Information Assurance and Cyber Security Degrees in Michigan

Technology matters to Michigan. As of 2002, Michigan had 568,000 high tech workers, making it 4th in the nation for high tech employment, and spends more of its GDP research and development than any other U.S. state. While cars (and engineers) are in the driver’s seat of Michigan’s economy, computers (and cyber security professions) are on the rise. Many automotive companies are themselves posting cyber security jobs, as cars become more computer automated, and thus more vulnerable to hacking. No less than 18 institutes in Michigan confer cyber security degrees and certificates. Decent salaries, an incredibly low cost of living and an abundance of schools in the field make The Great Lakes State an attractive destination for both cyber security careers and study.

Michigan Cyber Security Jobs

Michigan has a robust economy, and is home to a total of 17 Fortune 500 companies, including such giants as Dow Chemicals, Whirlpool, GM and Ford. Michigan is the center of the nation’s automotive industry. The majority of professions with cyber security careers are based in Detroit, and common employers include DTE Energy, AlixPartners and Peer Solutions Group. The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives a mean wage of $88,520 for cyber security analysts. While this figure is well below the national median of $92,600, keep in mind that Michigan’s cost of living is the nation’s third-lowest.

Cyber Security Degrees in Michigan

Associate’s Degrees in cyber security can be earned through programs at six Michigan schools.

Bachelor’s Degrees in cyber security are offered by a total of ten schools in the state. Six of these are considered to be “National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security” (CAEs) by the NSA.

Master’s Degrees in cyber security are available through five schools in Michigan, of which three are designated as CAEs.

Certificates and Doctoral Degrees in cyber security are offered by three institutes: Central Michigan University, Oakland Community College, and Wayne County Community College District.

The 5 Best Cyber Security Degree Providers in Michigan

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are many high quality cyber security (and related field) degree providers in the state of Michigan. We’ve taken a look at all cyber security degree providers in the state (and you can too in our directory below) and pulled out the top programs based on our detailed ranking methodology. Factors in the ranking of a school include whether they are an NSA Center of Academic Excellence, the range of cyber security-related degrees offered, and a wide range of metrics checking out academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student satisfaction. For a detailed rundown of our ranking methodology as well as national cyber security degree rankings, check out our rankings page.

1. University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy (UD Mercy) is a private 4-year institution located in Detroit, Michigan. There are 4,875 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UD Mercy to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UD Mercy ranks as the 19th best school in the region, 12th best college for veterans, and 32nd best value school. The university offers student support with remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and credit-for-life experiences. When it comes to academic offerings, UD Mercy provides a wide range of degrees from accounting to theater. Currently, UD Mercy offers 10 online degree programs including their online master’s in management information systems, and online master’s in information assurance.

UD Mercy offers a number of cybersecurity- related degrees for undergraduate students, graduate students and those seeking certification. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Systems with a Major in Cybersecurity as well as a 5-year accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree in information assurance or intelligence analysis. The two online degrees, however, are both master’s degrees including their M.S. in Information Assurance, and M.S. in Computer Information Systems. There’s also an option to take their online ethical hacking certification. We selected this school for the affordable tuition, the academic quality and the high percentage of satisfied students which is indicated in their full time retention rate and high percentage of completers. The NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security both recognize UD Mercy as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

• Homepage
• Average Net Price Undergrad: $22,383

Online cyber Security Degree Programs

• Online Certification in Ethical Hacking
• Master of Science in Information Assurance/ Cybersecurity; Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.

2. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan. There are 7,252 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits MTU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News MTU ranks as the 124th best school in the nation, 78th best college for veterans, and 60th best online graduate engineering programs. The university supports their students with academic and career counseling, employment for students, and placement for completers. When it comes to academics, you may have guessed the MTU offers a number of technical degree in fields like bioinformatics, marketing, international and intercultural communication, science education, mechanical engineering, nanotechnology and more. There are also degrees in creative writing, foreign languages, history, and visual and performing arts. Currently, MTU offers 10 online degrees and professional certifications.

MTU offers a number of information assurance-related degrees including their Bachelor of Science in Computer Network and System Administration- Computer Network Security and Master of Science in Cybersecurity as well as the online Master of Science in Medical Informatics. This online degree deals with the secure acquisition and retrieval of medical information to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This is a great option if you are interested in work inside of a hospital, insurance company, or software company. We selected MTU for the high percentage of student satisfaction as well as for the affordable tuition rates.

