Best Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland
Montgomery College — Rockville, MD
Hakia Insight: Montgomery College's location in the DC metro, combined with employer pipelines to Booz Allen, Lockheed, and federal agencies (NSA, NIST, DHS), creates a direct feeder system into national security roles where clearances and relationships established during the associate's degree accelerate career entry.
At the associate's level, if you want hands-on cybersecurity training with real lab equipment and a direct pipeline to University of Maryland's cybersecurity bachelor's program, Montgomery College delivers. The program emphasizes practical defensive skills—network monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and incident response—rather than theory alone. You'll work in dedicated security labs where you can actually configure firewalls and analyze malware. Graduates consistently transfer to UMD College Park or UMBC, where they enter upper-level cybersecurity degrees with significant credit and zero wasted time. Local employers in the DC metro corridor actively recruit from this program, making it one of the strongest regional pathways for associates-level information security work.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Federal agencies (NSA, NIST, DHS), Accenture Federal Services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland, College Park
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- University of Maryland, University College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Anne Arundel Community College — Arnold, MD
Hakia Insight: Anne Arundel's proximity to Naval Surface Warfare Center and embedded relationships with defense contractors create a direct pipeline to security clearance-eligible positions—a credential that can add $15K–$25K annually to entry-level salaries in the federal contracting space.
At the associate's level, strong partnerships with Naval facilities and government contractors make Anne Arundel's information security program unusually well-connected to clearance-eligible positions. You'll study network defense, systems administration, and compliance frameworks in a curriculum designed with input from DoD employers who regularly hire graduates. The program balances certifications (Security+, A+, Network+) with real-world scenario-based labs. Many students transition directly into help desk or junior admin roles at government agencies or defense contractors in Anne Arundel County, while others transfer to UMBC or Towson for bachelor's degrees with significant credit recognition.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, Government agencies and contractors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- Towson University
- University of Maryland, College Park
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Community College of Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Hakia Insight: CCBC's employer roster reveals an unusual breadth: healthcare systems and financial services alongside Lockheed Martin, meaning graduates develop cloud and infrastructure security skills that remain portable across both high-security and commercial sectors.
At the associate's level, at CCBC, you gain exposure to both traditional IT infrastructure and emerging cloud security—a practical combination that reflects where jobs actually are. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs with industry certifications (A+, Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner) and covers systems administration alongside cybersecurity fundamentals. Faculty maintain connections to Baltimore-area employers, and the college's size and resources mean you won't be lost in massive lecture halls. Graduates find entry-level positions quickly at local healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government contractors, or transfer to Towson, UMBC, or UMD for bachelor's completion.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Maryland Medical System, Medstar Health, Wells Fargo, T. Rowe Price, Lockheed Martin.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Towson University
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Morgan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
College of Southern Maryland — La Plata, MD
Hakia Insight: College of Southern Maryland's evening and weekend format isn't just convenient—it's intentional design for the military family and defense contractor workforce near Patuxent River, meaning your cohort includes active security professionals who become your networking foundation before graduation.
At the associate's level, southern Maryland's strength lies in its ability to serve working adults and career-changers without compromising rigor—evening and weekend options mean you can earn while you learn. The program covers networking fundamentals, security principles, and hands-on lab work in a compressed but thorough curriculum. You'll chase CompTIA certifications and gain practical skills employers actually want. Proximity to federal facilities in Southern Maryland means direct hiring pipelines for graduates, and the college maintains strong articulation agreements with UMBC and Towson for those pursuing bachelor's degrees. This is a program built for real people with real schedules.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Naval Base Point Lookout, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Federal contractors, Regional healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- Towson University
- University of Maryland, College Park
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Prince George's Community College — Largo, MD
Hakia Insight: PGCC's curriculum is explicitly architected around federal hiring timelines and clearance processes; your degree completion aligns with NSA, NIST, and DHS onboarding cycles in ways other community colleges simply don't engineer.
