Associate's Information Security Programs in Virginia
Northern Virginia Community College — Annandale, VA
Key Distinction: Virginia's first community college to be designated as a Center of Excellence for two-year institutions (CAE2Y) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security
Hakia Insight: NOVA's dual NSA-CAE2Y designation across five Northern Virginia campuses creates an unusual advantage: students can earn the same rigorously vetted cybersecurity credential while choosing between urban (Arlington), suburban (Annandale), or fully online pathways—a flexibility that matters when federal hiring processes recognize CAE2Y credentials equally regardless of delivery format.
At the associate's level, NOVA offers cybersecurity programs designed to help protect digital information and systems from cyberattacks. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity is one of the Commonwealth's largest and fastest growing cybersecurity programs.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- SACSCOC
- CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense)
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, WoodbridgeOnline learning options availableLocated in Northern Virginia with proximity to government and corporate cybersecurity opportunities
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's five specialized tracks within a single associate's program let students pivot toward NSA-CAE certification, forensics, or operations without losing credits—a modular approach most community colleges reserve for four-year institutions, compressing what traditionally takes two separate degrees into one adaptive credential.
At the associate's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity focus, with hands-on learning and apprenticeship options. The program provides comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity with flexible online and accelerated options.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Tidewater Community College — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE2Y) for Two-Year schools by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Hakia Insight: TCC's joint-use facility and centrally managed network infrastructure means students practice on architectures that mirror actual enterprise defense operations, not simulated labs—giving Peregrine Technical Solutions partnership hires a material advantage when they troubleshoot real systems on day one.
At the associate's level, TCC's cyber security program teaches skills needed for preventing, detecting, and battling digital crime from threats like hackers, malware, spyware, and viruses. The program is designed to provide the most current and effective techniques to prevent, detect, and eliminate cyber attacks.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Peregrine Technical Solutions (cybersecurity)
- International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC^2) (certification)
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA-CAE2Y
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages: Joint-use facility collaboration between multiple institutionsIntegrated technology systems and centrally managed network security
Germanna Community College — Locust Grove, VA
Key Distinction: Germanna is designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education, co-sponsored by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, with alliances with business and industry partners ensuring students learn the latest industry skills.
Hakia Insight: Germanna's 10–15 mile proximity to Marine Corps Base Quantico creates an invisible pipeline: CAE2Y-designated curriculum trains students in defense-grade security practices while placement officers work with the base's IT modernization initiatives, effectively pre-screening candidates for high-clearance roles.
At the associate's level, the Associate of Applied Science in IST Cybersecurity is designed to help prepare students for a bachelor's degree at partnering four-year schools or enter directly into the cybersecurity career field. This accelerated degree program prepares students to become cybersecurity technicians or analysts.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education (NSA and DHS)
Location Advantages: Located 10-15 miles from Marine Corps Base QuanticoState-of-the-art facilities at Stafford County CenterAccessible from greater Northern Virginia region
Laurel Ridge Community College — Middletown, VA
Key Distinction: The program holds both NSA/DHS CAE2Y designation and ABET accreditation, ensuring quality standards that meet specific government agency knowledge and skill objectives for cybersecurity education.
Hakia Insight: Laurel Ridge holds both NSA/DHS CAE2Y *and* ABET accreditation—a rare dual credential at the associate level—paired with Office of Personnel Management partnerships that streamline federal background investigations, effectively converting tuition (one-third of four-year costs) into accelerated federal hiring timelines.
At the associate's level, laurel Ridge Community College's Information Security program offers comprehensive cybersecurity education through both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Career Studies Certificate pathway. The AAS program is distinguished by its NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence Two-Year (CAE2Y) designation and ABET accreditation by the Computing Accreditation Commission. Students develop critical skills to analyze security problems, apply cybersecurity principles, and maintain operations under threats. The program prepares graduates for direct employment in cybersecurity roles or transfer to four-year institutions. With flexible delivery options including on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, the program serves both traditional students and working professionals seeking to enhance their IT skill sets.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Office of Personnel Management (government)
- CyberCorps: Scholarship Service (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Federal Government.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS CAE2Y
- ABET Accredited
Location Advantages: Middletown Campus locationFauquier Campus availabilityTuition costs approximately one-third of four-year institutionsG3 Scholarship eligibility for additional funding
American National University — Salem, VA
Key Distinction: Competency-based, accelerated information security degrees designed specifically for working adults seeking rapid entry into cybersecurity roles with embedded industry certification pathways.
