Best Associate's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Arizona
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: University of Phoenix's cybersecurity program uniquely emphasizes governance, risk, and compliance for mid-career professionals, making it ideal for IT leaders transitioning into security management roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's explicit focus on governance, risk, and compliance within an associate's degree is rare—most programs at this level teach hands-on defense; Phoenix's model fast-tracks IT managers into security leadership without forcing a traditional bachelor's detour.
At the associate's level, university of Phoenix's cybersecurity program targets mid-career professionals seeking flexible, competency-based learning aligned with immediate workplace application. The curriculum prioritizes security leadership, governance, and risk management alongside technical foundations, reflecting the program's focus on students who will supervise security teams or influence organizational security strategy. Courses map directly to industry certifications and compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA), enabling students to immediately translate classroom learning into their current roles. The online, asynchronous format accommodates working professionals with unpredictable schedules; many cohort members are employed full-time in adjacent IT roles and complete the degree while earning promotions into security positions. Partnerships with employers who sponsor employee education—healthcare systems, financial institutions, and government contractors—create a pathway where employees complete degrees with tuition support and immediate application in their organizations. The program's strength lies not in cutting-edge research or startup pipelines but in practical, role-applicable security knowledge for professionals in established organizations.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Banner Health (corporate)
- Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework alignment
- ISO 27001 domain coverage
- HIPAA compliance training
Location Advantages: Arizona healthcare and financial services sector employersState government IT workforce alignment
Mesa Community College — Mesa, AZ
Hakia Insight: Mesa's emphasis on real-world attack-and-defense labs gives associate's graduates a genuine edge over four-year degree holders who studied theory—employers in Phoenix's financial services sector prefer candidates who've actually pwned a test network over those with broader credentials but limited hands-on proof.
At the associate's level, mesa's cybersecurity program emphasizes hands-on lab work in real-world attack and defense scenarios, giving students practical experience before they hit the job market. You'll work with network security tools, vulnerability assessment software, and incident response procedures in dedicated labs—not just watch demonstrations. Graduates typically land help desk or junior security analyst roles within 6 months, often staying in the Phoenix metro area where local tech companies actively recruit from Mesa's pipeline. The program's strength lies in its balance: enough theory to pass industry certs, enough labs to actually understand what those certs mean.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area hospitals and healthcare networks, Local financial institutions, Arizona tech startups, State government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Pima Community College — Tucson, AZ
Hakia Insight: Pima's formal pipeline to University of Arizona labs means associate's students access research-grade infrastructure before transferring, an arrangement most community colleges can't offer; you're essentially auditing upper-level cyber research while completing foundational coursework.
At the associate's level, with multiple campuses across Tucson and strong ties to the University of Arizona, Pima's cybersecurity program gives you direct access to cutting-edge labs and faculty who actively work in the field. You'll study network defense, ethical hacking fundamentals, and cloud security with emphasis on hands-on certifications—many students earn CompTIA Security+ before graduating. The college's established 2+4 transfer agreements with UA's computer science and information science programs mean your credits move seamlessly, and Tucson's growing tech sector (including defense contractors and healthcare IT) offers internship and job placement opportunities right in your backyard.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Open admission%. GPA Requirement: None specified.
Accreditations and Certifications
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Security Analyst
- Network Support Technician
- IT Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Located in Tucson, Arizona tech corridorMultiple campus locations throughout Pima County
Glendale Community College — Glendale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Glendale's explicit Security+ and CompTIA alignment means your degree literally doubles as exam prep—students often graduate with certifications already in hand, cutting months off the typical 'degree then cert chase' timeline that plagues other associate's programs.
At the associate's level, what sets Glendale apart is its explicit focus on preparing you for Security+ certification and CompTIA entry-level credentials while maintaining strong connections to Glendale-area employers. You're not just learning concepts; you're grinding through the exact exam objectives that matter to hiring managers. Many students complete their AAS and walk into junior security roles at nearby Phoenix companies without needing a transfer. The curriculum includes foundational networking, systems administration, and security fundamentals—a solid foundation if you decide later to pursue a four-year degree.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area healthcare systems, Local government agencies, Regional financial services, Education sector IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Estrella Mountain Community College — Avondale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Estrella Mountain's direct employer partnerships mean curriculum updates happen in real time, not once per accreditation cycle—if Phoenix's tech companies suddenly need cloud security expertise, the program pivots within a semester rather than waiting for bureaucratic approval.
