Best Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Fox Valley Technical College — Appleton, WI
Hakia Insight: Fox Valley's strategy of embedding CompTIA A+ and Security+ into the degree itself (rather than as optional add-ons) means students graduate job-ready for manufacturing and utilities companies that hire exclusively on certified credentials, compressing a typical 6-month post-graduation certification grind into coursework.
At the associate's level, the information security track at Fox Valley has built its reputation on getting students industry-certified fast—many complete CompTIA A+ and Security+ before graduation, which immediately opens doors to help desk and junior admin roles in the Fox Valley's robust tech corridor. The program's strength is its alignment with what regional employers actually need right now: the curriculum updates every semester based on direct feedback from companies like Paper Industry partners and manufacturing firms that increasingly need cybersecurity expertise. You'll find the cohort-based learning model creates a real support network of peers moving into the same entry-level positions.
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: Appleton-area manufacturing companies, Regional healthcare networks, Paper and forest products companies, Local government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- Marquette University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Madison Area Technical College — Madison, WI
Hakia Insight: MATC's day-one lab immersion model creates a rare advantage for associate's students: you'll troubleshoot real firewall configurations and access control systems before your peers at other schools finish their first semester of theory, making you immediately valuable to UW System and state IT departments hiring at the entry level.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on security work, MATC's information security program puts you in actual lab environments from day one—you'll configure firewalls, manage access controls, and run vulnerability assessments on real systems before you graduate. The program has strong pipeline partnerships with local Madison tech employers and UW-Madison, meaning you can either jump into workforce roles like Network Security Technician or continue your education without losing credits. Students consistently report that the instructor experience in the program (many teach while working in industry) makes the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers immediately value.
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 Wisconsin System, State of Wisconsin IT departments, Madison-area healthcare systems, Local government IT divisions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA A+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Gateway Technical College — Kenosha, WI
Hakia Insight: Gateway's southeast Wisconsin employer relationships run so deep that the program functions almost like a pipeline—companies like regional financial institutions return repeatedly to hire graduates with both certifications and hands-on experience, often before graduation.
At the associate's level, employers across southeast Wisconsin specifically recruit from Gateway's cybersecurity program because graduates arrive with both certifications AND practical experience in the types of systems they'll actually manage—the program's partnership with Kenosha and Racine manufacturers means you're solving real security problems in a real production environment while still in school. This isn't simulation-only training; you're touching actual infrastructure, which makes your resume stand out immediately when you're competing for help desk and junior admin positions. The career services team at Gateway actively maintains relationships with hiring managers at regional companies, so your job search often starts before you graduate.
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: Kenosha and Racine manufacturing firms, Regional healthcare systems, Local government IT departments, Regional financial institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- SOC Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College — Green Bay, WI
Hakia Insight: NWTC's curriculum explicitly calibrates to manufacturing security and healthcare IT, the two dominant job markets in northeast Wisconsin, which means coursework on industrial control systems and HIPAA compliance translates directly to local hiring demand rather than generic cybersecurity skills.
At the associate's level, NWTC's information security program serves the unique landscape of northeast Wisconsin—a region where manufacturing security and healthcare IT dominate the job market, which means your training laser-focuses on the systems and challenges these industries actually face. The program pairs classroom instruction with hands-on labs where you'll configure real firewalls, manage user access, and respond to security incidents, building the muscle memory that makes your first job feel familiar rather than overwhelming. Green Bay's growing tech presence means multiple pathways into entry-level positions, and NWTC's career services actively connects you with regional employers before you graduate.
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: Green Bay and northeast Wisconsin manufacturing firms, Regional healthcare systems, Lambeau Field and sports/entertainment organizations, Green Bay area government IT, School districts in northeast Wisconsin.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Western Technical College — La Crosse, WI
Hakia Insight: Western's evening and hybrid scheduling reflects a structural advantage many students overlook: you can work in IT support while completing the program, meaning you enter the job market not just certified but with paid, relevant experience already on your resume.