At the associate's level, american National University's information security program prioritizes working professionals and career changers through flexible, competency-based learning models that compress time-to-degree without sacrificing technical depth. The curriculum emphasizes practical cybersecurity skills aligned with industry certifications—students work toward Security+, CEH, and CISSP-relevant competencies embedded directly into coursework rather than as afterthoughts. What distinguishes this program is its focus on accelerated pathways: learners can progress at their own pace, completing security fundamentals, network defense, and incident response modules in sequences that match their background and career goals. The school's network of working professionals in the program creates peer learning opportunities and real-world problem-solving from day one. Faculty bring direct industry experience in systems administration, vulnerability assessment, and security operations, translating current threats and defenses into classroom scenarios. Graduates typically move into roles like security analyst, systems administrator, or junior penetration tester within 6-12 months of completion, with many employers actively recruiting from the program due to its reputation for producing job-ready technicians rather than purely theoretical graduates.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach, VA
Key Distinction: Bryant & Stratton College's program uniquely combines networking technology and cybersecurity education with industry certification preparation, offering flexible delivery formats and hands-on experience that prepares students for immediate employment in IT security roles.
Hakia Insight: Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach's partnerships with CompTIA and Cisco translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Virginia.
At the associate's level, bryant & Stratton College's Information Security program at Virginia Beach offers comprehensive technology education with emphasis on hands-on experience in networking, cybersecurity, and IT fundamentals. The program provides both associate degree pathways in Networking Technology (AAS) and continuing education certificates in Cybersecurity & CISSP. Students gain technical expertise in installing, configuring, securing, administering, and troubleshooting network systems while preparing for industry certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. The curriculum emphasizes network hardware components, modern voice and data networks, and cybersecurity fundamentals including asset security, cloud operations security, cryptography, and malware analysis. Programs can be completed in under 2 years for associate degrees, with flexible delivery options including on-campus, online, live remote, and blended formats to accommodate working professionals.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- MindEdge (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CISSP
Location Advantages: Virginia Beach campus locationMultiple campus options including Hampton and RichmondFlexible scheduling with online and on-campus options
Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Virginia
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's five specialized tracks at the bachelor's level let students earn NSA-CAE certification while completing a degree, rather than sequentially—compressing what many programs spread across five years into four through competency-stacking.
At the bachelor's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity focus, with hands-on learning and apprenticeship options. The program provides comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity with flexible online and accelerated options.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of Richmond — University of Richmond, VA
Hakia Insight: University of Richmond's online bachelor's through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies operates on a separate admissions track from the traditional undergraduate program, meaning career changers and working professionals sidestep the standard liberal arts prerequisites while earning the same Richmond degree.
The University of Richmond offers both a Bachelor's degree and undergraduate certificate in Information Security through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies, with online program options available.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Old Dominion University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: ODU's program excels at combining rigorous threat modeling and secure architecture design with proximity to a major hub of federal and defense cybersecurity expertise.
Hakia Insight: ODU's Cyber Security Center of Excellence sits inside the Hampton Roads federal and defense hub—where Northrop Grumman, Huntington Ingalls, and Booz Allen Hamilton operate major facilities—giving students access to recruiting pipelines that actively hire from ODU's threat modeling and secure architecture labs rather than competing for generic tech talent.
