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Connecticut is actively working to boost its cybersecurity knowledge and workforce. The state's Department of Administrative Services launched the Connecticut CyberHub Initiative back in 2022.
But the Constitution State's commitment to cybersecurity goes way back. Connecticut was one of the first states to enact a data breach notification law in 2005. So it is not a surprise that cybersecurity in Connecticut is a top priority, and educational programs in the state are keeping pace.
Throughout this guide, we'll provide you with insights into Connecticut's cybersecurity career outlook, as well as top cybersecurity Connecticut degree programs, their admission requirements, and more.
Connecticut at a Glance
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $104,080
- % of Workforce in Tech: 5.4%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $19 billion
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 37
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to School for Cybersecurity in Connecticut?
Connecticut colleges and universities have made strides in increasing educational staff diversity in recent years, and the college enrollment rate for the state sits at 66%.
The state is home to some of the country's most prestigious universities, including Yale and UConn. But cybersecurity in Connecticut is not limited to the flashy schools — or even limited to campus. Cybersecurity students in Connecticut have the option to take both online or in-person courses.
Education Statistics for Connecticut
In Connecticut, there are 28 four-year colleges and 12 two-year colleges. Nearly half of students in Connecticut are enrolled in distance education, compared to the national rate of over 70% of students in at least some online courses.
| Higher Education Statistics | Connecticut Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 25 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 12 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 49.6% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Connecticut Schools
Attending an accredited school is crucial. Accreditation means the degrees earned will be recognized by employers and other institutions. Institutional accreditation signifies that an independent accrediting agency has assessed a school's programs, faculty, and facilities and has validated that they meet the necessary standards.
When searching for a school in Connecticut, one must look for accreditation from agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Programmatic accreditations are also significant, particularly for specialized fields like cybersecurity.
For instance, ABET accredits programs in computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity. Schools often post programmatic accreditation badges on their program homepages.
Choosing a Cybersecurity Program in Connecticut
Prospective students should consider various factors before selecting a program: duration of the program, the format of the program (online, in-person, or hybrid), accreditation, faculty expertise, and industry partnerships.
Degree level is another key consideration, as cybersecurity programs in Connecticut offer options from associate degrees to master's degrees. Students seeking to enter the workforce quickly may opt for shorter-term programs, while those looking to advance in their careers or pursue research may choose longer-term options.
Program format is another important factor. Online programs offer flexibility for those with work or family obligations, while in-person programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning and networking. Hybrid programs offer a mix of both, which may be why nearly 30% of Connecticut students are enrolled in at least one online class.
Prospective students should also look at schools' retention rates, graduation rates, job placement rates, and student satisfaction to make informed decisions. Practical considerations such as program location and cost also play a part in school decisions.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country:
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Some concentrations and degrees may be more relevant for career opportunities in Connecticut than others. Here are three concentrations that could be advantageous:
Information Systems Security
This concentration focuses on protecting computer networks from cyberthreats. With major industries in Connecticut relying heavily on networked systems, a degree in network security could be particularly relevant.
Cyber Defense
This concentration focuses on the technical skills and knowledge needed to defend against and respond to cyberattacks. It often covers topics such as penetration testing, network reconnaissance, malware analysis, digital forensics, incident response, and cyberthreat intelligence.
Information Assurance
A degree in information assurance focuses on protecting sensitive data. A degree in information assurance could be particularly advantageous for students looking to work in the public sector.
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
There are several options available to students when considering financing for a cybersecurity degree in Connecticut. Financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans are all possible ways to pay for tuition and related expenses.
In Connecticut, the average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year degree program ranges from $14,487 to $43,013 per year. However, many schools offer financial aid packages that can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Students should also consider applying for scholarships or fellowships specific to cybersecurity or related fields. Additionally, Connecticut residents may be eligible for state-funded grant programs, such as the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
The out-of-state cost to attend a Connecticut institution outpaces the national average for out-of-state tuition. In fact, out-of-state tuition in Connecticut is only $6,000 cheaper than attending a private school in any state — private schools often charge the same tuition no matter where students list their home address.
The difference between what Connecticut residents pay to attend a four-year college and what nonresidents pay to do the same is slightly over $22,000 a year, based on data from the 202-2021 academic year.
Connecticut's Cost of Living
Connecticut has a relatively high cost of living compared to the national average. According to the Cost of Living Index by State, Connecticut's cost of living index score is 121.6, which means that it is 21.6% higher than the national average.
Students should factor in the higher cost of living in Connecticut into their budgeting for education and living expenses.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Connecticut
Connecticut has a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals across many major industries. Nationally, the cybersecurity industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% increase in information security analysts between 2021 and 2031.
