Cybersecurity Degree Overview for Indiana
Updated April 3, 2023
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Indiana is a promising place for cybersecurity students and recent graduates.
The Hoosier State's tech sector has seen major growth since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many tech workers relocating to Indiana. A May 2022 study from the Technology Councils of North America found that Indiana ranked second among the top 25 tech states for growth in tech workers.
Indiana offers many opportunities to earn a cybersecurity degree and launch a tech career. A cybersecurity degree at any level can help you gain the skills to pursue employment in this growing field. Popular cybersecurity careers in Indiana include security engineer, security software developer, and security manager.
Indiana hosts several colleges that offer cybersecurity programs, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Discover more about cybersecurity programs in Indiana with this helpful guide.
Indiana at a Glance
| Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations | |
|---|---|
| % of Workforce in Tech | |
| Economic Impact of Tech Industry | |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Indiana?
Prospective students can consider several reasons to attend cybersecurity programs in Indiana. Along with the state's strong cybersecurity degrees, students can benefit from Indiana's lower-than-average cost of living to save money while pursuing an education.
The Hoosier State offers many benefits to people looking to launch cybersecurity careers. While Indiana may not seem like a major tech hub, the state employs tens of thousands of people in software, cybersecurity, and IT support. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 62,830 employees worked in computer and mathematical occupations in Indiana as of May 2021.
If you plan to live in Indiana after graduation, you may find it beneficial to attend school in the state, as well. Instead of starting over fresh in a new place after graduation, you can start making connections and networking on your first day of school and use those relationships to explore employment opportunities after earning a degree.
Education Statistics for Indiana
Students considering higher education in Indiana can choose from 57 four-year institutions and seven two-year colleges. Almost half of all students in Indiana enroll in some type of distance education.
| Higher Education Statistics | Indiana Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-Year Colleges |
2,679 |
|
|
Two-Year Colleges |
1,303 |
|
|
Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
72.8% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Indiana Schools
Attending an accredited university ensures that you will receive a quality education. In the U.S., colleges can undergo a voluntary, third-party evaluation known as accreditation to demonstrate they meet academic standards and can properly educate students.
When researching online programs in Indiana, focus on schools accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which recognizes institutions in the region.
Some of the top cybersecurity programs in Indiana may also hold separate programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This extra level of approval signals that the program meets industry-specific quality standards related to the cybersecurity field.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Indiana
Students should research various factors to find their ideal school. A university that works well for one person might not meet someone else's needs.
Consider your desired degree level, program format, cost, and curriculum focus. You might want to prioritize finding the most diverse cybersecurity programs. Some learners want or need fully online programs, while others may prefer hybrid or in-person delivery.
Students in Indiana enroll in distance education classes at lower rates than the national average, but learners can still find various cybersecurity learning opportunities in the state.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Students in Indiana can often choose concentrations and degrees similar to cybersecurity. The following table covers some degrees and concentrations that may be particularly relevant for Indiana cybersecurity learners and professionals.
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Information assurance degrees cover similar topics as cybersecurity programs and prepare graduates for many of the same degrees. A typical curriculum explores risk management, ethical hacking, and computer forensics. |
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IT management programs take a broader approach than most cybersecurity programs to prepare students for supervisory or administrative roles in tech. |
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Software engineering programs help learners develop the skills to apply for work as software and security engineers. A typical program includes classes in software security, software reverse engineering, and UX/UI design. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
College degrees in Indiana may cost slightly more than the national average, regardless of public or private school status and in-state or out-of-state residency. Fortunately, Hoosiers can take advantage of various financing options for their education.
Options include scholarships, fellowships, and grants. To pay for a cybersecurity degree, learners can also consider student loans and work-study programs.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In general, tuition costs more in Indiana than the national average. Fortunately, residents of Indiana can pay in-state rates at public two-year and four-year institutions and save a significant amount of money.
Students who live in some other nearby states may be able to qualify for discounted tuition. Indiana participates in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and the Midwest Student Exchange Program. This regional state reciprocity agreement offers tuition breaks for out-of-state learners from member states.
Indiana's Cost of Living
The cost of living varies among states. In Indiana, residents experience a cost of living index score of 90.6. Compared to the national average of 100, Hoosiers pay about 9% less for necessities like housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Indiana
With a GDP of $380 billion, Indiana boasts a strong economy with many opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking cybersecurity careers.
