A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is considered a fundamental building block for constructing a successful professional career in the field.
The good news is that like other technical fields, such as computer science or engineering, an online cybersecurity degree will open opportunities on multiple fronts — and while some cybersecurity professionals decide to specialize in one aspect of the field and pursue a graduate degree, there is a tremendous amount of opportunity for cybersecurity bachelor degree holders.
In this guide
- Online school rankings
- Steps to a degree
- Online vs campus
- Admissions criteria
- Career options
- List of schools
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Utica University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
In fact, there is an alarming shortage of qualified experts in the field, which means that people with the right qualifications are reporting brief employment searches and competitive job offers.
The field is growing so fast because more and more of our lives are unfolding on the internet. Everything from shopping to dating and banking to investing happens online. So, while these new digital worlds and opportunities are creating the need for cybersecurity experts, they are also creating the need for some great online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs.
Learning online, and even obtaining a challenging degree like a bachelors in cybersecurity has never been more attainable. Today, colleges and universities ranging from top name universities to more local and regional schools are offering a blend of traditional on-campus education, hybrid on-campus and online degree programs, as well as 100 percent online learning.
This guide looks at some of the key considerations when thinking about pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Online cybersecurity degree rankings — The best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2022
What follows below is Cybersecurity Guide’s rankings of the best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2022.
The online cybersecurity degree rankings were determined using the following methodology:
- Only schools with both an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program and an online cybersecurity master’s degree program were included
- Each program has to be considered a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
- Graduation rates
- Retention rates
- Admission rates
- Tuition of both the bachelor’s cybersecurity degree program and the master’s cybersecurity degree program.
Best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2022
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CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Tuition: $38,160 or $318/credit | Master’s $26,235 or $795/credit
Program: Cybersecurity Online Bachelor’s Degree | Information Security Online Master’s Degree
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Details: The online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program offered by Champlain College is designed to help students develop foundational skills in both the technical and critical thinking/problem solving skills required by today’s cybersecurity professionals. The program also offers a Fast Start Formula Career Course, to help students find the right job opportunities. Champlain’s master program trains students to manage the network operations of companies and organizations.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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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
Details: The bachelor’s of cybersecurity degree at Norwich University is designed for working professionals and centers around project-based courses in deep cybersecurity topics. Additionally, students get to choose from a number of electives with the goal of sharpening critical thinking, communication, and research skills. The master’s degree program allows students to choose between a number of concentrations, which means the degree is highly customizable.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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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
Details: The online cybersecurity degree program at American Public University System (APU) stresses cybersecurity theory and the tools needed to plan and carry-out strategic cybersecurity defensive tactics. The curriculum emphasizes a broad approach to cybersecurity education including coursework in cyber operations, cyber crime law, forensics and investigations, security architecture and network penetration skills, and other skills such as communication and administration. The master’s degree program is designed to help students understand large-scale cyber threats and cyber attack prevention.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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ECPI UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $57,600 or $485/credit | Master‘s $15,120 or $315/credit
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
Details: The cyber and network security degree from ECPI prepares students to use cybersecurity best practices (including hardware, software, and services) to protect and manage valuable data safely. Through vulnerability assessments and penetration testing students will learn how to gauge the health of networks and defend them. The master’s degree program is divided into two concentrations: Cyber Operations or Cybersecurity Policy.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $47,190 or $390/credit | Master’s $20,340 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
Details: The bachelor’s in information assurance from Liberty University is centered around 8-week courses. The classes are asynchronous, meaning there are no specific class meeting times, which offers flexibility for working professionals or people with other commitments. The curriculum requires a captain project and focuses on cybersecurity, digital forensics, and network security — as well as business courses. The degree also acts as preparation for several cybersecurity-related certifications. The master’s degree program is intended to focus on developing the skill necessary to prevent, detect an organization’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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UTICA UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $57,000 or $475/credit | Master’s $26,850 or $895/credit
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Utica, New York
Details: The bachelor of science in cybersecurity degree at Utica College is designed first and foremost to provide students with real-world, hands-on experience. Over the course of the program’s 120-credit hours, students will learn the latest in cybercrime investigative techniques, culminating in a CipherTrace Certificated Examiner credential. Similarly, Utica’s online master of science in cybersecurity allows students to customize their degree by choosing between seven specializations while stressing hands-on learning.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $25,470 or $209/credit | Master’s $17,180 or $895/credit
