In New Jersey, cybersecurity concerns have ranked at the top in the last few years. The state is strategically positioned adjacent to critical business hubs, and its technology sector is evolving frantically, giving New Jersey prominence in responding to cybersecurity challenges. In response to the rising demand for adequately trained professionals, numerous universities have established programs tailored specifically to equip students with the requisite skills needed for such a career. As of 2024, over 30,000 residents of New Jersey are currently employed in the field of cybersecurity, and this figure will continue to increase as businesses from all sectors face growing challenges to secure their data.
New Jersey offers multiple options to those students who are interested in cybersecurity from both a technical and an academic point of view. The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Stevens Institute of Technology, and Rutgers University offer bachelor’s degrees along with essential technical training. Further specialization can be achieved through master’s degrees at NJIT and New Jersey City University that delve into cybersecurity policy, information assurance, and digital privacy. Though not as widely available, some research-oriented universities in the state are beginning to offer doctoral studies to students willing to advance cybersecurity research or take up academic leadership.
Considering how complex industries are becoming today, New Jersey’s universities are constantly evolving and expanding their programs. Many new initiatives begin as research projects in cybersecurity and are later developed into full master’s programs. From undergraduate programs that provide foundational knowledge to advanced graduate courses that stimulate cutting-edge research, students in the state are well-positioned to pursue diverse career pathways in this rapidly developing sector. New Jersey cybersecurity students or professionals have numerous career options due to the strong partnerships with public and private employers located within the state.
Affordable Masters in Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey
Affordable master’s programs in cybersecurity are available across various New Jersey institutions, providing students the chance to cultivate sophisticated skills without incurring too much debt. New Jersey City University and Rowan College at Burlington County are two of the region’s primary universities that offer relevant programs and robust academic possibilities for students. These master’s degrees are centered on network security, strategies for cyber defense, and pragmatic risk management.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
New Jersey City University
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
Cybersecurity, M.S.
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $798 per credit for 30 credits – about $23,940 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program prepares students for advanced roles in information security by focusing on network defense, risk management, and cyber law. The program emphasizes both technical expertise and strategic thinking to address complex cybersecurity challenges.
Rowan College at Burlington County
- Mount Laurel, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD, MSCHE
Tuition: $799 per credit for 30 credits – about $24,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
A program designed to build broad technical expertise in cybersecurity. Students gain a strong technical foundation to analyze cybersecurity vulnerabilities and protections, covering present and emerging cyber threats to information systems.
ABET + CAE Accredited Masters in Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey
In New Jersey, some universities offer master’s programs in cybersecurity with recognized accreditations, including ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) and CAE (Centre of Academic Excellence).
- ABET guarantees that the program is taught from a fundamental and technical stance.
- CAE recognition given by the NSA and DHS notes excellence in the teaching of cybersecurity.
NJIT and Stevens Institute of Technology are CAE-accredited and hence offer students relevant education that meets industry standards. Such programs help guarantee that graduates are more readily equipped for public and private sector employment.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Science – Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Tuition: $1,776 per credit for 30 credits – about $53,280 plus other fees
Program Overview:
A hands-on program designed to train students to protect complex information infrastructures. It provides deep technical knowledge of information security and covers organizational, managerial, legal, and privacy issues of cybersecurity.
Saint Peter’s University
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Science in Cyber Security
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD, MSCHE
Tuition: $945 per credit for 30 credits – about $28,350 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program equips students with technical skills in threat analysis, network security, and ethical hacking. The program combines hands-on training with theoretical knowledge to prepare graduates for leadership roles in cybersecurity.
Montclair State University
- Montclair, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Campus
Program:
M.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $858 per credit for 30 credits – about $25,740 plus other fees
Program Overview:
A STEM-designated program that trains students across a broad range of security topics with hands-on experience. Students learn cybersecurity fundamentals and can choose deeper electives, while the curriculum also covers legal, ethical, and policy aspects of security.
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Campus
Program:
M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Track)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $995 per credit for 30 credits – about $29,850 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program provides a solid foundation in computing (data structures, algorithms, networks, databases) with specialized tracks. Students can choose the Security of Computer Systems and Networks track to focus on cybersecurity.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Newark, New Jersey
- 30 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.S. in Cybersecurity & Privacy
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: MSCHE, CAE-CD
Tuition: $1,143 per credit for 30 credits – about $34,290 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program coursework spans topics from cryptography and secure networked systems to legal/compliance issues, with lectures and extensive hands-on labs (e.g., penetration testing, network administration).
