Online Cybersecurity Certification Programs

Cybersecurity degrees

There are two reasons for online cybersecurity certification programmes. Certification programmes are excellent tools for advancing careers by keeping business awareness current for people who already have a degree or job experience in the field. Certification programmes may also help people who work in similar fields break into the cybersecurity sector.

There are significant distinctions between the types of credential programmes that professionals can pursue and the types of certifications that will be more beneficial to students and entry-level professionals.

Academic Certifications vs. Professional Certifications

Professional certifications are intended to supplement business professionals’ existing expertise and knowledge. Typically, they are aimed at advanced topics in cybersecurity, or at upgrading existing hands-on experience and technological expertise.

Current information security professionals use these certification programs, as well as the tests that frequently follow, to improve their level of professionalism and advance their careers, as well as to stay current in an ever-changing industry.

Academic cybersecurity certifications are largely aimed at those looking to break into the information security field, whether from academia or another field. As a result, academic credential programs are broader in scope and introductory in nature. Some academic programs, on the other hand, can be used as a more expedient and cost-effective short-term replacement for undergraduate and graduate college degrees.

These types of certification programs can help aspiring cybersecurity professionals get a head start on their careers or simply provide a better understanding of what life is like in the information security sector. Academic cybersecurity certification programs are plentiful and rising all the time, so do your homework and look at all of your choices.

Cybersecurity Certification Programmes Offered Online vs. On-Campus

Campus-based or real-world continuing education services necessitate a significant time commitment. Due to regional constraints, they can also necessitate compromises in terms of which schools and services are available. Some people learn better in a typical classroom setting, and campus-based formats are typically the best option for them.

Today, however, there are hundreds of excellent online educational options available. The primary goal of online courses is to provide students with more versatility. Though asynchronous online programs are the most convenient, synchronous programs often have benefits over campus-based programs. Due to the absence of the commute associated with classroom-based classes, all forms of online qualification courses reduce the amount of time and effort spent avoiding traffic.

Since synchronous systems have fixed times for class instruction and, in many cases, student discussion, time and schedule flexibility are restricted. Asynchronous systems, on the other hand, are completely free of time constraints, allowing students to set their own schedules and advance at their own rate. Although online education has a tainted reputation in the past, high-quality courses from high-quality institutions are now widely accessible and rapidly expanding.

SANS Technology Institute is the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certifications in the world. SANS provides synchronous and asynchronous online instruction, with two different choices for each. Each student/professional will have different needs and barriers to training, so they must choose the type of online coursework that best fits them and their lives.

What to Look for in Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes

Professionals in the field of information security must be continuously evolving, adjusting, and increasing. Since technology advances and security threats evolve at a rapid pace, the industry as a whole is constantly changing. The rule of thumb in every technology-related area is to develop or die.

As a result, cybersecurity practitioners must maintain a constant state of interest and knowledge throughout their careers. If professionals want to remain competitive in this field, they must continue to learn.

Keeping up with innovations and developments can be done by using a variety of methods. Industry associations are a great place to meet new people and share your experiences with those in your field. They often frequently host meetings, conferences, workshops, and other gatherings that provide unique educational opportunities. Standardized certification schemes, on the other hand, offer concrete evidence of unique educational achievements that anyone in the industry can understand and recognize.

Certifications and training can be extremely beneficial for students seeking to join the information security field as well as professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity. When looking for and selecting online cybersecurity certification programs, keep the following requirements in mind:

    • What is the difference between asynchronous and asynchronous formats, and how do they integrate into a professional’s life?
    • The amount of time it takes to complete certification
    • The qualification program’s price
    • Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement
    • Exams for equivalency can be taken before the course are available.
    • Applicability of topic to desired entry point/career path
    • Credits for degree programs are available.

Professional Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes

Technical cybersecurity certification programs are designed to meet market demands for skilled professionals’ expertise and knowledge, as well as professionals’ desire to increase their value and employment in the field. Topics and curricula are deliberately chosen to have the greatest possible positive effects. Individuals in all types of specialties may find credential programs, as well as general skills and knowledge certifications aimed at specialized, high-level professionals.