• Homepage
• Average Net Price Undergrad: $16,276

Online cyber Security Degree Programs

• Master of Science in Medical Informatics.

3. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public 4-years university located in Big Rapids, Michigan. There are 14,187 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Ferris State to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Ferris State ranks as the 83rd best university in the region, 52nd best college for veterans, 69th best value school, 18th top public school, and 107th for best online bachelor’s programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial support, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experiences. Their academic offerings are huge. There’s something for every interest including some unique offerings like Art History, Printmaking, Respiratory Care Therapy, Creative Writing, Information Assurance, Publishing, and Environmental biology. Ferris State currently offers 26 online degrees and professional certifications.

Ferris State offers some fantastic online degrees in the field of information security including their online Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Information Security and Intelligence (ISI). The ISI programs both have NSA-CAE designations as well as “Department of Defense/Air Force Cyber Command Center of Digital Forensic Academic Excellence” designations. Ferris State was the first university in the United State to receive this particular designation. We ranked this program among the top for the affordable tuition, and academic quality. The undergraduate tuition rate is just $13,204. Some of their other degrees and certifications include the following: Information and Security INtelligence 5 year BS and MS, Information Security and Intelligence Associate, Homeland and Digital Forensics Minor, and Information Security and Intelligence Minor. Students may opt to pursue a certification in cybersecurity and cyber security: ethical hacking.

• Homepage
• Average Net Price Undergrad: $13,204

Online cyber Security Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Intelligence (ISI)
• Master of Science in Information Security Intelligence

4. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is a public research institution located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. There are 21,246 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News EMU ranks as the 231st best school in the nation. Their student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, placement for graduates, and credit for life experience. Their academic offers are robust and provide something for all types of interest including degrees and certifications in CAD, homeland security, statistics, aquatic biology, women’s studies and so much more. EMU currently offers 12 online degrees and professional certifications.

EMU has a vast Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (EMU IACD) program and partners with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The university offers programs for undergraduate and graduate students. No matter what the level, these programs match the Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and include their Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance, Information Assurance Management, Information Assurance Applied, Information Assurance Encryption, and Information Assurance Network Security as well as their Master of Arts in Technologies studies with areas of concentration in: Information Assurance Management, Network Security, and Digital Investigations. We selected EMU for the affordable tuition rate and for the high quality of the academic offerings. You will notice the wide-range of career opportunities available upon completion of these degrees.

• Homepage
• Average Net Price Undergrad: $14,268

Cyber Security Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance, Information Assurance Management, Information Assurance Applied, Information Assurance Encryption, and Information Assurance Network Security
• Master of Arts in Technologies Studies with Concentrations in: Information Assurance Management, Network Security, and Digital Investigations

5. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is the parent institution of several other Davenport Universities located across the state. There are 7,733 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Davenport University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Davenport University ranks as the 122nd best university in the region, and 192nd Best Online Bachelor’s program. Their student support services include remedial support, academic counseling, career counseling, placement for graduates, employment for students, and even credit for life experiences. Their academic offerings are vocational including in fields like bioinformatics, business, computer and information sciences, health, and social work. Currently, Davenport offers 41 online degree programs.

Davenport University offers a number of cybersecurity-related degrees including bachelor’s degrees in cyber defense, digital forensics, and network management and security. Their master’s degree is a master of science in information assurance and cyber security. Davenport University is a DHS/NSA nationally recognized CAD-IAE. In the master’s degree you will learn about programming in PERL/Python Scripting, Information Security and Assurance, Cryptography, Data Commission and Networks as well as statistics for business. The elective courses are a great opportunity to hone your skills to match your professional needs. All students complete their masters program with an information assurance thesis. No matter if pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a degree in cyber security is a great way to lock down a high paying career and secure your own future.

• Homepage
• Average Net Price Undergrad: $16,742

Online cyber Security Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense, Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Science in Network Management and Security
• Master of Science in Information Information Assurance and Cyber Security

Cyber Security Resources in Michigan

Cyber Security Degree Providers in Michigan

Below we’ve included some of the most pertinent information for choosing a cyber security degree program. Affordability looked at the average in-state tuition rate (where applicable) and divided the range of tuition rates into five bins. Each bin contains a roughly $8,000 jump in tuition. So one $ contains schools from roughly $1,000 in in-state tuition to $9,000, $$’s contains schools from >$9,000 to $17,000, and so forth. Retention rate is one of the best predictors of undergraduate education quality. While the NSA/CAE designation marks programs deemed excellent by the NSA.