At the associate's level, your ticket into federal IT work starts here—PGCC's location in the shadow of Washington DC means the program is explicitly designed around clearance pipelines and agency hiring. You'll learn systems administration, network security, and compliance standards while building relationships with recruiters from NSA, NIST, and civilian agencies who attend campus events. The curriculum emphasizes Security+ certification and hands-on troubleshooting. Many graduates land help desk or junior admin roles at federal agencies immediately, while others use PGCC as a springboard to UMBC or UMD to complete cybersecurity bachelor's degrees.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Federal agencies (NSA, NIST, DHS), NIH, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Government contractors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Howard University
- University of the District of Columbia
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior IT Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
Location Advantages:
Baltimore City Community College — Baltimore, MD
Hakia Insight: BCCC's partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine—one of the nation's largest healthcare systems—means students gain exposure to healthcare cybersecurity, a sector facing acute talent shortages and offering $5K–$10K premiums over general IT security roles.
At the associate's level, BCCC's information security program serves Baltimore's diverse community while maintaining rigorous technical standards—you'll earn certifications and build real skills that employers recognize, regardless of your background. The curriculum covers networking fundamentals, security principles, and hands-on troubleshooting with lab access that matters. Instructors have real-world IT experience and understand the Baltimore job market. Graduates move into help desk and junior admin positions at healthcare providers, nonprofits, and government agencies, while others transfer to UMBC or Morgan State to complete bachelor's degrees with credit that counts.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Medstar Health, Baltimore City government, Nonprofit organizations, Local financial services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- Morgan State University
- Towson University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Harford Community College — Bel Air, MD
Hakia Insight: Harford's proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground creates lab scenarios grounded in real defense contractor problems; hands-on work isn't simulated—it reflects actual threat models you'll encounter in your first job.
At the associate's level, rural location? Don't let that fool you—Harford's information security program punches above its weight with hands-on labs and real-world problem solving that translates immediately to the job market. The curriculum balances theory with practical skills, covering everything from help desk troubleshooting to network security fundamentals. Students complete CompTIA and vendor certifications while building portfolios that impress employers. Harford's smaller class sizes mean you get genuine instructor attention, and transfer partnerships with Towson and UMBC are clearly articulated so credits move seamlessly if you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Aberdeen Proving Ground contractors, Regional healthcare providers, Local government IT departments, Small-to-mid-size manufacturing.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Towson University
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- University of Maryland, College Park
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Carroll Community College — Westminster, MD
Hakia Insight: Carroll's employer network skews toward Maryland government and regional mid-market firms rather than federal contractors, making it an ideal entry point if you prefer stability over the clearance chase and want to build foundational skills in smaller, less hierarchical IT environments.
At the associate's level, if you're looking to build real hands-on skills without the four-year commitment, Carroll's information security coursework gives you a direct path into help desk and junior security analyst roles across Maryland's growing tech sector. The program emphasizes practical networking fundamentals, system administration, and security principles through labs that mirror what you'll see on the job. Most graduates move into entry-level positions within 6-12 months, with several continuing to University of Maryland or Towson for bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity or computer science. What sets Carroll apart is its focus on getting you job-ready quickly—you'll work with real equipment and scenarios rather than just theory, and the college maintains relationships with local employers who actively recruit from the program.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local government IT departments (Carroll County, Maryland), Regional healthcare IT departments, Small to mid-size Maryland businesses, University of Maryland system IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Towson University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
- Frostburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst - Entry Level
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Hagerstown Community College — Hagerstown, MD
Hakia Insight: Hagerstown's rural positioning actually reduces curriculum bloat—the program focuses on foundational security principles without the distraction of sprawling electives, producing graduates who excel in smaller-scale deployments where versatility matters more than specialization.
At the associate's level, western Maryland's tech community may be smaller, but Hagerstown's information security program delivers solid foundational training without unnecessary bloat—you focus on what employers actually demand. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience covering networking, systems administration, and security fundamentals, all leading to industry certifications. Graduates secure entry-level positions locally or use HCC as their foundation to transfer to UMBC, Towson, or Frostburg for bachelor's completion. The personal attention you'll get here is a real advantage when it comes time to write transfer essays or secure internships.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Washington County government, Regional healthcare systems, Small-to-mid-size local businesses, Educational institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Towson University
- UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
- Frostburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Cecil College — North East, MD
Key Distinction: Cecil College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Cecil College's location in North East, MD places it within commuting distance of Aberdeen Proving Ground and the emerging Delaware cybersecurity corridor, positioning students at the geographic intersection of defense contracting and financial services hubs.
