How HBCUs Help Source Diverse Talent in Cybersecurity

 

Dr. Marcia F. Robinson is a senior certified HR professional, diversity strategist, and curator of TheHBCUCareerCenter.com job board. She advises organizations on building inclusive talent pipelines and improving diversity recruiting outcomes.

How HBCUs Programs Help Source Diverse Talent in Cybersecurity

In May 2025, the U.S. unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%, while sectors such as technology and defense continued to post strong demand for skilled workers. 

One standout field is cybersecurity, which faces both a critical talent shortage and an urgent need for workforce diversity. 

For employers that are looking to source diverse talent in cybersecurity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) should be part of a strategic and forward-looking recruitment solution.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts to grow by 32% between 2022 to 2032. This growth rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to more than 16,800 new jobs annually, fueled by rising risks of cyber threats across healthcare, finance, government, and defense. In fact, no industry sector is immune from cyber security risks. Despite the boom, Black and Hispanic professionals remain underrepresented in cybersecurity roles—making diverse talent pipelines from HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) more vital than ever.

Several HBCUs have developed specialized cybersecurity programs, often in partnership with federal agencies or through designation as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS. These schools not only deliver technical education but also offer supportive environments that boost program retention and career readiness for graduating students.

HBCUs Offering Cybersecurity Degrees or Concentrations:

  • North Carolina A&T State University

  • Morgan State University

  • Prairie View A&M University

  • Florida A&M University

  • Bowie State University

  • Norfolk State University

  • Alabama A&M University

  • Tennessee State University

  • Jackson State University

  • Southern University and A&M College

Many of these schools also offer access to undergraduate research, hands-on labs, and federal internships through NSF, DoD, and NSA-funded programs.

By recruiting from HBCUs, employers not only gain access to qualified technical talent—they also advance their competitive status by building inclusive work teams in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors. If your organization wants to source diverse talent in cybersecurity, the path forward runs through the halls of HBCUs.

Post opportunities for jobs and internships on The HBCU Career Center job board to reach across the HBCU community,

 
Dr. Marcia F. Robinsonsourcing diverse talent, cybersecurity, diversity