Cybersecurity Degrees and Careers New York Guide

Learn About Studying Cyber Security in New York, Requirements and Job Growth Careers Guide

We all know how convenient it is to take a picture of a check and deposit it into our checking accounts and pay bills with one click of the mouse. But those modern time-savers don’t come without risk. Every time a person inputs their credit card number or saves their bank account information, there’s a chance that an unscrupulous person will intercept this information and use it to their advantage. In order to combat this threat, the field of cyber security was born. These people are on the front lines making sure our data remains safe and that the programs we’ve learned to count on work correctly. If being part of this solution interests you and you want to do this in New York, keep reading for some valuable information.

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Why an Advanced Degree in New York is Needed

New York, both state and city, is a high tech area. As such, businesses and organizations in the area are often targets for would-be cyber-criminals. From hacking into financial files of stock brokers and financial planners, to learning the credit card information of millions of credit card users, having experienced and well-educated cyber security workers is a necessity. Experience will get you far, but many companies in New York require their cyber security professionals to have an education, and in many cases that includes an advanced degree. So, if you plan to work in New York in the cyber security field, plan to get at least a bachelor’s degree, if not more.

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New York Cyber Security Education Degrees & Requirements

There are several education levels cyber security students can pursue, starting with a certificate or associate degree and culminating in a doctorate degree.

Requirements vary by school, and in some cases program, but these are the general requirements for admission into most schools and/or programs:

  • Completed application and fee (if required)
  • For undergrad programs, ACT or SAT scores - For graduate degree programs, GRE or GMAT scores
  • Official transcripts for all schools attended
  • For graduate programs, letters of intent, a resume, and three references

Associate’s Degree

An associate degree is also referred to as a two-year degree. They are conferred from schools that offer two-year programs. Many universities offer two-year degrees, but there are also technical colleges and community colleges that have more of a focus on two-year degrees and certificates. Provided the school is regionally accredited, classes taken at these schools will transfer to other programs, so if you wanted to pursue a four-year degree after your associate, you would only need to complete the last two years instead of going all four years.

Some of the classes included in a two-year program for cyber security might include:

  • Intro to Cyber Security
  • Computer Programming, I
  • Statistics
  • Telecommunications, I

Bachelor’s Degree

If you work in cyber security, you will be required to complete certain certifications depending on your field of expertise. Most of these certifications require a four-year degree and some work experience for you to even sit for the exam. Also, some cyber security programs are only available as four-year degrees.

Some classes offered at the four-year degree level are:

  • Virtual Data Management
  • Data Security
  • Systems Administration

Master’s Degree

Once you reach the graduate level, the programs become more specific and tailored to specific needs. Your courses are more likely to focus on management and supervisory training and courses specific to a certain type of cyber security such as analysis, forensics, architecture, etc. There is also typically some sort of project graduate students must complete under the guidance of at least one faculty member.

Certifications in New York

Certifications can occur at any educational level. There are certificates that can be completed before a two-year degree, certifications that can be completed after the bachelor’s degree level, and others that exist at the postgraduate or doctorate level. You can use these to transfer from an Information Technology position into cyber security or, if you have some entry-level experience but a lack of formal training, they can help you to earn promotions and move up in your current cyber security role or position.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Getting a degree is a time and financial commitment, so students should strive to get the most for their money and effort. When choosing a school and a program, one of the most important factors to think about is the level of respect other schools and potential employers have for the program your considering. Accreditation is a process that a school can use to show that the education they’re offering is top-notch. However, there are several types of accreditation, and some are more recognized and better thought of than others. If you plan to use financial aid, especially federal grants or loans, you’ll want to choose a school that holds regional accreditation. This level of accreditation means that you can get Pell Grants and student loans. Also, certain certifications require the applicant have a degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Another level of accreditation that applies specifically to cyber security programs is Centers in Academic Excellence. CAE accreditation is bestowed on schools that have passed the rigorous qualifications set up by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. This accreditation will allow you to find employment in these critical government agencies, who are the two largest employers of cyber security professionals. There are many schools that hold this accreditation throughout the United States, several of which are in New York. So, if you want to best start for your cyber security career, you should consider one of these schools when choosing where you pursue your education.