Cecil College offers Information Security programs in North East, MD. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland Global Campus — Adelphi, MD
Key Distinction: Capstone project (CMIT 495) as graduation requirement. Hands-on coursework with real-world projects (subnet design, penetration testing simulations, SQL injection exercises)
Hakia Insight: UMGC's fully online design with DoD-friendly accreditation specifically serves military personnel and cleared contractors who relocate; your capstone in penetration testing and subnet design can be completed from any duty station, making it the only program architecture built for security clearance holders.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology is a 120-credit online program designed for mid-level professionals seeking to advance in cybersecurity careers. The curriculum combines 33 required major credits in core cybersecurity topics (networking, ethical hacking, cloud technologies, network security) with 41 general education credits and 46 electives. Students complete a capstone project (CMIT 495) and engage in hands-on coursework including subnet design, penetration testing simulations, and SQL injection exercises. Courses are taught by full-time cybersecurity professionals and align with industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP, and AWS certifications. Students can join cyber-focused organizations and compete on the award-winning Cybersecurity Competition Team using the Virtual Security Lab. The program prepares graduates for roles such as security engineer, cybersecurity analyst, information security analyst, and systems administrator. With 470,000+ U.S. job openings requiring cybersecurity skills and 50%+ of companies planning new cybersecurity hires, graduates enter a high-demand field.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
Location Advantages: No geographic constraint—fully online delivery suitable for DoD personnel requiring security clearances who relocate frequentlyStrong reputation among federal agencies for online cybersecurity education
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology delivers career-accelerated cybersecurity training with integrated certification pathways and intensive hands-on labs, optimized for rapid placement in government contractor and federal agency roles.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's partnership with CACI and DynCorp isn't decorative—these government contractors actively recruit from the program, and the integrated certification pathways mean you can enter your first role already holding Security+ or CEH credentials, eliminating the 6–12 month certification grind most entry-level hires face.
At the bachelor's level, capitol Technology has built a cybersecurity program specifically designed for working professionals and full-time students seeking hands-on, immediately applicable security skills. The curriculum prioritizes practical lab environments and real-world attack simulation, with dedicated tracks in network defense, application security, and digital forensics. Faculty bring extensive industry experience from government and commercial security roles, teaching current threat landscapes and defensive techniques through intensive labs rather than theory-heavy lectures. The program's strength lies in its flexibility—students can pursue security certifications (Security+, CEH, CISSP pathways) alongside degree requirements, accelerating both credentials and job readiness. Capitol's location near Washington, D.C., and the federal cybersecurity marketplace means employer partnerships focus on government contractors and agencies actively recruiting graduates. Career placement reflects this: many graduates move into mid-to-senior security analyst roles within 6-12 months of graduation, often at organizations like CACI, DynCorp, or smaller federal consulting firms. The program also emphasizes incident response and threat hunting, reflecting current industry demand.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- CACI International (corporate)
- DynCorp International (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ pathway integrated
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) preparation support
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C., federal cybersecurity marketplace and government contractor headquartersStrong recruitment pipeline to DISA, FBI, and federal agencies
Stevenson University — Owings Mills, MD
Key Distinction: Stevenson integrates industry certifications directly into degree coursework and operates one of the region's most active student-run cybersecurity labs, creating certification-ready graduates.
Hakia Insight: Stevenson's student-run Cybersecurity Lab isn't a marketing phrase—it's a working SOC that generates real incident data, meaning your capstone project is built on actual threat intelligence rather than sanitized case studies, and T. Rowe Price's proximity creates direct recruitment lines for financial services roles paying 15–20% above average.
At the bachelor's level, stevenson's cybersecurity program stands out for its bridge between academic rigor and industry-grade hands-on training through extensive on-campus lab networks and simulated attack-defense environments. The curriculum incorporates a specialization track structure allowing students to focus deeply on areas like secure coding, infrastructure defense, or incident forensics depending on career goals. What makes this program distinctive is the emphasis on practical certifications woven directly into coursework—students can earn CompTIA Security+, CEH, or GIAC certifications while completing their degree without treating them as external add-ons. Faculty include practitioners from the Baltimore security and financial services sectors, bringing current threat intelligence and defensive practices into the classroom. The program benefits from Stevenson's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, creating direct recruitment connections with government agencies, healthcare security operations, and financial institutions. Graduates report strong placement in regional security operations centers and enterprise security teams, with many moving into senior analyst roles within 18-24 months. The program also emphasizes ethical hacking and defensive security concepts in equal measure, avoiding the hacker-culture stigma some programs carry.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Stevenson Cybersecurity Lab
Industry Partners
- T. Rowe Price (corporate)
- University of Maryland Medical System (nonprofit)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ integrated pathway
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) preparation
Location Advantages: Access to Baltimore-Washington corridor cybersecurity employers and financial services sector (T. Rowe Price headquartered nearby)Regional healthcare system security partnerships
SANS Technology Institute — North Bethesda, MD
Key Distinction: SANS is the only program where every course doubles as certification preparation, taught by active security practitioners in an intensive format designed for rapid career advancement.
