- 1.Texas has 18 accredited information security programs with strong industry partnerships
- 2.Average starting salary for graduates: $72,500, with mid-career salaries reaching $115,000
- 3.Information security jobs in Texas growing 35% faster than national average
- 4.Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin metro areas account for 65% of cybersecurity positions
- 5.Texas universities offer specialized tracks in cloud security, incident response, and digital forensics
Top 3 Information Security Programs in Texas
University of Texas at Austin
NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence with direct industry partnerships at Dell, IBM, and Cisco
Texas A&M University
Renowned cybersecurity research center with $15M in annual funding and 98% job placement rate
University of Houston
Strong connections to energy sector cybersecurity with specialized petroleum industry security focus
45,200
Texas Cybersecurity Jobs
4,800
Annual Job Openings
4 years
Average Program Length
$11K-$15K
In-State Tuition Range
Texas Information Security Job Market Analysis
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.
Complete Texas Information Security Program Rankings
| Location | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | $11,790 | 8700% | 94 |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station | $12,413 | 8200% | 91 |
| 3 | University of Houston | Houston | $11,966 | 6400% | 88 |
| 4 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | $11,806 | 6200% | 85 |
| 5 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | $14,564 | 7100% | 83 |
| 6 | Texas State University | San Marcos | $11,448 | 5500% | 80 |
| 7 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | $11,863 | 4400% | 78 |
| 8 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | $11,508 | 5900% | 76 |
| 9 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | $53,070 | 8200% | 74 |
| 10 | Baylor University | Waco | $50,232 | 7800% | 72 |
Based on 18 programs from Analysis of IPEDS, College Scorecard, and industry surveys
Faculty credentials, research output, and curriculum comprehensiveness
Graduate employment rates, salary data, and employer feedback
Internship partnerships, advisory boards, and career services
Labs, equipment, certification opportunities, and student support
Tuition costs relative to outcomes and financial aid availability
How Texas Information Security Programs Compare
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.
| Factor | Public Research | Regional Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $12,200 | $11,600 | $51,650 |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 20-30 students | 15-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | Moderate |
| Industry Partnerships | Very Strong | Strong | Moderate |
| Job Placement Rate | 94% | 87% | 91% |
| Starting Salary Range | $70K-$85K | $65K-$78K | $68K-$82K |
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, install security software, and conduct risk assessments
Cybersecurity Specialist
Develop and implement security protocols, respond to incidents, and maintain security infrastructure
Security Consultant
Assess client security needs, design security solutions, and provide ongoing support and training
Digital Forensics Analyst
Investigate cybercrimes, recover data from digital devices, and provide expert testimony
Security Architect
Design comprehensive security systems, oversee implementation, and ensure compliance
Texas Information Security Program Admission Requirements
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.
Source: Cyberseek.org Employment Data
Information Security Programs by Texas Region
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Austin Area
Houston Area
San Antonio Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: Starting Your Information Security Education
Research Program Specializations
Compare curriculum focus areas like digital forensics, network security, or incident response to match your career interests. Review course catalogs and faculty research areas.
Visit Campus and Attend Information Sessions
Schedule campus visits to see cybersecurity labs and meet with faculty. Many programs offer virtual information sessions and can arrange meetings with current students.
Apply for Financial Aid Early
Complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. Research Texas-specific scholarships and grants for STEM students.
Build Foundational Skills
Start learning basic networking concepts and consider entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ before starting your program.
Connect with Industry Professionals
Join cybersecurity organizations like (ISC)² or ISACA local chapters. Attend meetups and conferences to start building your professional network early.
Related Information Security Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.