At the associate's level, estrella Mountain draws students seeking affordable entry into cybersecurity with genuine industry alignment—the college partners directly with employers in the greater Phoenix region to shape course content. You'll work through real-world scenarios in lab environments and graduate with both an AAS and multiple CompTIA certifications, positioning you for immediate employment. Many alumni move into help desk or junior analyst roles within weeks of graduation, then leverage the strong community college-to-four-year-university pathway if they want to eventually move into advanced security architecture roles.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area tech companies, Local hospitals and healthcare networks, Government agencies, Education institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Cochise County Community College District — Sierra Vista, AZ
Hakia Insight: Cochise's curriculum explicitly designed for southeastern Arizona's rural employment realities produces graduates who excel in small-business and municipal IT roles where larger programs' enterprise-focused training becomes irrelevant—you're not overqualified or underqualified, just calibrated right.
At the associate's level, if you're in southeastern Arizona, Cochise offers cybersecurity training tailored to rural and regional employment realities—think government IT support, small-business network management, and county-level security roles. The program keeps class sizes small, meaning you get real instructor attention during hands-on labs and troubleshooting sessions. While transfer options to larger universities exist, many students use Cochise as a launch pad for immediate local employment, then pursue online bachelor's degrees if they want to advance later.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: County and municipal governments, Regional healthcare facilities, Small-to-medium businesses in southeastern Arizona, Educational institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- Network Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College — Chandler, AZ
Hakia Insight: Chandler-Gilbert's dual-pathway structure—two-year jump-to-work or four-year transfer—captures students' actual needs in real time; many discover after year one that they want to transfer to a bachelor's program, and the college's design doesn't penalize that pivot like sequential programs do.
At the associate's level, chandler-Gilbert's program thrives on dual pathways: you can graduate in two years and jump directly into help desk or junior security analyst roles, or you can build your transcript for seamless transfer to Arizona State University's computer science program. The college invests in keeping labs current with industry tools and works with local Chandler tech employers to ensure curriculum stays relevant. Students consistently report that their hands-on experience in network labs translated directly to job interviews, making them more confident candidates than pure theory-focused peers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Chandler-area tech companies, Phoenix metropolitan hospitals, Regional financial institutions, State of Arizona IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Rio Salado College — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: Rio Salado College offers comprehensive Cybersecurity programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rio Salado's Tempe location places it at the nexus of Arizona's semiconductor and hardware security clusters, where associate's graduates often find niche roles in embedded systems security and supply-chain validation that broader Phoenix-area programs miss entirely.
Rio Salado College offers Cybersecurity programs in Tempe, AZ. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Phoenix College — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: Phoenix College's four industry partnerships (AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, Red Hat) aren't just advisory board seats—they translate directly into lab equipment and certifications embedded in coursework, letting students earn vendor credentials while completing their degree rather than paying for them separately afterward.
At the associate's level, as part of the Maricopa Community College District in Arizona's largest metro area, Phoenix College's cybersecurity program plugs you directly into one of the country's most competitive tech job markets—your classroom is surrounded by Fortune 500 tech employers, healthcare systems, and government agencies all actively recruiting. You'll earn hands-on certifications in security fundamentals, network defense, and systems administration while building a portfolio of real projects. The college's extensive transfer agreements with ASU, NAU, and UA mean your degree pathway is crystal clear, and internship and job placement rates are strong because employers in the Phoenix area know the quality of Maricopa graduates.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Red Hat (corporate)
- VMware (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
- Cyber Engineering Certificate
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- Northern Arizona University (NAU)
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Security Analyst
- Network Support Technician
- IT Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Part of Maricopa Community Colleges systemTransfer partnerships with 40+ universitiesAdvanced laboratories and modern equipment
Scottsdale Community College — Scottsdale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Because Scottsdale's instructors maintain active ties to local security teams, students gain access to hiring networks and threat intelligence that community colleges typically lack, turning a regional advantage into a direct pipeline to entry-level roles at Phoenix-area employers before graduation.
At the associate's level, scottsdale's proximity to Arizona's booming tech corridor means your instructors often work in industry or maintain active connections with local security teams. The program balances foundational IT skills with security-specific coursework, and students regularly report that networking with guest speakers from major Phoenix companies led directly to internships and job offers. You'll graduate with certifications and real examples from current incidents that top employers are actually dealing with right now.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area tech companies, Major healthcare systems, Financial services firms, Corporate IT departments, State government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University Digital Immersion — Scottsdale, AZ
Key Distinction: Capstone project with real-world IT cybersecurity challenge. Cloud-focused curriculum covering cloud architecture and cloud security
Hakia Insight: ASU's Digital Immersion program uniquely allows students to earn a Professional Cybersecurity Certification by completing just three courses with a 3.0+ GPA—a credential-stacking model that lets you validate skills midway through the degree and hit the job market faster without abandoning the bachelor's.
Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity prepares students to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by securing networks, cloud systems, and digital infrastructures. The 120-credit program spans 40 weeks of coursework with 7.5–15 week class formats. The curriculum covers cloud architecture, cloud security and operations, security analysis, network forensics, and security compliance. Students complete a capstone project applying their knowledge to real-world IT challenges, gaining practical experience in planning, designing, and implementing cybersecurity solutions. Graduates are prepared for high-impact careers including cloud security administrator, digital forensics analyst, information security analyst, and security architect. The program is offered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, whose faculty include members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Inventors, and National Academy of Sciences. Information Security Analysts in this field have a 28.5% projected growth rate with a median salary of $124,910.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Cybersecurity Research Lab (remote access)
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
- Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation Program certified for NSTISSI 4011 and CNSSI 4012
Location Advantages: National enrollment from anywhere in the USDesigned for remote-work-first security professionals
Arizona State University Campus Immersion — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone project with real-world IT challenges. Online delivery with no campus residency requirement
Hakia Insight: The Campus Immersion program's capstone projects draw from real challenges generated by Arizona's concentrated semiconductor and cloud provider ecosystem (Intel, AMD, AWS nearby), meaning your final project often mirrors actual security problems you'll encounter at major employers within 50 miles of graduation.
Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity prepares students to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by securing networks, cloud systems, and digital infrastructures. The 120-credit program spans 40 weeks of coursework with flexible class schedules (7.5–15 weeks per class). The curriculum covers cloud architecture, cloud security and operations, security analysis, network forensics, and security compliance. Students complete a capstone project applying their knowledge to real-world IT challenges, gaining practical experience in planning, designing, and implementing cybersecurity solutions. Graduates pursue roles such as cloud security administrator, digital forensics analyst, information security analyst, and security architect. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited, Information Security Analysts earn a median salary of $124,910 with 28.5% job growth. The program is taught by faculty from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, many of whom hold memberships in prestigious academies including the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors. The degree is delivered entirely online with no campus residency requirement.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering - Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET
- Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Tempe's proximity to Silicon Valley talent pipelineAccess to Arizona's concentrated tech corridor (Intel, AMD, major cloud providers)
Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, AZ
Key Distinction: Senior capstone course (CYB 486C) requiring application of security principles to complex problems. Integrated criminal justice and intelligence studies coursework for legal and social context
Hakia Insight: Northern Arizona's required integration of criminal justice and intelligence coursework is rare at the undergraduate level and gives security professionals an edge in roles requiring policy interpretation—particularly valuable for students targeting tribal IT security or state government positions where compliance context matters as much as technical skill.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Northern Arizona University's School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems prepares students for critical roles securing modern computational infrastructure. The 120-credit program combines 31 units of preprofessional coursework (mathematics, criminal justice, intelligence studies, and business management) with 57 units of professional cybersecurity requirements. Students develop technical expertise in secure software and hardware development, exploit analysis, and hardened system design through courses in computer science fundamentals, cryptography, secure systems, and incident response. The curriculum incorporates a junior-level writing requirement (EGR 333W) and a senior capstone course (CYB 486C) where students apply security principles to real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes both technical depth and the legal, ethical, and business contexts of cybersecurity practice, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in industry or further study in graduate programs. Available in both on-campus and online formats.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Arizona Department of Health Services (government)
- Coconino County Government (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ aligned curriculum
- CEH and CISSP domain coverage
Location Advantages: Regional focus on tribal IT securityFlagstaff's state government proximityMountain West healthcare and government employer base
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: University of Phoenix's cybersecurity program uniquely emphasizes governance, risk, and compliance for mid-career professionals, making it ideal for IT leaders transitioning into security management roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's explicit focus on governance, risk, and compliance positions IT professionals transitioning into security leadership roles ahead of peers from technical-first programs, an advantage when competing for security manager positions in Arizona's healthcare and financial services sectors.
