With a growing focus on education, Washington State is becoming a leader in cybersecurity as its universities offer diverse programs to fill the widening security gaps. The University of Washington offers graduate programs integrating leadership with specialized technical skills. In addition to the master’s programs, Washington State University also offers bachelor’s and doctoral-level opportunities with a focus on cybersecurity. Other contributors like Central Washington University and Western Washington University offer practical skill-aligned graduate and undergraduate degrees. These contemporary programs, developed with cybersecurity frameworks published at the national level, equip graduates to address real challenges and improve the cybersecurity posture of the region and the country.
Affordable Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Washington
At Washington State, the Master’s in Cybersecurity programs are both affordable and of high quality, which is rare in the realm of advanced degrees. Owing to the flexibility offered by universities throughout the state, students have the possibility of integrating their studies with work commitments. Along with rigorous academic training, these programs often emphasize industry partnerships and provide valuable practical experience. Many universities also offer cost-sharing assistantships, scholarships, and financial aid packages, which reduce expenses even further. To aid as many students as possible, the institutions in Washington State emphasize economic and employment relevance while strategically aligning workforce needs, resulting in graduates ready to tackle the challenges of cybersecurity.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, Washington
- 18-40 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science Cyber Defense
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: NWCCU, NACEP
Tuition: $424.59 for 18 credits and $398.19 for each additional credit, for 40 credits – about $9184.77 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program allows students to gain a deep knowledge concerning software and hardware security, computer systems and network security, forensics and incident response, and cyber-physical systems.
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, Washington
- 18-36 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Professional Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: NWCCU, NACEP
Tuition: $424.59 for 18 credits and $398.19 for each additional credit, for 36 credits – about $7,592 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Through hands-on learning, this program enables students to create security policies, secure networks, premises, and equipment, and understand the techniques used by hackers and cybercriminals.
University of Washington – Tacoma Campus
- Tacoma, Washington
- 18-40 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master in Cybersecurity and Leadership (MCL)
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: NWCCU, AACSB
Tuition: $4,390 for 18 quarter credits and $396 for each additional credit, for 40 quarter credits – about $13,642 plus other fees
Program Overview:
By integrating resources from the School of Engineering & Technology and the School of Business, this program fosters innovative solutions for information assurance and cybersecurity challenges, positioning graduates for success and entrepreneurial opportunities.
ABET + CAE Accredited Masters in Cybersecurity Programs in Washington
Accreditation remains a vital component in guaranteeing the quality and effectiveness of education in cybersecurity. Two prominent bodies that grant accreditation are the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) and ABET. They have accredited the Master of Cybersecurity Programs offered by Washington institutions. These accreditations guarantee that the curriculum meets rigorous industrial and scholarly benchmarks to prepare graduates for the complexities of cyberspace.
- ABET Accreditation: Ensures that the program meets high-quality standards for computer science and cybersecurity education, emphasizing technical mastery, industry relevance, and practical engagement.
- National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE): NSA and DHS recognition CAE accreditation marks educational institutions that promote excellence in cybersecurity education, research, and development in alignment with national security imperatives.
- Other Notable Accreditations: Regional accreditations guarantee institutional quality, while other accreditations may pertain to leadership or scholarly research in cybersecurity.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, Washington
- 59 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
Tuition: $760 per credit for 59 credits – about $44,840 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program focuses on cybersecurity innovations, people, processes, and infrastructures to protect and secure organizations. Students graduate with the leadership and technical skills required to influence the way cybersecurity is implemented and consumed in organizations.
University of Washington
- Bothell, Washington
- 49 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: NCAE-C
Tuition: $979 per credit for 49 credits – about $47,971 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Graduates of this program are prepared for the modern security workforce, ready to protect and defend cyber systems with hands-on experience in ethical penetration testing, wireless security, network security, cryptography, risk management, and security of emerging technologies.
Seattle University
- Seattle, Washington
- 45 credits
- Online
Program:
MS Cybersecurity Leadership
Modality: Online
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $727 per credit for 45 credits – about $32,715 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to enhance the knowledge of cybersecurity while providing foundational leadership skills. It offers courses such as Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, IT Risk Advisory, Assurance, and Law and Ethics in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity PhD Programs in Washington
Unlike other institutions focusing on cybersecurity, PhD programs based in Washington conduct high-level research and focus on the development of new security technologies. These programs emphasize advanced practical research strategies, theoretical knowledge, and specialized areas including artificial intelligence, network security, and cryptography. Students can work in close collaboration with faculty members on groundbreaking projects to prepare for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government. For those willing to impact the future of cybersecurity through innovative research and solutions, pursuing a PhD is the way to go!
