The extensive number of learning opportunities at North Carolina institutions has propelled the state to become a central education hub for cybersecurity. The number of students graduating from cybersecurity degree programs at North Carolina institutions reached more than 140 in 2024, compared to the 2021 total of 73. This demonstrates the growing dedication to creating a cybersecurity expertise workforce.
Several prestigious institutions, including Wake Forest University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, offer cybersecurity degree programs. As the demand for cybersecurity increases, universities are offering specialized programs at various academic levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs.
Moreover, the state directs its education toward practical security qualifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to satisfy the industry demands.
Affordable Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina offers multiple affordable pathways for earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Notable institutions such as North Carolina A&T State University, Fayetteville State University, and North Carolina State University (NCSU) provide high-quality programs that cater to students aiming to build a career in cybersecurity without financial barriers. These programs are designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills to meet the growing demand in the cybersecurity field.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- 30 credits
- Online
Program:
Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD, SACSCOC
Tuition: $102 per credit for 30 credits – about $3,060 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on areas such as software, network, and system security. Students engage in advanced coursework and research, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, and research institutions.
Fayetteville State University (FSU)
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
- 30 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.S. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Major
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $479 per credit for 30 credits – about $14,370 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program focuses on computer and network security, cryptography, software reverse engineering, and malware analysis.
North Carolina State University (NCSU)
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- 72 credits
- Campus
Program:
M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Concentration)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $120 per credit for 72 credits – about $8,640 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program equips students with the skills to build, analyze, and reason about secure and private systems. This track can be tailored to be more practice-oriented or theoretically oriented based on the student’s interests.
ABET + CAE Accredited Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina
Being accredited is of grave importance for academic institutions to ensure that quality and relevant education in cybersecurity is being delivered. Accredited institutions include:
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
ABET evaluates the programs based on robust technical and engineering standards.
CAE (Centers of Academic Excellence), powered by the NSA and DHS
CAE identifies educational institutions that abide by the highest benchmark of cybersecurity training.
Several institutions in North Carolina are accredited by CAE, SACSCOC, and other recognized bodies that offer master’s programs that not only meet the industry needs but also those of national security. These degree programs are designed to equip students with the latest knowledge in terms of risk management, secure software development, and cyber defense. This ensures that graduates will have career opportunities in both private and public domains.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 30 credits
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Tuition: $1,682 per credit for 30 credits – about $50,460 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to equip students with the latest knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and privacy. Graduates are prepared to protect information assets from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- 36 credits
- Online
Program:
MBA with a Specialization in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: AACSB
Tuition: $536 per credit for 36 credits – about $19,296 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in cybersecurity. The curriculum focuses on developing skills to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks, lead teams, and implement effective security strategies in organizations.
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- 30 credits
- Online
Program:
Masters in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $1700 per credit for 30 credits – about $51,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in cybersecurity. The curriculum focuses on developing skills to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks, lead teams, and implement effective security strategies in organizations.
Cybersecurity PhD Programs in North Carolina
Ph.D. programs in cybersecurity are distinctly different from standard cybersecurity degrees, focusing more on research, advanced theories, and contributing to the academic and practical advancements in the field. These programs, like those offered by universities such as North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, emphasize deep analytical and theoretical coursework, preparing students for high-level roles in academia, government, and industry.
While traditional cybersecurity degrees focus on hands-on skills like network security and incident response, Ph.D. coursework dives into specialized areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and human-computer interaction. Students in these programs are encouraged to engage in innovative research, shaping the future of cybersecurity with their findings and solutions to complex, evolving challenges in the field.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
North Carolina State University (NCSU)
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- 72 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $83 per credit for 72 credits – about $5,976 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program emphasizes research in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- 30 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $586 per credit for 30 credits – about $17,580 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program focuses on research areas including cybersecurity, data science, and human-computer interaction. Students work closely with faculty on innovative projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen fields.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 72 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computing and Information Systems
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $267 per credit for 72 credits – about $19,224 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program offers research opportunities in cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, and government.
North Carolina Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Cybersecurity bachelor’s programs in North Carolina are designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Institutions such as North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and North Carolina Central University offer comprehensive curricula that cover key areas like network security, risk management, and secure software development.
Students are trained to address the challenges of protecting digital systems through hands-on experiences and specialized courses in areas like cyber defense, forensics, and ethical hacking. These programs ensure that graduates are well-prepared for high-demand roles in cybersecurity, with opportunities in both private industry and government sectors. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, students are able to make meaningful contributions to securing the digital world.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- 121 credits
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Concentration)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $272 per credit for 121 credits – about $32,912 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program offers a comprehensive curriculum on software, network, and system security.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $293 per credit for 120 credits – about $35,160 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program prepares students in cybersecurity operations, policy, risk management, and secure software development.
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, North Carolina
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Information Technology (Cybersecurity Concentration)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $350 per credit for 120 credits – about $42,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program provides hands-on experience and includes training in high-demand skill sets such as computer security, cyber defense and countermeasures, forensics, and regulatory compliance.
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
- 120 credits
- Online
Program:
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: ABET, SACSCOC
Tuition: $500 per credit for 120 credits – about $60,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program prepares students for careers in protecting digital systems and data.
Montreat College
- Montreat, North Carolina
- 120 credits
- Online
Program:
B.A. in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $430 per credit for 120 credits – about $51,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program focuses on penetration testing, principles of cyber defense, and an internship in cybersecurity.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Pembroke, North Carolina
- 120 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAE-CD
Tuition: $292 per credit for 120 credits – about $35,040 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program offers a blend of classroom and laboratory experiences in cybersecurity, applied cryptography, cloud, and web security.
Application Tips and Financial Guidance for North Carolina Students
To gain a degree in cybersecurity in North Carolina, candidates need to be prepared to meet some admission requirements:
Cybersecurity Degree Requirements:
- Most programs require a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science.
- High school students should focus on subjects like algebra, calculus, and introductory computer science.
- For graduate programs, a relevant undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required.
- Some programs may also require standardized test scores (GRE) or a portfolio showcasing your skills and experience.
Financial Assistance and Funding:
- State Funding: North Carolina offers several state-based funding options for in-state students. For example, the North Carolina Community College System provides funding for students pursuing technology and cybersecurity programs.
- Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for cybersecurity students, such as the Cybersecurity Scholarship Program at UNC Chapel Hill.
- FAFSA: Federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Make sure to submit your FAFSA early to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
- Institution-Specific Aid: Some institutions, like Fayetteville State University and North Carolina State University, offer merit-based scholarships for top applicants.
North Carolina Job Market
Organizations from all sectors now view cybersecurity as their top organizational priority because of the escalating number and sophistication of cyberattacks. The continuous growth of demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals creates abundant job prospects for graduates.
Cybersecurity is an investment for your future. Security professionals worldwide need to increase their numbers by 145% to fulfill projected workplace requirements. The current talent pool of Information Security Analysts falls short of the state demand in North Carolina by an amount equivalent to 32 percent. A Cybersecurity degree enables students to acquire the skills needed to become either a Software Developer, Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, or Cybercrime Analyst.
