15 Best Cybersecurity Schools In The World | Rankings

The more technology soars, the more vulnerable we are to cybercrimes. If you’ve ever lost money or vital information to hackers, you will better appreciate cybersecurity experts.

Now, to become a cybersecurity expert in 2024, you must attend one of the best cybersecurity schools and colleges in the world, offering some of the best cybersecurity programs and degrees.

Cybersecurity specialists or information security analysts are very much essential in today’s world. Governments, businesses, and even individuals secure their advantage against others with data and information.

Losing these would be fatal to them and (maybe) their reputation. Hence, there is a need for experts who would protect the information of businesses, governments, and individuals.

So, in this post, you will see how to become a cybersecurity specialist. You will discover the best cybersecurity schools and colleges in the world in 2024 where you can get a quality cybersecurity degree program. But before this discovery, let’s remind ourselves what cybersecurity is and how important it is.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is coined from cyber – relating to the use of the internet and computers – and security. Hence, you can explain without consulting an academic definition that cybersecurity protects your internet activities and information from cyber thieves.

In a more professional sense, cybersecurity involves protecting computers, mobile devices, servers, electronic systems, networks, and data from dangerous attacks.

You will see or hear people refer to cybersecurity as information technology security or electronic information security. They both mean the same thing.

Because of the broad reach of contexts for which you can apply cybersecurity, cybersecurity has the following categories:

• Network security, which involves securing your computers from attackers and malware;
• Application security, which concentrates on protecting software and devices from cyber threats;
• Information security, which involves safeguard your data integrity and privacy while it is stored or being transferred;
• Disaster recovery and business continuity concerning organizational response to cybersecurity accidents that leads to loss of operations or data;
• Operational security, which takes care of the handling and protection of data assets; and
• End-user education focuses on how individuals protect their devices from malicious attacks.

Students in the IT field should know the Best & Highest Paying IT Careers in the World

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

Cybersecurity is the security component of IT and we know how IT has taken over the world.

Most of the things that matter to us, we store as data and information in electronic and computer devices, which are not safe where they are. Yet, we want to keep this information safe.

The damage that can happen to us when we lose our vital information to cyber thieves can destabilize us.

Emotional, psychological, and financial, the damage runs deep. For this reason, the 2018 Garner Reports estimates that global enterprises will spend above $124 billion on cybersecurity in 2019.

Also, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) further puts us at greater risk of losing personal information. IoT devices are unmanaged and unprotected, making them susceptible to malicious attacks. Since these devices have no built-in security, it is the target of cybercriminals.

The most important reason we should never joke with cybersecurity is the readily available number of cybercriminals.

While businesses are busy growing their global presence and making profits, hackers are looking for loopholes in the system to hit them and make money too.

According to Cybersecurityventures.com, the cost of cybercrime in the world will rise to $6 trillion a year by 2024.

What Jobs are Available in the Cybersecurity Field?

There is no shortage of jobs for a cybersecurity professional. Still, so you know you can’t be stranded looking for what to do with a cybersecurity degree, here are some jobs you can take as a cybersecurity expert.

• Security generalist – can perform any job role in the cybersecurity field but works in small companies.
• Network security engineer – works in large companies and manages the security of their company’s network hardware and software, including firewalls, routers, and VPNs.
• Cloud security engineer – specifically provides security for cloud-based platforms.
• Application security – uses a mix of hardware and software skills to protect applications from threats.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) engineer – focuses on digital identities and accesses the rights within an organization so that employees get correct system access. They also prevent unauthorized use.
• Security architecture – they design, build, and manage network and computer security implementation for companies.
• Penetration tester – A legal hacker who hacks into software, systems, etc., in order to identify security vulnerabilities and receives payment for this.
• Malware/forensics analyst – Digs into malware to find out its origin, harm potential, and other malware features.
• Incident response analyst – Responds to any security breach and quickly addresses threats to discover and reduce the damage.
• Cryptographer – Constantly find ways to encrypt sensitive information to ensure the privacy of individuals and corporate organizations.
• Security trainer – trains the company’s staff in security best practices.
• Security auditor – reports on the effectiveness of a security system and suggests ways to improve it.

You should also see What Does A Forensic Computer Analyst Do – Career Information, Salaries, Skillset

What is the Salary of Cybersecurity Specialists?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has no salary data for Cybersecurity specialists because Cybersecurity is a vast field. Cybersecurity specialist is one of the many career paths available in the field.

However, BLS provides data for Information Security Analysts, one of the career paths you can choose from graduating with a degree in cybersecurity.

According to BLS, Information Security Analysts earn an average of $98,350 per year and the job demand for these experts will rise by 32% from 2018 to 2028.

While there were 112,300 available jobs for Information Security Analysts in 2018, there will be an additional 35,500 job openings for these experts between 2018 and 2028.

