Information technology (IT), computers, and information security theory and techniques are all included in a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security engineer are just a few of the jobs available after graduating from cybersecurity school.
As businesses and other organisations move more operations online, demand for computer and IT workers continues to rise. Information security analysts are expected to rise by 33% between 2020 and 2030, substantially faster than the average for all jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Organizations will continue to require trained personnel to strengthen information security as cyberattacks become more common.
A list of the greatest cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programmes can be found on this page. We also go over what to expect from a standard cybersecurity curriculum, what positions grads might be able to get, and how to pick the correct institution.
What Is Cybersecurity and How Does It Work?
Cybersecurity is a fascinating, lucrative, and in-demand sector concerned with defending valuable and sensitive data against cyberattacks by hackers and other bad actors. Cybersecurity experts were originally primarily employed in specialised fields such as defence and government, but their expertise is now required across industries such as finance, retail, insurance, and healthcare.
Information security analyst, security engineer, and penetration tester are all popular cybersecurity occupations. Security administrators and chief information security officers are two positions that cybersecurity professionals have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 141,200 information security analysts employed in the United States in 2020, with that figure predicted to rise to 47,100 by 2030.
Those concerned in justice, privacy, and information security are drawn to the cybersecurity industry. These people are more likely to have computer, math, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help students gain the technical skills and theoretical background they need to apply for a number of computer and IT careers, as well as graduate school in cybersecurity and related subjects.
Many employers prefer or require bachelor’s degree holders. Specializing in cybersecurity can help you differentiate out from other applicants with backgrounds in IT or computer science. Employers may also require a bachelor’s degree for several technical industry certifications.
Why Should You Go to a Cybersecurity School?
Bachelor’s degree programmes in cybersecurity equip students for well-paying employment in computers and information technology. Earning a BS in cybersecurity involves time, money, and effort, but it can pay dividends. We’ll go through some of the advantages of having a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, such as the opportunity to gain technical skills, earn a good wage, and have job security.
Acquire Technical Knowledge
Bachelor’s degree programmes in cybersecurity offer students the opportunity to learn in-demand technological skills for mitigating and responding to cyberattacks. They are taught programming languages, risk management tactics, and how to recognise security threats.
High-Paying Industry
Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity often pay well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts will earn a median annual pay of $103,590 in 2020, which is much more than the $41,950 median annual wage for all workers.
Job Stability
Computer and IT workers in general, and cybersecurity specialists in particular, are in high demand. Organizations need information security experts to help protect their data as they perform more of their operations online.
What to Expect From a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programmes emphasise information security, risk mitigation, and data analytics while teaching essential IT and computer skills. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity normally takes 120 credits, which can be completed in four years by full-time students. Some cybersecurity colleges provide time-saving accelerated programmes.
The cost of a cybersecurity degree varies by school, but in-state students at public four-year universities paid an average of $9,349 in tuition and fees in the 2019-20 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
A BS in cybersecurity, a BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration, a BS in information assurance, and a BS in computer science with an IT concentration are just a few of the degree options available in the cybersecurity profession. Despite their similarities, these degrees frequently emphasise various skills and knowledge areas. Students should select the degree type that best fits their employment objectives.
Some of the best cybersecurity institutions also offer specialisations in areas like mobile app development and data analytics. The particular types of courses that cybersecurity majors study vary by degree, but a common curriculum includes coursework on digital forensics, cybersecurity legal concerns, and ethical hacking.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Cybersecurity Degree Program
Our list of the finest bachelor’s degree programmes in cybersecurity is a good place to start, but finding the right programme requires some study. For someone with different job aspirations or personal circumstances, the finest cybersecurity degree may not be suited for them. Additional factors to consider when choosing a programme are outlined below.
Attending a regionally accredited university improves your chances of acquiring financial help, qualifying for graduate school and professional certifications, and transferring credits to another institution. Your college’s regional accreditation also indicates that it meets basic quality criteria.
Do you wish to attend a large institution to take advantage of academic, professional, and cultural opportunities? Or are you looking for a small college where you may form closer bonds?
Cost: Before looking at programmes, make a budget and decide how much you want to pay. In-state tuition at a public university is usually the most affordable option for students.
Many institutions provide students and alumni with career development services such as résumé assistance, simulated job interviews, and networking events. Internship and job opportunities are frequently available through the career services office at a school.
The following is a list of Top Universities that Offer Cyber Security 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