Keep in mind that, due to the constant evolution of technology and security threats, technical certifications must be updated on a regular basis to remain current and legitimate. Infosec professionals can find qualification programs to upgrade and develop their expertise in any specialty within cybersecurity. There are several research and education organizations, as well as industry trade associations, that serve the certification needs of the industry.

The following are some of the most well-known and well-respected specialist cybersecurity certification providers on the internet:

    • GIAC
    • SANS
    • ISC2

Academic Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes

The scope, intent, and effect of academic cybersecurity certification programs vary greatly. Individual colleges deliver all of these programs, and the programs are as unique as the colleges themselves. Some, on the other hand, are provided by industry continuing education organizations and other stakeholders involved in raising cybersecurity awareness and expanding the workforce census. In university online credential programs, there are a few categories to be aware of.

    • Programs for introductory/training certification
    • Certification services for undergraduates
    • Certification services for graduates

Introductory/Training Certification Programmes

As the world starts to comprehend the full weight of making so many networks and information warehouses vulnerable through online connections, the emphasis on and interest in cybersecurity is rising daily. Every day, more people consider whether cybersecurity is the right career path for them. There is a variety of low-cost or even free solutions for those interested in learning more about information security. SANS Institute has a range of online courses that can help you do just that. SANS offers free introductory courses as well as more advanced courses through its Cyber Aces program.

Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity is an online course offered by Cybrary, another provider of business training and certifications. This free course teaches the four primary principles of IT and cybersecurity to help beginners determine which career path within the industry is right for them.

For students and professionals interested in switching professions to cybersecurity, baseline awareness and skills certifications are a great place to start once the decision to move forward has been made. CompTIA Security+ is the most well-known and well-recognized of CompTIA’s entry-level cybersecurity certifications. CompTIA is an industry continuing education association. It’s tailored to those who are already involved in IT and want to move into cybersecurity. It’s available from CompTIA and a few other places online.

Some colleges have cybersecurity training programs for new students. Each one is custom-made by the school that offers it. Essentials of Cybersecurity is a credential program established by the University of Washington. This course gives aspiring information security professionals an overview of cybersecurity departments in the real world, including how they function and how they’re structured. It also introduces students to cybersecurity terms and definitions, as well as assisting them in determining how well their experience and skills relate to the field.

The Cybersecurity MicroMasters Program, established by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), is a certification training series. Starting with Cybersecurity Fundamentals, RIT gives students a glimpse into the field of information management, network and system administration, information assurance principles, and simple cryptography. After completing the course, there is a road to certification. There’s a lot more in the MicroMasters Program in terms of courses and certifications for more advanced training, such as network security, forensics, and risk management.

Undergraduate Certification Programmes

Students can, of course, earn a complete bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online. However, we’re talking about training and qualification programs that don’t lead to degrees. A benefit of the cybersecurity programs is that the majority of credits received can be applied toward a degree if students wish to continue their education.

The following are some examples of online undergraduate cybersecurity certification programs. There are a plethora of other online undergraduate degree programs. A more comprehensive list can be found at the bottom of this page.

    • Utica College Cyber-Technologies Certificate
    • CSU Global undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
    • American Military University undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
    • Thomas Edison State University undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
    • Champlain College online cybersecurity certificate

Graduate Certification Programmes

Graduate cybersecurity certification programs, like undergraduate cybersecurity certification programs, usually earn student points that can be applied toward a graduate degree. These programs, like undergraduate options, differ greatly in emphasis, scope, time commitment, and cost.

Following are a few examples of graduate cybersecurity certification programs offered online by some of the country’s most prestigious universities. There are plenty more to choose from. A more comprehensive list can be found below.

    • George Washington University Master’s of Engineering in cybersecurity
    • Boston University Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation  Cybersecurity
    • The University of Maryland offers three graduate certificates in cybersecurity
    • Purdue University graduate certificate in cybersecurity

A-List of Online Academic Cybersecurity Certification Programmes

The information in the following list of certification programs is current. It isn’t a rating in every sense of the word. Instead, it is provided to provide training and qualification opportunities to those who are interested, as well as a comparison point between the options.