At the associate's level, what sets Western's information security program apart is its commitment to serving working adults who can't uproot their lives—you'll find evening and hybrid sections specifically designed so you can progress toward your degree while staying employed in the La Crosse area. The curriculum hits all the essentials (A+, Network+, Security+ pathway) but wraps it around real scenarios from regional employers in healthcare and government, industries that dominate job opportunities in western Wisconsin. Graduates consistently move into Help Desk roles and junior admin positions at local hospitals and state agencies, with the program serving as a credible stepping stone to UW-La Crosse if you want to continue upward.
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: La Crosse hospitals and healthcare systems, State of Wisconsin IT operations, Western Wisconsin local governments, Regional business services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Milwaukee Area Technical College — Milwaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: Milwaukee Area Technical College sits in one of the few Midwest cities with genuine cybersecurity depth—Fortune 500s, regional financial services, and major healthcare systems all recruit locally, giving MATC graduates multiple employer tiers to choose from rather than the single-industry markets at most technical colleges.
At the associate's level, MATC's information security program benefits from Milwaukee's status as a major Midwest tech hub—you're training in a market with genuine depth of opportunity, and the school maintains active recruiting relationships with healthcare IT departments, financial services companies, and manufacturers that need security talent right now. The program emphasizes both technical depth (hands-on networking and security labs) and the soft skills employers say matter most: documentation, communication with non-technical stakeholders, and troubleshooting mindset. Many graduates find themselves in Help Desk or junior admin roles within months, with a clear pathway to mid-level positions as they gain experience and pursue additional certifications.
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: Milwaukee healthcare systems (Aurora, Froedtert, others), Financial services companies in Milwaukee, Manufacturing firms in southeast Wisconsin, State and local government IT, Fortune 500 companies with Milwaukee presence.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Security Operations Center Analyst
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Moraine Park Technical College — Fond du Lac, WI
Hakia Insight: Moraine Park's curriculum design explicitly rejects trend-chasing in favor of what Fox Valley and central Wisconsin employers actually post job descriptions for, which means you're not learning security tools destined for the scrap heap—you're learning what the regional market will pay for immediately after graduation.
At the associate's level, moraine Park's information security curriculum is built around what employers in the Fox Valley and central Wisconsin region are actually hiring for—rather than chasing every trending technology, the program focuses on foundational skills (networking, systems administration, security fundamentals) that stay relevant regardless of which specific tools companies use. You'll earn CompTIA certifications while completing projects that simulate real-world scenarios from healthcare and manufacturing partners, which is why employers recognize Moraine Park graduates as ready to contribute from day one in Help Desk or junior admin roles. The program's smaller cohort size means instructors know you personally and can provide focused guidance as you navigate the transition into your first IT security position.
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: Fox Valley healthcare systems, Manufacturing companies in central Wisconsin, Regional school districts, Local government IT departments, Oshkosh-area businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Waukesha County Technical College — Pewaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: Waukesha County's location in one of Wisconsin's densest tech job markets means internship and placement opportunities aren't theoretical—students regularly move into junior security roles at Waukesha County firms and Milwaukee metro companies before completing their degree.
At the associate's level, waukesha County Technical College's security program thrives because it's embedded in one of Wisconsin's most active tech job markets—students benefit from direct industry input as they're building skills, which means the lab work and projects mirror what you'll actually encounter on the job. The program's biggest advantage is access: you're training on modern equipment and software that regional employers use daily, not outdated or purely theoretical setups, so when you interview for Help Desk or junior admin roles, you can speak credibly about systems you've already touched. Graduates regularly move into entry-level positions at local firms within the first few months after graduation.
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: Waukesha County technology firms, Milwaukee metro area companies, Regional financial institutions, Healthcare IT departments, Manufacturing companies in southeast Wisconsin.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior System Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Northwood Technical College — Rice Lake, WI
Hakia Insight: Northwood's emphasis on troubleshooting under pressure and technical communication directly addresses a hiring gap: many fresh graduates can pass exams but struggle to diagnose problems in production systems or explain findings to non-technical leadership, a practical edge in northern Wisconsin's healthcare and manufacturing environments.
At the associate's level, northwood Technical College's approach to information security training emphasizes the reality of working IT: you'll learn how to troubleshoot under pressure, communicate technical issues to non-technical people, and manage the constant flow of security patches and updates that characterize real-world help desk work. The program's curriculum reflects feedback from employers across northern Wisconsin, meaning you're investing time in skills that actually get you hired, not chasing buzzwords that disappear in a few years. Graduates consistently move into Help Desk and junior admin roles at regional healthcare systems, manufacturers, and government agencies, with the program serving as a solid foundation for those who later pursue four-year degrees or advanced certifications.
