The university of tulsa Online Blog

Higher education can be a great way for students to demonstrate to employers that they have developed the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their field. However, not all degree programs are created equal. Some programs are accredited through recognized higher education accrediting agencies, while others earn specialized federal designations that validate their cybersecurity curriculum.

Without accreditation, neither students nor employers can be sure that a program is current, comprehensive, or legitimate. If you’re investing in your education, it’s crucial to choose an accredited cybersecurity program that meets national accreditation or designation standards. Accreditation helps ensure that graduates develop the skills they need through a high-quality, reputable education.

What Are Accredited Cybersecurity Programs?

Program accreditation in the U.S. is a voluntary process in which an independent accrediting agency evaluates whether an institution or academic program meets established national standards of quality. Accrediting agencies are typically private, nonprofit organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Through self-study, peer review, and periodic reevaluation, accredited institutions demonstrate that they provide a consistent, high-quality education aligned with academic and professional expectations.

Cybersecurity programs also pursue specialized federal designations, such as the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), a joint initiative of the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The NCAE-C program includes several designations, such as Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research, each recognizing institutions that meet rigorous national standards for cybersecurity education.

Together, accreditation and federal designation help ensure that cybersecurity programs remain current, comprehensive, and aligned with national expectations for academic and professional excellence.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

The field of information technology (IT) is crowded with online programs and short-term courses promising a quick and easy route to a lucrative career. Accreditation helps students distinguish legitimate programs from those that may not meet professional or academic standards.

Within cybersecurity, accreditation strengthens educational quality by:

• Setting national standards for cybersecurity curricula and instructional quality

• Building collaboration among cybersecurity professionals, institutions, and instructors based on shared goals in workforce readiness

• Ensuring currency in cybersecurity practices, disciplines, and programs

Achieving accreditation requires a rigorous, multi-stage review in which evaluators assess curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional effectiveness. Although time-consuming, accreditation is a major accomplishment that enhances an institution’s standing, qualifies its students for federal financial aid, and demonstrates long-term commitment to continuous improvement in cybersecurity education.

How Does Accreditation Benefit Students?

Students who have completed a master’s in cybersecurity can advance their careers or learn specialized skills. When choosing a program, students should look to accreditation as an added layer of credibility, signaling to employers that graduates are highly trained and adept with the latest trends and technology.

Key advantages of enrolling in an accredited cybersecurity program include:

• High-quality instructors and strong curriculum: Provide experienced and qualified instructors and courses aligned with current cybersecurity standards and technologies.

• Access to financial aid and grants: Meet federal and state financial aid program requirements.

• Employer and industry recognition: Demonstrate that graduates are well prepared for professional and government roles.

• Up-to-date training: Continually update their curricula to reflect the latest tools, threats, and best practices in cybersecurity.

• Credit transferability: Offer the ability to transfer credits or apply them toward advanced degrees.

Graduates of accredited programs can enter the cybersecurity workforce confident that their education meets national standards, providing the skills needed for cybersecurity and helping them stand out in the job market.

Career Outlook for Accredited Cybersecurity Program Graduates

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, as companies and organizations of all sizes look to skilled professionals to safeguard valuable data, information, and their customers. According to the ISC2 2024 Workforce Study, there are around 1.5 million cybersecurity positions in North America, with a workforce gap of nearly 550,000 positions, up from the previous year. This represents growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the country.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment for information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity professionals, will increase 29% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average growth for all occupations.

Information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $124,900 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. That’s much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($49,500). Salaries can vary depending on education level, location, and experience.

Build a Career in Cybersecurity with an Accredited Degree

Cybersecurity graduates are at the forefront of modern information technology. By completing an accredited cybersecurity program, you can gain both the technical expertise and professional integrity required to protect critical systems and data in an increasingly digital world.

The online Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) from The University of Tulsa prepares you to meet incoming cybersecurity challenges head-on. TU’s online MSCS offers both technical and leadership tracks, providing the in-depth training needed to pursue top cybersecurity certifications and advance into senior leadership or specialized roles. Recognized through the CAE-CD initiative, Tulsa’s cybersecurity program reflects national standards of excellence and commitment to workforce readiness.

Learn how an accredited cybersecurity program can help you build a secure, rewarding career in this fast-evolving field.

Recommended Readings

Do You Need a Degree for a Cybersecurity Career?

Is Cybersecurity in Demand? 8 Reasons Demand Keeps Rising

What Are the 8 Types of Cybersecurity?

Sources:

ISC2, 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study

National Security Agency, National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

U.S. Department of Education, Accreditation in the U.S.

U.S. Department of Education, Overview of Accreditation in the United States