Are you ready to build a career in the high-demand field of cybersecurity? Maryland, home to leading federal agencies and top defense contractors, offers some of the most respected cybersecurity programs in the country, from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral studies.
Many of these programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and are also recognized as National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity. These designations ensure rigorous academic quality and strong alignment with industry and government standards. This guide will help you explore the best cybersecurity degree programs in Maryland and understand the key factors to consider when choosing the right path for your career.
Fast Facts for Maryland
- Top Universities: Maryland is home to leading programs at the University of Maryland, Capitol Technology University, and Johns Hopkins University.
- Explosive Job Growth: The DMV region is projected to see a 33% increase in cybersecurity jobs by 2025, with Baltimore alone posting over 16,000 openings.
- Competitive Salaries: Entry-level cybersecurity roles in Baltimore start around $102,000, with specialists like Cryptography Engineers earning up to $145,000.
- Strong Public and Private Investment: Maryland is investing millions in cyber ranges and training initiatives, with partnerships across universities, defense contractors, and tech firms to expand the workforce.
State Overview & Landscape
Maryland is emerging as a national hub for cybersecurity education, with over 49 higher education institutions offering programs in areas like cybersecurity, information assurance, and digital forensics.
Programs across the state are offered in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. Many institutions, such as UMGC, UMBC, Capitol Technology University, and Hood College, provide flexible delivery options to accommodate students’ diverse schedules.
Many of Maryland’s cybersecurity programs meet high academic standards and hold ABET or CAE-CD (Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense) designations, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in federal, academic, and industry settings.
Affordable Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs List
Maryland offers affordable and high-quality master’s programs in cybersecurity, reflecting the state’s leadership in technology and national security. The programs highlighted below stand out for their affordability, strong academic reputation, and career outcomes. Each is accredited by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), ensuring rigorous and industry-aligned curricula.
Capitol Technology University
- Laurel, Maryland
- 30-36 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Things to Consider:
- 100% Online
- Courses are offered in 8-week terms in an asynchronous format
Length: 30-36 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $650 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $650 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #1 in Laurel, Capitol Technology University earned the SC Media 2020 Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program. With strong industry recognition and direct pathways to top employers, this program stands out for its quality, hands-on learning, and career outcomes.
- Capstone risk assessment project for real-world application
- Strong employer connections: NASA, DoD, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Leidos, General Dynamics, DISA, Lockheed Martin
- Located in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. corridor, a hub for cybersecurity careers
- Hands-on labs in malware analysis, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and cryptography
Hood College
- Frederick, Maryland
- 30 hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online and On-Campus
Things to Consider:
- Flexible learning options (Full-time or Part-time, on-campus or online)
- Students without a computing background must complete two prerequisite foundation courses before starting the core program.
- Can be completed in 15 months (Full-time) or 3 years (Part-time)
- Courses are asynchronous
- 100% Expected Employment Rate
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $610 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $610 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Why We Picked This Program:
Hood College’s M.S. in Cybersecurity offers a flexible, affordable, and nationally recognized pathway into one of the fastest-growing career fields. With strong regional industry ties and hands-on capstone research, the program equips students for high-demand cybersecurity roles across government, business, and technology.
- Ranked among the most affordable online cybersecurity programs
- Capstone thesis project
- Advisory board includes leaders from Leidos, NSA, Microsoft Federal, and Red Hat
- Experiential learning opportunities through partnerships with local tech companies and agencies
- Supportive structure: small class sizes, practitioner-based faculty, and personalized mentoring
- STEM-designated
ABET + CAE Accredited Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs List
We selected these cybersecurity master’s programs based on academic quality, accreditation, and career outcomes. Each program holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations such as CAE-CD (Cyber Defense) or CAE-R (Research), ensuring graduates meet rigorous federal and industry standards. Tuition, program length, and format details are drawn directly from official university sources. No listings are sponsored, and selection is based solely on merit and relevance for students pursuing advanced cybersecurity education.