Hakia Insight: SANS's curriculum written by Ed Skoudis and Stephen Northcutt means every assignment doubles as real-world incident handling or network defense—you're not learning security theory, you're learning how Mandiant and CrowdStrike actually operate, compressing years of practitioner experience into an accelerated format.
At the bachelor's level, SANS Technology Institute operates as a graduate-level institution focused exclusively on information security and cyberdefense, delivering a curriculum authored by working security practitioners rather than traditional academics. Every course maps to industry certifications—GIAC credentials—with instruction grounded in SANS' legendary security research and threat intelligence. The program's defining feature is its immersive, intensive format: students choose between full-time bootcamp tracks lasting months or part-time evening/weekend options allowing working professionals to study without leaving their jobs. SANS instructors are active incident responders, forensic investigators, and threat researchers—not distant theorists—ensuring content reflects current attack techniques and defensive strategies. The institute maintains an internal cyber range for hands-on labs, exposing students to realistic networks and malware samples in isolated environments. SANS graduates emerge with both a degree and multiple GIAC certifications (e.g., GCIH, GPEN, GCFE depending on track), making them immediately hireable for senior technical security roles. The alumni network spans Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and elite cybersecurity firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- SANS Cyber Range
- SANS NetWars
Industry Partners
- Mandiant (Google Cloud) (corporate)
- CrowdStrike (corporate)
- Palo Alto Networks (corporate)
- US Department of Defense (government)
- NSA (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Ed Skoudis — Incident handling, network security, hands-on penetration testing
- Stephen Northcutt — Intrusion detection, network defense architecture, security operations
Accreditations and Certifications
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
- GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
- GIAC Certified Cloud Security Engineer
Location Advantages: Fully online delivery with global enrollmentAccess to SANS instructors and research across all US security operations
Mount St. Mary's University — Emmitsburg, MD
Key Distinction: Mount St. Mary's University offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Mount St. Mary's information security program benefits from its Emmitsburg location within the I-81 corridor connecting to both the DC federal market and Baltimore-Washington financial services sector, offering geographic flexibility without the isolation of rural campuses.
Mount St. Mary's University offers Information Security programs in Emmitsburg, MD. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Frostburg State University — Frostburg, MD
Key Distinction: Frostburg integrates security across the entire CS curriculum rather than siloing it, building certification-ready graduates with holistic cybersecurity foundations.
Hakia Insight: Frostburg's decision to embed security throughout the entire CS curriculum rather than isolating it into specialized electives produces graduates with cryptographic foundations that most entry-level security roles don't require—but that become invaluable for advancement into applied cryptography and secure systems design roles within 3–5 years.
At the bachelor's level, frostburg State delivers information security education through its computer science program with a security-focused track that prioritizes cryptographic theory and network defense fundamentals. The program's strength lies in preparing students for security certifications—particularly CompTIA Security+ and CEH—with curriculum aligned to these industry standards. Rather than treating security as an afterthought, Frostburg threads cybersecurity concepts across foundational courses in operating systems, databases, and networking, so students develop security mindset early. The faculty incorporate case studies from real breaches and regulatory frameworks like HIPAA and PCI-DSS, making compliance and risk management tangible. Located in western Maryland, the program serves students seeking solid technical grounding without the pressure-cooker environment of larger research institutions, allowing for meaningful faculty mentorship. Graduates typically enter mid-market and enterprise IT roles with security responsibilities, or pursue further study in specialized domains.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ alignment
- CEH preparation pathway
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland Global Campus — Adelphi, MD
Key Distinction: UMGC delivers a fully online, compliance-focused cybersecurity degree designed for working professionals, with strong outcomes in regulated industries like healthcare and government.
