Schools With Cybersecurity Programs in New York
Updated November 9, 2023
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Credit: Nice De Pasquale Photography / Stone / Getty Images
As one of the original 13 states and the primary welcome spot for immigrants into the United States, New York has one of the richest histories in the nation. This mixing pot of culture and innovation has consistently shaped the economy's largest industries. Today, it's a leader in the technology sector, boasting about 18,000 additional tech jobs each year.
The cybersecurity industry is especially strong in New York, which hosts over 300 cybersecurity companies serving people and businesses around the globe. With the state bolstering its cybersecurity efforts through governmental strategies, cybersecurity opportunities within New York will likely continue to expand.
Are you interested in starting your career in cybersecurity in New York? Explore this page to learn about top employers, education programs, and professional organizations as you carve your career path.
New York at a Glance
- Annual Mean Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $117,170
- % of Workforce in Tech: 5.5%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $146 billion
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 283
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in New York?
New York City has long been central to the global cybersecurity community. Today, it employs over 60,000 people in the cybersecurity sector alone.
It's not just New York City that hosts the state's cybersecurity professionals, though. According to Cyberstates™ data, New York state holds over 535,000 tech occupations, ranking 17th in the country. Additionally, New York pays a median wage of $105,800 for tech careers — 112% higher than the national average.
Pursuing a degree in the state where you plan on working can be beneficial as these programs explore the intricacies of the state's cybersecurity sector and allow you to expand your local network.
Fortunately, New York is home to numerous colleges and universities with cybersecurity programs at various degree levels. For example, the State University of New York (SUNY) has several campuses with cybersecurity degrees, including SUNY at Albany and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Many schools with cybersecurity degrees in New York sit in or close to the state's popular metropolitan areas, like New York City, Rochester, and Syracuse, paving the way for ample networking, professional development, and career opportunities.
An online cybersecurity program might be more suitable for learners in rural areas. Excelsior University and Mercy University are two of several schools offering online cybersecurity programs in New York, allowing learners the flexibility to pursue their degrees anywhere in or out of the state.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Education Statistics for New York
Trailing only behind California, New York has the second most two-year and four-year colleges in the nation. More than half of New York's higher education students enroll in at least some distance learning courses.
| Higher Education Statistics | New York Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 225 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 58 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 52.3% | 59% |
Source: NCES
Accreditation for New York Schools
A school with institutional accreditation has undergone a third-party evaluation for its academics, faculty, and student outcomes. Institutional accrediting bodies set rigorous standards for schools to maintain their status.
New York students seeking federal financial aid must attend institutionally accredited schools. Additionally, many schools will only accept transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities.
New York schools typically receive accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Some schools also seek accreditation for their cybersecurity programs or departments through programmatic accreditation. This type of accreditation is sometimes a requirement for certifications and employers. ABET is a leading accreditor for cybersecurity degrees in New York.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in New York
When comparing cybersecurity schools in New York, there are several factors to consider, like the program's cost and length. For starters, do you plan to continue your education beyond undergraduate studies? If so, finding a school with graduate-level or certificate programs in cybersecurity is a good idea to ensure a smooth transfer of credits.
Many cybersecurity programs in New York have concentrations for students to focus their skills and interests in particular areas, like network security and computer forensics. Research available specializations to find an option that aligns with your professional goals.
You should also determine whether an online, in-person, or hybrid format is best for you. Online learning requires self-motivation but offers more scheduling freedom than an in-person format. Hybrid blends both methods, giving students face-to-face interaction with some scheduling flexibility.
Explore Rankings for Top Cybersecurity Programs Around the Country
Concentrations and Similar Degrees
It's common for cybersecurity degrees in New York to offer concentration options. The following concentrations can benefit learners who want to pursue New York's many career opportunities.
Computer Forensics
This concentration prepares students to pursue computer forensic analysis careers, with coursework in forensic investigation, public policy, and mobile device forensics. The New York Department of Investigation is among several agencies and organizations that hire computer forensics experts to assist in criminal investigations.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing concentrations and degrees explore ethical hacking and testing strategies to identify and mitigate software and network vulnerabilities. Several IT security companies in New York — especially New York City — seek penetration testers to provide services to organizations of all sizes.
