Complete List of Cybersecurity Programs In Virginia

Program Overview

Northern Virginia (NOVA) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at five of its six campuses. This program can be completed in two years of full-time study. 

The program covers networking and information security concepts and skills. You will also have the option to choose several cybersecurity electives such as telecommunications, malware analysis, and Python programming.

• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition cost (Cost of all Credits): $15,083.25 in-state | $31,226 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $232.05 in-state | $480.40 out-of-state
• Credits: 65

Why It Made Our List

NOVA is the first community college in Virginia to be designated as a Center of Excellence for two-year institutions (CAE2Y). NOVA’s cybersecurity program curriculum aligns with the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Knowledge Units. Students in the program regularly compete in regional competitions, including the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Fusion.

Program Overview

An A.A.S. in Cybersecurity is available at Tidewater’s Chesapeake Campus and Virginia Beach Campus. While some courses can be completed online, some are only offered in-person.

The program takes four semesters of a full-time course load to complete. Coursework for this program is clearly defined with few options for electives.

• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (Cost of all credits): $13,461.50 in-state | $29,425.50 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $207.10 in-state | $452.70 out-of-state
• Credits: 64-65

Why It Made Our List

Tidewater is a member of the National CyberWatch Center, a national consortium of colleges and universities focused on cybersecurity education. The school has officially partnered with Peregrine Technical Solutions to facilitate more connections to the industry for its students. TCC is also the official training partner for the region’s International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

Program Overview

Germanna CC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology (IST) Cybersecurity. Coursework for this program is clearly defined with few options for electives.

The on-campus program takes two years of a full-time course load to complete. There is also an accelerated program that is fully online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition cost (cost of all credits): $11,961.60 in-state | $25,856 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $186.90 in-state | $404.00 out-of-state
• Credits: 62-64

Why It Made Our List

The curriculum for this degree program follows the National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework 2.0. Germanna is designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in cybersecurity. It is unique in that it is the only associate degree program in our top five rankings to offer an accelerated online program. The school also has an active Cybersecurity Club that regularly places in regional competitions.

Program Overview

Laurel Ridge CC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity as an in-person, hybrid, or 100% online program. In-person classes take place on its campus in Middletown, VA.

The curriculum for this program includes a choice of various general education courses and 44 credits of defined cybersecurity-related courses. 

• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition (cost of all credits): $12,237.55 in-state | $26,783.25 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $182.65 in-state | $399.75 out-of-state
• Credits: 66-67

Why It Made Our List

Lauren Ridge CC has two active organizations for students studying cybersecurity: the Cyber Security Club and Epsilon Pi Tau. The latter is the school’s International Technology Honor Society, which offers leadership opportunities and members-only publications and resources. Laurel Ridge was also the first community college program in Virginia to receive ABET accreditation.

Program Overview

Piedmont Virginia CC does not offer a specific cybersecurity degree. Instead, they offer an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology (IST) with a cybersecurity specialization. 

The program follows a set curriculum, with limited elective options. While you may be able to take some courses online, many are in-person only.

• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (cost of all credits): $11,380.95 in-state | $25,058.25 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $180.65 in-state | $397.75 out-of-state
• Credits: 63

Why It Made Our List

Of the top five cybersecurity associate degrees reviewed here, Piedmont Virginia CC is the cheapest for both in-state and out-of-state students. This program is unique in its offering of an IST associate degree with a cybersecurity specialization. The combination provides a broader education than the other programs listed, including multiple required programming language courses and a course on Windows server administration.

Program Overview

GMU’s Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering (CYSE) is for students interested in both cybersecurity and engineering. 

The program teaches students to design, analyze, and implement secure, resilient systems. In addition to learning about cybersecurity, students learn how to use the engineering design process.

• Delivery method : Campus
• Annual tuition: $14,807 in-state | $39,803 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $617 in-state | $1,658.50 out-of-state
• Credits : 126

Why It Made Our List

As the cybersecurity industry continues to grow, the ability to build new systems and scale existing ones will likely be in demand. That’s what a degree in cybersecurity engineering teaches. As a CYSE major, you will attend GMU’s Volgenau School of Engineering. The school is home to the C5I Center and the Rapid Prototyping Research Center (RPRC).

Program Overview

A B.S. in Cybersecurity from ODU can be completed in-person, online, or through a hybrid of both. Online courses are completed asynchronously and use an accelerated 8-week format to allow flexibility for students. 

Students can follow the recommended curriculum or work with their academic advisor to customize their coursework.

• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Annual tuition: $13,290 in-state | $34,020 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $443 in-state | $1,134 out-of-state
• Credits: 120

Why It Made Our List

Students have a lot of flexibility in the program and course offerings. This includes a variety of nontraditional credit options, including portfolio review, CLEP, DANTES, and departmental exams. These options can help students potentially save money on tuition and graduate sooner.

Program Overview

The Cybersecurity Management and Analytics major at Virginia Tech is part of the Business Information Technology (BIT) department under the Pamplin College of Business. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Business degree. 

Students in this program learn business practices and cybersecurity management in addition to the technical side of cybersecurity. They can take elective courses in Departments of Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, Political Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mathematics, and Public Policy.

• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Annual tuition: $13,938 in-state | $36,427 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $580.75 in-state | $1,517.75 out-of-state
• Credits: 125

Why It Made Our List

This program requires that all students complete an internship for real-world experience. For those who want to work in or near D.C. after graduation, there is a hybrid program at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus. The Pamplin College of Business is home to the Integrated Security Education and Research Center.

Program Overview

VCU’s B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity is part of the College of Engineering. 

While students learn computer science basics in most cybersecurity programs, this one provides a broader computer science education. The cybersecurity-specific courses are Intro to Cybersecurity, Computer and Network Security, and Intro to Cryptography. 

• Delivery method: Campus
• Annual tuition: $14,047 in-state | $36,521 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $483.50 in-state | $1,259 out-of-state
• Credits: 120

Why It Made Our List

VCU houses the Advanced Wireless and Security Lab (ADWISE) and the Security and Forensics Engineering (SAFE) Lab. The school is designated as an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and in Cyber Research. Students earning a bachelor’s in computer science may also qualify for an accelerated master’s degree. This pathway allows eligible VCU students to graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s in five years.

Program Overview

Radford University students earning a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity attend the Artis College of Science and Technology. The program includes foundational courses in computer science, calculus, and cybersecurity. 

A flexible curriculum gives students 38-50 open credit hours that can be used for electives and minors. The exact number of open credit hours depends on how many foundational and general education credits a student needs. 

• Delivery method: Campus
• Annual tuition: $8,894 in-state | $22,892 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $369 in-state | $953 out-of-state
• Credits: 120

Why It Made Our List

Radford offered Virginia’s first Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity starting in 2019. The university also houses the Center for Information Security. The multidisciplinary organization provides learning and research opportunities to cybersecurity students. The student-run Cyber Defense Club meets multiple times a week. Members can attend workshops, join competitions, and network with industry professionals.

Program Overview

This master’s program builds on the foundations of cybersecurity engineering (CYSE). Graduate students can choose a concentration in secure advanced manufacturing and supply chains, secure artificial intelligence systems, or autonomous vehicles security.

Students completing a bachelor’s in cybersecurity engineering at GMU may be eligible for an accelerated master’s program. Those who qualify take 12 credits of graduate-level curriculum to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years.

• STEM designation: Yes
• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition: $26,970 in-state | $52,200 out-of-state
• 2026 cost per credit: $899 in-state | $1,740 out-of-state
• Credits: 30
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

GMU is an R1 institution, denoting high-level research. Graduate students can get involved in the research centers and labs on campus. Research focuses include transportation and healthcare systems security, automotive cybersecurity, battery technology, renewable energy, and smart manufacturing. At the Living Innovation Lab, researchers experiment with emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at ODU can be completed in one year of accelerated full-time study. It can be done in-person or 100% online. 

Coursework covers cybersecurity principles, leadership and management, and ethical hacking. Electives are available in cryptography, network security, and machine learning applications in cybersecurity.

• STEM designation: Yes
• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition: $21,620 in-state | $47,750 out-of-state
• 2026 cost per credit: $672 in-state | $1,523 out-of-state
• Credits: 30
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

ODU is the only university in Virginia with all three National Security Agency (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations for cybersecurity. It also has direct connections to employees in the region, including the NSA, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Sentara.

Program Overview

Marymount’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is highly customizable. Study online or in-person. Choose a technical or leadership focus.

The university’s location in the same city as the Pentagon means it has close ties with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

• STEM designation: Yes
• Delivery method: Campus and online
• Total tuition: $52,380
• 2026 cost per credit: $1,455
• Credits: 36
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

A master’s degree from Marymount can develop your skills and your network in the cybersecurity industry. Many of Marymount’s faculty have connections to government agencies and corporations in Virginia and D.C. Some corporations that faculty are connected to include Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, FBI, and NTT Data. Marymount is also a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Program Overview

NSU’s cybersecurity master’s degree program is only available online. It takes two to three years to complete. 

The program has seven core courses related to security, operating systems, and forensics. Students can choose three out of nine possible electives. They also take a year-long capstone course in their final year of the program.

• STEM designation: Yes
• Delivery method: Online
• Total tuition: $19,748 in-state | $46,092 out-of-state
• 2026 cost per credit: $837 in-state | $1,611 out-of-state
• Credits: 36
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

The Cybersecurity Complex, in NSU’s Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research, features data centers and research labs. Students can train in areas such as cloud computing, big data, forensics, and cyber-psychology. The Information Assurance Research and Education Development Institute gives students opportunities to learn about the theory and practice of information assurance. NSU is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research. 

Program Overview

In this Master of Science in Cyber Security program, students learn about ethics, privacy, cryptography, and software engineering. 

The program follows a defined two-year degree plan with no electives or open credits. Online courses may be semester-long or eight weeks.

• STEM designation: Yes
• Delivery method: Campus or online
• Total tuition: $20,700
• 2026 cost per credit: $575
• Credits: 36
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

The Department of Defense and National Security Agency have designated Liberty University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Liberty is also a member of the National Cyberwatch Center and participates in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC). 

Program Overview

Virginia Tech’s Ph.D. in Computer Science has a cybersecurity track. The program requires at least 27 credits of graduate-level coursework and 30 credits of dissertation research. 

This program is ideal for students with a background in STEM or computer science.

• Funding: Graduate Teaching Assistantship or Graduate Research Assistantship with a $2,500 monthly stipend for nine months
• Typical length: 4-5 years
• Delivery method: Campus
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

The majority of Ph.D. students in the Computer Science program are fully supported. In Fall 2023, the department hired 71% of its students as  Graduate Teaching Assistants or Graduate Research Assistants. Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute has research centers on both its Blacksburg and Arlington campuses. Other transdisciplinary research centers and institutes may also match your goals.

Program Overview

GMU offers a Ph.D. in Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity engineering (CYSE).

This cross-disciplinary program allows doctoral students to conduct advanced study of computer science, information processing, and cybersecurity.

• Funding: Not published
• Typical length: 4-5 years
• Delivery method: Campus
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

The best way to choose a Ph.D. program is to find a professor whose research matches your interests. GMU’s website lists the research interests of each of its cybersecurity engineering faculty. In July 2026, the university approved a new doctoral program in cybersecurity, giving potential students a clearer pathway to an advanced degree in this growing field.  

Program Overview

Marymount offers a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Cybersecurity. It’s a more practice-based degree than a Ph.D. A cybersecurity professional interested in leadership rather than research might pursue this degree. 

Students can take classes in person, online, or a combination of both to best fit their schedules. This program may take less time to complete than a Ph.D.

• Funding: Not published
• Typical length: 3-4 years
• Delivery method: Campus and online
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

Marymount is a recipient of the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service grant from the National Science Foundation. The university is using the funds to offer scholarships to cybersecurity students for service in government positions. Connections to major corporations in and around Arlington, such as Amazon Web Services and Capital One, provide potential opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Program Overview

The University of Fairfax offers fully online graduate programs, including the Doctorate of Information Assurance. 

The program focuses on preparing working professionals to advance their knowledge, skills, and careers. While it does not have a specific cybersecurity concentration, it includes several cybersecurity courses. Many of the faculty are leading practitioners in the industry.

• Funding: Not published 
• Typical length: 3.5-4 years
• Delivery method: Online
• GRE requirement: Not required

Why It Made Our List

Most Ph.D. programs are on-campus and require significant in-person research time. The University of Fairfax doctorate degrees can be earned completely online. Courses are eight weeks long and asynchronous. This means there are six opportunities to enroll each year, so you can fit the program into your schedule.