CAE Accredited Programs in New York

  • Excelsior College
    CAE-CD / 2019-2024
  • Fordham University
    CAE-CD / 2017-2022
  • Mercy College
    CAE-CD / 2014-2020
  • Mohawk Valley Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2016-2021
  • New York Institute of Technology
    CAE-CD / 2016-2021
  • New York University
    CAE-R / 2014-2021
  • Pace University
    CAE-CD / 2017-2022
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
    CAE-R / 2017-2022
  • Rockland Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2017-2022
  • Syracuse University
    CAE/CD / 2014-2021
    CAE-R / 2014-2021
  • University at Albany, the State University of New York
    CAE-CD / 2018-2023
    CAE-R / 2017-2022
  • University at Buffalo, the State University of New York
    CAE-CD / 2014-2021
    CAE-R / 2014-2021
  • Utica College
    CAE-CD / 2019-2024
  • Utica College – MS Cybersecurity
    CAE-CD / 2019-2024
  • Westchester Community College
    CAE-2Y / 2019-2024

Computer Science & IT Programs in New York

  • Pace University

    Located in New York City, Pace University offers its students several programs in cyber security. Two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees in Information Technology, Computer Systems Analysis, and Computer and Information Sciences are available to the school’s 13,000+ students. While in class, students can interact with other students while still communicating with the faculty thanks to the 14:1 student to faculty ratio.

    Programs Offered:

    Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s & Doctorate Degrees
    Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificates
    Computer Programming/Programmer – Undergraduate Certificate
    Computer Science – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate Degrees, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificates
    Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
    Information Science/Studies – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Certificates
    Information Technology – Postgraduate Certificate
    Information Technology Project Management – Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $45,280
    Average Net Price: $31,923
    College Retention Rate: Full-time: 79% (Full-time Students); 78% (Part-time Students)

  • New York University

    With over 50,000 students, NYC’s New York University has a lot to offer its students. As large as the student population is, the 4-year private university has a student to faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Students can receive undergraduate and postgraduate certificates as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

    Programs Offered:

    Computer and Information Sciences - Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
    Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance - Master’s Degree & Postgraduate Certificate
    Computer Science - Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
    Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management – Associate, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
    Informatics – Master’s Degree & Postgraduate Certificate
    Information Science/Studies – Master’s Degree
    Information Technology – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
    Information Technology Project Management – Master’s Degree

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $51,828
    Average Net Price: $39,935
    College Retention Rate: 94% (Full-time Students); 61% (Part-time Students)

  • Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester Institute of Technology is located in Rochester, New York. The private school offers certificate programs as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees to its 16,000 students. The school offers several programs in the cyber security field, and with a small student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, there are plenty of students to learn with while communicating effectively with your instructors.

    Programs Offered:

    Computer and Information Sciences - Associate & Doctorate Degrees
    Computer and Information Systems Security /Information Assurance - Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
    Computer Programming – Bachelor’s Degree
    Computer Science - Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
    Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration – Postgraduate Certificate
    Informatics – Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
    Information Science/Studies – Master’s Degree
    Information Technology - Bachelor’s Degree

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $42,345
    Average Net Price: $31,798
    College Retention Rate: 89% (Full-time Students); 100% (Part-time Students)

  • University at Buffalo

    SUNY Buffalo offers dozens of programs to its student population of just over 31,000. Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees can be obtained from this public 4-year school.

    Programs Offered:

    Computer and Information Science - Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
    Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance - Postgraduate Certificate
    Computer Science - Bachelor’s Degree & Undergraduate Certificate
    Informatics – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
    Information Science/Studies - Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $10,099
    Out-of-State: $27,769
    Average Net Price: $15,895
    College Retention Rate: 87% (Full-time Students); 56% (Part-time Students)

  • Long Island University

    Long Island University offers its 15,000 students a variety of educational options. From certificate programs through doctorate degrees students can receive a well-rounded education taught by talented instructors. The school has a low student to faculty ratio of 13:1, so students will have plenty of chances to interact with their teachers, while still experiencing healthy engagement with other students.

    Programs Offered:

    Computer and Information Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
    Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance – Postgraduate Certificates
    Computer Programming/Programmer – Postgraduate Certificate
    Computer Science – Bachelor's Degree
    Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
    Information Science/Studies – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
    Information Technology – Bachelor’s Degree
    Information Technology Project Management – Master’s Degree

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $37,763
    Average Net Price: $24,266
    College Retention Rate: 74% (Full-time Students); 43% (Part-Time Students)

New York Colleges Offering Certificates and Associate Degrees

The following schools offer students 1 and 2-year certificates as well as associate degrees in computer and/or information sciences.