Emerging Technologies
Cybersecurity degrees with a concentration in emerging technologies cover the latest tools students need for various facets of cybersecurity, including application and mobile security. As New York state continues to innovate its cybersecurity strategies, students must stay current with modern techniques like machine learning and data visualization.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
New York's tuition for public four-year schools is lower than the national average for both in-state and out-of-state students for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. However, the Empire State's average tuition for private and public two-year schools is higher than the national average in the same period.
Paying for a degree from cybersecurity schools in New York can be easier with financial aid. The federal government offers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for grants and loans. Students can also contact financial aid offices within colleges to learn about scholarships, fellowships, and financing options.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Public colleges and universities frequently designate different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, with in-state rates being more affordable. Some schools provide the same tuition rates for all students, especially for online programs.
The SUNY school system features a tuition match program, allowing students from eight other states, including Connecticut and Pennsylvania, to pay the tuition rate offered by their state's flagship university. Several SUNY schools with cybersecurity degrees, like SUNY Canton and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, participate in the program.
New York's Cost of Living
Tuition is just one factor when determining your costs for attending a cybersecurity school in New York. Remember to account for the state's cost of living, which is 125 as of 2023. This figure means that it costs, on average, 25% more to live in New York than the national average for housing, transportation, utilities, and other necessities.
To compare, Mississippi and Oklahoma have the lowest costs of living in the country. Their scores of 85 and 86, respectively, indicate that their average costs for basic expenses are lower than national averages.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in New York
New York state is a leader in technology, with cybersecurity, electronics, software, and digital game development among its most prominent industries. Additionally, other top sectors in the Empire State, like financial services, industrial systems, and cleantech, require cybersecurity experts to protect data and prevent and mitigate security breaches.
As of 2023, tech professionals comprise 5.5% of New York's workforce, with cybersecurity and systems engineers included in the top five technology occupations in the state.
Some of New York's prevalence in cybersecurity can be attributed to the bustling tech sector in New York City, which has experienced massive growth since 2016. However, other cities, such as Binghamton and Syracuse, are also paving the way for cybersecurity professionals, with leading employers like Lockheed Martin and Upstate University Health System.
Explore the following career possibilities for cybersecurity professionals in New York.
Computer Forensics Analyst
Blending cybersecurity and criminal justice, computer forensics analysts retrieve and analyze data for criminal investigations. They also protect sensitive data throughout investigations, sometimes acting as witnesses to explain their data analyses in court. New York's state government works with computer forensics experts.
- Median Salary for Computer Forensics Analysts in New York: $82,300
- Job Outlook in New York (2020-30): +14%
Information Security Engineer
Information security engineers help protect organizations' computer systems from cybercrimes by implementing security systems and monitoring for threats. New York's expanding tech and cybersecurity sectors create an ideal environment for security engineering job growth.
- Median Salary for Information Security Engineers in New York: $82,300
- Job Outlook in New York (2020-30): +14%
Network Security Administrator
Network security administrators shield computer networks from security threats through penetration testing, monitoring, firewalling, and other techniques. They also create policies and strategies to handle active threats quickly. According to the Occupational Information Network, New York is projected to host more than 8% of the country's network security administrator jobs from 2020-2030.
- Median Salary for Network Security Administrators in New York: $102,650
- Job Outlook in New York (2020-30): +17%
The cybersecurity jobs listed below are also prevalent in New York and offer excellent salary opportunities and projected outlooks.
