University of Maryland Global Campus Cybersecurity Program: Is It Worth the Investment?

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 470,000 U.S.-based job openings requiring cybersecurity-related skills and employment projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033. As cyber threats continue to evolve and organizations desperately need skilled professionals, choosing the right cybersecurity education program has never been more critical.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has emerged as a leading institution in cybersecurity education, offering comprehensive online programs designed for working adults. But with cybersecurity bootcamps, traditional universities, and online programs flooding the market, is UMGC’s cybersecurity program worth your time and money?

This comprehensive analysis examines UMGC’s cybersecurity offerings, costs, career outcomes, and return on investment to help you make an informed decision about your cybersecurity education investment.

Overview of UMGC’s Cybersecurity Programs

Comprehensive Program Portfolio

University of Maryland Global Campus offers a broad array of online cybersecurity degrees and certificates, continually updated and designed with input from industry leaders and cybersecurity experts. The university provides multiple pathways for cybersecurity education:

Undergraduate Programs:

Graduate Programs:

Certificate Programs:

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology
Various undergraduate certificates

Program Structure and Delivery

All programs are delivered entirely online, making them ideal for working professionals. UMGC was founded to meet the needs of working adults, and this focus is evident in their flexible scheduling and course design.

The undergraduate programs require 120 credits, while master’s programs typically require 30 credits. UMGC’s online master’s degree in cybersecurity technology is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. Depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer, you can expect to graduate in as little as 16 months.

Accreditation and Industry Recognition

NSA Center of Academic Excellence Designation

One of UMGC’s most significant credentials is its recognition by the National Security Agency. The National Security Agency (NSA) Program Management Office has validated University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) as a National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) for its cybersecurity programming.

Specifically, UMGC has received multiple prestigious designations:

UMGC has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency
Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the DC3 Academic Cyber Curriculum Alliance
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology becomes UMGC’s second degree program to receive the coveted recognition. In 2022, UMGC’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy also was recognized as a validated program of study with the NSA and Department of Homeland Security

What NSA Recognition Means

The CAE designation is highly selective and meaningful for students. By attending a CAE program, students know they are completing a program that will allow them to make a strong contribution to protecting our nation’s information infrastructure from cyber-attack. Also, during the hiring process employers have more confidence when considering candidates who have graduated from schools with a CAE designation.

Additional Industry Recognition

Beyond government recognition, UMGC has earned respect from industry organizations. UMGC is a leading name in cybersecurity education and was named the 2023 Academic Partner of the Year by the EC-Council.

Program Features and Learning Experience

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

UMGC’s cybersecurity curriculum is continually updated and designed with input from leading employers and cybersecurity experts. The programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning that directly applies to workplace scenarios.

MARS Virtual Learning Platform

One of UMGC’s standout features is its innovative learning technology. Some of UMGC’s online cyber graduate courses utilize the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that allows students to demonstrate their abilities and apply their cyber skills in a practical, immersive environment.

Expert Faculty

Many UMGC cybersecurity faculty members are experts in the field, providing you access to industry leaders. This ensures students learn from practitioners who understand current industry challenges and trends.

Award-Winning Competition Team

Students can participate in the UMGC Cyber Competition Team, which provides real-world experience and networking opportunities. The UMGC Cyber Competition Team provides students with real-world experience and networking opportunities and is recognized as one of the top cyber teams globally.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The curriculum emphasizes practical application. Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects: Design a “subnet” to protect an organization from network attacks.

Cost Analysis: Breaking Down the Investment

Tuition Rates

UMGC offers competitive tuition rates with different pricing tiers based on residency and military status. Here’s the current tuition structure for 2025-2026:

Cybersecurity Graduate Programs (Specialty Rate):

Maryland Resident: $694 per credit
Out-of-State: $694 per credit
Military Rate: $336 per credit

Undergraduate Programs:

Maryland Resident: $330 per credit
Out-of-State: $499 per credit
Military Rate: $250 per credit

Total Program Costs

Master’s Degree Programs (30 credits):

Maryland Residents: $20,820 + fees
Out-of-State Students: $20,820 + fees
Military Students: $10,080 + fees

Bachelor’s Degree Programs (120 credits):

Maryland Residents: $39,600 + fees
Out-of-State Students: $59,880 + fees
Military Students: $30,000 + fees

Additional fees include a $15 per credit technology fee and a $50 application fee for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UMGC offers several financial assistance options:

DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship: Students selected as recipients will receive scholarships covering the full cost of tuition, course-required materials, required fees, and a stipend. The stipend levels are $27,000 for undergraduate students and $32,000 for graduate students.

Other Financial Benefits:

Interest-free monthly payment plans
Eligible federal employees may be able to save up to 25% on out-of-state tuition and specialty graduate programs
No-cost digital materials for most courses
Generous transfer credit policies

Return on Investment Analysis

Cybersecurity Salary Landscape

The cybersecurity field offers excellent earning potential. According to recent salary data:

The median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910 in May 2024
The average salary for a Cyber Security Analyst is $126,361 per year in United States
A cybersecurity analyst oversees the security of computer systems and networks, instituting preventative measures, monitoring for suspicious activities, and dealing with the aftermath in case of a breach—a job that earns an average base salary of $105,500, according to Glassdoor

Entry-Level vs. Experienced Professional Salaries

Entry-Level Positions:

Entry-level cybersecurity roles start around $75,000 to $95,000
The average ENTRY LEVEL CYBER SECURITY ANALYST SALARY in the United States as of August 2025 is $47.79 an hour or $99,400 per year

Senior-Level Positions:

