Post job

Computer security manager education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer security manager. Computer security managers usually study computer information systems, computer science, or computer systems security. 48% of computer security managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 25% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 67 real computer security manager resumes to see exactly what computer security manager education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer security managers are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online computer security manager courses to help get the education required to be a computer security manager.

What education do you need to become a computer security manager?

What degree do you need to be a computer security manager?

The most common degree for computer security managers is bachelor's degree, with 48% of computer security managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 25% and associate degree degree at 15%.
  • Bachelor's, 48%
  • Associate, 25%
  • Master's, 15%
  • Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a computer security manager?

You should major in computer information systems to become a computer security manager. 16% of computer security managers major in computer information systems. Other common majors for a computer security manager include computer science and computer systems security.

Most common colleges for computer security managers

Computer security managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Western Washington University, and New York University. Here are the most common colleges for computer security managers in the US based on their resumes.
Computer security manager common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix9.52%
Western Washington University4.76%
New York University4.76%
Colorado School of Mines4.76%
University of St. Francis4.76%

Best majors for computer security managers

Best colleges for computer security managers

The best colleges for computer security managers are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

A computer security manager with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer security managers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer security managers.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

2. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Enrollment

30,905

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

6. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,522

Enrollment

13,760

7. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

8. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$12,424

Enrollment

15,201

9. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

20 best online courses for computer security managers

Advertising disclosure

1. Computer Security and Systems Management

coursera

The Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization focuses on computing in an enterprise environment. Combining both theory and real world experience and architecture, the courses will prepare you to design and audit secure enterprise systems. The courses will cover practical use of major server operating systems in an enterprise environment and how to design and operate them securely...

2. Managing Network Security

coursera

Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...

3. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp

udemy
4.2
(267)

A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...

4. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

udemy
4.5
(656)

Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...

5. Fundamentals of Computer Network Security

coursera

This specialization in intended for IT professionals, computer programmers, managers, IT security professionals who like to move up ladder, who are seeking to develop network system security skills. Through four courses, we will cover the Design and Analyze Secure Networked Systems, Develop Secure Programs with Basic Cryptography and Crypto API, Hacking and Patching Web Applications, Perform Penetration Testing, and Secure Networked Systems with Firewall and IDS, which will prepare you to...

6. Security Awareness Training

coursera

The security of an organization is of the utmost importance and every member of the organization's staff plays a vital role in defending against cyber threats. One of the best ways to protect the organization is to institute a company-wide security-awareness training initiative. This course is a complete foundational security awareness training program that covers a wide array of topics for nearly every type of end-user and learner level. The content is designed to allow organizations to be...

7. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager

udemy
4
(285)

One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...

8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

udemy
4.1
(1,311)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...

9. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies

udemy
4.6
(13,166)

Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...

10. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls

udemy
4.5
(770)

Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...

11. Information Security Awareness: An Introduction for UK SMEs

udemy
4.4
(412)

Combating Security Threats and Cultivating Information Security Awareness...

12. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP

udemy
4.5
(2,165)

Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...

13. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response

udemy
4.4
(1,105)

Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...

14. IT Security 101 - Cyber Security for Beginners

udemy
4.2
(390)

Learn cyber security best practice tips on securing computer networks from internal & external IT cyber security threats...

15. Information Security Basics for IT Support Technicians

udemy
4.3
(300)

Learn the basics of information security and what you need to know to be compliant with data protection regulations...

16. Introduction to Corporate Information Security

udemy
4.1
(454)

This course explains why information security and its management are important for any modern organization...

17. [2023] Information Security A-Z™: Cyber Security Bootcamp

udemy
4.3
(743)

Become an expert in ISO/IEC 27001, Risk Management, Cryptography, Cyber Forensics, Malware & clear your Interview!...

18. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management

udemy
4.6
(878)

Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...

19. The Complete Cyber Security Awareness Training for Employees

udemy
4.1
(466)

Learn Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices with SIA's Top Cyber Security Experts...

20. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!

udemy
4.6
(16,367)

Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer security managers

The most affordable schools for computer security managers are Baruch College of the City University of New York, brooklyn college of the city university of new york, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for computer security managers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer security managers.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. Minot State University

Minot, ND • Private

In-state tuition

$7,064

Cost of attendance

15,576

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

7. University of Houston - Victoria

Victoria, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$6,491

Cost of attendance

19,075

8. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

9. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer security managers

The hardest universities for computer security managers to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for computer security managers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer security managers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

8. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

9. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

10. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer security managers

The easiest schools for computer security managers to get into are Barry University, ottawa university, and capitol technology university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer security manager without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer security managers.

1. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

2. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

3. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

4. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

5. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

6. Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, KY • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,099

7. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

8. Chestnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,026

9. Washington Adventist Hospital

Takoma Park, MD • Private

Admissions rate

52%

SAT average

958

10. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

Average computer security manager salary by education level

According to our data, computer security managers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $112,107 annually. Computer security managers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $109,487.
Computer security manager education levelComputer security manager salary
Master's Degree$109,487
Bachelor's Degree$101,605
Doctorate Degree$112,107
Some College/ Associate Degree$82,510

Computer security manager education FAQs

Search for computer security manager jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse executive management jobs