Cybersecurity Degree Overview for Oregon
Updated March 9, 2023
Credit: TerenceLeezy / Moment / Getty Images
Earning a cybersecurity degree at any level can open the door to career opportunities in a rapidly growing field. Many schools in Oregon offer cybersecurity education, including community colleges, four-year universities, and technology institutes.
Cybersecurity students and recent graduates will find more relevant job opportunities in Oregon than in many other places. CyberSeek reports a higher-than-average concentration of cybersecurity jobs in Oregon compared to the national average. Popular cybersecurity careers in Oregon include cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity analyst, and penetration tester.
Keep reading to learn more about cybersecurity programs in Oregon.
Oregon 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 School for Cybersecurity in Oregon?
Oregon hosts many schools with cybersecurity programs, including bootcamps and degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and graduate levels. Four-year universities, community colleges, and some of the best online schools in Oregon offer cybersecurity programs.
Online learning can help students receive an education that may otherwise be out of reach. An online program removes the distance barrier, improving accessibility and affordability. A student living in a rural area can stay at home and continue working a full-time job while earning an online cybersecurity degree in Oregon.
Attending school in the state where you plan to work can offer networking benefits. The tech industry generated an estimated $25 billion in Oregon in 2021, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is high in the state. Cybersecurity students in Oregon can pursue internships, co-op work experiences, and volunteer opportunities to connect with potential tech employers.
Education Statistics for Oregon
Oregon offers 32 four-year colleges and 19 two-year colleges, comprising public and private higher education institutions that offer on-campus and online programs.
More than half of all college students in Oregon enrolled in distance education courses in 2021. This figure was slightly lower than the national average of 59% of students who took an online class that year.
| Higher Education Statistics | Oregon Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-Year Colleges |
32 |
2,520 |
|
Two-Year Colleges |
19 |
1,216 |
|
Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
55% |
59% |
Source: NCES
Accreditation for Oregon Schools
Accreditation is a voluntary process through which colleges meet specific standards to demonstrate their academic rigor. Accrediting agencies evaluate higher learning institutions in the U.S. based on student achievement, institutional integrity, and quality of resources.
Attending a school with institutional accreditation makes it easier to receive federal financial aid, transfer to another university, and apply for graduate programs.
When choosing an online school in Oregon, look for institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes as an authority for accrediting postsecondary institutions in Oregon.
Some of the best cybersecurity programs also hold programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Oregon
Prospective students should research several factors to choose the right college and program, including cybersecurity school diversity. Considerations include degree level (undergraduate or graduate) and learning format (online, in person, or hybrid).
College students in Oregon enroll in online classes at a slightly lower rate than the national average. The data below can help you decide if Oregon is the right start to begin the search for cybersecurity programs.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Some cybersecurity programs offer concentrations for students to customize their degrees and better fit their interests and career goals. The following table explores concentrations that can benefit cybersecurity degree-seekers in Oregon.
|
Computer Forensics |
A computer forensics specialization lets students focus on the tools and techniques for investigating evidence related to computer crimes. If you can not find standalone computer forensic science programs in Oregon, a concentration may provide a similar learning experience. |
|
Business |
Adding a business concentration to a cybersecurity degree can help students differentiate themselves from other tech workers. General business skills remain in demand with cybersecurity and tech companies in Oregon. |
|
Information Security Management |
Students who choose an information security management concentration can develop specialized skills to protect organizations' data from cyberthreats. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Oregon's average tuition and fees exceed the national average for public and private higher education institutions. In-state students attending a public four-year university in Oregon pay an average of $11,537 — almost $2,000 higher than the national average.
Financing options to pay for a college degree include financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
The amount students pay for a public university varies widely depending on if they qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition rates. In-state tuition, available to residents of Oregon, typically costs much less than out-of-state tuition.
Some public schools in Oregon offer tuition breaks for out-of-state students. Oregon participates in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, which coordinates the Western Undergraduate Exchange. This state agreement allows students to pay discounted tuition rates at 160 participating public colleges in the region.
Oregon's Cost of Living
Oregonians experience a higher cost of living than the national average. Oregon's cost of living index score of 130.1 indicates that residents of the state need to earn about 30% more than they would if they lived in a state with a figure of 100.
On average, necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation cost more in the state. Prospective students should consider how the high cost of living may impact their education budget when looking for schools in Oregon.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Oregon
Oregon's strong economy helps it rank among the top states based on factors like business environment, employment, and growth.
