Best Information Security Programs in Texas 2025

Texas offers 11 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A & M University-College Station, Lone Star College System. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas market.

A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Texas offers 14 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include The University of Texas at Austin, University of Dallas, University of Houston. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Texas are at Collin County Community College District ($3,450/year), Angelo State University ($4,495/year), Lone Star College System ($5,544/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.

At Collin County Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,800 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.

Texas ranks second nationally for cybersecurity employment, with over 45,200 professionals working across the state (Cyberseek). The state's diverse economy spanning technology, energy, aerospace, and finance creates exceptional demand for information security specialists.

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex leads with 18,500 cybersecurity positions, followed by Austin with 12,300 and Houston with 9,800 roles. Major employers include AT&T, Dell Technologies, Raytheon, ExxonMobil, and numerous federal agencies. The concentration of Fortune 500 companies in Texas creates robust entry-level opportunities for new graduates.

Information security analysts in Texas earn a median salary of $89,200, approximately 8% higher than the national average (BLS). Entry-level positions start around $72,500, while senior roles and specialized positions can exceed $140,000 annually. The state's no income tax policy effectively increases take-home pay compared to other major tech markets.

Texas universities have responded to this demand by developing comprehensive information security degree programs that combine technical skills with business acumen. Many programs offer specialized tracks in areas like industrial control systems security, reflecting the state's energy infrastructure needs.

Texas information security programs vary significantly in their approach and specializations. Public research universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M offer comprehensive programs with strong research components, while regional universities focus more on practical skills and industry certifications.

The University of Texas at Austin stands out for its NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation and extensive industry partnerships. The program requires 120 credit hours including core courses in network security, cryptography, and digital forensics. Students complete a capstone project working with real industry partners like Dell, IBM, or local government agencies.

Texas A&M University's cybersecurity program benefits from the university's engineering excellence and military connections. The curriculum emphasizes both technical depth and leadership skills, preparing graduates for management roles in cybersecurity. The program's research center has received over $15 million in federal funding for cybersecurity research.

Regional universities like Texas State and UT San Antonio offer more affordable options with strong industry connections. These programs often have higher percentages of working professionals and evening/weekend class options. They typically emphasize practical skills and industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP.

Private institutions like Texas Christian University and Baylor University offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. However, the significantly higher tuition costs make the return on investment less favorable compared to public alternatives, especially given that cybersecurity employers typically prioritize skills over institutional prestige.

Admission requirements for information security programs in Texas vary by institution type and competitiveness. Most programs require a high school diploma with strong performance in mathematics and science courses. Computer science or programming experience is helpful but not always required.

• Minimum GPA: 3.0-3.5 for competitive programs, 2.5-3.0 for less selective schools
• SAT scores: 1200+ for top-tier programs, 1000+ for mid-tier programs
• Mathematics prerequisite: Algebra II minimum, Calculus preferred for research universities
• Letters of recommendation: 1-2 required for most programs
• Personal statement describing interest in cybersecurity field

Transfer students from community colleges are actively recruited by Texas universities. Many schools have articulation agreements with local community colleges, allowing students to complete prerequisite courses at lower cost before transferring. The Texas Common Application makes applying to multiple state universities streamlined.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 80) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores. Some programs require additional documentation of mathematics proficiency. Graduate programs typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.