Meanwhile, Glassdoor estimates an average yearly salary of $79,896 for Cybersecurity Specialists. This salary either gets higher or slightly lower based on the company you work for.

Cybersecurity specialists at Honeywell will earn $105,394 per year, while Cybersecurity Specialists at Cisco Systems will make $73,469 yearly.

How Can I Become a Cyber Security Specialist?

Cybersecurity experts will always be in high demand, so if you’ve been contemplating between cybersecurity and some other career, it is time to choose.

If you’ve chosen to become a cybersecurity professional, here are the steps you have to take:

Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Top-class cybersecurity professionals start working with a bachelor’s degree. Although some jobs in the field will take you if you have an associate’s degree in cybersecurity, they are painfully few.

Hence, you will do well to apply for a good bachelor’s degree program at a cybersecurity school.

A bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity will include coursework in programming, statistics, and classes in ethics and computer forensics.

Take Advanced Training

Although not compulsorily necessary, many employers will require you to have an advanced degree, like a master’s degree, in cybersecurity before landing you a job. Some other employers may even assist you with tuition aid to complete the program.

Meanwhile, a Master’s degree program in cybersecurity will take you one to two years to complete and you will learn ethics, practices m policies of cybersecurity and methods to tackle network security defense techniques.

Pass Security Clearances Where Necessary

Mostly, security clearances are necessary for cybersecurity jobs at military or government agencies.

Several agencies offer cybersecurity applicants both personnel and facility security clearances; however, the Department of Defense issues most of the security clearances.

Each type of clearance has its procedures and paperwork, and it takes three months to a year to complete.

These security clearances do not begin until an employer decides to hire you. Hence, you will receive a conditional offer of employment before embarking on the security clearance.

What Are the Best Cybersecurity Schools in the World?

If you’re a high school graduate who is interested in a career in cybersecurity, you will be needing a cybersecurity school for a bachelor’s degree program.

On the other hand, if you are already a cybersecurity specialist, you’ll probably be needing a school for a master’s degree.

Whichever your educational need is, nothing beats attending one of the best schools in the world. You’ll get a quality education, make strong and useful networks, and become easily employable.

So, in this section, you’ll find the best schools in the world where you can get a quality cybersecurity education.

Ranking the best schools in the world offering cybersecurity programs is difficult. You can’t really point out that a school is better than the other as one school may have better features another doesn’t have.

However, to agree with schools stand out as best, we ranked them based on several factors.

These factors include:

• Number of Programs. The best cybersecurity schools you’ll find here offer an assortment of programs with at least one being a bachelor’s or master’s program.
• Specialization. Because we are keen on cybersecurity as a college program, we will rank schools offering specialized cybersecurity programs over those offering computer science or engineering.
• Employability. How employable you become matters a lot, so schools with a higher employability index will rank higher
• Scholarships. We understand that it is not easy to foot education bills, which is why we consider schools with more scholarship opportunities for cybersecurity students.

Blending these factors, we will then rank the best cybersecurity schools in the world in alphabetic order.

#1. California State University, San Bernardino – USA

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a public college in San Bernardino, California. It began in 1965, has over 20,000 students, and offers quality undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Well, its Cybersecurity Center, CSUSB offers some of the best degree programs in cybersecurity in the USA and the world.

As proof of this, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security 2008 designated this US college as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance.

In addition to its wide array of scholarships, CSUSB offers scholarships specific to cybersecurity students.

These are the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service and the DoD CySP Scholarship Program. These scholarships help cybersecurity students at CSUSB stay free from college debt.

Program List

• B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Cybersecurity Option
• B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Intelligence Option
• B.A. Criminal Justice – Crime Analysis, Technical Proficiency Cybersecurity
• Master of Science, Information Systems Technology (Pending Chancellor’s Office Approval)
• MBA – Cyber Security Focus
• Master of Public Administration with Cyber Security Concentration
• Master of Science, National Cybersecurity Studies
• Cyber Security Certificate

#2. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh – USA

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a USA university that began as a private university in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1900. CMU has over 13,500 students, offering quality undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Through its Carnegie Mellon University Security and Privacy Institute (CyLab), CMU offers some of the best cybersecurity degree programs in both the USA and the world.

This is evident in CyLab researchers publishing over 400 security and privacy research studies in the last five years.

Cybersecurity students at Carnegie Mellon University take the Scholarship for Service programs to assist in funding their education at CMU.

Program List

• Master’s in Information Security and Assurance
• Master’s in Information Security
• Kobe Master of Science in Information Technology-Information Security (MSIT-IS) Dual Degree
• Master’s in Information Technology – Privacy Engineering
• Master’s in Information Security Policy and Management

You can read this: 10 Best Free Cyber Security Courses

#3. De Montfort University, Leicester – the U.K.

De Montford University (DMU) is a UK college located in Leicester in 1870 but gained university status in 1992.

This UK university is a public university with over 23,000 students. It offers quality academic programs to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Through De Montford University’s Cyber Technology Institute (CTI), DMU offers one of the best cybersecurity programs in both the UK and the world.

DMU’s quality is strengthened by industrial support from Airbus, BT, Deloitte UK, and Rolls-Royce, making it one of the best cybersecurity schools in the world.

Furthermore, as a cybersecurity student at DMU, you can find undergraduate scholarships here.

Graduate students get several awards here, while a couple of scholarships are available to international students here.

Program List

• Master’s in Cyber Security
• Bachelor’s in Cyber Security
• Doctorate in Cyber Security and Software Technology
• Master’s in Cyber Technology

#4. George Washington University, Washington D.C. – USA

The George Washington University (GWU) began in 1821 in Washington, D.C. as a private research university. It has over 27,000 students comprising undergraduates and postgraduates, taking quality academic instruction from its 14 schools and colleges.

Through its Cyber Security & Privacy Research Institute, a component of its School of Engineering & Applied Science, this US college offers some of the best cybersecurity programs in the world.

Also, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate GWU as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research.

Furthermore, cybersecurity students can get a 100% tuition-free education with the GW CyberCorps: Scholarship For Service award. 

Program List

• Master’s in Cybersecurity in Computer Science
• Master’s in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance
• Master’s in National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law
• Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
• World Executive Master of Business Administration With a Concentration in Cybersecurity
• Master of Laws in National Security Law

#4. Indiana University, Bloomington – USA

Indiana University, Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is one of the universities in the Indiana University system. It is a public university in the USA offering quality undergraduate and postgraduate education to its over 43,000 students.

IU Bloomington has a Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR) which receives funds from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, etc, to carry out quality research in cybersecurity.

With its program variety, IU Bloomington offers some of the best cybersecurity degree programs in the world.

Furthermore, there are a good number of scholarships at IU Bloomington for cybersecurity students. Find these scholarships here.

Program List

• Master’s in Cybersecurity in Computer Science
• Master’s in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance
• Master’s in National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law
• Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
• World Executive Master of Business Administration With a Concentration in Cybersecurity
• Master of Laws in National Security Law

Do you know your love for cybersecurity could grow your interest in becoming an FBI? Also, see How can I become an FBI agent? Requirements, Career & Salaries

#5. Kansas State University, Manhattan – USA

Kansas State University (KSU) is a public university in the USA. It began operation in 1863 and has over 21,500 students taking undergraduate and postgraduate instruction at the university.

Through its Center for Information and System Assurance (CISA), KSU offers one of the best cybersecurity programs in the world.

NSA and DHA designate this US cybersecurity college as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research. This stamps KSU as one of the best schools for cybersecurity in the world.

You can find several scholarships to apply for your cybersecurity education here.

Program List

• Master’s in Software Engineering
• Bachelors in Computer Science
• Computer Science – Cyber Security B.S.

#6. Kennesaw State University, Georgia – USA

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, USA. It began operation in 1963 as a public university with over 37,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Through its Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development, this Georgia college offers some of the best cybersecurity programs in both the USA and the world.

The National Security Agency (NSA) consistently designates KSU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Security Education.

Furthermore, KSU offers many need-based and merit-based scholarships to its students, including those taking any of its cybersecurity programs. Find these scholarships here.

Program List

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Security & Assurance
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity eMajor
• Certificate in Information Security & Assurance
• Information Security and Assurance Certificate – Stand-Alone and Embedded
• Graduate Certificate in IT Security

#7. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey – USA

Naval Postgraduate School is a graduate school run by the United States Navy in California. This Naval university began operating as a public graduate school in 1909 and offers only postgraduate programs to its students.

Through its Computer Science Department, Naval Postgraduate School offers some of the best cybersecurity programs in 2024 to its civilian and military students.

Two major scholarships in this cybersecurity school are the SMART Scholarship program and the Civilian Master’s Degree Scholarship.

Program List

• MS, Cyber Systems and Operations
• MS, Applied Cyber Operations
• MA, Identity Management and Cyber Security
• MS, Cyber Systems and Operations
• Cyber Security Certificates

#8. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania – USA

Pennsylvania State University (PSU) is a comprehensive USA university offering quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It began in 1855 and has over 96,000 students.

PSU offers a wide variety of cybersecurity programs for undergraduates and postgraduates, making it one of the best cybersecurity schools in the world.

Students at PSU taking a cybersecurity program at PSU will find scholarships at Penn State’s Office of Student Aid Scholarships.

Program List

• Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
• Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis – Information and Cyber Security Option
• Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Information Security and Forensics Option

#9. Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, the UK

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB or Queen’s) is a public university n Belfast, Northern Ireland, the UK.

