Cybersecurity education expands as universities target workforce gap
The number of cybersecurity education programmes is growing worldwide as schools and universities seek to address workforce shortages and respond to increasing cyber threats.
The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is a persistent theme in the sector, with only 4.7 million workers globally, despite climbing demand. Institutions, from secondary schools to universities, are ramping up their offerings as both the number and severity of cyber incidents targeting education have risen.
Ransomware attacks against educational institutions increased by 23% in the first half of 2025 compared with the previous year, elevating the sector to the fourth most-targeted group. This surge has added urgency to close the gap between supply and demand for cybersecurity expertise.
Growing university offerings
Multiple universities in the United States and Europe have introduced new cybersecurity-focused programmes.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) launched its College of AI, Cyber and Computing this autumn, integrating cybersecurity with artificial intelligence and data science. The new college plans to enrol more than 5,000 students, reflecting the institution's 31% increase in cybersecurity student numbers since 2019.
"Our newest college is at the epicenter of the digital convergence that will shape the future, as it focuses on thought leadership, new innovations, transdisciplinary collaboration and future applications of AI, computing and data science," UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said.
Northwood University, also in the US, has rolled out a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity. The programme is designed to be more affordable and faster to complete, aiming to quickly meet workforce requirements. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics forecasts a 33% growth rate for information security analysts in the next ten years, further underpinning the need for accelerated qualification routes.
"This transformative reduced-credit bachelor's degree program will provide a highly trained, qualified workforce to meet job demand more quickly to ensure information security protection of data, systems, and, ultimately, people," Dr. Horcher, Northwood Cybersecurity programme lead.
Data from the Gray Decision Intelligence Programme Evaluation System showed that, in the 2023/2024 academic year, 11,790 new students enrolled in associate-level cybersecurity courses in the US, a 26% rise from the previous year. Undergraduate certificate enrolments also saw an 18% increase, while bachelor's and master's level courses posted 20% and 27% year-on-year growth, respectively.
Across Europe, new options are becoming available. The EPICODE Institute of Technology introduced a fully accredited Bachelor in Cybersecurity in Italy, Malta and Germany, with some options for joint degrees through partnerships with US institutions. The German University of Digital Science began providing a Cyber Security micro-degree as part of its efforts to make digital education more accessible.
Industry alignment and support
Industry players have also contributed funding and training resources in response to demand. Google has committed USD $25 million to support the creation of cybersecurity clinics at colleges such as Dakota State University, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Spelman College. These clinics aim to provide hands-on experience for students, while assisting small businesses in their own cybersecurity needs.
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium announced an initiative to offer one million free entry-level cybersecurity training places. To date, more than half a million people have registered, demonstrating high global interest in low-barrier entry to the field.
Shifting the pipeline: K-12 efforts
Pre-university education is responding with early interventions. The College Board plans to pilot Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Cybersecurity and Networking in selected US high schools, starting in the current academic year. These new offerings are designed to provide foundational knowledge and to position students for post-secondary studies or direct entry into the workforce.
"AP Cybersecurity opens countless doors for students by offering real-life experiences in the field of cybersecurity. It prepares students for the workforce and equips them for both two- and four-year colleges. The AP Cybersecurity course is particularly beneficial for hands-on learners, providing inclusive opportunities for all students to engage with the subject." Beth Cerrone, National Cybersecurity Education Award winner.
Training market growth
The global cybersecurity training industry is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 17.1% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. By 2030, the sector's revenue may reach USD $13.7 billion, reflecting the rise in online and professional training options alongside formal education.
In the academic year 2025, investment in cybersecurity education has increased at all levels, including rapid-completion degrees, industry-funded projects, enhanced high school provision and continuous global training.
Emerging trends
The rise in student enrolments and expansion of programme offerings are reinforcing the pipeline of cybersecurity professionals. Artificial intelligence content is now becoming central to many curricula as well, aiming to prepare graduates for new threats and opportunities, including those involving AI-driven attacks and defences.
As school and university students return to their studies, many institutions are recognising cybersecurity education as a core component of the evolving workforce, with pathways available from secondary school to higher education and professional upskilling.