The tech industry flourishes here with high concentrations of technical jobs and higher-than-average wages. More than 6% of Oregon's workforce is employed in tech, and median tech wages are 110% higher than the national median. Leading tech industry sectors include tech manufacturing, software, and IT services.
Many tech start-ups and companies choose Oregon as a home base — the Portland metropolitan area now carries the nickname "the Silicon Forest." Explore some of the best cybersecurity careers in Oregon and learn about employment trends for the state below.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Oregon
Incident Responders
Incident responders use security tools to respond to security breaches. Most incident responders hold bachelor's degrees in computer science or other related fields.
Average Salary (Feb. 2023): $83,650
Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +37.3% job growth (information security analysts)
Penetration Testers
A penetration tester needs a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Pen testers plan and conduct penetration tests, make security recommendations, and develop reports.
Average Salary (Feb. 2023): $91,070
Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +37.3% job growth (information security analysts)
Security Architects
Security architects need bachelor's degrees in computer science or other related disciplines. Typical duties include creating new security architectures, running penetration tests, and responding to security incidents.
Average Salary (Feb. 2023): $134,100
Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +37.3% job growth (information security analysts)
Learn about additional cybersecurity positions in Oregon below.
Oregon Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
66, 200 |
|
|
2030 Projected Employment |
67,300 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+1.7% |
|
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
|
2018 Employment |
165,200 |
|
|
2030 Projected Employment |
174,200 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 |
+5.4% |
|
|
Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
18,180 (2018) |
1,847,900 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
2,257,400 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+22.2% |
|
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Oregon Employment | Oregon Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
7,550 |
$159,010 |
|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
7,780 |
$128,170 |
|
|
Computer Network Architects |
1,750 |
$120,520 |
|
|
Computer Network Support Specialists |
2,140 |
$62,760 |
|
|
Computer Programmers |
1,590 |
$93,000 |
|
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
7,030 |
$99,270 |
|
|
Information Security Analysts |
1,280 |
$102,600 |
|
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
5,570 |
$80,600 |
|
|
Software Developers |
18,610 |
$109,020 |
|
|
Web Developers |
1,470 |
$78,300 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Many cybersecurity salaries in Oregon exceed the national average. Consult the information above to determine how much you can potentially make for various cybersecurity careers in Oregon.
Cybersecurity Employers in Oregon
Many tech companies call Oregon home. Below, we describe some of the best employers for people pursuing cybersecurity careers in the state.
Intel: Headquartered in Hillsboro, Intel employs more than 22,000 people in the state and generates an annual economic impact of $19.3 billion. The technology company makes semiconductors and central processing units. Intel needs cybersecurity experts to develop security solutions for its products.
Comcast: This multinational telecommunications company creates various types of technology and entertainment. Comcast employs many cybersecurity professionals in program manager, developer, and engineer roles. More than 2,000 people work for Comcast in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Nike: Nike employs cybersecurity professionals to help the company secure its data and maintains a presence in the state.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Oregon
To learn more about helpful opportunities for career development in Oregon, consult our list of professional cybersecurity resources below.
-
Portland Information Systems Security Association: The Portland chapter of ISSA brings together information systems security professionals. The group coordinates educational workshops and networking opportunities. Participants meet monthly from September through May. -
Portland Open Web Application Security Project: The Portland OWASP chapter welcomes information security professionals with monthly meetings and study groups, mentorship opportunities, and an annual training day. -
PDX Infosec: PDX Infosec maps Portland's information security community and events. It collects lists of community meetups, professional organizations, and conferences. -
Portland ISACA: The Portland ISACA chapter offers resources and representation for IT security workers in Oregon and southwest Washington. Members can volunteer on committees, receive discounts on professional luncheons, and access networking opportunities.
Questions About Studying Cybersecurity in Oregon
-
Can I get a cybersecurity degree in Oregon?
Yes — you can earn a cybersecurity degree in Oregon. Some of the best online schools in Oregon offer cybersecurity programs at various levels. Students can also find in-person cybersecurity degrees in the state.
-
Do any of the best online schools in Oregon have cybersecurity majors?
Yes — students can find cybersecurity majors at some of the best online schools in Oregon. For example, Lane Community College offers a completely online associate degree in cybersecurity.
-
Are cybersecurity salaries in Oregon competitive?
The typical cybersecurity salary in Oregon is higher than the national average. However, this varies by career, so research each role to identify your ideal career pathway.
-
Are there computer forensic science programs in Oregon?
Several colleges in Oregon offer academic programs that include a computer forensics science component. However, there do not appear to be any programs in Oregon that focus exclusively on computer forensic science.
Recommended Reading
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.