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: Northern Wisconsin healthcare systems, Manufacturing companies in Ashland and surrounding areas, School districts across northern Wisconsin, Local and county government IT departments, Regional businesses and service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Superior
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Northcentral Technical College — Wausau, WI
Hakia Insight: Northcentral's network and systems labs produce graduates who can actually execute on job postings from day one—a critical distinction in central Wisconsin's market where small-to-mid-sized IT service providers need people who troubleshoot rather than learn on the job.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in network security and system administration through Northcentral's labs, which is crucial because employers want graduates who can actually do the work on day one. The program emphasizes practical troubleshooting and real-world scenarios rather than theory alone, preparing you for roles like Help Desk Technician or Junior Systems Administrator right out of graduation. Many students also use this as a stepping stone to UW-Stevens Point or UW-Oshkosh, where they can complete a bachelor's degree while building on the technical foundation they've established. The program's strength lies in its connection to regional employers—you'll have internship and job placement opportunities with companies that actively hire from Northcentral's IT pipeline.
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: Marathon County government agencies, Regional healthcare systems, Local manufacturing firms, Small-to-mid-sized IT service providers in central Wisconsin.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft certifications (MTA or Azure fundamentals)
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Information Security Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Oshkosh prioritizes applied, scenario-driven cybersecurity education with emphasis on incident response and threat simulation labs rather than theory-heavy academics.
Hakia Insight: UW-Oshkosh's incident response and threat simulation labs give bachelor's students the operational experience typically reserved for graduate programs or internships, positioning them to compete directly with candidates from larger universities while maintaining tuition costs 30-40% below peer institutions.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Oshkosh's information security program emphasizes hands-on lab work and real-world threat scenarios, giving students direct experience with incident response, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing before graduation. The curriculum integrates defensive and offensive security perspectives, allowing students to understand attacker methodologies while building robust protection strategies. Faculty maintain active connections with regional and national cybersecurity firms, creating internship pipelines and guest lecture series that keep coursework aligned with current industry challenges. The program benefits from Wisconsin's growing tech corridor and proximity to Milwaukee's financial services sector, which drives demand for security professionals and creates mentorship opportunities. Students graduate with portfolio projects demonstrating hands-on competency—not just theoretical knowledge—making them competitive candidates for SOC analyst, security engineer, and junior penetration testing roles immediately upon entry.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee's financial services and insurance sectorsAccess to Wisconsin's growing tech corridor
Herzing University-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing University-Madison offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Herzing University-Madison's private model enables accelerated curriculum pathways not available at UW institutions, allowing working professionals to complete the degree faster without sacrificing the technical depth employers expect for security roles.
Herzing University-Madison offers Information Security programs in Madison, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Whitewater uniquely bridges technical cybersecurity with business risk and governance frameworks, preparing graduates for both hands-on security roles and leadership-track positions.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater's integration with the business school ecosystem creates an unusual positioning: graduates understand both the technical implementation of security controls AND the risk/compliance frameworks that determine budget and promotion pathways, a combination that accelerates movement into security leadership roles.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Whitewater's information security program stands out for its integration with the business school ecosystem, producing security professionals who understand both technical controls and organizational risk management. Unlike purely technical cybersecurity tracks, this program weaves in business continuity, governance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST), and security policy development alongside hands-on network defense and malware analysis labs. The curriculum explicitly addresses the skills gap between purely technical engineers and security leaders—graduates emerge prepared for roles spanning from junior analyst to compliance officer to security manager. Connections with regional financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government agencies (particularly relevant given Wisconsin's public sector presence) create internship and entry-level opportunities in high-security environments. Students benefit from exposure to both the technical and strategic dimensions of information security, making them adaptable to career pivots and advancement into management or specialized risk roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CAE aligned curriculum - National Centers of Academic Excellence program
Location Advantages: Proximity to Wisconsin's financial services and healthcare sectors
University of Wisconsin-Stout — Menomonie, WI
Key Distinction: University of Wisconsin-Stout offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: UW-Stout's applied technology focus means the bachelor's program operates similarly to Oshkosh's threat simulation approach—you graduate with hands-on incident response and vulnerability assessment experience rather than solely theoretical knowledge, bridging the experience gap that typically requires internships.