At the bachelor's level, old Dominion University's information security program takes a comprehensive, research-informed approach that moves beyond foundational certifications into advanced topics including cloud security architecture, secure software development at scale, and threat modeling for enterprise environments. The program benefits from ODU's location in the Hampton Roads region and its strong relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, and major technology companies establishing operations in the area. Students engage with real infrastructure through labs that simulate contemporary attack surfaces, learning not just to defend against threats but to anticipate evolving attack methodologies. The curriculum integrates both theoretical underpinnings (cryptography, formal methods) and applied security engineering, preparing graduates for roles that require architectural thinking. Faculty expertise spans government security classification systems, secure systems design, and applied cryptography—knowledge directly relevant to graduates pursuing cleared positions or senior security engineering roles. ODU's master's program particularly serves working professionals and military veterans seeking to deepen their security expertise, offering both full-time and part-time pathways. Graduates often advance into senior technical roles, security consulting, or specialized government positions requiring deep security architecture knowledge.
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
- Cyber Security Center of Excellence
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Huntington Ingalls Industries (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: U.S. Navy, Defense contractors, Major technology companies.
Notable Faculty
- null — Cryptography and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Hampton Roads region with significant federal cybersecurity presenceProximity to Naval Station Norfolk and major DoD facilitiesAccess to defense contractor security community
Randolph-Macon College — Ashland, VA
Hakia Insight: Randolph-Macon's 24/7 lab access typically costs students $40K+ annually at research universities; at a small liberal arts college, the same hands-on infrastructure arrives without the eight-figure research budget, allowing students to build portfolio projects that rival those from much larger institutions.
At the bachelor's level, randolph-Macon's cybersecurity program offers truly hands-on learning with state-of-the-art facilities typically only found at large research universities, including 24/7 access to dedicated computer labs with both Windows and Linux systems. Students gain real-world experience through research opportunities and internships with cybersecurity professionals, preparing them for a career field with 35% anticipated growth rate.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Tech for Troops, Sentara Hospital Systems, MAD Security, MKA Cyber, Richweb.
Location Advantages:
Shenandoah University — Winchester, VA
Key Distinction: Shenandoah University's cybersecurity programs uniquely combine technical expertise with business acumen through AACSB-accredited coursework, preparing graduates for multiple industry certifications while offering personalized attention through exceptionally small class sizes.
Hakia Insight: Shenandoah's AACSB accreditation (usually reserved for business schools) embedded in a cybersecurity major means graduates can credibly pursue security leadership roles in Fortune 500s, not just technical positions—a credential combination that typically requires two separate degrees elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, shenandoah University's Information Security program offers comprehensive cybersecurity education through multiple degree pathways including a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and MBA in Cybersecurity Management. The programs provide hands-on technical training in digital security, network protection, cryptography, and risk management while preparing students for industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP, and GIAC Security Essentials. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, industry-experienced faculty, and flexible online options. The curriculum covers advanced cybersecurity techniques, ethical hacking, network security, database architecture, and security policy standards, with capstone projects addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Fadi Abuamara — Computer Engineering
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: 03/09/26.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or information systems management, Prior coursework in cybersecurity fundamentals, operating systems, networking and programming
Accreditations and Certifications
- AACSB Accredited
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Net+
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- ISC2 SSCP
- GIAC Security Essentials
- OSCP+
- CSSLP
- CISSP
Location Advantages:
Liberty University — Lynchburg, VA
Key Distinction: Liberty University's Information Security program uniquely integrates Christian ethical reasoning with technical cybersecurity expertise, guided by the Center for Cyber Excellence with strategic partnerships for real-world experience opportunities.
Hakia Insight: Liberty's Center for Cyber Excellence and strategic partnerships inject real-world incident response into coursework, but the program's integration of Christian ethical reasoning into technical decision-making creates a differentiated hiring narrative for students targeting federal agencies and contractors evaluating governance maturity, not just technical compliance.