It began in 1810 and has over 24,000 students taking undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs.

Although Queen’s offers just two university degree programs in cybersecurity, it still stands as one of the best cybersecurity schools in the world to attend in 2024.

It also has a Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), one of the largest cybersecurity university research labs in the UK.

You will find a good number of scholarships that you can apply to your cyber education at Queen’s here.

Program List

• Master’s in Cyber Security
• Ph.D. in Cyber Security – CSIT Centre for Doctoral Training

#10. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester – USA

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a New York University with over 19,000 students taking both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The USA college takes the “Private Doctoral University” status and began operation in 1829.

Through its Center for Cybersecurity located in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, you can take some of the world’s best degree and certificate programs.

If you’ll study cybersecurity at RIT, find scholarships that’ll suit you here.

Program List

• Bachelor’s in Computing Security
• Master’s in Computing Security
• Advanced Certificate in Information Assurance

#11. Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn – Estonia

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) located in Tallinn, Estonia is a public university with over 11,000 students.

It is one of the best universities in Estonia for undergraduate and postgraduate Engineering, Business, and Public Administration.

Although TalTech offers just two programs in cybersecurity, it stands as one of the best cybersecurity schools in both Estonia and the world.

Also, it has the Centre of Digital Forensics and Cyber Security and the Institute of Cybernetics which helps further research in cybersecurity.

A good number of scholarships are available to cybersecurity students studying at TalTech. Check some of them out here.

Program List

• Cyber Security Engineering (BSc)
• Cyber Security (MSc) (joint program with the University of Tartu)

As a cybersecurity student in France, you can try out this INTERPOL Internships Program in France

#12. University of Maryland University College, Adelphi – USA

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university in Maryland, the USA which began in 1947.

It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs to over 60,000 students. In addition to its worldwide program, UMGC offers academic programs to over 90,000 students.

Regarding the number of programs, UMGC offers one of the largest numbers, solidifying its reputation as one of the best cybersecurity schools in the world. You can get some of these programs both online and on campus.

At UMGC, you can get scholarships from the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, the College of Information Studies, and the A. James Clark School of Engineering towards cybersecurity programs.

Program List

• Cybersecurity Management and Policy (Bachelors)
• Computer Networks and Cybersecurity (Bachelors)
• Software Development and Security (Bachelors)
• Cybersecurity Minor (Bachelors)
• Masters in Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity Management and Policy (Masters)
• Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (Masters)
• Information Technology: Information Assurance specialty (Masters)

#13. The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas – USA

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is one of the University of Texas system universities.

It is located in San Antonia, Texas, and began in 1969 as a public university, offering undergraduate and postgraduate education to over 30,000 students.

Although UTSA offers only three university degree programs in cybersecurity, it stands as one of the best colleges for cybersecurity in the world.

It has three research centers as evidence of this – the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, the Institute for Cyber Security, and the Cyber Center for Security and Analytics.

There are a variety of scholarships that students can apply to their cybersecurity education, including UTSA general scholarships, and Distinguished Presidential Scholars.

Program List

• Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Cyber Security
• Master of Science Degree in Information Technology – Cyber Security Concentration

#15. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester – USA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It began operation as a private university in 1865 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its 14 departments to over 6,000 students.

WPI offers just two university degree programs in cybersecurity – a bachelor’s and a master’s – yet it stands as one of the best cybersecurity schools you can attend in 2024. This is partly because the school’s program curriculum focuses on hands-on experience.

Furthermore, WPI offers the Scholarship for Program Service scholarships the National Science Foundation funds. This CyberCorps scholarship suits cybersecurity students.

Program List

• B.S. in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Specialization
• Master’s in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Specialization

Also, check this: 10 Best Cyber Security Courses Online for Beginners and Experts

FAQs for the Best Cybersecurity Schools

Conclusion

Of the fifteen cybersecurity schools on our list, two are in the UK, one is in Estonia and the remaining twelve are in the USA. It shows that the USA is the best location for a cybersecurity degree.

So, if you’re considering a cybersecurity college in 2024, first think of a USA cybersecurity school. However, the kind of cybersecurity program the schools offer could be more important than the school’s location as there are various specialties in cybersecurity.

We hope you will find the best cybersecurity program that suits your career goals from our list of best cybersecurity colleges worldwide.

References

• Kaspersky: What is Cyber-Security?
• Digital Guardian: Cybersecurity Higher Education: The Top Cybersecurity Colleges and Degrees
• UpGuard: Why is Cybersecurity Important?
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook – Information Security Analysts
• Learn How to Become: CYBERSECURITY DEGREES & CAREERS – How to Work in Cyber Security
• University of San Diego: 10 Reasons Why a Cyber Security Degree is Worth It
• Glassdoor: Cybersecurity Specialist Salary

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