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Details: The online bachelor’s of science in cybersecurity and information assurance at Western Governors University is designed around a practical framework. First, the curriculum and course delivery supports flexible scheduling and was created with working students in mind. Secondly, the program incorporates the information and background needed to get 14 industry specific certifications, which can be used to help jumpstart a cybersecurity career. The university’s master of science in cybersecurity and information assurance program was designed around similar principles, allowing working professionals to gain access to the background and experience they need to pursue leadership opportunities within the cybersecurity field.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: $47,748 or $398/credit | Master’s $19,884 or $663/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
Details: The cyber leadership and intelligence degree at Dakota State focus on important cybersecurity skills such as investigating a security breach and intrusion, computer forensics, and the privacy and legal issues that are affiliated with cyber attacks. Additionally, as the name of the degree program implies, students also learn other important skills such as world cultures and religious concepts, and an understanding of global geopolitics. And since cyber operations are often multidisciplinary, teamwork and management skills are also an essential part of the curriculum. The cyber defense master’s degree trains students to prevent cyber attacks through risk management and vulnerability testing.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $39,600 or $330/credit | Master’s $12,780 or $426/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
Details: The online bachelor’s degree in information technology is broken down into several concentrations to allow students to focus on a topic that interests them. Among the concentrations within this major are cybersecurity, cyber forensics, and critical infrastructure management. The 30-credit master’s program is divided neatly in half — 50 percent of the instruction is tailored toward concepts and theory, while the other 50 percent is designed to emphasize leadership and critical thinking skills.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $74,400 or $620/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
Details: The online cybersecurity degree at Saint Leo University uses simulated IT environments to create real world cybersecurity scenarios within the curriculum. Required coursework includes: penetration testing and ethical hacking, computer and network controls and protections, and the admin and management of cybersecurity systems, devices, and procedures. The master’s program offers flexible options to fit the needs and schedule of working professionals.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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PACE UNIVERSITY-NEW YORK
Tuition: Bachelor’s $68,400 or $570/credit | Master’s $31,500 or $1,050/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
Details: The cybersecurity curriculum at Pace University stresses cybercrime and criminal justice through virtual labs and security planning. The master’s degree program offers a degree in information technology with a concentration in either cybersecurity or networking administration.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Tuition: Bachelor’s $73,200 or $610/credit | Master’s $43,956 or $1,332/credit
Program: Cyber Operations Bachelor of Applied Science | Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CO — Cyber Operations
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Details: The cyber operations degree program is designed as upper division coursework and is only available for students that have completed a number of prerequisites. The preparatory coursework can be completed at the university or at community colleges, or other academic or military learning facilities. The online curriculum for the required cyber operations coursework is delivered synchronously in live formats (and the classes are recorded for later viewing). The degree also requires hands-on and interactive coursework. The online cybersecurity master’s degree program is 33-credit hours and is designed to jumpstart the careers of working professionals.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $48,840 or $407/credit | Master’s $41,610 or $1,387/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CO — Cyber Operations
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Details: Old Dominion University’s online cybersecurity degree has an interdisciplinary approach for preparing students for the challenges of a cyber career. Along with the technical aspects of cybersecurity, the curriculum also features courses in criminal justice, engineering management, modeling, and philosophy. The master’s curriculum emphasizes real-world exercises and research to teach advanced cybersecurity concepts and tactics.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $124,230 or $1,010/credit | Master’s $24,000 or $800/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
Details: The online cybersecurity degree at Robert Morris University takes a multidisciplinary approach and offers courses in computer science, business, law, and operations as part of the curriculum. The degree program also offers hands-on learning opportunities, including an internship program. The 30-credit master’s program can be broken among three semesters or four semesters depending on student needs.Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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Iowa State University
Tuition: Bachelor’s $96,544 or $804/credit | Master’s $25,684 or $856/credit
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Ames, Iowa
Details: The bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity engineering at Iowa State University is offered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE). The degree program stresses both the latest developments in cybersecurity with a strong emphasis on computer engineering fundamentals. The cybersecurity program allows well qualified juniors and seniors to apply to the Graduate College and concurrently pursue a master’s in cybersecurity engineering.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND — GLOBAL CAMPUS
Tuition: Bachelor’s $59,880 or $499/credit | Master’s $18,144 or $499/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science Computer Networks and Cybersecurity | Master of Science Cybersecurity Technology
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Adelphi, Maryland
Details: The University of Maryland’s Global Campus online cybersecurity degree combines the traditional college curriculum with hands-on cybersecurity training. Students prepare to design, implement, secure, and troubleshoot corporate networks. The master’s cybersecurity program is also hands-on and prepares students for the CISSP, GIAC, and CEH industry certifications.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $78,520 or $1,497/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
Details: This new online program through KSU’s eMajor program is a technically focused degree that draws from the curriculum of other degrees offered at the university including a business degree in information security and assurance, BS in information technology, and a BS in criminal justice. The 30-credit master’s degree can be completed in one calendar year.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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University of North Dakota
