Cybersecurity Programs in Utah
Updated February 13, 2023
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In addition to snowy slopes, national parks, and a robust economy, Utah offers a variety of opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. These workers fight against virtual security threats: For example, in 2020, Deseret News reported Utah's cybersecurity experts collaborated to thwart Iranian hackers from attacking state government websites.
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that popular career fields for cybersecurity workers in Utah include software development, computer and information systems management, and computer programming. With the growing prevalence of online fraud and cybercrime, the need for network security professionals continues to increase in Utah and globally.
Universities in Utah offer a number of cybersecurity-related degrees and certificates. This page explores information about cybersecurity careers in this state.
Utah at a Glance
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Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 2021 |
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Percentage of Workforce in Tech |
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Economic Impact of Tech Industry |
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Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to a Utah College or University for Cybersecurity?
According to the BLS, Utah boasts an unemployment rate of 2.2% as of November 2022. Data from CompTIA shows approximately 6.9% of the state's workforce serves in technology, with the largest shares of workers employed in software, IT support, and network engineering. These professionals have a $19 billion impact on the state's economy.
Higher education campuses are spread all over Utah, serving students in both rural and urban areas. These schools offer multiple learning options, including online courses. With several prestigious universities and online programs located in Utah, students looking to develop their tech skills can earn a thorough cybersecurity education.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition at Utah's colleges and universities was lower than the average tuition at schools in other states in the 2020-21 academic year. Utah residents qualify for in-state tuition at public institutions and may be eligible for state-sponsored grants and scholarships.
Attending college in the state where you plan to work after graduation can also offer job search benefits such as networking, local internships, and alumni partnerships.
Education Statistics for Utah
Utah's higher education options include community colleges, private four-year institutions, and state-sponsored public universities. Per NCES data from 2021, a higher percentage of Utah students enrolled in online learning than the national average percentage.
| Higher Education Statistics | Utah Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
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Four-Year Colleges |
2,679 |
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Two-Year Colleges |
1,303 |
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Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
59% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Utah Schools
Attending an accredited school is essential if you are pursuing a cybersecurity career in Utah. Accreditation is a marker of academic excellence that verifies the quality of your degree.
The accreditation process evaluates colleges and universities to ensure their course offerings meet standards for academic rigor. Many schools in Utah hold institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
In addition to institutional accreditation, cybersecurity programs can secure programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, an organization whose accreditation processes evaluate how well programs prepare students for careers in the field.
Considerations for Studying Cybersecurity in Utah
Many factors go into the college and program selection process. Is the school connected with internship opportunities in network security? What is the college's reputation? What kind of degrees does the school impart? Can students enroll in online, in-person, and hybrid learning?
Utah's colleges and universities offer two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees in cybersecurity. Many schools provide both online and on-campus classes. Some programs even combine in-person lectures with online coursework.
When deciding on a college or university for cybersecurity studies, research is key. Prospective students should look into schools' faculty credentials and areas of specialization as well as the schools' job placement statistics. They should also ensure programs hold accreditation from reputable organizations and that major courses focus on actionable career outcomes.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Cybersecurity students may be able to choose from a variety of concentrations or similar cybersecurity-related degrees. The following concentrations may prove especially advantageous because they can prepare students for popular cybersecurity careers in Utah.
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Data Analytics |
Data analysis is the use of critical information to make business decisions. Combining data analysis with cybersecurity allows students to blend information analytics with information security. |
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Project Management |
Project managers oversee projects with a focus on three constraints: time, cost, and scope. Cybersecurity project managers use project management techniques to execute security-related initiatives. |
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Cybersecurity Policy |
Focused on law and management, cybersecurity policy programs may include courses in counterterrorism, privacy law, and the internet and public policy. Graduates can qualify for jobs with the U.S. Department of Defense, law enforcement, payment providers, transportation, or gas and oil companies. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Though two-year schools are, on average, more expensive in Utah than nationally, the average tuition at all types of four-year schools in Utah is lower than national averages. The state offers both government and private funding to help students finance their education.
In addition to federal grants and loans, Utah provides aid through state-led initiatives like the Opportunity Scholarship, the Utah Promise Scholarship, and the higher education success stipend program. To qualify for these funding opportunities, students must meet certain academic criteria or demonstrate financial need.
Graduate students in cybersecurity may also be able to take advantage of fellowships, stipends, or tuition waivers. Some employers may extend tuition reimbursement programs for network security and cybersecurity majors.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In-state students typically pay lower tuition than their out-of-state counterparts, but some schools in Utah offer reduced tuition for out-of-state students. Nine Utah-based universities participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, an initiative of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Nonresident students at these schools may pay discounted tuition rates.