At the bachelor's level, liberty University offers a comprehensive Information Security program through multiple degree pathways designed to combat cyber threats and protect digital assets. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with offensive and defensive cyber operations, including advanced programming, reverse malware engineering, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. Students learn from experienced industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities including interactive classrooms and tech labs. The curriculum integrates Christian ethical values with technical expertise, preparing graduates for highly technical cybersecurity roles. The program is guided by the Center for Cyber Excellence and offers strategic partnerships with local governments and private businesses for co-op and internship opportunities. Students can pursue various specializations including cybersecurity science and operations, information assurance, and data networking security.
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
- Center for Cyber Excellence
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: C# Programming (CSIS 209), College Algebra or higher (MATH 121), Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MATH 201), Networks (CSIS 331)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ACBSP Accredited
- SACSCOC Accredited
Location Advantages: Brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com's #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026Strategic partnerships with local governments and private businesses
Bluefield University — Bluefield, VA
Key Distinction: The program combines technical cybersecurity expertise with ethical considerations and Christian perspectives, preparing students to make responsible decisions in protecting sensitive information across various organizational contexts.
Hakia Insight: Bluefield's Appalachian regional focus obscures a strategic asset: the program sits in a coal-to-tech transition zone where regional utilities, municipal systems, and emerging tech firms face acute cybersecurity talent shortages, giving graduates immediate local demand for roles that larger metros reserve for experienced hires.
At the bachelor's level, bluefield's information security curriculum integrates foundational computer science and mathematics with applied cybersecurity engineering, structured around practical problem-solving and laboratory experience. The program emphasizes secure systems design, threat analysis, and defensive technologies, with coursework that builds from introductory security principles through advanced topics in cryptography and network security. Located in Bluefield, West Virginia, the program serves a regional population and maintains partnerships with regional and mid-Atlantic technology employers. Students participate in security competitions and hands-on projects that develop both technical depth and communication skills necessary for security engineering and analyst roles. The program's scale allows for closer faculty-student interaction, with mentorship-oriented advising that supports students through internship placement and early-career development.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional focus in Appalachian technology sector
Radford University — Radford, VA
Key Distinction: Radford University launched the first Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program at a four-year public institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program combines technical depth with practical application through specialized labs and real-world problem-solving partnerships with industry.
Hakia Insight: Radford launched Virginia's first four-year public cybersecurity bachelor's degree, and its ARTIS Lab and Center for Information Security now feed talent into state government and defense contracting—a first-mover advantage that means alumni networks in security roles predate competitors' programs by years, shaping recruitment norms in the region.
At the bachelor's level, radford University's Information Security program, housed in the Artis College of Science and Technology's School of Computing and Information Sciences, offers comprehensive cybersecurity education through multiple pathways including a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and an Information Security Certificate. The program addresses critical aspects of computing security including software security, network security, security analysis and vulnerability assessment, secure web development, operating systems hardening, data security, risk management, and law and ethics. Students gain hands-on experience in programming, networking, operating systems, database management systems, distributed computing infrastructure, cloud computing, and IoT security. The program features specialized facilities including the ARTIS Lab for collaborative research, dedicated networking labs with Cisco equipment, and faculty research labs running multiple operating systems. Radford's cybersecurity program was notably the first at a four-year public institution in Virginia, designed to meet the anticipated demand for 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals. The curriculum develops comprehensive skills for designing and implementing end-to-end security solutions, preparing graduates to work in both public and private organizations.
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
- ARTIS Lab (Applied Research in Technology and Information Science)
- Center for Information Security
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Located in Radford, VirginiaMain campus setting in Virginia's technology corridor
Ferrum College — Ferrum, VA
Key Distinction: The program combines traditional computer science fundamentals with specialized cybersecurity emphasis, housed within a school that emphasizes hands-on, practical learning from day one.
Hakia Insight: Ferrum's pairing of cybersecurity emphasis with an on-campus working farm is more than quaint—it creates a rare environment where students debug secure systems in the same hands-on, failure-tolerant space where they manage agricultural infrastructure, translating risk management from soil to code.