Tuition: Bachelor’s $82,624 or $894/credit | Master’s $30,551 or $849/credit
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Utica, New York
Details: The bachelor of science in cybersecurity degree from the University of North Dakota (UND) allows students to pursue cybersecurity research opportunities at the university’s Secure Cyber Physical Energy Systems and Data Sciences Laboratory. Additionally cybersecurity students at UND have the ability to tailor the degree to their interests — as well as take advantage of UND’s liberal arts programs and pursue a balanced education. The online master’s degree program at UND offers graduate students the opportunity to gain skills in ethical hacking, computer forensics, and secure networks. The cyber leadership and intelligence degree at Dakota State focus on important cybersecurity skills such as investigating a security breach and intrusion, computer forensics, and the privacy and legal issues that are affiliated with cyber attacks. Additionally, as the name of the degree program implies, students also learn other important skills such as world cultures and religious concepts, and an understanding of global geopolitics. And since cyber operations are often multidisciplinary, teamwork and management skills are also an essential part of the curriculum. The cyber defense master’s degree trains students to prevent cyber attacks through risk management and vulnerability testing.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $100,320 or $836/credit | Master’s $30,804 or $906/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Details: The cyber defense degree at Davenport University teaches students how to be proactive and reactive when dealing with digital security threats. Within this degree program, students can also choose between information assurance or health care information assurance concentrations. The master’s degree covers risk management and threat analysis for cyber protection both in the US and abroad.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $54,610 or $430/credit | Master’s $21,960 or $610/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Details: The cybersecurity degree program at Bellevue University teaches students fundamental cybersecurity concepts, theories and strategies through real-world case studies. The curriculum also covers cyber incident response and risk assessment. The master’s degree program offers numerous learning options including an accelerated cohort for students with professional IT experience.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
Tuition: Bachelor’s $61,200 or $510/credit | Master’s $20,850 or $695/credit
Program: Bachelor of science in cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Albany, New York
Details: The cybersecurity program at Excelsior College is designed to help students prepare for cyber defense roles at agencies such as the US Cyber Command, the NSA signal intelligence operations, and FBI and other law enforcement agencies, as well for corporations. The curriculum prepares students to take several important industry certification exams including CISP, CEH, Security+, Network+, CHFI, SSCP, and ESCP. The master’s program allows students to choose either a general cybersecurity concentration or an information assurance concentration.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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CAPITOL TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $89,400 or $745/credit | Master’s $24,570 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
Details: The cyber and information technology degree at Capitol University is headquartered at the university’s Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis. In addition to learning hands-on lessons through simulated cyber incidents, students will also learn management and leadership skills to prepare for advanced cybersecurity careers. The master’s program is designed to prepare students for mid-career and senior level security and privacy-assurance positions.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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LEWIS UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $131,200 or $1,025/credit | Master’s $36,900 or $820/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
Details: The bachelor’s program is not taking new students in the fall of 2020. The master’s degree offers a blend of computer science theory with an opportunity to practice hands-on cybersecurity skills.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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MERCY COLLEGE
Tuition: Bachelor’s $100,440 or $837/credit | Master’s $28,950 or $965/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York
Details: The online cybersecurity degree program at Mercy College teaches students how to implement, configure, and test new security software and technologies to keep company and business systems safe. The undergraduate program also prepares students to take the CISSP certification exam. The master’s degree program prepares students for careers as network security administrators, information security administrators, or IT auditors.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
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DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Tuition: Bachelor’s $80,475 or $435/credit | Master’s $60,390 or $1,342/credit
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology | Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD — Cyber Defense
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Details: Drexel’s computing and security degree curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning. The program is designed for professionals already working in the IT field and who have a background and working knowledge of current systems and threats — as well as have already completed at least two years of associate’s or undergraduate prerequisites. The master’s degree was designed for students with a background in computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
Learn more: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
2020 Rankings
Five steps for picking the right online cybersecurity degree
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Settling on cybersecurity — There are a number of reasons to choose cybersecurity as a profession. As mentioned earlier, over the next several years it is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and others, that cybersecurity jobs will grow at a rapid rate. In fact, the industry is already struggling to keep companies and organizations supplied with fresh and well-trained talent. This is evident across a number of professional organizations and certificate-granting bodies, all of which have various recruitment, training, and scholarship programs. But choosing to pursue a degree in cybersecurity should not just be about job security alone. The profession is also fascinating. It’s a field that blends the technical and quantitative side of computer programming, with other fields such as law, policy, training, and teaching. Within the field of cybersecurity, there are a number of paths to pursue and professional options to explore.
