Virginia's Cybersecurity pathway prepares students for high-demand careers in information security, network defense, and cyber operations. As home to significant federal cybersecurity operations, defense contractors, and technology companies, Virginia offers exceptional career opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. This specialized program provides comprehensive training in security fundamentals, ethical hacking, incident response, and defensive security operations.
The pathway emphasizes hands-on technical skills using virtual labs, security tools, and realistic cyber scenarios. Students learn operating system security, network infrastructure protection, cryptography, security policies, threat intelligence, and incident response. Beginning Fall 2017, Virginia high school students can choose from four specialized cybersecurity pathways: Programming and Software Development, Health and Medical Sciences, STEM/Pre-Engineering Technology, and Network Systems—allowing students to combine cybersecurity with their career interests.
Virginia's proximity to federal cybersecurity agencies, defense contractors in Northern Virginia, and growing tech sectors in Richmond and Virginia Beach creates substantial career opportunities. The pathway prepares students for immediate employment in security operations centers, continuation to cybersecurity degree programs at Virginia universities, or pursuit of advanced security certifications commanding premium compensation.
Cybersecurity at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's Cybersecurity standards align with National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework and emphasize security concepts, risk management, network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, security operations, digital forensics, and legal/ethical considerations. The standards support multiple pathway specializations allowing integration with programming, healthcare, engineering, or networking careers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 8440 |
| Cybersecurity Network Defense | 8441 |
| Cybersecurity Advanced Topics | 8442 |
| Cybersecurity Capstone | 8443 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Entry LevelSalary range: $101,610 - $166,510
Security Operations Center Analyst
Entry LevelSalary range: $101,610 - $166,510
Network Security Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,910 - $134,110
Information Security Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $101,610 - $166,510
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in CyberPatriot competitions, internships with federal contractors and technology companies, and cybersecurity exercises with Virginia's defense and intelligence community. Work-based learning includes security assessment projects, participation in cyber defense competitions, and mentorship from security professionals in Virginia's robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
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Related Pathways in Virginia
Information Technology
Virginia's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, cloud computing, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, database management, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout Virginia depend on reliable technology infrastructure—from government contractors in Northern Virginia to healthcare systems to manufacturing operations—skilled IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors. The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking protocols and infrastructure, cloud services, virtualization, database fundamentals, and IT customer service. Students develop both technical troubleshooting skills and professional communication abilities essential for effective IT support roles. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs where students configure systems, diagnose problems, manage networks, and implement technology solutions mirroring real-world IT environments in Virginia organizations. Virginia's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications demonstrating technical competence and enhancing employability. Strong partnerships with Virginia businesses, government contractors, and agencies provide work-based learning opportunities and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, junior network administrator, and cloud support roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology degree programs at Virginia universities.
Information TechnologyNetwork Systems
Virginia's Network Systems pathway develops expertise in network design, installation, configuration, management, and security—preparing students for careers building and maintaining computer networks. Students study networking principles, network protocols, network design, system configuration, network management, cybersecurity, and troubleshooting. They configure networks and practice network administration through hands-on lab experiences. Graduates work as network administrators, network technicians, systems administrators, or network engineers. Every organization requires network professionals. Advanced students pursue networking and IT management programs.
Information TechnologyRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentCompetency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an instructional approach where students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific knowledge and skills rather than by accumulating seat time. In CTE, CBE aligns naturally with industry expectations, as employers value demonstrated competency over time spent in training.
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