At the bachelor's level, ferrum College's Information Security program is offered through a Computer Science, Cybersecurity Emphasis, B.S. degree within the School of Sciences and Agriculture. The program is designed to teach students essential skills needed to understand, design, implement, test, and deploy computer systems and software systems that help solve business problems. Students can also pursue a Cybersecurity minor as part of their studies. The School of Sciences and Agriculture builds on Ferrum College's proud legacy in environmental and agricultural education, providing rigorous scientific study and hands-on learning opportunities. From their first semester, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings through research projects and practical problem-solving activities. The program prepares graduates to lead with curiosity, innovation, and technical expertise in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dana Ghioca-Robrecht — Environmental Science and Biology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Virginia's Blue Ridge regionOn-campus working farm for hands-on learning
Master's Information Security Programs in Virginia
Marymount University — Arlington, VA
Key Distinction: Information security program uniquely positioned in the D.C. corridor with embedded federal agency partnerships, clearance sponsorship pipelines, and faculty expertise in government compliance and defense cybersecurity.
Hakia Insight: Marymount's Arlington location unlocks something most cybersecurity programs can't replicate: direct clearance sponsorship pipelines into DoD and DHS roles, meaning graduates often enter positions with security clearances already in progress rather than competing for them post-graduation.
At the master's level, marymount University's information security program leverages its Arlington, Virginia location—minutes from Washington D.C.'s federal agencies, think tanks, and major defense contractors—to create unparalleled internship and networking opportunities in government cybersecurity. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in cryptography, secure systems design, and network security with applied work on real vulnerabilities and threat modeling, preparing graduates for both federal contractor roles and private sector positions. The program stands out for its strong connections to the intelligence and defense communities; guest lectures from NSA, DHS, and DoD cybersecurity professionals are woven into semesters, and alumni networks funnel graduates into clearance-eligible positions that would be difficult to access elsewhere. Faculty include practitioners with federal agency experience who bring case studies from actual incidents and compliance frameworks (NIST, FISMA) directly into classroom discussions. Marymount's Catholic, values-centered ethos also appeals to students pursuing security work in government service or mission-driven organizations. Career outcomes reflect the D.C. advantage: many graduates secure positions in federal cybersecurity roles, defense contracting, or intelligence support within months of graduation, often with security clearance sponsorship.
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
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, Raytheon Technologies, Leidos.
Location Advantages: Arlington, Virginia location minutes from Washington D.C.Proximity to federal agencies (NSA, DHS, DoD)Access to major defense contractors and intelligence community employers
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's five specialized tracks and NSA-CAE certification positioning give students a rare choice—pursue either breadth across operations or depth in a single domain—without the two-year commitment most comprehensive programs demand.
At the master's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity focus, with hands-on learning and apprenticeship options. The program provides comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity with flexible online and accelerated options.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Old Dominion University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: ODU's program excels at combining rigorous threat modeling and secure architecture design with proximity to a major hub of federal and defense cybersecurity expertise.
Hakia Insight: ODU's Cyber Security Center of Excellence sits in Hampton Roads surrounded by Northrop Grumman and HII facilities, meaning threat modeling coursework often uses defense contractors' real architectural challenges rather than sanitized case studies.
Old Dominion University's information security program takes a comprehensive, research-informed approach that moves beyond foundational certifications into advanced topics including cloud security architecture, secure software development at scale, and threat modeling for enterprise environments. The program benefits from ODU's location in the Hampton Roads region and its strong relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, and major technology companies establishing operations in the area. Students engage with real infrastructure through labs that simulate contemporary attack surfaces, learning not just to defend against threats but to anticipate evolving attack methodologies. The curriculum integrates both theoretical underpinnings (cryptography, formal methods) and applied security engineering, preparing graduates for roles that require architectural thinking. Faculty expertise spans government security classification systems, secure systems design, and applied cryptography—knowledge directly relevant to graduates pursuing cleared positions or senior security engineering roles. ODU's master's program particularly serves working professionals and military veterans seeking to deepen their security expertise, offering both full-time and part-time pathways. Graduates often advance into senior technical roles, security consulting, or specialized government positions requiring deep security architecture knowledge.