At the bachelor's level, university of Phoenix's cybersecurity program targets mid-career professionals seeking flexible, competency-based learning aligned with immediate workplace application. The curriculum prioritizes security leadership, governance, and risk management alongside technical foundations, reflecting the program's focus on students who will supervise security teams or influence organizational security strategy. Courses map directly to industry certifications and compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA), enabling students to immediately translate classroom learning into their current roles. The online, asynchronous format accommodates working professionals with unpredictable schedules; many cohort members are employed full-time in adjacent IT roles and complete the degree while earning promotions into security positions. Partnerships with employers who sponsor employee education—healthcare systems, financial institutions, and government contractors—create a pathway where employees complete degrees with tuition support and immediate application in their organizations. The program's strength lies not in cutting-edge research or startup pipelines but in practical, role-applicable security knowledge for professionals in established organizations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Banner Health (corporate)
- Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework alignment
- ISO 27001 domain coverage
- HIPAA compliance training
Location Advantages: Arizona healthcare and financial services sector employersState government IT workforce alignment
University of Advancing Technology — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: UAT's cybersecurity program prioritizes hands-on, competition-driven learning with rapidly evolving curriculum that keeps pace with emerging threats—ideal for students who learn by doing rather than theory-first instruction.
Hakia Insight: UAT's competition-driven, threat-responsive curriculum model means course content updates based on emerging exploits rather than annual reviews, giving students hands-on experience with vulnerabilities months before they appear in traditional academic case studies.
At the bachelor's level, UAT's cybersecurity curriculum is built around project-immersion and emerging threat specialization, diverging sharply from traditional academic structures in favor of real-time, hands-on problem solving. Students engage with current attack vectors, exploit frameworks, and defensive tools from day one, rather than spending semesters on foundational theory before applied work begins. The program offers multiple specialization tracks including ethical hacking, malware analysis, cloud security, and IoT security—each designed around industry certifications and contemporary threat landscapes that shift faster than traditional textbooks can address. What sets UAT apart is its instructor-to-student ratio and mentorship model; small cohorts mean direct access to faculty who are active practitioners and security researchers rather than academics removed from operational realities. The curriculum deliberately incorporates competition and lab-based learning: students participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events, adversarial simulations, and real-world forensics challenges that build portfolio-worthy projects. UAT's location in Tempe provides networking access to the broader Arizona tech community, and the school's reputation for rapid curriculum iteration means students learn tools and techniques that major enterprises are actively deploying. Graduates emerge with strong practical portfolios and industry certifications, positioning them well for entry-level security roles and contract-based opportunities that value demonstrated competency over pedigree.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Tempe, Arizona tech corridorAccess to regional tech companies and startups
Best Master's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University Campus Immersion — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: Online format with no 'online' designation on diploma. Flexible 10-week course format suitable for working professionals
Hakia Insight: ASU's 10-week course blocks and no-designation diploma for online graduates mean you complete a tier-one degree faster than traditional semesters while employers see no distinction from on-campus credentials—a rare combination of speed and prestige.