University of Maryland – Baltimore County
- Baltimore, Maryland
- 30 hours
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science: Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Things to Consider:
- Federal scholarships like NSF CyberCorps SFS and DoD IASP
- Applicants need a relevant undergraduate background or IT/cybersecurity experience
- GRE/GMAT not required
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $1,020 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,622 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #3 in Baltimore and #4 in Maryland, UMBC’s M.S. in Cybersecurity stands out for combining academic rigor with real-world relevance.
- Strong connections to federal cybersecurity hubs near Fort Meade, offering excellent networking and employment opportunities
- Graduates benefit from faculty expertise and a broad course catalog with industry-aligned content
- 10 Courses
- Offers a dual J.D./M.S. option with Maryland Carey Law, allowing students to combine cybersecurity expertise with legal and policy training in less time and at reduced cost
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, Maryland
- 30 hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Online Masters in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online and Hybrid
Things to Consider:
- Part-time Program
- Must be completed within five years
- Only one C-range grade is allowed toward the degree; additional grades below B- will require reevaluation
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $1,697 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,697 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-R
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked the #1 online cybersecurity program by U.S. News & World Report, Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals (EP) offers in-depth, career-focused training that blends cutting-edge technical skills with leadership preparation. It provides flexible delivery options, state-of-the-art virtual labs, and access to elite faculty from JHU and the Applied Physics Laboratory.
- 10 graduate-level courses
- Specializations in: Analysis, Assured Autonomy, Cyber AI, Cyber Operations, Networks, or Space Cyber
- Capstone or Research project options
- Access to JHU’s advanced computing labs and mentorship from Applied Physics Lab faculty
- Professional networking opportunities
PhD in Cybersecurity Programs List
For students seeking the highest level of academic training in cybersecurity, doctoral programs are rare and highly competitive. The following program was selected based on its academic rigor, research opportunities, and accreditation. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, government, and industry, with a strong emphasis on original research and peer-reviewed publication.
Towson University
- Towson, Maryland
- 4–6 years
- Campus
Program:
Information Technology (Ph.D.)
Modality: On-Campus
Things to Consider:
- Program length is 4–6 years
- On-campus only, no online option
- Competitive admissions with preference for a strong IT/CS background
- Requires qualifying exams and dissertation defense
- Students must produce peer-reviewed publications to graduate
Length: Minimum 42 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $764 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,154 per credit hour
Accreditation: MSCHE
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked highly by USNR, Forbes, and Kiplinger, Towson University’s Ph.D. in Information Technology stands out for its academic quality and value. The program combines rigorous coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation requirement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for academic, government, and industry leadership.
- Specialization options in cybersecurity, computer science, and applied IT
- Strong emphasis on peer-reviewed publications before graduation
- Access to active faculty research and funded projects
- Includes graduate research and teaching assistantships
Bachelors in Cybersecurity Programs List
We selected these cybersecurity programs based on quality, accreditation, and student outcomes. All programs listed are accredited by recognized bodies such as ABET, CAE-CD, and CAE-CO, ensuring that students receive education that meets industry and government standards. Programs were chosen for their strong hands-on training, alignment with current cybersecurity demands, and opportunities for internships, research, and career development.
Towson University
- Towson, Maryland
- 120 hours
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Computer Science – Cyber Operations Track
Modality: On-Campus
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only, no online option
- Scholarships available
Length: 120 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $368 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $921 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO, ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #8 in Maryland, Towson’s Cyber Operations track delivers a robust mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare students for advanced roles in cybersecurity.
- Focus on cyber operations skills in high-demand areas like malware analysis, penetration testing, and reverse engineering
- Faculty with industry and government cybersecurity expertise
- NSA-aligned curriculum
- Access to internships with Maryland’s tech and federal agencies
- Opportunities to join student clubs and competitions (e.g., Cyber Defense Club, capture-the-flag contests).