Senior-level specialists can earn between $165,000 and $210,000 annually
The highest 10 percent earned more than $186,420

Job Market Growth

The job market outlook is exceptionally strong:

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations
There are more than 570,000 job openings for cybersecurity professionals across the United States
There are more cybersecurity positions than there are qualified people to fill them—nearly half a million open jobs in the US alone

ROI Calculations

Let’s calculate the return on investment for different UMGC program paths:

Master’s Degree ROI (Out-of-State Student):

Total Investment: ~$22,000
Entry-level salary increase: $20,000-$30,000 annually
Payback Period: Less than 1 year

Bachelor’s Degree ROI (Out-of-State Student):

Total Investment: ~$62,000
Career change salary increase: $40,000-$60,000 annually
Payback Period: 1-2 years

Military Student ROI (Master’s):

Total Investment: ~$11,000
Payback Period: 3-6 months

These calculations demonstrate exceptional ROI, particularly given the strong job market and salary potential in cybersecurity.

Student Success and Career Outcomes

Industry Connections

Maryland’s cybersecurity network includes 12 major military installations; 400 Federal, academic, and private research centers; and 50 Federal agencies. In addition, UMGC is headquartered between the DoD’s Cyber Command in Maryland and the Cyber Corridor in Virginia.

This strategic location provides students with unique networking and career opportunities in the nation’s cybersecurity capital.

Career Services

You’ll receive lifetime access to career services and resources to help you achieve your professional goals. This ongoing support extends well beyond graduation.

Student Testimonials

Real students have shared positive experiences:

“It was really important for me to pick a program that was endorsed by other government agencies and that peers in the field would recognize as a well sought-after degree.” – Cate R. MS in Cybersecurity

“I chose UMGC because it was one of the few cybersecurity policy programs and because of their reputation in the cyber world.” – Tyler C.

Certification Preparation

UMGC programs prepare students for industry certifications:

Designed with employer input, our online cybersecurity technology bachelor’s degree program can help you prepare for certifications like A+ and Security+
Various graduate programs prepare students for advanced certifications like CISSP and CISM

Advantages and Potential Drawbacks

Key Advantages

1. Prestigious Accreditation

NSA CAE-CD designation provides credibility
Government and industry recognition

2. Practical Curriculum

Industry-designed coursework
Hands-on learning experiences
MARS virtual platform

3. Flexible Format

100% online delivery
Working adult-focused
Year-round course availability

4. Strong ROI

Competitive tuition rates
Excellent salary potential
Fast payback periods

5. Comprehensive Support

Lifetime career services
Competition team opportunities
Industry networking

Potential Drawbacks

1. Online-Only Format

Limited face-to-face interaction
Requires strong self-discipline
May not suit all learning styles

2. Technology Requirements For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications, which may require additional investment in computer hardware.

3. Specialty Program Pricing Graduate cybersecurity programs use specialty pricing, making them more expensive than standard graduate programs at UMGC.

How UMGC Compares to Other Options

Versus Traditional Universities

UMGC offers several advantages over traditional on-campus programs:

Lower total costs
Greater flexibility for working adults
Industry-focused curriculum
Strong government connections

Versus Bootcamps

While bootcamps offer faster completion, UMGC provides:

Academic depth and breadth
Degree credentials
NSA recognition
Long-term career support

Versus Other Online Programs

UMGC stands out with:

NSA CAE-CD designation
Government and military focus
Established reputation
Comprehensive program portfolio

Who Should Consider UMGC’s Cybersecurity Programs

Ideal Candidates

Military Personnel and Veterans: With significant tuition discounts and strong government connections, UMGC is excellent for military students.

Working Adults: The flexible, online format and adult-focused approach make it perfect for career changers and advancement seekers.

Government Employees: The NSA recognition and Washington D.C. area connections provide unique advantages for federal workers.

Career Changers: Comprehensive curricula allow professionals from other fields to transition successfully into cybersecurity.

Less Ideal Fit

Traditional College Students: Recent high school graduates might prefer a traditional campus experience with more social opportunities.

Those Preferring In-Person Learning: Students who learn better in physical classrooms might struggle with the online-only format.

Final Verdict: Is UMGC’s Cybersecurity Program Worth It?

Based on comprehensive analysis, UMGC’s cybersecurity programs offer exceptional value and are definitely worth the investment for most students, particularly:

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Strong ROI: Payback periods of 1-2 years or less
Excellent Job Market: 33% projected growth through 2033
Competitive Salaries: $75,000-$200,000+ earning potential
Reasonable Costs: Lower than many competitors

Key Success Factors

The combination of NSA recognition, industry-designed curriculum, flexible delivery, and strong career support creates a compelling value proposition. The program’s focus on practical skills and government connections provides graduates with distinct advantages in the job market.

Bottom Line Recommendation

For working adults seeking to enter or advance in cybersecurity, UMGC represents one of the best educational investments available. The program’s reputation, accreditation, and career outcomes justify the costs, particularly given the strong job market and salary potential.

However, prospective students should carefully consider their learning preferences, career goals, and financial situation. Those seeking traditional college experiences or preferring in-person instruction might find better fits elsewhere.

Final Rating: 4.5/5 stars – Highly Recommended

UMGC’s cybersecurity programs deliver strong value through prestigious accreditation, practical curriculum, flexible delivery, and excellent career prospects. For most working adults and career changers, this represents a smart educational investment with clear paths to positive returns.

Ready to start your cybersecurity career? Visit UMGC’s cybersecurity program page to learn more and apply today. The cybersecurity field is growing rapidly, and with UMGC’s strong reputation and industry connections, you’ll be well-positioned for success.