This industry is booming in Huntsville (surprise: it’s not engineering)—here’s how to get ahead
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It’s no surprise that Huntsville is a hub for engineering, but the tech industry is right there with it. Even Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales recently told us that he views Huntsville as the center for emerging tech in defense contracting and the space program.
Our presence of government and aerospace companies makes cybersecurity a high-demand role in Huntsville:
- #2 in the nation for highest cybersecurity jobs per capita, according to a study by Cybersecurity Guide
- #3 in the nation for growth in cybersecurity talent at 436%, according to a study by PivIt Strategy
- Average base salary of $135,665 (+ as high as $200,299) according to Indeed
We spoke to three local computer science experts who spent decades in the field—see what advice they have for breaking into the cyber industry, and the local university built to help you get there.
What are the top industries in Huntsville?
Some of the biggest economic drivers in Huntsville are, according to A Smart Place:
- Cummings Research Park: 2nd largest research park in the U.S + home to over 300 companies (Fortune 500 companies, local + international high-tech enterprises, U.S. space + defense agencies, business incubators + higher education institutions)
- Redstone Arsenal: home to more than 70 organizations including the U.S. Army, NASA + the FBI
“Huntsville is basically unmatched in the local defense and the aerospace job market.”
“Redstone houses major employers like Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop and Leidos, and a lot of those come with a high demand and high salaries.”
“Just having “cybersecurity” in the job title can sometimes raise one’s salary by 25%, so the program really attracts students.”
Dr. Darren Waldrep, Associate Professor
Dr. Waldrep says the demand and resources for cybersecurity are only growing, noting the impressive training resources now available at the FBI’s Cyber Kinetic Range in Huntsville.
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3 tips to break into the cybersecurity industry
💻 TLDR: If you want to get into cybersecurity, you have to have real-world experience, according to three cybersecurity professors at Athens State University:
Dr. Darren Waldrep, Associate Professor, Management of Cybersecurity Operations
- Fun fact: Earned a Management of Technology degree from Athens State as an adult + his two sons also went through the cyber program!
- Advice for beginners: “Cybersecurity is a ‘contact sport’—if you don’t have any technical skills, volunteer for technical work (such as at a local church’s sound booth or with senior citizens as a tech troubleshooter).”
Dr. Adam Lewis, Professor of Computer Science
- Fun fact: Helped develop self-checkout technology (that you’ve probably used before!)
- Advice for beginners: “If you’re considering the cyber industry, start with one of Athens State’s certificate programs to give it a try and see what happens.”
Dr. Baoqiang Yan, Associate Professor, Computer Science and Information Technology
- Fun fact: Longtime professor with a focus in scientific data, computing + algorithms
- Advice for students: “Plan your path with Athens State’s career coaches and take advantage of labs (those skills + tools are what employers are looking for).”
Unlock career opportunities for Huntsville’s top industries—view program options at Athens State University.
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Athens State University equipping current + future generations of CS experts
If you’re interested in a cyber degree, what better way than to learn from those that have been there?
“We have our ear to the ground and get insight from industry professionals on what they’re looking for and how our programs can best equip students.”
Dr. Darren Waldrep, Associate Professor
Athens State offers the following cybersecurity pathways:
- Bachelors of Science in Cybersecurity (Arts & Sciences) + Management of Cybersecurity Operations (Business)
- Interdisciplinary graduate degree
- Certifications, minors, internships + co-ops
Programs designed for Huntsville’s workforce:
- Cybersecurity
- Government Contracting
- Homeland and Corporate Security
- Acquisition and Contract Management
- Aerospace Systems Management
- Logistics
- Technology
- Leadership
Athens State is on the forefront of cybersecurity education with flexible programs and state-of-the-art training labs—discover your path here.
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One Athens State student pursuing a cyber career in Huntsville
Cullman native Landon Holmes discovered early on that he enjoys the challenge of “ethical hacking,” and already has his eyes set on the Huntsville cyber security market.
Currently pursuing an IT degree, Landon said the pieces “magically fell together” to continue his education at Athens State.
“The professors and flexibility are great. Having the abundance of scholarships offered by Athens State allows for great financial freedom, as well.”
“My senior project was fixing and improving an Athens State website, and I’m alreasy using skills from my coursework to develop my own AI application.”
Landon Holmes, Athens State Computer Science student with a cybersecurity emphasis
Why choose Athens State University for a career in Huntsville?
Athens State is uniquely built for transfer students and adult learners, and even gives college credits for life and work experience.
“We work with you instead of in spite of you. Our classes are built for nontraditional students, and we see all backgrounds in our classrooms.”
Dr. Adam Lewis, Professor of Computer Science
See why so many choose Athens State:
- 100% Online + flexible programs for busy professionals
- Affordable tuition with real ROI
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Expert faculty with real-world experience
- Workforce-focused degrees + certifications
- Select courses offered at Toftoy Education Center
Your journey can start today—apply now or schedule a FREE advising meeting!
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