Cybersecurity PhD Programs in New Jersey
The distinctive features of New Jersey’s Cybersecurity PhD programs include the focus placed on innovative leadership and advanced research, unlike other master’s or bachelor’s programs. Unlike other academic degrees, which focus on the development of professional and technical competencies, a PhD education usually includes coursework in more advanced topics like cryptography, cyber defense, strategic planning, machine learning, and national security policy. Attendees are commonly required to perform primary research, publish papers, and defend a dissertation within the sphere of their specialization. New Jersey Institute of Technology, for example, provides cybersecurity PhD tracks aimed at preparing students for teaching positions, research, or development, as well as senior government positions.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Newark, New Jersey
- 66 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: ABET, MSCHE
Tuition: $1,143 per credit for 66 credits – about $75,438 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This is a broad research program. Doctoral candidates work on cutting-edge topics (e.g., network and information security, AI, systems) under faculty mentorship, producing original research contributions in computing and cybersecurity.
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- 60 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $1,786 per credit for about 60 credits – about $107,160 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program emphasizes hardware/software systems and security. It gives students in-demand computer engineering skills to lead in rapidly evolving fields like cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and AI.
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- 60 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $1,786 per credit for about 60 credits – about $107,160 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This is a research-intensive program. Doctoral candidates conduct original research under faculty mentors in areas such as secure systems, cryptography, machine learning, networks, and software engineering, contributing new insights to cybersecurity and related computing fields.
New Jersey Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
In New Jersey, cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs equip learners with the basic principles of information security, network security, and risk assessment. Programs usually cover:
- Computer programming
- Digital forensic science
- Ethical hacking
- Cybersecurity law
- Systems security
The New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and Stevens Institute of Technology offer inclusive bachelor’s degrees that integrate instruction with practical training in laboratories, internships, and capstone projects. Such training enables graduates to take up basic positions in cybersecurity in diverse sectors or pursue advanced studies after graduation.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- 125 credits
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Tuition: $1,876 per credit for 125 credits – about $234,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program provides a strong foundation in secure systems design, network defense, cryptography, and risk assessment. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares students for cybersecurity roles in both the public and private sectors.
New Jersey City University
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $482 per credit for 120 credits – about $57,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program balances theoretical foundations and technical skills (e.g., network security, ethics) to prepare graduates for emerging threats from our internet-connected world.
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, New Jersey
- 120 credits
- Online
Program:
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $427 per credit for 120 credits – about $51,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program provides the critical skills to help organizations protect their data and prevent cyber threats. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach (technical, legal, and ethical) so graduates can defend information systems in a rapidly growing field.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Madison, New Jersey
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
B.S. in Computer Science (Cyber Security Concentration)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD, ABET
Tuition: $1,400 per credit for 120 credits – about $168,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to lay a solid foundation in computer science and mathematics and provide intensive security training. The curriculum covers network/data security, cryptography, and forensics, and includes internships.
William Paterson University
- Wayne, New Jersey
- 120 credits
- Online
Program:
B.S. in Information Technology (Cybersecurity)
Modality: Online
Accreditation: ABET
Tuition: $382 per credit for 120 credits – about $45,840 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program gives students practical skills in network and system security. The curriculum ensures students acquire practical knowledge of networking, system administration, data management, and cybersecurity alongside general IT skills.
Application Tips and Financial Guidance for New Jersey Students
The financial aid aspect of applying for cybersecurity programs in New Jersey can have a significant impact, so working strategically is highly recommended.
Keep the following in mind:
- Begin Early: Gather application documents, including personal statements, recommendation letters, and transcripts, ideally a few months before the stated deadlines.
- Relevant Background: IT, programming, and cybersecurity should all be included on your CV and application essays.
- Scholarship Research: Spend time researching state-specific scholarships, university grants, and cybersecurity-specific scholarships such as those offered by (ISC)² and the Centre for Cyber Safety and Education.
- The FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form should be done as early as possible to optimize financial aid opportunities at the federal and state levels.
- Employer-sponsored Programs: Tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for degrees related to cybersecurity is available in some New Jersey companies.
- Assistantship Inquiries: Master’s and PhD students should be willing to conduct advanced research into teaching/research assistantships that come with tuition remission and monthly stipends.
New Jersey Job Market
Fueled by New Jersey’s robust finance, technology, and healthcare industries, the cybersecurity job market in the state continues to grow systematically. As of 2024, New Jersey had over 30,000 cybersecurity professionals, with approximately 11,000 new job openings posted within the year. Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton are particular hot spots for cybersecurity analysts, network security engineers, and information security jobs. Given the competitive average salaries, frequently reaching $110,000 annually, and a substantial demand for cybersecurity talent in both the private and public sectors, New Jersey cybersecurity professionals are well-compensated compared to other states.