Major industries in Indiana that require workers with cybersecurity and related degrees include the tech sector, manufacturing, and energy. Some of the best opportunities for cybersecurity careers in Indiana typically appear in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend.
The following section explores some of Indiana's most popular careers for individuals with cybersecurity degrees.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Indiana
Security Software Developers
Security software developers develop tools for new and existing computer applications. Employers typically seek candidates with bachelor's degrees in computer science or other related fields.
Average Salary (March 2023): $75,780
Job Outlook in Indiana (2020-30): +22.2% (software developers)
Security Managers
Security managers oversee the organizations' information security efforts. This type of professional typically needs a bachelor's degree in a computer or IT-related field and at least five years of relevant experience.
Average Salary (March 2023): $122,640
Job Outlook in Indiana (2020-30): +11.2% (computer and information systems managers)
Security Engineer
Security engineers create the security systems that protect computers from cyberattacks and data breaches. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field.
Average Salary (March 2023): $98,060
Job Outlook in Indiana (2018-28): +32.8% (information security analysts)
Below, learn about Indiana-specific employment trends related to cybersecurity positions.
Indiana Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
550 |
66, 200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
560 |
67,300 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+1.8% |
+1.7% |
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
|
2018 Employment |
3,240 |
165,200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
3,520 |
174,200 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 |
+8.6% |
+5.4% |
|
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
21,530 |
1,847,900 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
26,310 |
2,257,400 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+22.2% |
+22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Indiana Employment | Indiana Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
5,459 |
$159,010 |
|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
600 |
$128,170 |
|
|
Computer Network Architects |
3,250 |
$120,520 |
|
|
Computer Network Support Specialists |
3,640 |
$62,760 |
|
|
Computer Programmers |
2,560 |
$93,000 |
|
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
8,910 |
$99,270 |
|
|
Information Security Analysts |
1,570 |
$102,600 |
|
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
5,750 |
$80,600 |
|
|
Software Developers |
11,760 |
$109,020 |
|
|
Web Developers |
1,540 |
$78,300 |
Source: BLS OEWS
The projected growth rates for many cybersecurity careers in Indiana closely mirror national averages. Pay varies by position, but some cybersecurity jobs in Indiana receive lower pay than the national average. Lower average cybersecurity salaries here may be offset by Indiana's lower overall cost of living than the national average.
Cybersecurity Employers in Indiana
Explore three important companies in Indiana that employ cybersecurity experts below.
Proofpoint: This cybersecurity company with locations worldwide maintains an Indianapolis office. The business helps other organizations secure their data, products, and people. Proofpoint hires cybersecurity experts such as security research engineers, software developers, and threat analysts.
Cimcor: Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, Cimcor protects IT infrastructure through its file integrity monitoring solution. Its clients include NASA, Zoom, and the U.S. Air Force. Cimcor made Cybercrime Magazine's list of the hot 150 cybersecurity companies to watch in 2020.
Kinney Group: Based in Carmel, Indiana, the Kinney Group designs technical solutions for businesses. The group focuses on problem-solving through automation and analytics.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Indiana
The following list includes professional cybersecurity organizations and resources in Indiana.
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IndySec: This social meetup group brings together Indianapolis residents who are interested in information security. It meets about once a month and can provide strong networking opportunities. -
IU Cybersecurity Community: Indiana University offers various cybersecurity resources, events, research centers, and academic cybersecurity programs, including the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research. -
Central Indiana ISSA: This ISSA chapter invites information security professionals in and around Indianapolis to share information, network, and improve the field in the region. -
Indianapolis OWASP Chapter: The Indianapolis chapter of the Open Web Application Security Project connects cybersecurity and software development professionals for educational events about four times a year.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Indiana
Questions About Cybersecurity in Indiana
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Can I study cybersecurity in Indianapolis?
Yes — you can study cybersecurity in Indianapolis, including Ivy Tech cybersecurity degrees and certificates. Other Indiana schools outside of Indianapolis also offer cybersecurity programs online.
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Can I work in network security in Indianapolis?
Yes — you can likely work in network security in Indianapolis. Various companies employ cybersecurity professionals in the Indianapolis area.
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Are the best cybersecurity schools in Indiana expensive?
In general, higher education costs more than the national average in Indiana. However, some of the best cybersecurity schools in Indiana offer financing options that can help offset costs, including scholarships and grants.
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Is cybersecurity a good career in Indiana?
Cybersecurity can make an excellent career choice in Indiana. The state's lower-than-average cost of living and above-average tech wages can open the door to a stable career path.
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