There are a number of accredited institutions in the state of Michigan with numerous program choices for those that are looking into a cybersecurity career.

The breakdown consists of five colleges that have two-year programs and the rest of them focusing on cyber defense. There are no programs or universities that have been designated in cyber operations or cyber research.

When looking at educational programs in cybersecurity, it is a good idea to start with looking for colleges and universities that have been accredited by the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE).

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

Baker College
Davenport University
Delta College
Eastern Michigan University
Ferris State University
Grand Rapids Community College
Henry Ford College
Lansing Community College
Macomb Community College

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

Online Cyber Security Programs in Michigan

The University of Detroit Mercy has an Online Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Graduate Program from the College of Liberal Arts and Education. Their Master's degree in Information Assurance requires 30 credit hours to complete and full-time students are able to finish the program in a calendar year.

Some of the eight core courses consist of Principles of Cybersecurity, Cyber Defense Operations, and Risk Management Processes. In conjunction with the International Council for Electronic Commerce Consultants, there is an option to get a hacking certification, which includes study material and the exam to gain certification.

Considerations for Finding a Cyber Security Degree

Professionals that are looking to break into the cybersecurity industry should consider online courses for maximum scheduling flexibility, and there is no need to fully commit to an on-campus experience.

Because the industry requires expert knowledge in information technology and software development, those interested in a cybersecurity career will need to be prepared with the knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed.

Many programs that are online-based will feature virtual classrooms and labs that will provide education in the latest developments in the field and how to stabilize networks and prevent further attacks with the newest software.

Master's in Cyber Security Degrees in Michigan

The College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University offers the Master of Science in Technology Studies with concentrations such as Information Assurance.

Regardless of what area of emphasis is chosen by the student, they will need to complete four core courses that sets up an introduction to the upcoming study, Patters of Technology Change and Culture, Contemporary Trends in Tech and Society, and Research Methods in Tech Studies.

Many courses are offered either directly on-campus, online, or a combination of the two, but all courses are not available during the summer term.

Holding at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended, but students can also submit GMAT or GRE scores to improve their chances (in some cases, these are also required for admittance). Prior coursework should consist of various levels of calculus, computer programming, and data structuring.

Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in Michigan

Many of the institutions that are designated as a CAE in Michigan have many educational opportunities across all levels, be it for students that are looking for certification or pursuing higher status with a Master’s program. Many schools offer the ability to complete courses online, and some courses are fully available in a virtual setting. Detroit and Ann Arbor are two of the most popular locations to begin a career in cybersecurity.

• Undergraduate Degrees:
  Grand Rapids Community College has a Center for Cybersecurity Studies with the following courses designated by the NSA: general Linux education, an introduction to Cisco Networking hardware and software, Microcomputer Operating Systems, and Principles of Information Security. These courses are offered in the Foundation of Information Security certification and a few Associates of Arts degrees. There is also the pre-information security courses that prepares students for a more advanced degree and courses can be transferred as credit.

  Ferris State University has an online Cybersecurity Certificate that prepares students for other industry certifications and entry-level positions for those with some computer science experience. The following courses are in the curriculum: Secure Digital Technologies, Principles of Information Security, Digital Forensics and Analysis, and Network Forensics and Analysis. An additional certification in Ethical Hacking can also be obtained, which prepares graduates to perform penetration testing to better prepare organizations from outside intrusions, and keeping information secure on cloud computing and mobile devices.

• Masters and Continuing Education:
  Walsh College has a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity. There is a core course in cybersecurity fundamentals, but the area of emphasis includes courses in cryptography, digital forensics, and various strategies when securing a company network. In order to gain admittance into the program, students should have an undergraduate degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher and at least two years of professional experience in cybersecurity.

  Davenport University has a Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security has a curriculum of 34 credit hours and will prepare students for any type of career that consists of risk analysis, protecting data, and the legal and ethical issues involved with personal and sensitive information. Examples of programs consist of Applied Cryptography, Advanced Computer Forensics, and Analytical Statistics for Management. The entire program is available online, but it can also be earned at the Detroit and Grand Rapids locations.

• Cyber Security Employment Options:
  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts in the metropolitan area of Midland, Michigan, sees some of the higher-paying opportunities at $118,720 annually. This is significantly higher than more entry-level positions, which ranges between $69,674 to $97,659 according to Salary.com. Saline, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti are some of the cities that have a higher salary in this industry when compared to other places in the state.

Michigan Cyber Security Careers

Michigan is one of the top 10 states in terms of tech employment and position growth when compared to the rest of the United States. According to CompTIA, IT services has been seeing a 2.8 percent year-over-year growth. Example companies to work for are Deloitte, Cisco, and Accenture, providing career opportunities as a network security architect or engineer, security administrator, and risk management.

Top Cyber Security and Tech Employers and Organizations in Michigan

A solutions architect at Apex Systems is responsible for creating the foundation of network security and maintaining the safety of sensitive information. Skills needed for the position include experience with Microsoft Server Administration, an ability to implement the latest innovations into an organization’s server, and how to connect and network all devices.

Some of the tasks include researching and giving out recommendations on how to improve security methods, leading team members and working with others that are helping create the system, and designing disaster recovery situations.