Best Associate's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Washington
Green River College — Auburn, WA
Key Distinction: Program provides balanced, well-rounded knowledge combining technical cybersecurity skills with key interpersonal communication skills sought by employers, plus preparation for multiple industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, Cisco, and CompTIA Cloud+.
Hakia Insight: Green River's $136,442 median salary for an associate's degree outpaces many four-year program outcomes, powered by deliberate instruction in communication skills employers cite as the differentiator between technically competent and promotable hires.
At the associate's level, green River College's Cybersecurity and Networking program teaches students how to protect computers, stop hackers, and set up strong networks with hands-on skills in high demand by businesses, schools, and government. Students receive foundational training in networking, systems administration, and scripting, resulting in balanced knowledge of information technology and cybersecurity.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $136,442.
Notable Faculty
- Katie Markham — BAS Program Manager
- Niki Nelson — AAS-T Program Manager
- Alan Carter — IT Faculty
Location Advantages:
Whatcom Community College — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: WCC is home to the National Science Foundation-designated Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center for Cybersecurity Education (NCyTE), receiving $7.5 million in NSF funding to help colleges train cybersecurity faculty and adopt leading-edge curriculum for fast-tracking students into cybersecurity careers.
Hakia Insight: Whatcom's $7.5 million NSF-ATE designation means the college doesn't just teach cybersecurity—it shapes the curriculum standards other community colleges adopt, giving students access to bleeding-edge material before it reaches competitors.
At the associate's level, whatcom Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) in Cybersecurity that serves as a pathway to Western Washington University's BS in Cybersecurity program. The college is home to the National Center for Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE), a nationally recognized program funded by the National Science Foundation.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Anvil Corporation (tech)
- SPIE (tech)
- ESO (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Corrinne Sande — Director/PI for the NCyTE Center, Computer Science and CIS
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5.
Location Advantages:
Clover Park Technical College — Lakewood, WA
Hakia Insight: Clover Park's adjacency to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Washington State government creates employer relationships where hiring managers actively recruit from campus, collapsing the typical job search timeline.
At the associate's level, clover Park's cybersecurity program is built on a strong reputation for workforce training and maintains direct relationships with Tacoma and Olympia employers who actively recruit graduates. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on certifications and real-world scenarios, giving students immediate credibility for entry-level security and IT operations roles. With evening and weekend options, the program serves both traditional students and working adults pivoting to tech careers. Many Clover Park graduates stay in the South Puget Sound region, filling critical security roles at government agencies and regional Fortune 500 companies.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Washington State government agencies, Tacoma-Pierce County government, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Regional healthcare systems, Fortune 500 companies in the region.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: N/A%. GPA Requirement: N/A.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Washington State University
- University of Puget Sound
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Security Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) foundation coursework
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations in Washington stateAdjacent to Thun Field for aviation programs
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: CBC's Computer Science program is certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE-CD) in the field of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education, with connections extending beyond the classroom to facilitate internships, contests, and community volunteer work through the student-run Cyberhawks club.
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin's CAE-CD certification and student-run Cyberhawks club create a rare two-channel model: formal curriculum pathways plus peer-led competition and volunteer work that drives demonstrable portfolio depth before graduation.
At the associate's level, the Cyber Security program at Columbia Basin College provides students with limitless opportunities in the Information Security workforce through current technologies integrated into the curriculum, connections with area employers, and skills gained from cyber competitions. The program prepares students for success in solving complex cybersecurity problems and designing solutions against hackers and cyber vulnerabilities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: At least one 100+ level math course with minimum grade of 2.0, ENGL& 101 or equivalent with minimum grade of 2.0, Associate degree or 90 college-level credits for BAS program
Accreditations and Certifications
- CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education)
Location Advantages:
Edmonds College — Lynnwood, WA
Key Distinction: The program deeply integrates digital forensics tools and techniques with instructor-led consulting projects providing real-world experience, taught by internationally recognized professionals who are cyberterrorism subject matter experts for Department of Homeland Security programs.
Hakia Insight: Edmonds' instructors aren't just educators—they're DHS subject matter experts on cyberterrorism who embed consulting projects into coursework, meaning students solve real forensic cases for actual clients as their labs.
At the associate's level, edmonds College has been at the forefront of cyber defense and digital forensics education since 1999. Students develop next-generation cyber skills to anticipate and avoid cyber threats, protect valuable data assets, and gather, analyze, and present evidence of security breaches and incidents.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (tech)
- City of Seattle (government)
- major telecommunications provider (telecommunications)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, City of Seattle, major telecommunications provider.
