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Postsecondary education predates statehood in Maine. Over the last two centuries, some of the nation's most prestigious public and private universities and community colleges have made their home in the state.
Maine's students enjoy strong education and professional prospects, particularly in the cybersecurity field. The state actively supports seven information technology sectors, including information technology, biotechnology, and environmental technologies.
According to CompTIA's CyberStates, Maine has more than 15,000 tech jobs. With an increased focus on tech, emerging and fast-growing fields like cybersecurity may see a significant expansion.
This guide examines the state of education and cybersecurity in Maine. Discover the best online cybersecurity programs in Maine and the professional opportunities that await after graduation.
Maine at a Glance
| Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations | |
|---|---|
| % of Workforce in Tech | |
| Economic Impact of Tech Industry | |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Maine?
Maine's Department of Labor lists more than 12,500 jobs in the tech sector, plus another 6,000 in STEM. According to Tech Maine, the state's main tech specializations come in geospatial technologies, new media, bioinformatics, and cybersecurity.
The Maine Technology Institute has invested in research and development, workforce development, and technology training to stimulate growth in this sector. In 2022, the state introduced the near-$40 million Pandemic Recovery for an Innovative Maine Economy Fund to support the state's technology companies.
Maine has also invested in education and the state's almost-70,000 postsecondary students. By 2025, the Pine Tree State aims for over 60% of its adult population to possess an associate degree or higher.
To reach that goal, schools in Maine have increased the number of its flexible and online programs. The state has fostered relationships between colleges and employers, enhanced financial aid options, and improved equity in higher education to improve online education.
Education Statistics for Maine
Maine has 29 degree-granting institutions, including 20 four-year and nine two-year colleges. More than half the state's students enroll in at least some online classes.
| Higher Education Statistics | Maine Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-Year Colleges |
2,679 |
|
|
Two-Year Colleges |
1,303 |
|
|
Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
72.8% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Maine Schools
Accreditation is a voluntary status conferred upon institutions that undergo rigorous evaluation by third-party organizations. Institutional accreditation allows schools to provide federal financial aid and improves postgraduate outcomes. Institutional accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
In Maine, the New England Commission of Higher Education accredits most schools. Programmatic accreditation varies by discipline but can also affect employment and licensure. While not mandatory, many cybersecurity schools and programs pursue programmatic accreditation from ABET.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Maine
Prospective students should consider several factors to identify their ideal program, including degree type, program cost, and length.
Learners with specific careers in mind should find programs that align with their goals. Prospective students can also evaluate the school's faculties, alumni network, and industry relationships.
Students should also consider the mode and type of program delivery. Learners who need limited travel or more flexible schedules should prioritize online learning, while individuals who want more class engagement with peers and instructors can seek in-person or hybrid programs.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
With some of the most diverse cybersecurity schools in Maine, students enjoy plenty of degree and concentration options. Learners have many choices, but the following examples highlight some of the most flexible and state-friendly options. With the state's growing IT field, programs focusing on development and management might provide the best career options.
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An IT management concentration explores problem-solving and analytical strategies leaders use in the field. The program may cover various aspects of IT, including cybersecurity. |
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Information systems security focuses on protecting data systems and operations. Students learn to analyze and develop secure systems architecture. This concentration prepares graduates to pursue leadership, consulting, and development careers. |
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Information assurance examines organizational strategies for data access, security, and risk management. Graduates with this training can qualify for various IT and cybersecurity management positions. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
The average tuition rates in Maine slightly exceed national averages, which can make paying for a degree even more challenging.
To help learners cover educational expenses, the Finance Authority of Maine introduced various financing, loan, scholarship, and grant programs. The state offers the Maine State Grant, needs-based tuition waivers, and reduced tuition programs for out-of-state learners.
Maine students also have access to federal and school-specific financial aid programs.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Compared to in-state students, Maine's out-of-state students pay nearly twice the tuition rates in two-year public colleges and three times the tuition rates in four-year public colleges. State funding and incentivization programs help schools keep prices lower for state residents.
Thanks to the Tuition Break program from the New England Board of Higher Education, Maine students can pay reduced tuition rates in over 1,400 programs within surrounding states.
Maine's Cost of Living
Along with tuition prices, Maine students should factor in the state's cost of living. Maine has the nation's 12th-highest cost of living index at 115, surpassing the national baseline of 100. The state's grocery, utilities, transportation, and housing costs exceed national averages.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Maine
Cybersecurity is one of the nation's fastest-growing professions. According to Cyberseek's Heat Map, the U.S. employs more than 1.1 million cybersecurity professionals. The country also has more than 750,000 job openings in the field, indicating a significant shortage.
Maine counts nearly 5,000 members of its cybersecurity workforce with more than 3,000 job openings. The state has a high concentration of cybersecurity professionals — more than double the national average.