University of Wisconsin-Stout offers Information Security programs in Menomonie, WI. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Herzing University-Kenosha — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing University-Kenosha offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Without published outcomes data, Herzing-Kenosha's value proposition remains opaque—prospective students should request specific placement rates, employer partnerships, and graduate salary data before committing to tuition.
Herzing University-Kenosha offers Information Security programs in Kenosha, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Herzing University-Brookfield — Brookfield, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing University-Brookfield offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Herzing-Brookfield's dual-campus Wisconsin presence creates potential for cohort networking across locations, but the program's differentiation from its Kenosha counterpart isn't articulated in available materials.
Herzing University-Brookfield offers Information Security programs in Brookfield, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Information Security Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Whitewater uniquely bridges technical cybersecurity with business risk and governance frameworks, preparing graduates for both hands-on security roles and leadership-track positions.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater's integration with the business school ecosystem positions graduates for CISO-track roles earlier than peers from pure tech programs—a dual MS/MBA pathway would formalize this advantage, but even without it, exposure to governance frameworks during a master's degree is rare.
At the master's level, UW-Whitewater's information security program stands out for its integration with the business school ecosystem, producing security professionals who understand both technical controls and organizational risk management. Unlike purely technical cybersecurity tracks, this program weaves in business continuity, governance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST), and security policy development alongside hands-on network defense and malware analysis labs. The curriculum explicitly addresses the skills gap between purely technical engineers and security leaders—graduates emerge prepared for roles spanning from junior analyst to compliance officer to security manager. Connections with regional financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government agencies (particularly relevant given Wisconsin's public sector presence) create internship and entry-level opportunities in high-security environments. Students benefit from exposure to both the technical and strategic dimensions of information security, making them adaptable to career pivots and advancement into management or specialized risk roles.
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
- CAE aligned curriculum - National Centers of Academic Excellence program
Location Advantages: Proximity to Wisconsin's financial services and healthcare sectors
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: UW-La Crosse uniquely positions information security through a data analytics and machine learning lens, differentiating graduates as security professionals with computational and statistical depth.
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's partnership with Epic and Lockheed Martin combined with faculty in computational statistics creates an unusual pipeline: graduates can build threat models and forensic analyses that pure security programs can't teach, making them competitive for advanced threat intelligence roles immediately after graduation.
At the master's level, UW-La Crosse embeds information security within a data science and analytics framework, recognizing that modern threat detection, incident forensics, and risk modeling demand statistical rigor and computational insight. The program's distinguishing feature is its integration of machine learning and data analytics into security coursework—students learn to build anomaly detection models, analyze network traffic patterns, and perform statistical breach analysis rather than relying solely on signature-based or manual approaches. This analytical bent attracts students with quantitative strengths and positions graduates for security roles that increasingly value data literacy: threat intelligence analysis, security data science, and advanced incident response. Faculty research interests span intrusion detection systems, behavioral analysis, and security analytics, creating opportunities for motivated undergraduates to contribute to publishable work. La Crosse's location in southwestern Wisconsin and the program's reputation have cultivated partnerships with regional healthcare systems, insurance firms, and government agencies where data-driven security approaches are becoming competitive advantages. Graduates frequently move into security analyst roles with advanced analytics responsibilities or transition into data science teams within security-focused companies.
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
- Epic (employer)
- Trane Technologies (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Google (employer)
- SpaceX (employer)
- Boeing (employer)
- Expedia (employer)
- Fastenal (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- American Express (employer)
- Yahoo (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- Federated Insurance (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- LHI (employer)
- Skyward (employer)
- TDS (employer)
- Sentry (employer)
- SAP (employer)
- Western Technical College (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Peter Haried — Information Systems
- Ye (Hannah) Han — Information Systems
- DeAnn Almond — Information Systems
- Xiaodi (Coco) Zhu — Information Systems
- David Annino — Information Systems
- Eduardo Rodriguez — Information Systems
Location Advantages: Regional healthcare and insurance sector security and analytics employer networksGovernment agency presence in southern Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Platteville — Platteville, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Platteville's information security program uniquely emphasizes security architecture and infrastructure design, grounded in engineering principles rather than pure cybersecurity specialization.
