option. Traditional program takes two years of a structured curriculum sequence for six consecutive semesters. The online program is adjusted to provide you the same classes but allows you to begin the sequence in any semester and move forward.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
Computer Science – Bachelor’s Degree
Information Technology – Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees

Tuition Cost

In-State: $23,020
Average Net Price: $20,036
College Retention Rate: 72%

University of Florida

The University of Florida is home to the Florida Institute of Cyber Security Research, which offers a certificate program in cyber security. There are both online and classroom programs to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science. The computer science bachelor's degree takes one of two paths. You can choose the degree that has a heavy engineering component (CSE) or the path that combines computer science with liberal arts curriculum (CSE).

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
Computer System Analysis/Analyst – Master’s Degree
Informatics – Doctoral Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $6,381
Out-of-State: $28,659
Average Net Price: $11,313
College Retention Rate: 91% (Full-time Students); 81%(Part-time Students)

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is in Boca Raton but also has satellite campuses in five cities. While it is well known for its oceanography programs, this university also boasts a strong computer sciences area. As with other universities in the Florida state, FAU offers a full bachelor's degree program both online and in the traditional classroom setting.

Programs Offered:

Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificates
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Undergraduate Certificate
Information Science/Studies – Undergraduate Certificate
Information Technology – Master’s Degree

Tuition Cost

In-State: $4,831
Out-of-State: $17,276
Average Net Price: $9,486
College Retention Rate: 82% (Full-time Students); 78% (Part-time Students)

St Petersburg College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $2,682
Out-of-State: $9,286
Average Net Price: $3,477

Valencia College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $2,444
Out-of-State: $9,383
Average Net Price: $4,892

Palm Beach State College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $2,444
Out-of-State: $8,732
Average Net Price: $3,064

CyberCorps National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service

Amount: $7,500
Deadline: Open Enrollment
Link: https://apply.scholarsapply.org/barrygoldwater/
This scholarship will provide up to the listed amount each year for your sophomore, junior and senior year. Funds can be used for room and board, tuition, books, and fees.

CyberCorps National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service Program

Amount: $22,500 (Undergraduates); $34,000 (Graduates)
Deadline: Open Enrollment
Link: http://fics.institute.ufl.edu/nsf-cybercorps-sfs/
If you are awarded this scholarship, your entire tuition will be paid for. There are also stipends available for books, fees, room and board.

SWISS (Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security)

Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: February 1
Link: https://cra.org/cra-wp/scholarships-and-awards/scholarships/swsis/
If you are a woman interested in pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree in information security, this scholarship can help pay for your education.

John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $20,000
Deadline: February 24
Link: http://floridacommunity.com/scholarships/
Computer science is listed among the required degrees being sought to get this scholarship. You must have graduated from high school in either Charlotte, Hendry, or Lee County Florida.

Department of Defense Scholarship Program

Amount: $25,000 (Undergraduates); $30,000 (Graduate Students)
Deadline: February 18
Link: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/information/programs/graduate-programs/ms-in-intelligence-studies/dodcysp.aspx
To apply for this scholarship, you must be a junior or senior undergraduate. You must also agree to work for one year for the Department of Defense if you receive this scholarship. It will pay for tuition, fees, books, and provide stipends for living expenses.