Private schools usually charge all students the same rate regardless of state residency. However, some private institutions may offer reduced tuition for specific populations: For example, Brigham Young University charges reduced tuition to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Utah's Cost of Living
When budgeting for your cybersecurity education, consider Utah's cost of living. World Population Review ranks Utah's cost of living index score at 99 against a national baseline score of 100. This signifies that the average cost of expenses like groceries, housing, and utilities in Utah is slightly below national averages.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Utah
Utah provides a wealth of opportunities for professionals looking for careers in network security. Companies such as Utah-based SkyWest Airlines, Alsco, and Vivint all employ cybersecurity professionals. The University of Utah and Brigham Young University also host research initiatives dedicated to exploring the latest network security technologies.
The state itself offers a robust environment for new tech professionals: U.S. News & World Report ranks Utah the top state for economy thanks to its low unemployment rate and business-friendly environment. Data from CompTIA ranks the state ninth by percentage of workforce in tech.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Utah
Security Director
Security directors supervise organizations' cybersecurity programs, including budgets, equipment, and team members. These professionals are also called security managers or chief information security officers.
Average Salary for Security Directors, January 2023: $96,920
Security Engineer
Sometimes known as information assurance engineers, security engineers create and test the systems that prevent leaks and cyberbreaches.
Average Salary for Security Engineers, January 2023: $97,380
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers identify and help rectify security vulnerabilities. These professionals may find employment with corporations, government agencies, hospitals, or information security agencies. They can also work as freelancers.
Average Salary for Penetration Testers, January 2023: $90,140
Select technical professions in Utah shown below are projected to grow faster than national average projections. See the chart below for more details.
Utah Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
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Computer Hardware Engineers |
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2020 Employment |
840 |
66,200 |
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2030 Projected Employment |
1,010 |
67,300 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+20.2% |
+1.7% |
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Computer Network Architects |
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2018 Employment |
980 |
165,200 |
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2028 Projected Employment |
1,220 |
174,200 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+29.7% |
+5.4% |
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Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
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2020 Employment |
23,330 |
1,847,900 |
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2030 Projected Employment |
36,450 |
2,257,400 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+56.2% |
+22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Utah Employment | Utah Average Annual Wage | National Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
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Computer and Information Systems Managers |
5,030 |
$139,830 |
$162,930 |
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Computer Hardware Engineers |
930 |
$112,420 |
$136,230 |
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Computer Network Architects |
970 |
$110,820 |
$120,650 |
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Computer Network Support Specialists |
1,450 |
$72,720 |
$71,350 |
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Computer Programmers |
2,700 |
$97,050 |
$96,650 |
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Information Security Analysts |
1,090 |
$100,580 |
$113,270 |
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Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
2,930 |
$89,720 |
$91,250 |
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Software Developers |
18,200 |
$109,000 |
$120,990 |
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Web Developers |
2,500 |
$63,090 |
$81,320 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Many of the roles detailed above earn lower average salaries in Utah than the national average wage for these careers. However, this may reflect the state's slightly-lower-than-average cost of living, as lower average salaries often correlate to higher purchasing power in less-expensive states.
According to this BLS data, the highest-earning cybersecurity career in Utah is computer and information systems manager, a tech management role. Consequently, a Utah resident seeking an industry job with above-average wages may consider emphasizing cybersecurity management or policy in their academic program.
Cybersecurity Employers in Utah
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Utah
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UtahSAINT Organization: An organization of more than 500 members, UtahSAINT is involved in many cybersecurity projects. Members can take advantage of its major annual conference to network with other professionals and stay abreast of developments in the field. -
ISACA Utah Chapter: To promote local education and development in the field, ISACA established a chapter in Utah. Members can participate in events and make use of the site's job board to help find new career opportunities. -
801 Labs Community Hackerspace: A hackerspace based in Salt Lake City, 801 Labs promotes peer learning and knowledge sharing. Members can learn about a variety of hacker-related topics like biohacking and exploiting stack buffer overflows. -
BSidesSLC: This Salt Lake City-based networking and educational organization offers in-person events on cybersecurity topics.
Questions About Cybersecurity in Utah
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Can I get a cybersecurity degree in Utah?
Schools in Utah provide several academic programs for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. With multiple colleges and universities offering degrees in both network security and cybersecurity, prospective cybersecurity workers can choose from a variety of options in Utah to help them achieve their career goals.
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Are cybersecurity universities in Utah expensive?
Tuition rates at four-year schools in Utah are lower than national average costs, so enrolling in a cybersecurity degree in the state is comparatively affordable.
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What cybersecurity jobs can I get after going to a Utah school?
Graduates may find job opportunities in government agencies, financial institutions, or large corporations that require experts in cybersecurity or network security. Data from CyberSeek shows popular security careers in Utah include software developer, senior software developer, cybersecurity analyst, and cybersecurity manager.
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Do cybersecurity and network security jobs pay well in Utah?
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for information security analysts in Utah was $100,580 in 2022. Though this is lower than the national average wage for this career, the figure is still more than double the average annual salary for all workers nationwide.
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