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Finding an online program — More new online cybersecurity degree programs are launching all the time (check out the school listings below for more details). This gives students more options and flexibility, but it also creates a greater need to research and understand all of the options out there. A good place to start is to create a list of constraints such as budget, test scores, prerequisites, etc., and then find programs that fit within those constraints. Another key thing to look for while researching online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs is the strength of the career services, advising, and support for finding good cybersecurity internship opportunities.
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Research admission requirements — Like traditional on-campus degree programs, the admission requirements for online cybersecurity degree programs generally follow the same structure. Students will need relevant test scores (like ACT and SAT), transcripts (from high school, a community college, or associate’s degree program), letters of recommendation, and entrance essays. Understanding and making note of important deadlines during the application process is also an important part of school research.
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Schedule testing — Any testing for college admission should be scheduled and taken well ahead of the application season. Making time for test prep and practice exams should also become a priority in advance of taking the test. Test scores are often used for making admission decisions and also for awarding merit scholarships. The good news is that with the right planning and runway, both the ACT and SAT can be taken multiple times, and often scores improve with more attempts.
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Budget and financial aid — One of the deciding factors for most applicants when considering which college program to attend are budgetary considerations. Understanding what kinds of financial aid and scholarships are available to students majoring in cybersecurity will go a long way in helping to make informed financial decisions.
What kinds of courses are required to get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online?
Online cybersecurity bachelor degree programs mimic traditional, campus-based programs in terms of academic requirements.
Like a campus-based program, online cybersecurity bachelor degrees usually require 120 credit hours. These credit hours are broken down into general education requirements, electives, and then courses specific to the online cybersecurity degree requirements.
“Whether you are sitting right in the middle of our New Orleans campus with some of the smartest students and instructors you will ever meet, or you’re online in Iowa taking one of our courses, you’re going to get the same Tulane-quality education. Given that, Tulane SoPA courses are far less expensive than most people think, sometimes less than state school tuition.”
One key factor to understand about each program is the transfer credit requirements. Transferring credits to complete an online degree is very common, but the transfer process will vary from program to program.
Some high-level cybersecurity courses that are commonly offered as part of the online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree curriculum include:
- Ethical hacking
- Network security
- Forensics
- Security breach detection and response
- Cyber attacks and defense
- Computer security laws and ethics
What to look for in an online cybersecurity degree
There are advantages and disadvantages to obtaining an online cybersecurity degree versus a more traditional campus-based degree.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages is that most institutions that offer online degree programs and on-campus degree programs grant the same degree to both types of degree offerings. In other words, there is no difference in the final diploma that students receive.
Another big advantage of online learning and online cybersecurity degree offerings is that they give students some degree of flexibility. Whether trying to learn remotely or juggle undergraduate studies with other family or work commitments, online learning requires a different level of commitment than what is required to be physically present somewhere.
Not to mention, some students prefer learning online because it suits their learning style better — often lectures are delivered via video, and exercises and assignments are modified for online learning. The ability to speed-up or slow-down lectures, or review material multiple times works better for some learners.
Depending on living and work situations, pursuing a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online might be more cost-effective than attending a traditional campus-based degree program.
Disadvantages
One of the biggest advantages of attending a campus-based degree program is that developing in-person relationships with both peers and professors fosters the beginnings of a professional network.
Having a professional network becomes invaluable later in a career, not only in the years right after college while looking for that first position within the cybersecurity industry, but also down the road. As colleagues move through their own careers, they become good resources for job leads and opportunities — and they might someday become hiring managers too.
That’s not to say that in-person relationships are the only way to develop a professional network. Today, more and more options exist for creating a robust network outside of traditional activities.
Another trend is that remote work is becoming more popular across a number of industries, including many tech fields. As remote work becomes more popular, digital and social networking in a professional context is becoming more acceptable. So there are plenty of opportunities to make up for the lack of personal connection or face-to-face time with cybersecurity peers and professionals.
Frequently asked questions about online cybersecurity degree programs
One simple way to help decide whether or not an online cybersecurity degree will be worth it is to think about the return on investment (ROI) of the degree program. Most degree ROI calculations are pretty straightforward and it looks like this: Earnings before degree times ten subtracted from earnings after degree, minus the degree cost). If there is a substantial difference between the before and after numbers, then the ROI would be positive.
The downside to the ROI calculator is that it doesn’t always factor in some of the externalities, like career satisfaction, career mobility, and exposure to future opportunities. Cybersecurity is such a rapidly growing field and it is so dynamic that it is likely that an online degree program will lead to more career options in the future.
