Top Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity are prepared to defend computer systems against harmful intrusions. With cloud computing being an increasingly important part of any business, cybersecurity has become a major industry standard. Holders of a cybersecurity degree can demonstrate the core knowledge required to stay current in a continuously changing sector.
Professionals in the field of cybersecurity are in high demand. To prevent data breaches and cyberattacks, more cybersecurity personnel are required. According to the 2019 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is a half-million cybersecurity professional deficit in the United States alone. According to the research, the cybersecurity workforce in the United States has to grow by 62 percent to satisfy demand.
That’s good news for graduates of an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programme, because they should have no trouble finding work after graduation, even if it’s a high-paying job. Information security analysts earn a median yearly pay of $98,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Finding a solid online cybersecurity programme is essential for getting started in this rapidly expanding field. Students receiving online cybersecurity degrees learn how to avoid, detect, and mitigate cyberattacks through courses that combine digital and technological skills with law and ethics, as well as critical-thinking abilities and analysis. A career in cybersecurity should only be considered by lifelong learners, as keeping up with new trends and updating skills will always be a part of the job. Students with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity who want to enhance their studies should apply for a cybersecurity master’s degree programme.
You’ll learn how to pick the finest online cybersecurity degree programme for you in this article. You’ll also learn what courses you’ll need to study and how long it will take you to graduate. We also provide some tuition-assistance options as well as a wide review of your job chances.
Graduates with a cybersecurity degree enter an intriguing sector with a variety of flexible and possibly profitable career options. Computer and information technology workers earned a median annual pay of $88,240 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This article showcases the best online cybersecurity degrees, making it a great place to start for students looking into different options. More information about cybersecurity degrees and careers, including educational requirements and average incomes, is available to readers.
17 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $22,000 or $185/credit | Master’s $11,490 or $383/credit
Program: Online Bachelor of Science Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Tuition: $38,160 or $318/credit
Program: Cybersecurity Online Bachelor’s Degree | Information Security Online Master’s Degree
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: $55,200 or $351/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence | Master of Science in Cyber Defense
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense, CAE-CO — Cyber Operations, CAE-R — Cyber Research
Location: Madison, South Dakota
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Tuition: Bachelor’s $34,200 or $285/credit | Master’s $13,320 or $370/credit
Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
NORWICH UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $45,000 or $375/credit | Master’s $30,600 or $850/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Northfield, Vermont
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $45,600 or $790/credit | Master’s $23,700 or $790/credit
Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Saint Leo, Florida
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $46,800 or $390/credit | Master’s $30,340 or $565/credit
Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — Information Assurance | Master’s in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
CAPITOL TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $54,000 or $450/credit | Master’s $22,680 or $630/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Technology | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Laurel, Maryland
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
LEWIS UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $119,520 or $996/credit | Master’s $24,300 or $810/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Risk Management | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Romeoville, Illinois
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $48,840 or $360/credit | Master’s $16,770 or $551/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CO — Cyber Operations
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $13,680 or $114/credit | Master’s $5,850 or $195/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Master of Science in Information Technology — Cybersecurity and Forensics Concentration
CAE designation:CAE – Cyber Security, CDFAE – Cyber Forensics
Locations: Macon, Cochran, and Warner Robins, Georgia – and Online
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $95,940 or $780/credit | Master’s $28,200 or $940/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics | Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Tuition: Bachelor’s $60,000 or $500/credit | Master’s $35,100 or $650/credit
Program: Cyber Operations Bachelor of Applied Science | Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CO — Cyber Operations
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $45,780 or $381/credit | Master’s $17,568
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Network Security | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $53,975 or $425/credit | Master’s $21,420 or $595/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
PACE UNIVERSITY-NEW YORK
Tuition: Bachelor’s $66,600 or $555/credit | Master’s $29,850 or $995/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies — Computer Forensics | Online Master of Science in Information Technology
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: New York, New York
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
ECPI UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $66,636 | Master‘s $25,920
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science — Cyber and Network Security | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
What Is Cybersecurity and How Does It Work?
The first virus capable of transmitting between computer networks was generated by an engineer named Bob Thomas about 1970, according to experts. Robert Morris followed in Thomas’ footsteps in 1988, producing a worm that caused enough harm to bring the nascent internet to a standstill.
Cybersecurity specialists protect their organisations’ computer systems from threats, and they are now a required position in practically every industry. As businesses become more reliant on cloud computing, hackers try to steal sensitive data and disrupt operations, making cybersecurity a critical component of any firm.