  • Rockland Community College

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $5,182
    Out-of-State: $9,928
    Average Net Price: $9,763
    College Retention Rate: 66% (Full-time Students); 50% (Part-time Students)

  • SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $8,570
    Out-of-State: $15,395
    Average Net Price: $15,319
    College Retention Rate: 69%

  • Onondaga Community College

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $5,484
    Out-of-State: $10,384
    Average Net Price: $6,992
    College Retention Rate: 54% (Full-time Students); 31% (Part-time Students)

  • ASA College

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $12,920
    Average Net Price: $26,401
    College Retention Rate: 38% (Full-time Students); 35% (Part-time Students)

  • Mohawk Valley Community College

    Tuition Cost

    In-State: $5,266
    Out-of-State: $9,636
    Average Net Price: $7,173
    College Retention Rate: 57% (Full-time Students); 41% (Part-time Students)

Scholarships

  • Edwin J Beinecke Scholarship/Pace University

    Amount: Varies
    Deadline: July 2020
    Link: https://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/scholarships

    To qualify:

    • Must be an undergraduate or graduate student in Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
    • Must be a US citizen
    • Must have a 3.0 GPA

  • Lydia Kess Scholarship/Pace University

    Amount: Varies
    Deadline: July 1
    Link: http://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/current-students/scholarships

    To qualify:

    • Must be an undergraduate or graduate student in Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
    • Must be a US citizen
    • Must have a 3.0 GPA
    • Must demonstrate financial need

  • Electronic Security Association Youth Scholarship

    Amount: $2,500 - $7,500
    Deadline: TBD
    Link: https://esaweb.org/Programs/Youth-Scholarship

    To qualify:

    • Must be between the ages of 15 – 20
    • Must be a graduating high school senior
    • Must be accepted to college/university undergraduate degree program
    • Must be committed to working in the security/safety industry (includes cyber security)
    • Must be the son or daughter of an active public safety employee
    • Must live in one of the states that has local ESA charters (as of 2017, this includes AZ, CA, NY, NC, CT, PA, FL, TN, GA, UT, IN, VA, LA, WA, NV (Clark County only), WI, NJ
    • Must submit an essay

  • Christine Mastrangelo Memorial Scholarship/SUNY Westchester Community College

    Amount: Varies
    Deadline: TBD
    Link: https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/finaid/

    To qualify:

    • Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer and Information Systems at SUNY Westchester Community College
    • Must have outstanding academic records

  • Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal and Scholarship Program

    Amount: $7,000/year
    Deadline: May 15
    Link: https://www.rit.edu/marketing/sites/rit.edu.marketing/files/docs/pdfs/High_School_Awards.pdf

    To qualify:

    • Must be a high school junior in the top 10% of the class
    • Must be accepted into a baccalaureate level computer program at Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Must enroll at RIT full-time in the fall after high school graduation

Conferences and Workshops

Infosecurity ISACA North America Expo and Conference

This conference is considered one of the largest dealing with cyber security, this gathering provides participants with the latest information about cyber security practices. Hosted by ISACA and Infosecurity North America

Link: https://www.infosecuritynorthamerica.com/?ref=infosec-conferences.com

Securing New Ground

Specially selected topics and speakers to provide information and guidance in the areas and trends in artificial intelligence, home automation, and other security areas. The conference is sponsored by The Security Industry Administration.

Link: https://sng.securityindustry.org/?ref=infosec-conferences.com

New York Metro Joint Cyber Security Conference & Workshop

This is a conference for those who want to learn about various aspects of information security and technology. Partners include ISACA, ISC2, HTCIA, ISOC, and CSA.

Link: http://www.nymjcsc.org/?ref=infosec-conferences.com

New York Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

There are quite a few people working in computer-related occupations in the state of New York. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, many more workers in the field will be needed in the future. Job growth in this field between 2018 and 2028 is expected to be a robust 32%, so if any of the positions in this industry interest you, this may be a good time to get started. Below we’ve outlined some of the most popular and well-paying jobs in cyber security in the state.

  • Information Security Analysts

    This position requires workers to examine the information flow to and from the computer system and look for flaws in the programming and system flow process.

    Number of Workers: 6,930

    Average Salary: $122,400

  • Software Developers - Application

    These workers develop software apps for use on computer and mobile computing devices.

    Number of Workers: 640

    Average Salary: $116,830

  • Software Developers - Systems Software

    These professionals develop systems software for computers and mainframe systems.

    Number of Workers: 19,690

    Average Salary: $115,120

  • Computer System Analyst

    Those working in this field examine computer systems and look for flaws in the programming and weaknesses where a hacker could get in.

    Number of Workers: 44,030

    Average Salary: $106,320

  • Database Administrators

    Database Admins build, review, and maintain databases for companies. They also look for flaws and weaknesses in other databases to minimize the possibility of threats.

    Number of Workers: 7,100

    Average Salary: $99,000

  • Network and Computer System Administrators

    These administrators analyze computer systems and make sure they run as efficiently as possible. They also screen for threats from cyber-attacks and look for flaws in the system.

    Number of Workers: 25,940

    Average Salary: $94,940

  • Computer Programmers

    Programmers write code for computers and other electronic devices.

    Number of Workers: 15,380

    Average Salary: $91,250

Resources

Sources:

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