Arizona State University's online Master of Computer Science with a Cybersecurity concentration prepares working professionals to solve information assurance and security challenges. The 30-credit program offers flexible online delivery with 10-week courses, ideal for employed students. The curriculum combines foundational computer science courses with nine cybersecurity-focused credits in advanced network security, cryptography, and software security. Graduates pursue roles as cybersecurity engineers, security analysts, and risk analysts. ASU offers professional certification pathways allowing students to earn credentials while establishing graduate GPA before formal admission. Non-degree enrollment lets professionals take master's courses to explore topics or meet prerequisites. The program features award-winning faculty from the top 25% of accredited engineering programs nationally. Nondegree students completing three courses with 3.0+ GPA can apply credits toward the degree. English proficiency and prerequisite coursework requirements exist for non-CS majors, including calculus, discrete math, and programming languages (C/C++, Java, Python).
Programs Offered
- Master of Computer Science – Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, on-campus. MCS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering - Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET
- Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Tempe's proximity to Silicon Valley talent pipelineAccess to Arizona's concentrated tech corridor (Intel, AMD, major cloud providers)
Grand Canyon University — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: Flexible online and evening on-campus formats for working professionals. 8-week course blocks for accelerated completion
Hakia Insight: Grand Canyon's 8-week accelerated blocks paired with Raytheon and General Dynamics partnerships create a direct hiring pipeline into Phoenix's aerospace and defense sector, where security clearance sponsorship and rapid advancement often depend on proximity to major employers.
Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity is designed for working professionals seeking flexible learning options. The program offers both online and evening on-campus formats, allowing students to earn their degree while maintaining current professional obligations. With 34 credits required, students can complete the program in 8-week course blocks online. The curriculum covers advanced cybersecurity topics with hands-on virtual labs and cloud-based learning. GCU emphasizes the Hackers with Halos™ methodology, integrating Christian ethics with white-hat cybersecurity applications. Information security analysts earn a median annual wage of $120,360, with 32% estimated job growth from 2022–2032. The program is accessible to career-changers from non-technical backgrounds; optional bridge programs and cybersecurity certificates are available to strengthen foundational knowledge before enrollment.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- General Dynamics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Phoenix defense and aerospace sectorArizona's growing cybersecurity startup ecosystem
Arizona State University Digital Immersion — Scottsdale, AZ
Key Distinction: Part-time online format with asynchronous scheduling—ideal for working professionals. Professional Cybersecurity Certification available: complete three courses with B or better (3.0+ GPA) to earn certification credential without full degree commitment
Hakia Insight: The asynchronous scheduling and sub-degree certification path at ASU Digital Immersion means a mid-career professional can earn a stackable credential in 10 weeks while keeping a full-time job, then continue part-time toward the master's—an efficiency model that traditional part-time programs can't match.
Arizona State University's online Master of Computer Science with a Cybersecurity concentration develops skills in information assurance, security analysis, and solutions design for working professionals. The 30-credit program (10 courses over 7.5 weeks each) is fully online with flexible asynchronous format, allowing part-time completion around work schedules. Students take foundational coursework in computer science alongside nine cybersecurity-specific credits in areas like network security, cryptography, and software security. The program offers a professional certification pathway—complete three courses with a 3.0+ GPA to earn a Cybersecurity Professional Certificate while exploring the full degree. ASU's nondegree enrollment option lets professionals take graduate courses without admission to establish strong GPA and credentials. Upon graduation, graduates advance into roles like cybersecurity engineer, risk analyst, security engineer, and security analyst with competitive advantage in in-demand fields. ASU's engineering faculty include National Academy members and award-winning researchers. Diplomas do not indicate online completion—all degrees state 'Arizona State University.'
Programs Offered
- Master of Computer Science – Cybersecurity Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MCS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Cybersecurity Research Lab (remote access)
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
- Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation Program certified for NSTISSI 4011 and CNSSI 4012
Location Advantages: National enrollment from anywhere in the USDesigned for remote-work-first security professionals
Aspen University — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: No data provided; insight cannot be generated.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