According to Tech Maine, more than 60% of IT workers work outside of traditional computer industries. Most of its professionals work in fields like finance, manufacturing, and logistics. Maine's cybersecurity professionals often work in consulting, operations, and management.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Maine
Cryptographer
Cryptographers encrypt data and look for weaknesses in security systems. They may develop encryption algorithms, decrypt data, and create specialized systems for organizations and industries. Cryptographers typically need a bachelor's degree at minimum for employment, plus experience.
Average Salary (March 2023): $99,970 (cybersecurity engineer)
Chief Information Security Officer
CISOs manage organizations' cybersecurity practices, policies, and strategies. They oversee the security teams and systems, ensuring both can handle the organization's needs. A CISO needs a bachelor's degree at minimum, but many have graduate degrees and significant experience.
Average Salary (March 2023): $173,110
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their active computer systems and security technologies. These professionals simulate cyberattacks to find exploitable system weaknesses. A pen tester needs a bachelor's degree at minimum.
Average Salary (March 2023): $90,820
The tables below highlight state-specific details and trends for other IT and cybersecurity-related positions.
Maine Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
20 |
66, 200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
20 |
67,300 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
0% |
+1.7% |
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
|
2020 Employment |
710 |
165,200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
700 |
174,200 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
-1.4% |
+5.4% |
|
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
3,750 |
1,847,900 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
4,190 |
2,257,400 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
11.7% |
+22% |
Source: Projections Central
|
Career |
Maine Employment |
Maine Annual Mean Wage |
National Median Annual Wage |
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
1,260 |
$136,670 |
$159,010 |
|
Computer Network Architects |
390 |
$105,770 |
$120,520 |
|
Computer Network Support Specialists |
510 |
$63,010 |
$62,760 |
|
Computer Programmers |
360 |
$86,430 |
$93,000 |
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
2,020 |
$83,620 |
$99,270 |
|
Information Security Analysts |
280 |
$85,730 |
$102,600 |
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
850 |
$79,160 |
$80,600 |
|
Software Developers |
2,810 |
$101,440 |
$109,020 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Employment trends in Maine indicate a strong outlook for cybersecurity and IT professionals. The data showcases solid workforce numbers in most fields and salaries close to the national averages.
Network and management-related positions may offer the most promising opportunities in Maine's tech sector. The state's software development roles also have strong projected growth numbers. Maine's increased investments and focus on IT should lead to workforce and salary growth over time.
Cybersecurity Employers in Maine
Maine Emergency Management Agency: This organization oversees the state's threat protection and response. Homeland Security in Maine provides protection to businesses and the state's critical infrastructure. The cybersecurity division offers assessments, threat analysis, incident response, and resilience reviews for any organization.
Covetrus: This leader in animal health technology develops operating systems and supply chain solutions for veterinarians. Covetrus relies on data and systems security specialists to create and implement high security standards and practices across all products and systems.
IDEXX Laboratories: One of the largest tech companies in the state, IDEXX Laboratories develops software and services for veterinarians and livestock managers. To protect its customers and their data, IDEXX works with cybersecurity professionals to create the most secure data encryption and information management solutions.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Maine
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(ISC)2 Maine Chapter: Maine's (ISC)2 chapter offers networking and education opportunities to the state's cybersecurity professionals. The organization hosts regular meetings, community outreach projects, and professional development activities. -
Cybersecurity Ambassador Program: Sponsored by the University of Southern Maine, the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program provides the community with outreach and skill-building programs. The organization promotes cybersecurity trend awareness and features work-study programs. -
Maine Cyber Range: The Cyber Range at the University of Maine at Augusta is a training and simulation center that provides training programs for schools, businesses, and individuals. -
Maine Cybersecurity Center: Developed by the member institutions of the University of Maine, the Maine Cybersecurity Center oversees the school system's cyberdefenses. The center also features virtual labs for training and simulation and workforce development efforts.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Maine
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Central Maine Community College - AAS in Cybersecurity - Digital Forensics -
Northern Maine Community College - AAS in Network Administration and Cybersecurity -
Southern Maine Community College - AAS in Cybersecurity -
Thomas College - BS in Cybersecurity -
University of Maine at Augusta - Cybersecurity -
University of Maine at Fort Kent - BS in Cybersecurity -
University of Southern Maine - Cybersecurity
Questions About Cybersecurity in Maine
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Can I get an online cybersecurity degree in Maine?
Yes. Students can access several accredited online colleges in Maine with cybersecurity programs. In addition to fully online programs, Maine features hybrid options and online programs with limited residency requirements.
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Are the best cybersecurity schools in Maine expensive?
Not necessarily — while some of the best cybersecurity schools in Maine have high tuition costs, some of the top programs have low price tags. A program's quality often depends on the student and their individual needs.
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What cybersecurity jobs can I get with a degree from Maine?
Graduates with cybersecurity degrees can pursue many cybersecurity jobs, including penetration tester and information security analyst roles. They can also pursue general IT positions with cybersecurity components, such as information systems management.
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How much does a cybersecurity engineer make in Maine?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for cybersecurity engineers in Maine is $104,700 as of March 2023. Cybersecurity engineers with more experience of advanced credentials can expect to earn more than the average rate.
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