Hakia Insight: UMGC's fully online model isn't just convenient—it's architected for the DoD clearance holder who relocates every 18-36 months, meaning your degree progresses identically whether you're in Maryland, Japan, or between postings, a continuity advantage competitors simply can't match.
At the master's level, UMGC's cybersecurity program is purpose-built for geographically dispersed and working professionals, delivering comprehensive security education entirely online without sacrificing technical depth. The curriculum spans network defense, system administration, secure coding, and compliance frameworks—enabling students to pursue security careers from virtually any location while maintaining employment. Faculty combine academic credentials with active industry experience, and the program maintains strong recruitment relationships with federal agencies, particularly DoD contractors who value UMGC's established online credibility for distributed security teams. What distinguishes this program is its adult-learner design philosophy: courses are structured in accelerated 8-week formats with asynchronous components, allowing students to balance studies with full-time work and family commitments. UMGC also integrates compliance and governance extensively—risk management, HIPAA, and governance frameworks are woven throughout, addressing real organizational security needs. Graduates move into roles across government, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors, often advancing from IT/network roles into dedicated security positions. The program's particular strength is producing security professionals who understand both technical implementation and organizational governance, making them valuable to enterprises managing regulatory compliance.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
Location Advantages: No geographic constraint—fully online delivery suitable for DoD personnel requiring security clearances who relocate frequentlyStrong reputation among federal agencies for online cybersecurity education
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Two track options (Technology & Research vs. Policy & Management) allow customization without separate degrees. Capstone project requirement with real-world problem focus, often industry/government-sponsored
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins' proximity to NSA Fort Meade and capstone requirement with government-sponsored projects means your final thesis often becomes a direct hiring signal—defense contractors already know your work quality before graduation.
Johns Hopkins' Master of Science in Security Informatics is an immersive, three-semester program designed for working professionals seeking advanced cybersecurity expertise. Students choose between two tracks: Technology & Research or Policy & Management, allowing customization based on career goals. The program requires 10 courses (30+ credits) plus a capstone project, often sponsored by government or industry partners addressing real-world security challenges. Graduates earn an average salary of $132,962 annually, with roles spanning $111,000–$150,000. The program offers paid research and internship opportunities, including summer internships at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Scholarship opportunities include NSF CyberAICorps, Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy, and Information Security Institute Fellowships. No GRE required. Benefits from JHU's transformational investment in AI and data science, plus proximity to Washington D.C. and federal agencies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Security Informatics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute (ISI)
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (government)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon.
Location Advantages: Proximity to NSA headquarters in Fort Meade, MarylandAccess to major defense contractors and federal cybersecurity initiatives in the Baltimore-Washington corridorStrong recruitment presence from government agencies requiring security clearances
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology delivers career-accelerated cybersecurity training with integrated certification pathways and intensive hands-on labs, optimized for rapid placement in government contractor and federal agency roles.
Hakia Insight: Capitol's integrated certification pathway model compresses what typically takes 6-12 months of post-degree study into the curriculum itself, so you exit with both your degree and active industry credentials, directly accelerating federal contractor placement timelines.
At the master's level, capitol Technology has built a cybersecurity program specifically designed for working professionals and full-time students seeking hands-on, immediately applicable security skills. The curriculum prioritizes practical lab environments and real-world attack simulation, with dedicated tracks in network defense, application security, and digital forensics. Faculty bring extensive industry experience from government and commercial security roles, teaching current threat landscapes and defensive techniques through intensive labs rather than theory-heavy lectures. The program's strength lies in its flexibility—students can pursue security certifications (Security+, CEH, CISSP pathways) alongside degree requirements, accelerating both credentials and job readiness. Capitol's location near Washington, D.C., and the federal cybersecurity marketplace means employer partnerships focus on government contractors and agencies actively recruiting graduates. Career placement reflects this: many graduates move into mid-to-senior security analyst roles within 6-12 months of graduation, often at organizations like CACI, DynCorp, or smaller federal consulting firms. The program also emphasizes incident response and threat hunting, reflecting current industry demand.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- CACI International (corporate)
- DynCorp International (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ pathway integrated
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) preparation support
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C., federal cybersecurity marketplace and government contractor headquartersStrong recruitment pipeline to DISA, FBI, and federal agencies
SANS Technology Institute — North Bethesda, MD
Key Distinction: SANS is the only program where every course doubles as certification preparation, taught by active security practitioners in an intensive format designed for rapid career advancement.