New York Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 1,290 | 78,100 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 1,420 | 81,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +10% | 5% |
| Computer Network Architects | ||
| 2020 Employment | 9,250 | 180,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 10,340 | 186,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +12% | +4% |
| Software Developers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 91,900 | 1,594,500 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 124,340 | 2,004,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +35% | +26% |
Source: O*NET
*National numbers are for 2022-2032
| Career | New York Employment | New York Annual Average Wage | National Annual Average Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 34,080 | $217,630 | $173,670 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 2,380 | $132,740 | $140,830 |
| Computer Network Architects | 10,510 | $139,040 | $129,490 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 8,980 | $84,140 | $76,060 |
| Computer Programmers | 10,130 | $108,940 | $102,790 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 20,810 | $114,570 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 7,260 | $138,730 | $119,860 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 22,100 | $108,150 | $97,160 |
| Software Developers | 92,040 | $141,130 | $132,930 |
| Web Developers | 8,070 | $81,200 | $87,580 |
Source: BLS OEWS
New York offers higher-than-average annual wages for several cybersecurity-related careers, including software developers, computer network architects, and information security analysts. Additionally, New York is a top-five state for employment for multiple occupations, such as software developers, computer and information systems managers, and network and computer systems administrators.
Cybersecurity Employers in New York
The following companies have a significant presence in New York state and employ many cybersecurity professionals.
- Saab: Since 2018, Saab has maintained its North American headquarters in East Syracuse, New York. The company, which innovates civil and defense technology, hires data center operations managers and vulnerability engineers to identify and mitigate potential cybersecurity threats to the company and ensure security compliance.
- Deloitte: One of the most recognized accounting and consulting firms in the world, Deloitte provides cybersecurity services to businesses, helping them store private data, build secure infrastructures, and respond quickly to threats. Deloitte hosts six locations across New York with positions for cybersecurity engineers, product managers, and risk advisors.
- Verizon Communications: With headquarters in New York City, Verizon provides telecommunications services across the world. Its cybersecurity teams seek cloud security engineers, cybersecurity auditors, and network security engineers to monitor networks and services for quick threat responses.
Cybersecurity Organizations in New York
Whether you want to continue learning after completing your degree or get a jump start on building your cybersecurity network in New York, these professional organizations and conferences may help.
ISACA New York Metropolitan Chapter
ISACA's New York chapter brings together cybersecurity professionals of all levels to build leadership skills, offer technical skills training, and provide mentorship.
Information Systems Security Association New York Metro Chapter
The New York Metro chapter of ISSA features opportunities for continuing education and networking with some of today's most reputable companies in information security. Members get free access to chapter events.
New York Metro Joint Cyber Security Conference
NYMJCSC events occur annually with the help of industry-leading sponsors like ISACA and ISSA. Attendees can attend numerous workshops and educational talks while enjoying networking breaks throughout the day.
New York Cybersecurity Summit
The annual Cybersecurity Summit typically comes to New York toward the end of the year. The event boasts demonstrations, engagement activities, continuing education credits, and expert speakers who highlight topics relevant to the New York cybersecurity landscape.
NYS Cybersecurity Conference
Hosted annually by the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, the NYS Cybersecurity Conference is especially relevant to professionals interested in working for the state and its fast-moving cybersecurity efforts. Attendees enjoy three days of speaking events and training led by experts from Amazon Web Services, Deloitte, and more.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in New York
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Questions About Cybersecurity in New York
Can I get a cybersecurity degree in New York?
Yes. Several schools in New York offer cybersecurity degrees, including Syracuse University, Utica University, and multiple campuses in the SUNY university system. Some cybersecurity schools in New York also have flexible online degrees.
Are the best cybersecurity schools in New York expensive?
Many cybersecurity schools in New York feature tuition breaks for in-state students and special tuition rates for online students. The SUNY system's tuition match program helps students from other states secure tuition rates from their state's primary university to increase affordability. Students can contact schools' financial aid departments to determine if they qualify for scholarships and other tuition breaks.
Where can I study cybersecurity in NYC?
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a part of the City University of New York, offers popular cybersecurity programs in New York City at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Pace University and St. John's University also provide cybersecurity programs for NYC students.
Is cybersecurity a good career in New York?
Yes. New York's cybersecurity industry continues to rapidly expand as the state's government agencies increase their cybersecurity efforts and new companies make the Empire State their home. New York also employs cybersecurity professionals like computer network architects and computer and information systems managers.
Page last reviewed on November 3, 2023.
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