The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) cybersecurity associate degree program has earned national recognition as one of the best in the country for 2025, according to a recent report by Intelligent.com. The program was ranked 10th out of 34 top cybersecurity programs in the United States, with a score of 89.71 out of 100 points.
“This national recognition reflects the student-centered focus, industry expertise, and pursuit of academic excellence so clearly evident in our incredible faculty and staff,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. “Their commitment advances the statewide emphasis on increasing the cybersecurity talent pipeline, and I commend our team for doing an amazing job moving us toward that goal.”
CSM’s cybersecurity associate degree program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for entry-level careers in the growing field of cybersecurity. The college also offers a cybersecurity certificate program, which caters to both current cybersecurity professionals and those entering the field without prior work experience.
In 2024, CSM made significant investments in its cybersecurity infrastructure by launching two new cyber labs, one at the Prince Frederick Campus in Calvert County and another at the Leonardtown Campus. These state-of-the-art labs aim to provide an immersive learning experience, preparing students for real-world challenges in cybersecurity. The establishment of these labs was made possible through the continued support of The Patuxent Partnership, which has contributed more than $400,000 toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholarships, the CSM Robotics Team (The Talons), STEM programming, and cybersecurity initiatives.
The methodology behind Intelligent.com’s rankings is both rigorous and data-driven, aiming to give prospective students the most accurate evaluations of academic programs. Colleges and universities are assessed based on four key factors: academic quality, graduation rates, cost, and return on investment (ROI), as well as student resources. This comprehensive approach ensures that institutions with strong academic rigor, affordability, and robust student support are highlighted in the rankings, helping students make well-informed decisions.
Intelligent.com draws on data from trusted sources such as U.S. News & World Report, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to generate its rankings. These sources are cross-verified and combined with internal reviews to provide an accurate snapshot of each program’s strengths and opportunities.
Cybersecurity graduates from CSM often move on to careers as cybersecurity analysts, network administrators, or information security specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn an average annual salary of $120,360, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field.
CSM’s emphasis on student success goes beyond just graduation. “We don’t want our students to just graduate, we want them to excel,” said CSM Associate Professor and Department Chair of Cybersecurity Technology Lakisha Ferebee. “We are passionate about providing the tools, resources, and pathways for them to do just that.”
To view the full rankings, visit Best Cybersecurity Associate Degree Programs of 2025 on Intelligent.com. For more information about CSM’s cybersecurity program, visit the Cybersecurity page on csmd.edu.