Hakia Insight: Every SANS course doubles as live certification prep taught by active practitioners like Ed Skoudis—you're not learning security history, you're learning what Mandiant and CrowdStrike's incident responders are actually doing this month.
At the master's level, SANS Technology Institute operates as a graduate-level institution focused exclusively on information security and cyberdefense, delivering a curriculum authored by working security practitioners rather than traditional academics. Every course maps to industry certifications—GIAC credentials—with instruction grounded in SANS' legendary security research and threat intelligence. The program's defining feature is its immersive, intensive format: students choose between full-time bootcamp tracks lasting months or part-time evening/weekend options allowing working professionals to study without leaving their jobs. SANS instructors are active incident responders, forensic investigators, and threat researchers—not distant theorists—ensuring content reflects current attack techniques and defensive strategies. The institute maintains an internal cyber range for hands-on labs, exposing students to realistic networks and malware samples in isolated environments. SANS graduates emerge with both a degree and multiple GIAC certifications (e.g., GCIH, GPEN, GCFE depending on track), making them immediately hireable for senior technical security roles. The alumni network spans Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and elite cybersecurity firms.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- SANS Cyber Range
- SANS NetWars
Industry Partners
- Mandiant (Google Cloud) (corporate)
- CrowdStrike (corporate)
- Palo Alto Networks (corporate)
- US Department of Defense (government)
- NSA (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Ed Skoudis — Incident handling, network security, hands-on penetration testing
- Stephen Northcutt — Intrusion detection, network defense architecture, security operations
Accreditations and Certifications
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
- GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
- GIAC Certified Cloud Security Engineer
Location Advantages: Fully online delivery with global enrollmentAccess to SANS instructors and research across all US security operations
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood College's program distinguishes itself through emphasis on cryptographic theory and formal security verification, combined with liberal arts breadth in ethics and human factors.
Hakia Insight: Hood College's cryptographic theory focus creates an unusual edge for students targeting advanced roles in payment systems, PKI, or cryptanalysis—most programs skip formal verification entirely, leaving graduates unprepared for roles where math, not just tools, matters.
At the master's level, hood College's information security offerings emerge from a computer science program that has historically emphasized mathematical foundations and theoretical computer science. Students pursuing security at Hood develop depth in cryptography, formal methods for security verification, and theoretical aspects of secure system design. The program benefits from Hood's liberal arts environment, where security coursework integrates with electives in psychology (social engineering awareness), business (security governance), and philosophy (ethical frameworks for security decisions). Internship opportunities reflect Hood's location in Frederick, Maryland—a growing tech corridor with cybersecurity roles in regional companies and government contractors. The college maintains a teaching-focused culture, meaning faculty are accessible for independent projects and students often contribute to security research through senior capstones. While not as well-known nationally as larger universities, Hood graduates report strong regional employment outcomes in mid-market security roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Frederick, Maryland tech corridor with growing cybersecurity employers
University of Maryland Eastern Shore — Princess Anne, MD
Key Distinction: Non-thesis program with research paper seminar requirement (3 credits). Coursework-focused track without traditional thesis
Hakia Insight: UMES' 36-credit non-thesis model with research seminar trades dissertation depth for 6-12 months faster entry into federal sector work, a meaningful advantage when hiring freezes hit and time-to-employment determines who gets the job offer.
The Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity Engineering is a 36-credit non-thesis program designed to prepare professionals with technical expertise in protecting and defending information systems. The curriculum consists of 12 core credits, 21 technical elective credits, and a 3-credit seminar requiring a research paper in information assurance and cybersecurity. The program trains graduates to plan, implement, and monitor security measures for computer networks and critical infrastructure, respond to security breaches, and design comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Ideal for working professionals, the program emphasizes practical skills in risk management, network security, industrial control system protection, and incident response. Graduates develop competencies in evaluating organizational cybersecurity needs, implementing real-time solutions, and addressing security threats across the sixteen critical infrastructure sectors.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Location Advantages: Access to federal and regional government sector employment