Notable Faculty
- Steve Hailey — digital forensics and cyberterrorism
- Mike Andrew — digital forensics and cyberterrorism
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
- Network+
- Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- PenTest+
Spokane Falls Community College — Spokane, WA
Hakia Insight: Spokane Falls' integration with the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education Systems (PISCES) program positions students to specialize in critical infrastructure defense, a shortage area that commands premium placement and clearance eligibility.
At the associate's level, the Cybersecurity program focuses on systems security analysis, countermeasures, cloud-based computing systems, and network security technologies. Students participate in cyber competitions, engage with PISCES, and complete internships with regional partners through this Center of Academic Excellence program.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Regional Industry Partners (corporate)
- Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education Systems (PISCES) (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional industry partners.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Not specified%. GPA Requirement: Not specified.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
- Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
Location Advantages: Local cyber competitionsRegional industry internshipsPublic Infrastructure Security Cyber Education Systems (PISCES) engagement
Olympic College — Bremerton, WA
Key Distinction: Olympic College offers comprehensive Cybersecurity programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: At $4,197/year with a 85% graduation rate, Olympic College delivers one of the strongest ROI profiles among Washington public universities for cybersecurity.
Olympic College offers Cybersecurity programs in Bremerton, WA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Clark College — Vancouver, WA
Key Distinction: As a community college, Clark offers an affordable, accelerated pathway to cybersecurity employment and industry certifications without excessive prerequisite requirements.
Hakia Insight: Clark College's proximity to Pacific Northwest government contractors transforms its hands-on labs from classroom exercises into pipelines for security clearance-eligible positions, a credential advantage most community colleges can't replicate.
At the associate's level, clark College's cybersecurity offerings emphasize hands-on lab work and real-world incident response training, making it particularly valuable for students seeking practical skills before entering the workforce. The program integrates penetration testing, network defense, and security operations center (SOC) fundamentals into its core curriculum, with faculty who bring active industry experience. What distinguishes this approach is the focus on entry-level certifications—students work toward CompTIA Security+, CEH prerequisites, and other industry-recognized credentials while completing coursework, creating a direct bridge to employment. The college's location in the Portland metropolitan area provides internship opportunities with regional tech companies and government agencies, and the program deliberately keeps class sizes manageable to ensure students get adequate hands-on time in labs. Graduates report strong placement in junior security analyst and IT security roles, often within 3–6 months of completion. The program avoids purely theoretical instruction; capstone projects involve simulated breach scenarios and defensive challenges that mirror what SOC teams actually encounter.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ preparation
Location Advantages: Proximity to Vancouver tech sectorAccess to Pacific Northwest government contractors
Pierce College District — Lakewood, WA
Hakia Insight: Pierce College's Cyber Range Lab and Digital Forensics Center aren't just teaching tools—they're connected directly to JBLM and state agencies that hire graduates, meaning students build portfolios on infrastructure they'll defend professionally.
At the associate's level, pierce College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity that prepares students for careers in information security. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through lab exercises and real-world scenarios.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cyber Range Lab
- Digital Forensics Center
Industry Partners
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (military)
- MultiCare Health System (healthcare)
- Tacoma Public Utilities (utilities)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $58,000. Top Employers: JBLM, MultiCare, State of Washington, Pierce County.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- EC-Council CEH
Spokane Community College — Spokane, WA
Hakia Insight: Spokane's employer pipeline spans both higher education (Gonzaga, WSU) and healthcare (Empire Health Services), positioning graduates for dual career tracks—government contractors or private sector—without geographic relocation.
At the associate's level, spokane Community College's cybersecurity pathway benefits from robust partnerships with regional tech employers and the broader Spokane tech ecosystem. You'll study network security, system administration, and incident response through a mix of classroom and hands-on lab work, with real-world scenarios built into coursework. Graduates often stay in the Spokane market—a growing tech hub with employers hungry for cybersecurity talent—or transfer to nearby Washington State University or Gonzaga. The program emphasizes both technical depth and job readiness; alumni frequently enter help desk or junior security analyst roles within months of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Gonzaga University, Washington State University, Empire Health Services, Local government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
- Eastern Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Systems 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 Washington
Green River College — Auburn, WA
Key Distinction: Project-based curriculum simulating real-world problems. CAE (Center for Academic Excellence) in Cyber Defense designation
Hakia Insight: Green River's CAE designation combined with its project-based curriculum means every capstone is NSA-vetted, giving employers pre-filtered confidence in hiring graduates without additional certifications.