SchoolLocationLink to Program Website
Albany Law SchoolAlbany, New YorkOnline Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Alexandria Technical and Community CollegeAlexandria, MinnesotaCybersecurity Certificate
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Cybercrime
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Information Assurance
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Information Systems Security
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in Information Security Planning
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in Information Systems Security Essentials
American Public University SystemCharles Town, West VirginiaUndergraduate Certificate in IT Infrastructure Security
Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TexasOnline Cybersecurity Certificate
Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NebraskaCybersecurity Certificate of Completion – Graduate
Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NebraskaCybersecurity Certificate of Completion – Undergraduate
Boston UniversityBoston, MassachusettsOnline Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
Boston UniversityBoston, MassachusettsOnline Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
Boston UniversityBoston, MassachusettsOnline Graduate Certificate in Information Security
Brookhaven CollegeFarmers Branch, TexasInformation Security Certificate
California State University-San BernardinoSan Bernardino, CaliforniaSystems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Certificate
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MichiganGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MichiganUndergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontComputer Forensics & Digital Investigation Certificate
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontCybersecurity Certificate
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontEnterprise Security Fundamentals Certificate
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontInformation Security Graduate Certificate
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontSecurity Fundamentals Certificate
Champlain CollegeBurlington, VermontSoftware Security Certificate
Colorado State University-Global CampusGreenwood Village, ColoradoOnline Certificate of Completion/Degree Specialization in Cyber Security
Craven Community CollegeNew Bern, North CarolinaCTI-Cybersecurity Diploma
Dakota State UniversityMadison, South DakotaGraduate Certificate in Banking Security
Dakota State UniversityMadison, South DakotaGraduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking
DeSales UniversityCenter Valley, PennsylvaniaOnline Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaOnline Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance
Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst, IllinoisCertificate in Cyber Security
Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityMadison, New JerseyComputer Security and Forensic Administration
Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis, MissouriCyber Security Certificate
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston Salem, North CarolinaCertificate in IT- Systems Security
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston Salem, North CarolinaCertificate in IT-Cyber Security
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston Salem, North CarolinaCertificate in IT-Systems Security Cyber Defense
Georgetown UniversityWashington, District of ColumbiaCertificate in Cybersecurity Strategy
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GeorgiaCybercrime Graduate Certificate
Grantham UniversityKansas City, MissouriOnline Advanced Cyber Security Certificate
Harvard UniversityCambridge, MassachusettsOnline Cybersecurity Certificate
Hawaii Pacific UniversityHonolulu, HawaiiProfessional Certificate in Telecommunications Security
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IllinoisCertificate in Information Security and Assurance
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IllinoisMaster Certificate in Cyber Security Management
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IllinoisMaster Certificate in Cyber Security Technologies
Indiana Technology-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IndianaMedical Device Cyber Security
Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion, IndianaCertificate in Cybersecurity Analysis
Iowa State UniversityAmes, IowaInformation Assurance Graduate Certificate Online
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IndianaDigital Forensics Certificate
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IndianaNetwork Penetration Certificate
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IndianaNetwork Security Certificate
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IndianaTechnical Certificate in Cyber Security-Information Assurance
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VirginiaOnline Graduate Certificate in Cyber Intelligence
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MarylandPost-Master’s Certificate in Cybersecurity
Keller Graduate School of ManagementNew York, New YorkGraduate Certificate in Information Security
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GeorgiaGraduate Certificate Program in Information Security and Assurance
Kentucky Community and Technical College SystemVersailles, KentuckyAAS in Computer and Information Technologies – Information Security Track
Kentucky Community and Technical College SystemVersailles, KentuckySecurity+ Certificate