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
- Cyber Security Center of Excellence
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Huntington Ingalls Industries (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: U.S. Navy, Defense contractors, Major technology companies.
Notable Faculty
- null — Cryptography and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Hampton Roads region with significant federal cybersecurity presenceProximity to Naval Station Norfolk and major DoD facilitiesAccess to defense contractor security community
Norfolk State University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: HBCU-based information security program uniquely focused on critical infrastructure and maritime cybersecurity defense, with deep ties to Hampton Roads naval and defense ecosystem and commitment to building diverse cybersecurity leadership.
Hakia Insight: Norfolk State's HBCU framework combined with maritime cybersecurity specialization creates an underutilized pipeline into critical infrastructure defense roles that predominantly white institutions overlook, while building leadership diversity in a sector that desperately needs it.
At the master's level, norfolk State University's information security program, housed within its engineering and computer science framework, emphasizes cybersecurity as a critical infrastructure defense discipline with particular relevance to the school's unique geographic and research context. Being located in the Hampton Roads region—home to the largest naval installation in the world and numerous maritime/defense contractors—the program naturally attracts students interested in critical infrastructure protection, military-adjacent cybersecurity, and defense sector careers. The curriculum covers traditional security foundations (cryptography, access control, incident response) but increasingly incorporates emerging areas like industrial control system (ICS) security, SCADA network defense, and supply chain security, reflecting both regional employer needs and NSU's commitment to preparing African American cybersecurity professionals for leadership roles in a field with significant diversity gaps. Faculty blend academic rigor with hands-on lab environments where students perform penetration testing, forensic analysis, and network defense exercises on realistic infrastructure scenarios. As an HBCU, Norfolk State is actively engaged in NSF cybersecurity workforce development initiatives and diversity-focused recruitment; graduates frequently move into federal contractor roles, military IT positions, and cybersecurity operations centers with strong employer demand from regional defense and maritime organizations.
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
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mary Ann Hoppa — Cybersecurity
Location Advantages: Hampton Roads, Virginia location with proximity to world's largest naval installationAccess to major maritime and defense contractorsStrong regional employer demand in critical infrastructure and military IT sectors
George Mason University — Fairfax, VA
Key Distinction: Deep roots in technology and close ties with government and industry, featuring the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative (CCI) Living Innovation Lab with state-of-the-science equipment where students work closely with funded researchers and industry experts.
Hakia Insight: George Mason's Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Living Innovation Lab isn't a demo space—it's a working research environment where master's students collaborate directly with funded researchers on live projects, compressing the gap between coursework and publishable work.
At the master's level, george Mason University offers comprehensive cybersecurity and information technology programs that prepare students to create and maintain crucial information systems protecting against cyber threats. The programs integrate cybersecurity education across multiple departments with strong government and industry connections.
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
- Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative (CCI) Living Innovation Lab
- Wireless Cyber Center
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: solid background in mathematics and science
Accreditations and Certifications
Strayer University-Virginia — Arlington, VA
Key Distinction: Strayer University's Information Security program stands out through its dedicated Cybersecurity Center and comprehensive online delivery model that serves working professionals. The program offers multiple pathways from undergraduate concentrations to specialized graduate degrees in cybersecurity.
Hakia Insight: Strayer's dedicated Cybersecurity Center paired with fully online delivery actually solves a real problem: working professionals can earn a cybersecurity master's without abandoning their current role, letting them apply concepts immediately to their employer's infrastructure.
At the master's level, strayer University's Information Security program offers comprehensive cybersecurity education through multiple degree pathways including a Bachelor's in Information Technology with Cybersecurity concentration and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The program is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to working professionals. The university features a dedicated Cybersecurity Center and provides various related concentrations such as Computer Forensics, Computer Security Management, and Enterprise Network Management. The program spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, with additional MBA concentrations in Cybersecurity Management available through their Business Administration programs. Strayer's approach integrates practical cybersecurity skills with foundational IT knowledge, preparing students for the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
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
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Location Advantages:
