Jan 30, 2017 10:07 AM EST By Chris Brandt, UniversityHerald Reporter

Cyber security degrees might not be as common as engineering or computer science degrees but there are already a number of colleges and universities that offer cyber security programs. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security will find themselves as among the first line of defense against cyber attacks and cyber crimes in the future. Here are 5 colleges that has been recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for offering such programs.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon has cyber security programs from their undergraduate to Ph.D programs. For the undergraduate course, they are offering the Computer Information Systems Undergraduate Program: Information Assurance Track. One of their master's program is the Masters of Science in Information Security where the main focus is handling and managing the emerging complexities of information technology including data and network security. They also offer a Ph.D in ECE: Mobility Research Center where the focus is on mobile devices and the improvement of mobile network and security.

California State University - San Bernardino

The California State University - San Bernardino offers certifications in different cyber security areas. Their Business Administration, Concentraion: Cyber Security is one of the first cyber security programs in California. The university has received various grants from different state and federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, allowing them to offer various cyber security programs in both undergraduate and graduate levels.

George Washington University

George Washington University in Washington, D.C. has a lot of NSA-recognized cyber security programs in both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Moreover, they also offer online degree programs although it is only for those who are pursuing a master's degree in cyber security. One of these programs is the Online Master of Engineering in Cyber Security Policy & Compliance which incorporates engineering and computer science courses.

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Located in Rolla, Missouri, the institution offers two NSA-recognized cyber security programs: Big Data Management and Security Graduate Certificate and Information Assurance & Security Officer Essentials Graduate Certificate. Admission to the program requires a B.S. degree in any engineering field with an average GPA score of 3.0.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers a number of graduate and undergraduate cyber security programs recognized by the NSA. The highest one can get is a Ph.D in Computer Science with an Info-Security Focus. According to the university's website, the average time to complete the Ph.D degree is 5 years provided the student has a good undergraduate background in computer science.

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