La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Lake Superior CollegeDuluth, MinnesotaCertificate in Information Security Management
Linfield CollegeMcMinnville, OregonCertificate in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Long Island University-Riverhead CampusRiverhead, New YorkAdvanced Certificate in Cyber Security Policy
Lynchburg CollegeLynchburg, VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Marshall UniversityHuntington, West VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Information Security
Massachusetts Bay Community CollegeWellesley Hills, MassachusettsAdvanced Cyber Security Certificate
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul, MassachusettsCertificate in Information Assurance and Information Technology Security
Middle Georgia State UniversityCochran, GeorgiaCertificate in Cybersecurity
Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls, MinnesotaCertificate in Computer Information Security Management
Mississippi CollegeClinton, MississippiCertificate in Cyber Security and Information Assurance
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MissouriCybersecurity Graduate Certificate
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MissouriBig Data Management and Security Graduate Certificate
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MissouriGraduate Certificate in Cyber Security
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MissouriInformation Assurance & Security Officer Essentials Graduate Certificate
Mitchell Hamline School of LawSt. Paul, MinnesotaCertificate in Cybersecurity and Privacy Law
Moraine Park Technical CollegeFond Du Lac, WisconsinInformation Technology – Information Security Certificate
Naval Postgraduate SchoolMonterey, CaliforniaCertificate in Applied Cyber Operations
Naval Postgraduate SchoolMonterey, CaliforniaCertificate in Cyber Operations Infrastructure
Naval Postgraduate SchoolMonterey, CaliforniaCyber Security Adversarial Techniques graduate certificate
Naval Postgraduate SchoolMonterey, CaliforniaCyber Security Defense graduate certificate
Naval Postgraduate SchoolMonterey, CaliforniaCyber Security Fundamentals graduate certificate
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KentuckyCybersecurity Certificate
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale, VirginiaCybersecurity Career Studies Certificate
Norwich UniversityNorthfield, VermontGraduate Certificate in Computer Forensics Investigation
Norwich UniversityNorthfield, VermontGraduate Certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection & Cyber Crime
Norwich UniversityNorthfield, VermontGraduate Certificate in Cyber Law & International Perspectives on Cyberspace
Norwich UniversityNorthfield, VermontGraduate Certificate in Vulnerability Management
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OklahomaGraduate Certificate in Information Assurance
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VirginiaCyber Security Certificate
Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PennsylvaniaCertificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity
Purdue Community GlobalIndianapolis, IndianaComputer Forensics Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Purdue Community GlobalIndianapolis, IndianaInformation Security Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Quinsigamond Community CollegeWorcester, MassachusettsCertificate in Computer Systems Engineering Technology – Cyber Security
Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VirginiaCertificate of Graduate Studies in Cybersecurity
Regis UniversityDenver, ColoradoGraduate Cyber Security Certificate
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township, PennsylvaniaCertificate in Mobile Forensics and Security
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, New YorkOnline Advanced Certificate In Cybersecurity
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TexasGraduate Certificate in Cyber Security
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TexasGraduate Certificate in Data Assurance
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TexasGraduate Certificate in Digital Investigation
SANS Technology InstituteBethesda, MarylandCyber Defense Operations Certificate
SANS Technology InstituteBethesda, MarylandCybersecurity Engineering Certificate
SANS Technology InstituteBethesda, MarylandIncident Response Certificate
SANS Technology InstituteBethesda, MarylandPenetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Certificate
SANS Technology InstituteBethesda, MarylandUndergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity
St Petersburg CollegeClearwater, FloridaCertificate in Cybersecurity
Stanford UniversityStanford, CaliforniaAdvanced Computer Security Certificate
Stanford UniversityStanford, CaliforniaGraduate Certificate in Cyber Security
St. Bonaventure UniversitySt. Bonaventure, New YorkGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, New JerseyGraduate Certificate in Systems Security Engineering
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, New JerseySecure Network Systems Design Graduate Certificate
Stevenson UniversityStevenson, MarylandOnline Certificate in Digital Forensics
Sullivan UniversityLouisville, KentuckyCertificate in Cybersecurity Administration
Sullivan UniversityLouisville, KentuckyCertificate in Network Support Administration and Security
Sullivan UniversityLouisville, KentuckyCybersecurity Professional Certificate
SUNY Westchester Community CollegeValhalla, New YorkCybersecurity Certificate
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, New YorkCertificate of Advanced Study in Information Security Management