Hakia Insight: Engineering-rooted security architecture training at UW-Platteville appeals to infrastructure-first employers (utilities, manufacturing, critical infrastructure), but graduates may find themselves overspecialized for broader enterprise security roles.
At the master's level, the information security program at UW-Platteville trains students through a blend of network engineering foundations and specialized security architecture courses, preparing graduates for roles that require both infrastructure knowledge and threat mitigation expertise. Coursework spans cryptography, secure coding practices, network defense, and compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS), with particular strength in preparing students for CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker certifications. The program's engineering-focused identity means security is taught not as an afterthought but as an integral design principle—students learn to architect secure systems from the ground up rather than patch vulnerabilities afterward. Regional partnerships with manufacturing and utility companies provide real-world context for critical infrastructure security, a growing specialization area. Graduates often transition into security architect, systems administrator, or infrastructure security roles where their dual competency in engineering and security creates competitive advantage.
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: Proximity to critical infrastructure sectors in rural/industrial Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Stevens Point uniquely emphasizes industry certification readiness and rapid credential accumulation as core curriculum objectives, positioning graduates for immediate employment credibility.
Hakia Insight: UW-Stevens Point's explicit alignment to CompTIA, CISSP, and CEH within the curriculum is unusual for a master's program—most embed certifications as self-study supplements, not core requirements—making the degree function as both credential and stepping stone.
At the master's level, stevens Point's approach to information security training prioritizes rapid skill deployment and industry certification readiness, with curriculum explicitly aligned to CompTIA, Cisco, and EC-Council exam objectives. The program structures sequences so students can accumulate recognized credentials—Security+, CySA+, CEH pathways—while completing their degree, making graduates immediately credible to employers seeking certified talent. This certification-forward philosophy doesn't sacrifice depth: courses still cover attack surfaces, defensive architecture, and policy frameworks, but with direct application to exam domains and job-ready competencies. The faculty include practitioners actively renewing their own certifications and maintaining industry connections, ensuring curriculum stays current with emerging threats. Located in central Wisconsin, Stevens Point has leveraged relationships with state government agencies, regional banks, and healthcare systems seeking security talent; many graduates place directly into entry-level SOC roles or junior security administrator positions where their certified baseline accelerates advancement. The program's strength lies not in groundbreaking research but in predictable, efficient pathways from student to employed professional.
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
- CompTIA Security+ aligned
- Cisco CCNA Security pathway
- EC-Council CEH preparation
Location Advantages: Central Wisconsin state government and regional financial services presenceHealthcare sector employer networks
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Green Bay delivers security education through close faculty mentorship and applied projects embedded in regional organizations, emphasizing practical capability building for entry-level security careers.
Hakia Insight: At $11K–$15K total tuition for a Wisconsin master's degree, UW-Green Bay undercuts regional peers by 40%, and the mentorship model actually scales better at this price point because smaller cohorts mean faculty can embed students in live organizational projects rather than simulations.
At the master's level, UW-Green Bay's information security program operates within a smaller, more intimate institutional context that emphasizes mentored learning and applied projects over large-scale research output. The curriculum balances foundational computer science with dedicated security courses covering network defense, secure coding, cryptography, and compliance frameworks—positioned to prepare students for entry-level security roles or further graduate study. Community partnerships and capstone projects rooted in regional organizations provide authentic problem contexts; students might work on risk assessments for local government, security architecture reviews for regional nonprofits, or incident response planning for small-to-mid-size enterprises. The program's accessibility and relatively low cost of attendance attract first-generation and nontraditional students who often bring practical IT experience into their studies, creating peer learning benefits. While Green Bay lacks the major tech hub status of Madison, its location in Northeast Wisconsin positions graduates well for roles in regional healthcare, local government, and distributed manufacturing organizations actively building out security programs.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional healthcare networks, Wisconsin local government, Regional financial institutions.
Location Advantages: Regional healthcare sector presenceLocal government cybersecurity expansionLower cost of attendance in academic market