Most cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs are the standard 120 credit hours, which typically breaks down to four years of study (at a rate of 15 credit hours/semester/two semesters a year).
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees are also offered in online formats. Online degrees typically require the same number of credits, but courses are offered at different intervals and often online programs can be taken year-round, which means the overall time to complete a degree might be shorter.
Cybersecurity is a diverse field and there are a lot of options for people that complete a bachelor’s degree. Often people decide if they are interested in offense or defense cybersecurity while a student and then take courses and internships aligning with those interests. Those experiences can lead to job opportunities in the future.
Most bachelor’s degree holders will land entry-level positions within companies or organizations with titles such as analyst, tester, developer, or specialist. Since there is so much opportunity within the field, professionals with experience can advance to more senior positions quickly. Often obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity management or leadership can help secure more senior positions.
Cybersecurity is “hard” in that it is a technical degree that requires math, computer science, and programming skills and education.
However, it is unlike other more theoretical technical degrees in that cybersecurity is very applied and completing a cybersecurity degree requires a lot of hands-on experience in the form of internships or working on projects at places like cyber ranges, which are essentially laboratories for studying cybersecurity threats and scenarios.
The best way to compare degree costs at different levels and formats is to find the cost per credit, and then compare the number of required credits for each program.
Online bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs can typically range between $395 to $765 per credit hour.
Campus-based cybersecurity bachelor’s programs can range widely when looking at credit cost. Often courses at local or community colleges are more affordable, and range in the low-hundreds of dollars per credit hour. Whereas a larger or more name-brand university might cost in the high hundreds of dollars per credit. Ballpark, the average cost for a campus-based cybersecurity degree is between $40,000 and $50,000.
Master’s programs are generally cheaper overall, because they require fewer credits. The average credit requirement is 60, but the math and factors of online versus big campus school and small campus remain the same.
There are a number of pathways into cybersecurity. Until recently, there were few programs with cybersecurity-specific degree offertings. Instead, students took computer and networking courses and then prepared for industry certifications.
Today, students can find different kinds of degrees that focus on specific aspects of cybersecurity including forensics, ethical hacking, criminal justice, and operations and policy.
Additionally, universities are offering more tactical cybersecurity master’s degree options to help students who don’t have a cybersecurity undergraduate background enter the field — again, across a range of offense, defensive, and forensic operations.
Other cybersecurity master’s options include management and leadership training to advance into more senior positions such as chief privacy officer, chief business security officer, and business intelligence officer.
Admission criteria for an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree
Like traditional undergraduate degrees, the requirements for an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity vary from program to program. So it’s a good idea to double-check individual program admission criteria after making a list of potential schools.
While the specifics will vary, there are some common requirements among many programs:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Official high school transcripts and/or transcripts showing course work completed at community colleges or other universities if applicable
- A resume (highlight computer/programming experience if applicable)
- Application fees
Career options with an online cybersecurity degree
In terms of evaluating career prospects in the cybersecurity field, it can not be stressed enough how fast the cybersecurity field is growing and how in-demand cybersecurity professionals will become.
Some estimates show a 10x growth in the information security field from $800 million to $6 billion over the next several years. And that is just in North American.
Organizations and companies including the Department of Defense are all pitching in to help highlight the pending shortage of cybersecurity professionals and help lead recruiting efforts and academic support programs, including scholarships. (CHECK OUT OUR CYBERSECURITY SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE)
The US Cyber Challenge is just one example of a new kind of opportunity for students interested in the cybersecurity field. The US Cyber Challenge program offers a few different types of programs, including structured competitions, camps, and scholarships to help get students prepared to enroll in an undergraduate cybersecurity degree program.
Not surprisingly, newly-minted professionals with an online cybersecurity degree are finding their skills in demand (in some respects new graduates are attractive to employers because they have the most current cybersecurity training available). Arizona State’s online cybersecurity degree program, for example, reports that 87 percent of its graduates receive job offers within 90 days of graduation.
Another crucial part of rounding out a cybersecurity education is figuring out what kinds of professional certifications are required and completing the necessary steps to get certified. Like other information technology fields, cybersecurity requires various levels of professional certification in addition to the completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree. (CHECK OUT OUR COMPREHENSIVE CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION GUIDE TO LEARN MORE.)
Complete List of Schools with an Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Utica University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Purdue Global | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Grand Canyon University | Online BS in Cybersecurity | website |
The below is not intended to be a ranking of schools. Instead, the goal is to be an up-to-date list of the various options for students interesting in pursuing a cybersecurity bachelors degree online.