The University of MontanaMissoula, MontanaCyber Security Professional Certificate
The University of West FloridaPensacola, FloridaCertificate in Intelligence Analysis
Troy UniversityTroy, AlabamaOnline Cyber Security Certificate Program
Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LouisianaGraduate Certificate in Cyber Technology Fundamentals
Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LouisianaGraduate Certificate in Cyber Defense
Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LouisianaGraduate Certificate in Cyber Leadership
University of Alaska SoutheastJuneau, AlaskaHealthcare Privacy & Security Certificate
University of ArizonaTucson, ArizonaMISonline – Enterprise Security Certificate
University of California-IrvineIrvine, CaliforniaInformation Systems Security Certificate Program
University of DallasIrving, TexasGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
University of DenverDenver, ColoradoInformation System Security Certificate
University Of FairfaxRoanoke, VirginiaCybersecurity Best Practices (CBP) – CISSP Graduate Certificate
University of FairfaxRoanoke, VirginiaInformation Security Professional Practices (ISPP) Graduate Certificates
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IllinoisComputer Security Certificate
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KentuckyOnline Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
University of Maine at Fort KentFort Kent, MaineInformation Security- Certificate
University of Maryland-University CollegeAdelphi, MarylandCertificate in Computer Networking
University of Maryland-University CollegeAdelphi, MarylandCertificate in Homeland Security Management
University of Maryland- University CollegeAdelphi, MarylandCertificate in Information Assurance
University of Maryland-University CollegeAdelphi, MarylandGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy
University of Maryland-University CollegeAdelphi, MarylandGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NebraskaExecutive Certificate in Cyber & Cyber Security Law
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NebraskaInformation Assurance (IA) Certificate
University of New HavenWest Haven, ConnecticutCertificate in Cybercrime Investigations
University of New HavenWest Haven, ConnecticutCertificate in Digital Forensics Investigations
University of PhoenixPhoenix, ArizonaAdvanced Cyber Security Certificate (Undergraduate)
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaCAS in Security Assured Information Systems (SAIS)
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaCybersecurity Professional Education Program
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, Policy, and Law
University of Rhode IslandKingston, Rhode IslandCyber Security Graduate Certificate
University of Rhode IslandKingston, Rhode IslandGraduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
University of Florida-Main CampusTampa, FloridaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – Awareness and Education
University of Florida-Main CampusTampa, FloridaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – Cyber Intelligence
University of Florida-Main CampusTampa, FloridaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Digital Forensics
University of Florida-Main CampusTampa, FloridaGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Information Assurance
University of VermontBurlington, VermontCertificate in Computer Software – Cybersecurity Track
University of VirginiaCharlottesville, VirginiaCertificate in Cybersecurity Management
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WashingtonCertificate in Cybersecurity
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WashingtonCertificate in Ethical Hacking
University of Washington, Tacoma CampusTacoma, WashingtonCertificate in Information Security & Risk Management
University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GeorgiaOnline Certificate – Fundamentals of Computer Forensics
University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GeorgiaOnline Certificate – Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Villanova UniversityVillanova, PennsylvaniaCertificate in Information Systems Security
Villanova UniversityVillanova, PennsylvaniaMaster Certificate in Information Security Management
Villanova UniversityVillanova, PennsylvaniaMaster Certificate in Information Security Management – Government Security
Virginia TechBlacksburg, VirginiaGraduate Certificate in Information Security and Analytics
Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MinnesotaGraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Cyber Security
Webster UniversitySaint Louis, MissouriGraduate Certificate in Cyber Security Threat Detection
Wichita State UniversityWichita, KansasCertificate in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Worcester Polytechnic CollegeWorcester, MassachusettsGraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Wright State UniversityCelina, OhioCyber Security Analytics Certificate
University of Maryland- Global Campus (formerly UMUC)Adelphi, MarylandCybersecurity Technology
University of Maryland- Global Campus (formerly UMUC)Adelphi, MarylandCybersecurity Management and Policy
PC AgeJersey City, New JerseyCertified IT/Cybersecurity
Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Thomas is the Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Cybers Guards. Prior to that, She was responsible for leading its Cyber Security Practice and Cyber Security Operations Center, which provided managed security services.