Bachelor’s degree holders in cybersecurity are qualified to work as consultants, information security analysts, and computer and information systems managers. Computer systems design, management of organisations and enterprises, and credit intermediation and related activities are among the top industries employing information security analysts, according to the BLS.
With 131,000 information security analysts employed across the country, BLS projections show a 31% increase in demand between 2019 and 2029, well surpassing the national average for all occupations.
Why Should You Pursue an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
Higher education necessitates a tremendous time, energy, and financial investment. Holders of a cybersecurity degree can expect to enter a job market that rewards their investment with attractive positions in a variety of industries. In this demanding and lucrative field, technology lovers with good problem-solving skills will find plenty of chances. Consider these benefits of pursuing a cybersecurity degree:
Opportunity
Degree holders can work in a variety of industries and places now that cybersecurity is a critical component of most enterprises.
Challenge
Cyberattackers utilise new tactics to undermine computer systems as technology advances and evolves. Cybersecurity specialists must keep up-to-date knowledge and look for new ways to solve problems, making for an interesting and demanding career.
Earning Prospects
Information security analysts earned a median salary of $99,730 in 2019, according to BLS data. IT administrators, who earned a median annual salary of $146,360 in 2019, are one of the many profitable jobs available to cybersecurity degree holders.
What to Expect From Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Cybersecurity
Students with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity are prepared to secure digital assets both offensively and defensively. The programme emphasises critical thinking, analysis, communication, and research skills by combining academic training with hands-on projects. Students can work with local businesses as well.
A student needs normally complete 120 credits, including any transfer courses, to earn a cybersecurity degree. Some schools allow students to use work experience, such as industry credentials, to help them complete their degrees. Curriculum timeframes might range from 18 months to six years, depending on the programme, the quantity of transfer credits, and the demands of individual students.
Many cybersecurity degree programmes allow students to choose from a variety of tracks or concentrations. Network administration, information security, and computer programming are all topics covered in foundational courses. Certain aspects of business settings, such as organisation management, are also covered in some curricula. Tuition fees differ per college, while several offer discounted rates.
Admissions Criteria
Applicants to cybersecurity programmes are frequently required to have an associate degree or other college experience, such as a certificate, before being accepted. Students are expected to start these programmes with around 30 credits already achieved. Some colleges do not need students to have completed any previous college coursework. In either event, most programmes enable students to transfer as many credits as they need into the programme.
GPA minimums, often in the 2.5-3.0 range, may also be encountered by applicants. Schools often demand an application fee, personal statement, résumé, transcripts, and letters of recommendation in addition to an online application.
The Common App allows prospective students to construct a single, streamlined application for many colleges. The Common App also has planning tools and information on financial help.
Optional Concentrations and Degrees
BS degrees are offered by the majority of cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programmes. Bachelor’s degrees in business administration with a focus on cybersecurity are also available for those interested in combining business and technology.
Many cybersecurity programmes allow students to choose from a variety of specialisations, allowing them to adapt their education to their own interests and future aspirations. Among the most common choices are:
Computer Forensics: Computer forensics entails research and vulnerability testing, with network and malware forensics courses available. Students learn how to recognise network breaches and how to respond to them.
This speciality focuses on uncovering crimes such as money laundering, credit fraud, and fraud prevention.
Information Assurance: The information assurance concentration emphasises the avoidance of data-driven cybercrime by teaching students how to conduct secure cyberoperations and continuously assess system vulnerabilities.
Information Warfare and Security Management: This specialty focuses on national security challenges and examines cyberintelligence from both an offensive and defensive standpoint.
Popular Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Each cybersecurity degree programme has its own set of prerequisites and expectations. While researching schools, prospective students should keep their personal interests in mind, as coursework varies greatly amongst schools. Even so, degree-seekers may expect to come upon some parallels when they weigh their alternatives.
How to Pick the Best Cybersecurity Degree Program Online
Choosing the finest online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programme might be difficult, but here are some recommendations to assist you.
Keep the price in mind. Although online cybersecurity programmes are often less expensive than their on-campus equivalents, tuition rates for online cybersecurity degrees vary widely. Robert Morris University, for example, charges $765 per credit hour, whereas Champlain College charges $318.
Don’t forget to look at an institution’s accreditation. This ensures that a school reaches a minimum standard of excellence. It’s also crucial if you want to apply for federal financial aid, transfer credits to another school, or even be sufficiently prepared for the workforce. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, WASC Senior College and University Commission, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools are among the six bodies recognised by the US Department of Education for school accreditation, also known as regional accreditation.
