Cybersecurity, A.A.S.
At a Glance
Train for a Rewarding Career Solving Real-World Cyber Threats
Carroll’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity prepares you for in-demand cybersecurity-related careers protecting and securing critical systems and infrastructure. With our four on-campus labs outfitted with enterprise-grade equipment, strong employer partnerships, and career-focused instruction, you’ll develop the skills employers need in today’s fast-growing cybersecurity field.
Degree Type:
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Credits:
60
Typical Program Length:
2-3 years (full-time)
Start Dates:
September (Fall), February (Spring)
Format:
In-person (with lab & field experiences) and Hybrid
Approximate Cost:
$10,920 for in-county residents (books excluded); Apply for scholarships & financial aid
Helpful Resources
Why Complete Your Cybersecurity Degree at Carroll?
Learn Using the Same Tools as Cybersecurity Professionals
Every Cybersecurity course is specifically designed with hands-on activities using our industry-standard tools and commercial-grade equipment. You’ll learn to analyze threats, investigate cybersecurity incidents, identify vulnerabilities, and secure systems in environments that mirror the workplace.
Earn Certifications While You Learn
Students have the opportunity to prepare for and earn industry-recognized certifications while enrolled in the program.
Customize Your Experience to Match Your Career Goals
Personalize your degree with coursework in network security, cloud, artificial intelligence, programming, and systems administration. Whether you’re interested in ethical hacking, forensics, cloud security, or IT infrastructure, at Carroll you can build experience aligned with your career interests.
Experience Cyber Beyond the Classroom
Get involved in the cyber field outside the classroom and connect with actual cybersecurity professionals throughout the region. Carroll provides one of the most extensive extracurricular cybersecurity experiences around.
Go here to see our extracurricular opportunities for cyber students.
Accelerated Career-Development Pathways
For highly motivated and career-minded students, Carroll offers unique, next-level opportunities to develop experiences that stand out in a competitive job market, including:
- Cybersecurity and AI Clinic
In this advanced program, students learn cybersecurity vulnerability assessment techniques and go live on site for a real assessment, under the supervision of actual cyber professionals. - Applied Cybersecurity Career Accelerator (ACCA)
An intensive, hands-on career pathway for motivated students who want to go beyond the Cybersecurity A.A.S. curriculum and graduate with a clear competitive advantage in the cybersecurity job market.
Career Options & Outcomes
Discover Your Passion
Find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.
What Cybersecurity Grads Go On to Do
Cybersecurity professionals help organizations prevent cyberattacks, protect sensitive information, investigate security incidents, and defend critical digital infrastructure. Their work is essential across government, healthcare, finance, technology, education, and nearly every modern industry.
Cybersecurity professionals work for a wide range of employers, including:
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Private employers across all industry sectors
- Cybersecurity and information technology firms
- Consulting and professional services organizations
Roles include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Network Security Administrator
- Cyber Defense Analyst
- Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist
- Security Compliance Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
Many entry-level cybersecurity positions are available with an Associate degree, industry certifications, and relevant experience. Graduates may also choose to continue their education toward a Bachelor’s degree to pursue advanced cybersecurity, information assurance, or information technology roles.
Salary Snapshot
Note: These figures represent national averages and may vary by region and industry sector.
- Entry-level cybersecurity roles: average $50K to $75K per year.
- Information Security Analysts: median annual wage of approximately $125K per year.
- Experienced cybersecurity professionals and specialists often earn $90K to $150K+ per year depending on certifications, specialization, security clearance, and experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Information Security Analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, reflecting continued demand for cybersecurity professionals across all sectors of the economy.
The Maryland and Washington, D.C. region in particular is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of cybersecurity employers, including federal agencies, defense contractors, healthcare organizations, technology firms, and consulting companies, creating exceptional internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Advisory Board
Carroll’s Cybersecurity curriculum is designed and continuously reviewed by cybersecurity leaders, employers, and industry experts to ensure students develop the skills employers are seeking right now. You can visit our Advisory Boards page to see the list of Cybersecurity Advisory Board members, as well as advisory board members for our other programs.
Curriculum
Faculty
Carroll’s Cybersecurity faculty bring real-world experience from information technology, cybersecurity operations, digital forensics, networking, and cyber defense. They combine industry expertise with a commitment to helping students develop the technical skills and confidence needed for career success.
The Cyber program gave me more than I expected. The instructors push you, the labs are hands-on, and cybersecurity is one of the most important fields in the world right now. Carroll’s program prepares you for it for real!
The Cybersecurity program at Carroll has been an absolute blast. The professors are great and I loved the hands-on learning in the labs.
The degree helped open the door, but the connections I made here at Carroll guided me through it.