Hawaii has plenty of undergraduate opportunities that are designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for students to gain a thorough education in the cybersecurity sector.

There are a few community colleges that offer two-year programs, and the schools are linked to the University of Hawaii. The institution itself has three locations that are part of the National Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE). Honolulu is one of those locations, and the city also has numerous opportunities in the field.

You might consider an online cybersecurity program or a non CAE designation institution. Be sure to speak with the university's admissions or cybersecurity department (often the computer science or engineering department) to ensure it is an accredited university with a quality cybersecurity program.

Here is a list of Hawaii cybersecurity degrees that are from NSA CAE Designated Institutions:

Honolulu Community College
Leeward Community College
University of Hawaii – West Oahu
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Hawaii Maui College

Click to jump to the full list of Hawaii cybersecurity schools.

Online Cyber Security Programs in Hawaii

For those that do not find the cybersecurity education needed in Hawaii, residents can instead look for other education in the United States that provides an online format.

Typically, online programs will be available in mostly asynchronous format with requirements to complete assignments and exams within specific deadlines. Students will need to check with the institution to see if they have the correct computer devices and software needed to complete the program.

Common requirements include a Windows or Mac computer, internet access, and the Google Chrome or Firefox internet browser. Few schools have online coursework in cybersecurity, and there are currently no full programs available in that format.

Master's in Cyber Security Degrees in Hawaii

Through the Information and Computer Sciences department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, there is a Master of Science in Computer Science that contains a handful of cybersecurity programs.

While not required, one of the courses students can choose from is Data Security and Cryptography, which was formerly known as Computer Security. Other related courses include Network Science, Computer Networks, Advanced Cryptography, and Pattern Recognition.

Students can select a thesis or project approved by the faculty to culminate the program. 18 of the 31 credits in the program must be at an ICS course level of 600 or higher, and students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and meet the residency requirement of two semesters.

Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in Hawaii

Leeward is one of the community colleges that offers various associate degrees and certificates within the cybersecurity field. The Associate in Science, Information, and Computer Science requires 60 credit hours to complete with three specializations to choose from: Information Security Specialist, Network Support Specialist, and Software Developer Specialist.

Courses in this program can be used to easily transfer to a higher program at another university in Hawaii. This program will help students gain skills at computer maintenance, communicate better with their-workers, and be fluent in at least two different computer languages with the ability to create algorithms.

Maui College at the University of Hawaii offers a Certificate of Competence within Cybersecurity, requiring 18 credits to complete. All of the courses are under the umbrella of Information and Computer Science with the following examples: Digital Tools for the Information World, Introduction to Information Security, Introduction to Networking, and Computer Security. There is also a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Business and Information Technology that has a focus track on technology, which includes web programming, data science, and cybersecurity education.

Hawaii Cyber Security Careers and Organizations

Some local opportunities in the state include IT consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, which has a few locations. For an example, a cybersecurity engineer needs at least two years of experience, has experience with Unix or Linux, and is able to implement principles properly and effectively when creating the cybersecurity infrastructure. One of the biggest information security events in the state is Shakacon, which provides workshops and networking opportunities for high-level executives, academic workers, and government employees to connect.