Examine concentrations as well. Some colleges, such as National University, allow you to specialise in a particular sector of cybersecurity, such as computer network defence or digital forensics, which can help you find a job in the field.
Salary and Job Prospects
Graduates with an online cybersecurity degree can expect good career opportunities and high pay. Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for information security analysts would expand by 32% by 2028, far higher than the average for all jobs – including other computer-oriented occupations, which are predicted to grow by 12% in the same time period.
The need for cybersecurity professionals to protect against an increasing number of cyberattacks that are affecting every industry, from banking and retail to health care, is driving this exceptional job growth. Some of the job growth will come from law enforcement and government, as digital forensic engineers use their talents to investigate cybercrime.
Information security analysts earn a solid living, with a typical pay of $98,350, which is one of the reasons the occupation is listed in the top 50 of the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs. The lowest-paid ten percent earned $56,750 on average, while the highest-paid ten percent earned up to $156,580.
Graduates of an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can earn money.
Graduates of an online cybersecurity degree programme can expect to make a lot of money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median compensation for an information security analyst is nearly six figures – $98,350. The average annual salary in various parts of the country exceeds $100,000. In the New York City metropolitan region, for example, these professionals earn an average of $128,420 a year.
Requirements for obtaining a licence
Although there are no licencing requirements for working in the cybersecurity profession, earning certification can help you advance your career. There are a variety of certificates available for various job choices. Digital forensic engineers, for example, may wish to pursue the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification, while information security analysts seeking to advance into management or leadership positions may choose to pursue the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification.
Certified Forensic Computer Examiner – The Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification is administered by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional – (ISC)2 administers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification, as well as a few additional specialty certifications such as Secure Software Development and Healthcare Security & Privacy.
Licensed Penetration Tester – The EC-Council offers a variety of credentials, including the Licensed Penetration Tester, which is a master-level certification in the field of cybersecurity.
With an online cybersecurity degree, where can you work?
You’ll be prepared to find work in the information security profession after earning an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Although their job names vary (information security analyst, digital forensic engineer, and network security engineer, to name a few), the majority of these individuals are involved in cyberattack prevention, mitigation, and investigation.
Information security analysts design and implement security solutions to safeguard an organization’s computer systems and networks against cyberattacks. The majority of these experts work in IT departments of businesses and organisations. They usually work full-time hours, but some work more than 40 hours per week.
Digital Forensic Engineer – As part of their job in legal investigations, digital forensic engineers, also known as computer forensic analysts, unearth digital evidence of cybercrime. They’re frequently hired by law enforcement agencies, which may necessitate further training.
Network Security Engineer – These cybersecurity experts assess an organization’s computer networks for weaknesses and develop solutions that can withstand cyberattacks or even natural catastrophes. They are usually employed in IT departments of businesses and organisations.
What is the Best Way to Pay for an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
Paying for education, whether you’re going to school online or on campus, can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for obtaining financial assistance to help you pay for your online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree.
You should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which allows you to apply for financial aid from the state or the institution, such as student loans, federal grants, and other types of aid. You must, however, be enrolled in a programme at an accredited institution to be eligible for federal help. Federal student loans are also a wonderful way to pay for college because they come with income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness programmes.
Another option for paying for college is to take out private loans. Keep in mind that if you have a decent credit score, you’ll have an easier time finding a low-interest loan. Another strategy to acquire a good interest rate is to get a co-signer. You should also look for a loan with a set interest rate so that your rate does not rise when you repay your debt after graduation.
Scholarships should also be applied for. If you have a present job, inquire about any continuing education assistance you may be eligible for. Finally, the Department of Veteran Affairs offers college tuition assistance programmes for U.S. military veterans and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance programme are all examples of these programmes.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
The majority of online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete and require 120 credits. If you have college credits from another institution or Advanced Placement scores, you may be able to finish your degree sooner. Remember that if you’re only taking roughly 15 credits per semester, your degree will take longer to complete.
Is it Possible to Work and Earn an Online Cybersecurity Degree at the Same Time?
It is possible to work and earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at the same time. The online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program’s format allows you to fit your classes and tests around your schedule, but keep in mind that juggling work and school is difficult. It takes a lot of discipline and organization, but the effort is well worth it. Cybersecurity graduates are in high demand, with median yearly wages approaching six figures.
