Four colleges and institutions in Nebraska have been designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in the cybersecurity sector by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
NSA CAE Designated Institutions for Cyber Security in Nebraska
These schools have proved their ability to develop a programme that will completely train their students to protect sensitive information on any network, as well as to identify susceptible areas and take preventative measures to avert data breaches. There are many options for schooling and starting a profession in Omaha, but some programmes can be completed entirely online.
Consider a featured online cybersecurity program currently taking applications:
School | Level | Program | Admissions |
---|---|---|---|
Utica College | Bachelor | Online BS in Cybersecurity | Website |
Aurora University | Bachelor | Online BS in Cybersecurity | Website |
University of West Florida | Master | Online Cybersecurity, M.S. | Website |
Norwich University | Bachelor | Online BS in Cyber Security | Website |
Fairleigh Dickinson University | Master | Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security | Website |
Cyber Security Degrees in Nebraska
Here is a list of Nebraska cybersecurity degrees that are from NSA CAE Designated Institutions:
- Bellevue University
- Metropolitan Community College
- Northeast Community College
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- University of Nebraska, Omaha
Online Cyber Security Programs in Nebraska
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity, offered entirely online by Bellevue University, is one of the few higher-level degrees in Nebraska. For those who already have job experience and have achieved certification in information security, there is an alternate rapid option.
On-campus, the classic format is also available. The degree requires 36 credit hours to accomplish; 27 credits are mandatory for all students, with nine credits allocated for electives. Introduction to Cyber Ethics, Cyber-war and Cyber-deterrence, Cloud Computing, and Business Continuity and Recovery Planning are some of the electives available.
Why Consider Studying Cyber Security Online?
Online programmes are perfect for students who require more scheduling flexibility and are unable to commit to a full higher education programme. Students must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or a Master’s degree to be admitted to this programme.
They must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, or have completed the last 60 credits of their Bachelor’s degree. As the student progresses through the programme, he or she must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Letters of recommendation and personal essays outlining career aspirations may be required.
Featured online cybersecurity programs:
School | Level | Program | Admissions |
---|---|---|---|
University of Delaware | Master | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Website |
St. Ambrose University | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration – Cybersecurity Management | Website |
Bethel University | Bachelor | Online B.S. Cyber Security | Website |
Lindenwood University | Bachelor | Online BA Cybersecurity | Website |
Point University | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Information Systems Security | Website |
Master’s in Cyber Security Degrees in Nebraska
The University of Nebraska offers Omaha’s lone Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme. Students will choose between the Systems or Management track to prepare for their profession in this well-established programme that has been around since 2012. The distinction between the two is that systems takes a more technical approach to it, such as shutting down network vulnerabilities and encrypting critical data. The former is better suitable for persons with a background in management information systems, while the former focuses more on the computer science side. It will take 33 credit hours to finish regardless of your decision.
Similar Masters Programs
A cybersecurity concentration can be added to a separate Master’s degree, such as one in computer science or management information systems. This is a different option for those who are interested in cybersecurity but don’t want to commit to a full-time job. Students pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity must chose whether to complete the programme with a thesis or a capstone project. Students can enrol in the programme prior to the start of the autumn, spring, or summer semesters. Three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an updated CV are all necessary for admission.
Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in Nebraska
With a few cybersecurity education options in Nebraska, there is enough variation for everyone from naive beginners to mid-career experts to acquire a foothold in the cybersecurity field. Although Omaha has a large percentage of the state’s jobs and educational options, Bellevue has online opportunities, and Norfolk has Northeast Community College.
Undergraduate Degrees:
In addition to the graduate programmes offered by Bellevue University, students can get a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity on-campus or online. The curriculum requires 127 credit hours to complete, and students typically take four years to complete it. Foundational training will include how to use software tools and methodologies to analyse risk and identify vulnerabilities, as well as how to participate in investigations when a company’s network is attacked. Cyber Investigations and Forensics, Securing Access Control, and Introduction to Cyber Threats, Technologies, and Security are all required cybersecurity courses.
Masters and Continuing Education:
Students can earn a graduate certificate in Information Assurance through the Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis. Graduate certificates have the same admission requirements as Master’s degrees, however they are a condensed form that focuses solely on the specialisation. When it comes to the hardware and software utilised in an organization’s network, information assurance will provide the expertise needed to identify risk. This certification requires completion of ethics in information systems, as well as systems development and management. Computer Security Management, Information Security Policy and Ethics, Security Risk Management and Assessment, and an elective choice are among the 12 credit hours required for the certificate.
Cyber Security Employment Options:
One of the top employers in the state is the Offutt Air Force Base located near Omaha. Those who are interested in joining the military and have the necessary education can work as systems administrators and engineers at this facility, which is owned by the Department of Defense. Data management, weather monitoring, and moving services to a cloud-based network are all skills that recent grads can learn.
Nebraska Cyber Security Careers
While the number of possibilities in the tech business in Nebraska is slightly lower than the national average, the number of opportunities is expanding. According to CompTIA’s estimations, certain sectors such as information technology services and engineering have had at least a 2% year-over-year increase. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median salary of $84,540 and there are over 650 positions in the state, with the bulk of them located in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
Cyber Security and Tech Employers and Organizations
With various chances at BNP Paribas, Bank of the West, and Perspecta, Omaha has the most cybersecurity roles on the market in the state of Nebraska. The latter is connected to the Offutt Air Force Base and provides services to the US government. A cyber network defence operator will maintain and use the United States Strategic Command system at the base, with responsibilities including protecting sensitive customer information, setting up and monitoring firewalls within the network to secure this information, and becoming subject matter experts on specific hardware for consulting and improvement purposes.
Available Online Cyber Security Programs for Nebraska
List of Campus Based Nebraska Cyber Security Programs
- CAE-R:Reasearch Program
- CAE-CO:Cyber Operations
- CAE-CD:Cyber Defense
- CAE-2Y:2 Year Program
Campus-Based and Online Cyber Security Programs:
There are 5 cybersecurity programs in Nebraska.
- Cyber Defense CAE-CD
- 2 Year Cyber Security Program 2 Year Cyber Defense CAE-2Y
- 2 Year Cyber Security Program 2 Year Cyber Defense CAE-2Y
- B.S. in Cybersecurity, Special Track in Cyber Operations Cyber Operations CAE-CO
- Cyber Defense CAE-CD