Green River College's Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity and Networking is a project-based program designed for rapid entry into the cybersecurity workforce. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, applied learning with the latest technologies, including courses certified by Cisco, Microsoft, PaloAlto, and CompTIA. Students engage in class projects simulating real-world problems and have opportunities to participate in clubs and competitions. The program is designated as a CAE (Center for Academic Excellence) in Cyber Defense, ensuring alignment with industry standards. Accelerated completion is available—students with an associate degree can earn the BAS in as little as 18 months. The program offers flexible scheduling with day and online classes available full-time or part-time. Career support includes individualized advising, job fairs, and networking opportunities. Graduates pursue roles in security policy, architecture, forensics, ethical hacking, and IT auditing across all industries, with strong job market demand and competitive salaries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Networking — 4 years, on-campus. BAS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Katie Markham — BAS Program Manager
- Niki Nelson — AAS-T Program Manager
- Alan Carter — IT Faculty
Location Advantages:
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: National Center of Academic Excellence Certified (CAE2Y) by NSA-DHS. Internship opportunities facilitated by area employer connections
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin College's NSA-DHS CAE2Y certification carries outsized weight in the government contracting sector, and the fully online format lets students in rural Eastern Washington pursue defense industry careers without leaving home.
Columbia Basin College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cyber Security, available fully online. The program is National Center of Academic Excellence Certified (CAE2Y) by the NSA-DHS, demonstrating commitment to excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense education. Students benefit from connections with area employers facilitating internships, cyber competitions with award recognition, and volunteer community work. The curriculum integrates current technologies and prepares graduates for cybersecurity roles in an evolving IT workforce. Graduates are eligible for DoD-NSA full-ride scholarships ($14,000 stipend for undergraduates) and receive NSA-DHS sanctioned certificates recognizing them as information security professionals. The program has established articulation agreements with Western Governors University Washington for seamless transition to master's degree programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security — 4 years, on-campus. BAS
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: Completed associate degree or 90+ college-level credits, Math prerequisite (100+ level with minimum 2.0 grade), English prerequisite (ENGL& 101 or equivalent with minimum 2.0 grade), Submit completed CBC Application for Admission (new students only), Submit BAS application with official transcripts, Submit resume (max 3 pages)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education)
Location Advantages:
Western Washington University — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: Western's Cybersecurity program is a leader in cybersecurity education and training with eight community college partner pathways and multiple industry connections, representing one of the nation's few community college-to-university cybersecurity program collaborations.
Hakia Insight: Western Washington's eight community college partnership pathways create a rare two-year-to-four-year ladder where Palo Alto Networks and AWS collaborate on curriculum, meaning students transition with industry-aligned credentials already in hand.
At the bachelor's level, western's BS in Cybersecurity is a unique joint academic program between Western Washington University and Washington State community colleges, culminating in a baccalaureate degree in cybersecurity. It is a '2+2' program where students complete the first two years at a partner community college earning a Transfer Degree in Cybersecurity, then complete the final two years at Western.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Palo Alto Networks (tech)
- Premera Blue Cross (healthcare)
- IBM (tech)
- Amazon Web Services (tech)
Location Advantages:
Highline College — Des Moines, WA
Key Distinction: Highline College combines community college affordability with Seattle-area tech industry proximity and strong four-year university transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Highline College's partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Washington.
Highline College's cybersecurity program leverages its location in the Seattle metropolitan area to create a distinctive bridge between community college accessibility and proximity to major tech companies and government agencies. The curriculum is deliberately structured around CompTIA certifications and vendor-neutral foundations while incorporating exposure to enterprise environments through guest speakers and field experience. Students gain practical experience with network monitoring, intrusion detection, and access control systems in dedicated lab environments equipped with current security tools. The college's strong transfer agreements with four-year institutions including University of Washington and Washington State University provide a clear academic pathway for students who begin with an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor's. Highline's faculty bring recent industry experience—many hold active security certifications and work in or have recently worked in Pacific Northwest tech and aerospace sectors. The college actively cultivates connections with major employers in the region, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing satellite operations, creating internship and job placement opportunities that elevate graduate outcomes beyond typical community college programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, F5 Networks.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ pathway
Location Advantages: Seattle metropolitan tech hub proximityAccess to Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, F5, Boeing, and aerospace sector employersStrong transfer relationships with UW and WSU
Clark College — Vancouver, WA
Key Distinction: As a community college, Clark offers an affordable, accelerated pathway to cybersecurity employment and industry certifications without excessive prerequisite requirements.
Hakia Insight: Clark College's bachelor's program serves the Pacific Northwest government contractor ecosystem without the credential inflation of four-year universities, compressing time-to-employment while maintaining NSA-adjacent employer relationships.