University of Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- 90 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: ABET
Tuition: $1,148 per credit for 90 credits – about $103,320 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The program offers research opportunities in various areas, including cybersecurity, and has a comprehensive curriculum with opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
Washington State University
- Pullman, Washington
- 72 credits
- Campus
Program:
Doctor of Philosophy Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $614 per credit for 72 credits – about $44,208 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Research areas within the program encompass various domains of computer science, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering.
Washington Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
In Washington, learners pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity develop requisite technical and practical skills. The courses cover a wide array of network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, and cyber law. Students earn relevant skills through labs, industry-integrated capstone projects, and coursework. This training equips learners to deal with practical issues in cybersecurity. Students are prepared to succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and focus on system security, cybercrime investigations, or network defense because of the comprehensive training offered by Washington universities.
Here are some cybersecurity programs:
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, Washington
- 180 credits
- Online
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Modality: Online
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $535 per credit for 180 credits – about $96,300 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Through the study of technology, investigative processes, and cyber-related offenses, this program prepares students to address corporate risks and enter the field as a specialist in data security and cybercrime.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, Washington
- 180 credits
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Informatics – Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Tuition: $272 per credit for 180 credits – about $48,960 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program focuses on how to create, deploy, use, and manage systems that preserve individual and organizational privacy and security.
Western Washington University
- Bellingham, Washington
- 180 credits
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Tuition: $258 per credit for 180 credits – about $46,440 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program offers a solid foundation in security principles and computing, and how to apply these skills in a competitive and expanding field.
Washington State University
- Pullman, Washington
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
BS in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus
Accreditation: CAE-CO
Tuition: $220 per credit for 120 credits – about $26,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program is designed to meet the fast-growing demand for computer scientists with expertise in cybersecurity. In addition to studying foundational computer science courses, students will learn crosscutting concepts and skills in confidentiality, integrity, privacy, risk, adversarial thinking, and security analytics.
Central Washington University
- Ellensburg, Washington
- 111 credits
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
BS in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Accreditation: ABET
Tuition: $241 per credit for 111 credits – about $26,751 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program helps in gaining skills in the growing employment area of network security, combined with the management and soft-skills classes. Graduates gain a competitive edge in the IT marketplace.
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, Washington
- 133 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
BS Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: ABET
Tuition: $1,815 per credit for 133 credits – about $241,395 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program teaches encryption techniques to secure communication systems; analyzes digital devices to uncover evidence of cybercrime, and develops security features in web apps. It offers courses like malware, security for software, databases, networks, websites, and operating systems, plus digital forensics and cryptography.
Saint Martin’s University
- Lacey, Washington
- 73 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Accreditation: ABET, CAE-C
Tuition: $641 per credit for 73 credits – about $46,793 plus other fees
Program Overview:
This program trains students for in-demand roles like Cybersecurity Analyst and Defensive Operations Technician and provides a pathway to sustainable, rewarding careers.
Application Tips and Financial Guidance for Washington Students
Enrollment in Washington’s cybersecurity programs follows a specific process that demands both careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. To minimize their educational expenses, students must also try to make the most out of state funding options available to them while meeting deadline requirements and using financial aid, scholarships, and fulfilling all criteria for their degree.
Cybersecurity Degree Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Programs: Usually require a high school diploma plus a strong background in math and science, and usually some experience or coursework in computer science.
- Master’s Programs: Typically need an appropriate bachelor’s degree (e.g., a degree in computer science or information technology), GRE scores (for some programs), and recommendation letters.
- Ph.D. Programs: Master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or other related fields, plus some research is usually required. It usually requires strong academic references and a research proposal as part of the application.
Tips:
- Tailor your application to highlight any relevant skills, projects, or internships in cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate interest in research or specific cybersecurity topics for advanced programs (Master’s/Ph.D.).
- Make sure to meet all deadlines and submit a complete application with required documents (transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters).
State Funding and Scholarships:
- Washington has several state-based scholarships and financial aid awards, such as the Washington State Need Grant for students with financial need.
- The Washington College Grant helps high-demand field learners, such as those in cybersecurity.
- Several institutions also offer merit-based scholarships for cybersecurity majors and other students earning STEM degrees.
FAFSA Availability:
- Applicants are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA to take advantage of federal aid, which includes grants and loans as well as Federal Work-Study.
- Many institutions also offer additional financial aid opportunities based on FAFSA results.
Washington Job Market Trends
With the presence of big tech firms such as Amazon and Microsoft, and a thriving tech industry that consists of companies such as Oracle, Leidos Cyber, and Splunk, Washington State boasts a flourishing job market for cybersecurity professionals. With high-level professionals commanding salaries of between $80,000 for beginners and more than $140,000 for senior managers and architects, information security analysts are only set to grow. Seattle remains the largest hub for cybersecurity jobs, but Bellevue, Redmond, and Tacoma also have attractive opportunities. The state’s cybersecurity employment opportunities are still further diversified by industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.