- Pathways to research projects and faculty-led labs
University of Maryland – College Park
- College Park, Maryland
- 124-127 hours
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Computer Engineering – Cybersecurity Specialization
Modality: On-Campus
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only, no online option
Length: 124-127 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $319 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,248 per credit hour
Accreditation: ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #2 in the state, UMD’s Computer Engineering degree offers a robust cybersecurity specialization built on a balanced blend of hardware engineering and software principles. The program features hands-on learning through labs, real-world projects, and opportunities to work on security systems, providing students with both technical depth and practical experience.
- Offers a Cybersecurity Specialization requiring five specific courses across security, networking, systems, and hands-on domains
- Broad curriculum spanning math, science, core engineering, and a capstone design project integrating practical design skills
- Strong emphasis on real-world skill development, including cryptography, network security, reverse engineering, and malware analysis
- Supported by active student organizations such as the Cybersecurity Club and ACM
- Frequent employer engagement through career fairs with top tech and defense recruiters like Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Intel, and IBM
University of Maryland – Baltimore County
- Baltimore, Maryland
- 120 hours
- Campus
Program:
Computer Science B.S. – Cybersecurity Track
Modality: On-Campus
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only, no online option
- SAT not required
- Financial Aid Available
Length: 120 credit hours
Tuition:
- In-State: $385 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,108 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #3 in Baltimore and #4 in Maryland, UMBC’s Cybersecurity Track combines a strong academic foundation with practical, security-focused coursework such as network security, malware analysis, reverse engineering, and information assurance, delivered in flexible formats across multiple campuses.
- Elective offerings cover advanced topics such as Cryptology, Malware Analysis, Information Assurance, Wireless/Mobile Security, Reverse Engineering, and Data Privacy
- Undergraduate students can accelerate toward graduate credentials through the BS/MPS Cybersecurity program, earning graduate credits early
Salary & Career Outlook in Maryland
The BLS table below highlights the key occupations:
| Occupation | Employment | Employment RSE | Employment per 1,000 jobs | Location quotient | Median hourly wage | Mean hourly wage | Annual mean wage | Mean wage RSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysts | 60 | 29.6% | 1.068 | 0.33 | $46.54 | $48.57 | $101,020 | 2.9% |
| Information Security Analysts | 40 | 15.6% | 0.609 | 0.53 | $60.16 | $63.19 | $131,440 | 3.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 90 | 7.2% | 1.615 | 1.54 | $37.39 | $41.00 | $85,290 | 3.4% |
| Computer User Support Specialists | 150 | 11.3% | 2.607 | 0.57 | $28.96 | $29.89 | $62,160 | 2.8% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 80 | 6.9% | 1.313 | 0.62 | $41.48 | $45.88 | $95,440 | 2.1% |
| Computer Programmers | 40 | 19.7% | 0.746 | 0.94 | $36.02 | $41.53 | $86,370 | 12.0% |
The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Maryland is projected to grow by 33% through 2025, with thousands of job openings currently unfilled. The talent gap is particularly pronounced in sectors such as government, healthcare, and finance, where skilled professionals are needed to secure networks, protect sensitive data, and respond to evolving cyber threats. Baltimore County alone has over 16,000 open positions, with starting salaries around $102,000, while specialized roles can command significantly higher pay.
Local Employers Spotlight:
- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): Recruiting cybersecurity specialists for roles in information security, digital forensics, and threat response.
- Tenable (Columbia, MD): Hiring professionals in network defense, cloud security, and vulnerability management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I get a cybersecurity license in Maryland?
Maryland does not require a state-issued license. Industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH are recommended.
2. Does Maryland accept out-of-state online degrees?
Yes, Maryland allows enrollment in out-of-state online programs. Institutions like UMGC are authorized to offer online degrees to Maryland students.
3. What is the pass rate for the CISSP exam in Maryland?
No official state-specific pass rate exists. Success depends on preparation; many candidates pass on their first attempt with proper training.
4. What educational opportunities are available in Maryland for aspiring cybersecurity professionals?
Maryland offers programs at the University of Maryland, community colleges, and immersive training courses, with state-funded initiatives expanding cybersecurity education statewide.