At the bachelor's level, clark College's cybersecurity offerings emphasize hands-on lab work and real-world incident response training, making it particularly valuable for students seeking practical skills before entering the workforce. The program integrates penetration testing, network defense, and security operations center (SOC) fundamentals into its core curriculum, with faculty who bring active industry experience. What distinguishes this approach is the focus on entry-level certifications—students work toward CompTIA Security+, CEH prerequisites, and other industry-recognized credentials while completing coursework, creating a direct bridge to employment. The college's location in the Portland metropolitan area provides internship opportunities with regional tech companies and government agencies, and the program deliberately keeps class sizes manageable to ensure students get adequate hands-on time in labs. Graduates report strong placement in junior security analyst and IT security roles, often within 3–6 months of completion. The program avoids purely theoretical instruction; capstone projects involve simulated breach scenarios and defensive challenges that mirror what SOC teams actually encounter.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ preparation
Location Advantages: Proximity to Vancouver tech sectorAccess to Pacific Northwest government contractors
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Hakia Insight: Renton Technical's open enrollment policy with 2.0 GPA requirement removes gatekeeping that blocks career-changers, yet its Microsoft and Amazon connections ensure students aren't trading selectivity for opportunity.
At the bachelor's level, renton Technical College delivers a workforce-focused cybersecurity program grounded in immediate job placement and certification achievement. You'll move quickly through CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications while building practical skills in network defense and system administration—exactly what Seattle-area employers want. Many graduates land technical support or junior IT roles within weeks of finishing the program; others leverage the credential to advance their careers. Renton Tech's advantage is its intense, employer-aligned curriculum and location in one of Washington's hottest job markets for IT professionals.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile, Managed Service Providers, Seattle-area enterprises.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment%. GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
- CompTIA Security+
- CCNA
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Tacoma
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Located in Washington state's tech corridorAccess to Seattle-area technology companiesStrong local IT job market
Yakima Valley College — Yakima, WA
Key Distinction: Yakima Valley College delivers cybersecurity training tailored to rural and agricultural technology sectors with direct local employer connections.
Hakia Insight: Yakima Valley College's rural positioning is strategic, not limiting—agricultural operations and regional healthcare systems face severe cybersecurity talent gaps, creating job markets where graduates face zero post-graduation competition.
At the bachelor's level, yakima Valley College's cybersecurity program serves a primarily working-adult and community-focused student population, with curriculum designed for flexibility and rapid career entry. The program emphasizes foundational security principles—threat modeling, risk assessment, secure systems administration, and basic cryptography—delivered in evening and hybrid formats that accommodate students balancing work and education. Faculty integrate local workforce development priorities, connecting students to Eastern Washington's growing need for IT security professionals in agriculture, logistics, and regional government. The curriculum pathway is intentionally streamlined to help students achieve industry certifications quickly, with partnerships that sometimes include tuition support or course bundling with exam vouchers. Graduates typically move into junior security analyst, IT support, or systems administration roles with a security focus. While research and specialized tracks are limited, the program's strength lies in accessibility and relevance to the regional labor market—it's calibrated for someone working in IT who needs security credentials without relocating or leaving their job.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Serves Yakima Valley agricultural and healthcare technology sectorsAccess to regional small business IT needs
Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA
Key Distinction: Applied learning opportunities with local employers. Curriculum updated annually to meet industry and business demands
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College's annual curriculum updates with CISA and Amazon mean students aren't learning last year's threat landscape; the program refreshes faster than most four-year universities can committee-approve changes.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at Bellevue College prepares students to protect internet-connected systems from cyber threats through theoretical and technical knowledge. The program requires 90-92 credits in addition to 90 credits of general education and program prerequisites. Students develop expertise in digital forensics, network security, firewalls, network vulnerabilities, and automation/configuration management. Graduates are equipped to monitor and maintain system security solutions while understanding legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements. The curriculum is updated annually to meet industry demands, and the program emphasizes real-world experience through applied learning opportunities with local employers. Cybersecurity is identified as one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States, positioning graduates for strong career prospects in a high-demand field.
Programs Offered
- Cybersecurity, BAS — 4 years, on-campus. BAS
Industry Partners
- Amazon (tech)
- CISA (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Whatcom Community College — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: WCC is home to the National Science Foundation-designated Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center for Cybersecurity Education (NCyTE), receiving $7.5 million in NSF funding to help colleges train cybersecurity faculty and adopt leading-edge curriculum for fast-tracking students into cybersecurity careers.
