Are you a high school student looking for cybersecurity resources and information?

Do you want to work with the latest technology? Do you like solving problems with creative solutions? Almost everything we do connects to the internet in some way, but our line of defense against possible cyber threats is limited due to a lack of cybersecurity professionals. Do you have what it takes to combat cybercrime?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, programs, and data from criminal or unauthorized use.

Did You Know?

You do not need to have technical or computer-based knowledge to be a cybersecurity professional.

Cybersecurity is one of the top 20 fastest growing fields in the country.

Cybersecurity professionals earn a median salary of $95,510.

Currently, there are over 700,000 open cybersecurity positions available in the U.S.

Six rows showing career paths, with the years in school required to begin those career paths and their average starting salaries.
Career Path Years in School Average Starting Salary
Electrician 6 months – 2 years $55,000
Liberal Arts 4 years $40,000
Business 4 years $61,000
Cybersecurity 2 years
4 years		 $70,000
$116,000
Lawyer 7+ years $120,000
Doctor 10+ years $208,000

Explore Cybersecurity Career Options

Cybersecurity is not just about coding and hacking - cybersecurity careers are also about communicating, managing, and being creative. Our country needs individuals with cybersecurity skills at all levels of every organization, in all industries, from finance to healthcare to entertainment. Check out the profiles below to learn more about your cybersecurity career options.

Cryptographer / Cryptanalyst AKA Encryption Expert Cyber Defense Incident Responder Cyber Forensics Expert Cyber Legal Advisor Cyber Security Engineer Information Systems Security Manager Multi-disciplined Language Analyst Software Developer Vulnerability Assessment Analyst AKA Vulnerability Assessor IT Project Manager Cyber Crime Investigator Technical Support Specialist Cyber Operator System Testing & Evaluation Specialist Systems Administrator Cyber Ops Planner Information Assurance Analyst Knowledge Manager Pen Tester Threat and Warning Analyst

Get Started

Three columns of ways to get started in Cybersecurity.
Classes to take in high school Majors to pursue in college Additional ways to get ahead
  • Advanced math and science
  • Computer science
  • Art / music
  • Creative writing
  • Ethics
  • Tech-ed
  • Government / history
  • Cybersecurity
  • Computer science
  • Information technology
  • Information security
  • Software engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Communications
  • Participate in cybersecurity clubs, camps, and competitions in your area!
  • Ask your teachers to integrate cybersecurity concepts into existing lesson plans.
  • Talk to your guidance counselors about future cybersecurity career
    opportunities.

So You’re Going to College…but Where? How Will You Pay?

Cybersecurity Colleges & Universities

  • Over 300 two- and four-year colleges and universities across 48 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are nationally recognized by CISA and NSA in cybersecurity.
  • Check out two- and four-year colleges and universities offering cybersecurity degree programs in your area!

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Receive up to $25,000 for undergraduate studies and up to $34,000 for graduate studies.
  • Participate in virtual and in-person job fairs in Washington, D.C.

Learn more about schools offering cybersecurity scholarships!