Connecticut's economy is driven by industries like healthcare, finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Cyberstates' interactive map shows that the state has over 57,000 tech industry jobs, with a median tech industry wage of $99,800. This puts Connecticut tech salaries 101% above the national median tech wage.
Major cities such as Hartford and New Haven are particularly strong job markets for cybersecurity professionals.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Connecticut
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants advise organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from security breaches, and on best practices for data privacy. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field is often required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Salary for Cybersecurity Consultants: $87,156 per February 2023 Payscale data
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers design and implement security systems to protect an organization's networks and computer systems from cyberthreats. Candidates often need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field, along with experience in network security or systems engineering.
Salary for Cybersecurity Engineers: $98,081 per March 2023 Payscale data
Digital Forensic Analyst
Digital forensic analysts collect and analyze electronic data for legal proceedings or investigations related to cybercrime. Applicants often need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE).
Salary for Digital Forensic Analysts: $56,218 based on limited February 2023 Payscale data
Connecticut has a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, with a particular need for computer hardware engineers, computer network architects, and software developers, as seen in the table below.
Connecticut Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 850 | 66,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 930 | 67,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +9.4% | +1.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | ||
| 2018 Employment | 1,500 | 165,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 1,650 | 174,200 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 | +10% | +5.4% |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 19,130 | 1,847,900 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 24,410 | 2,257,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +27.6 | +22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Connecticut Employment | Connecticut Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 9,750 | $155,830 | $173,670 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 640 | $131,760 | $140,830 |
| Computer Network Architects | 1,760 | $125,730 | $129,490 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 420 | $97,150 | $76,060 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,490 | $93,320 | $102,790 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 6,430 | $106,300 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 1,450 | $123,310 | $119,860 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 1,880 | $106,030 | $97,160 |
| Software Developers | 16,200 | $120,180 | $132,930 |
| Web Developers | 710 | $92,850 | $87,580 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Based on the salary data above, it is clear that pursuing a career in cybersecurity or related fields in Connecticut can lead to high-paying job opportunities.
Careers like computer network support specialist, systems administrator, information security analyst, and web developer have a higher average annual wage in Connecticut than the national median.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Cybersecurity Employers in Connecticut
Pratt & Whitney: Pratt & Whitney is a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines and related parts. The company employs cybersecurity experts to ensure the security of its proprietary information, and to protect its systems from cyberattacks. Cybersecurity positions commonly hired by Pratt & Whitney include security analysts, security engineers, and cybersecurity managers.
Cognizant Technology Solutions: CTS is a multinational company that provides IT services to clients worldwide. Cognizant employs cybersecurity professionals to ensure their clients' data and systems are secure. Some positions available at Cognizant include Cybersecurity Consultants and Information Security Analysts.
Aetna: This healthcare corporation maintains many records containing sensitive patient information, and therefore cybersecurity is a top priority. They employ cybersecurity experts in positions such as information security analysts and cybersecurity engineers.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Connecticut
InfraGard Connecticut Members Alliance
This public-private partnership provides a forum for sharing information and intelligence related to critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity. It offers events, training, and networking opportunities for members.
Women in Cybersecurity - Connecticut Chapter
This local chapter of the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) organization aims to promote the inclusion and advancement of women in cybersecurity. It provides networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources for women in Connecticut.
ISACA Connecticut Chapter
The ISACA Connecticut Chapter is a professional association for individuals involved in information security, assurance, governance, risk, and privacy. It provides education and networking opportunities to help members stay informed and connected in the field.
(ISC)² Connecticut Chapter
The (ISC)² Connecticut Chapter is a nonprofit association for information security professionals. It offers educational seminars, networking events, and other resources to help members stay informed and connected in the field.
Connecticut Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Eastern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science major with cybersecurity concentration
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- University of New Haven - Cyberthreat Intelligence Investigation - Bachelor of Science
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Questions About Cybersecurity in Connecticut
Can I study cybersecurity at a Connecticut school?
Yes, several schools in Connecticut offer cybersecurity programs at various degree levels. These programs may include majors or concentrations in cybersecurity, computer science with a cybersecurity focus, or information technology with a cybersecurity emphasis.
Can I get a job in Connecticut with a cybersecurity degree?
Yes, Connecticut has a growing need for cybersecurity professionals, and many companies and organizations in the state hire employees with cybersecurity degrees. Examples of such companies include Pratt & Whitney, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and Aetna.
Does UConn offer a cybersecurity degree?
UConn does not, as of article publish, have a cybersecurity degree program. But the school does have a cybersecurity bootcamp in partnership with edX.
Is network security a good career in CT?
Yes, network security is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, and as more companies and organizations rely on technology, the demand for network security professionals is growing. Connecticut has a thriving tech industry and is home to several large corporations that require skilled network security professionals.
Last reviewed May 22, 2023.
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