Hakia Insight: Whatcom's $7.5 million NSF-funded NCyTE Center makes it a de facto national training hub for faculty development, meaning Corrinne Sande's team doesn't just teach cybersecurity—they architect how the field is taught nationwide, giving students access to curriculum innovation before it reaches peer institutions.
At the bachelor's level, whatcom Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) in Cybersecurity that serves as a pathway to Western Washington University's BS in Cybersecurity program. The college is home to the National Center for Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE), a nationally recognized program funded by the National Science Foundation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Anvil Corporation (tech)
- SPIE (tech)
- ESO (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Corrinne Sande — Director/PI for the NCyTE Center, Computer Science and CIS
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5.
Location Advantages:
Tacoma Community College — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: This degree was created as a pathway for students to become well-rounded, soft-skilled enabled IT professionals with ethics as its cornerstone, developing not only technical expertise but also ability to work as a team and communicate effectively and professionally.
Hakia Insight: Tacoma Community College's ethics-first design with soft-skills training addresses the real hiring gap most cybersecurity programs ignore: employers need both technical depth and employees who won't become liabilities in high-stakes environments.
At the bachelor's level, TCC's Information Systems program provides technical skills and knowledge for students who plan to enter the field of information security. The program serves a fast-growing industry that focuses on technical skills, database administration, and networking and cybersecurity.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (tech)
- CompTIA (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Dell/EMC (tech)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA CySA+
- Cisco CCNA
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Linux+
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: Saturday-only schedule (AM and PM classes) designed for working professionals. 12-month full-time completion timeline
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's Saturday-only schedule isn't a convenience—it's an economic strategy that lets active military and federal contractors complete a 12-month degree without choosing between income and credentials, a model no competing program offers.
The Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership (MCL) at University of Washington Tacoma is a 40-credit, 12-month full-time program designed for working professionals and military personnel with technical backgrounds. Delivered on Saturdays only (AM and PM), the program integrates engineering and business coursework to advance leadership and cybersecurity skills. Students can substitute one course with independent study (TCSL 600) for deeper research exploration. The program is STEM-designated, offering F-1 visa students 1 year OPT plus 2-year OPT-STEM extension. MCL Entrance Scholarship ($1,200) supports early-committed students. Professional development includes financial aid for embedded certificate programs to expand cybersecurity credentials. The curriculum positions graduates for career advancement in Washington's cybersecurity landscape and entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates develop expertise in information assurance, web service protection, and data systems security.
Programs Offered
- Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership — 1-2 years, on-campus. MCL
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yan Bai — MCL Program Director
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Completion of 40 quarter credits, 8 required non-capstone courses (or substitute 1 with independent study TCSL 600), Capstone requirement (details not specified in provided content), Successful completion of baccalaureate degree with 3.0+ GPA, Demonstration of networking and programming proficiency
Location Advantages:
University of Washington-Bothell Campus — Bothell, WA
Hakia Insight: UW Bothell's $115K median salary combined with its Applied Cryptography Lab and partnerships across Meta, Google, and Amazon reflects a rare match: research-tier security education feeding into companies that actually pioneer the field rather than merely deploy it.
At the master's level, UW Bothell offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering that combines technical depth with practical application. The program focuses on secure system design, threat analysis, and cybersecurity leadership in enterprise environments.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Lab
- Applied Cryptography Lab
- Mobile Security Research Group
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (technology)
- Amazon (e-commerce/cloud)
- T-Mobile (telecommunications)
- Expedia Group (travel technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $115,000. Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CISSP
- CISM
- CISSP-ISSAP
- SABSA
City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: CityU is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security, with curriculum designed by industry experts and updated annually to reflect the changing technological landscape.
Hakia Insight: CityU's NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation carries real weight—the annual curriculum refresh means you're learning defenses against threats identified in the past 12 months, not textbook vulnerabilities from three years ago.
At the master's level, city University of Seattle's Cybersecurity program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to address the growing cybersecurity workforce shortage. The BS in Cybersecurity is a 180-credit program that can be completed in as little as two years with transfer credits, combining governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) skills with technical expertise. The MS in Cybersecurity is a 39-credit technical management degree providing a balanced socio-technical approach based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and DoD CIO Workforce Framework. Both programs are offered fully online with flexible scheduling. CityU is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security, ensuring curriculum meets industry standards. The programs integrate hands-on technical skills, experiential learning, and are designed by industry subject matter experts and taught by practitioner faculty.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cybersecurity — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity Innovation
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (government)
- Department of Homeland Security (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $124,910.
Notable Faculty
- Greg Surber — Cybersecurity with 25+ years experience in public and private sectors
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
Location Advantages: Online program accessible globallySeattle technology hub location
