List of Cybersecurity Degree Programs

In this guide

Why a cybersecurity degree?
Cybersecurity major overview
2024 rankings
Admission requirements
Tuition and scholarships
Outlook
Degree program FAQ
School listings

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity equips students with the skills to protect sensitive data and thwart cyberattacks, making them invaluable assets in today’s tech-driven landscape.

In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity has become a frontline defense against a number of complex of online threats.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School Name	Program	More Info
Purdue Global	Online BS in Cybersecurity	website
Southern New Hampshire University	Online BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity	website
Utica University	Online BS in Cybersecurity	website
University of Maryland Global Campus	Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity	website

According to our recent analysis, there are 178 different bachelor’s of cybersecurity degree programs available in the United States.

We looked at all of the available bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree programs in the US and this is what we found:

123 is the average number of credits required to earn a degree. Of the 178 schools, 111 of them require 120 credits to graduate.
113 of the cybersecurity degree programs are designated as Centers for Academic Excellence.
$105 to $1,976 is the cost per credit range, depending on a number of factors including private college or university versus a public institution.
$12,600 to $250,952 is the total degree cost, which also varies widely depending on public/private and in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates (more on this in the tuition section below).

Top five biggest reasons to get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree

Investing years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars in a college or university education is a big decision. Before diving in, it makes sense to make sure that pursuing a cybersecurity degree is a good fit for you.

Here are a few of the top reasons to consider pursuing a cybersecurity degree:

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. This means that finding a good job is easier than most other professions, and that cybersecurity professionals are paid well (see our complete profile of cybersecurity careers for more information).
Cybersecurity professionals make a difference. It’s not like cybersecurity professionals sit in some widget factory stamping out the same widget over and over again. Instead, cybersecurity professionals use their training and skills to protect critical digital infrastructure and services.
Cybersecurity is considered a top job in tech. Recently, US News and World Report named information security analyst as one of the top five jobs to have in tech. The ranking is based on earning potential and job demand. Other cybersecurity jobs follow similar trends.
Cybersecurity job demand will continue to grow well into the future. The average annual growth in cybersecurity job demand, according to a number of employment sites, is about seven percent a year. That growth is expected to continue well into the future as the world only becomes more digitally interconnected.
Cybersecurity is a dynamic job that is seldom boring. Between emerging threats and new technological innovation, cybersecurity is constantly changing, which means no boring days at the office.

The cybersecurity major overview

In this section

Admission requirements
Common cybersecurity courses
Tuition and scholarships
School listings

Five key considerations when choosing the right bachelor’s degree program

1. Research: The first step in finding the right fit for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is researching all of the available options (which is probably what lead you here in the first place). As the cybersecurity field grows and matures, so too do the options available to students looking to get the skills and experience necessary to launch a career in a high-demand profession. In addition to traditional campus-based academic programs, there are also a number of online cybersecurity degree programs available that are worth investigating.

2. Visit or contact colleges and universities for more information: Each academic program is different in terms of course offerings, degree requirements, student and career services, available financial aid, and other critical factors. Visiting or calling individual schools and creating the opportunity to talk to professors, students, and support staff is a great way to understand the true costs and benefits of a program. Plus actually talking to real people will reveal valuable information that is not contained in the college or university’s marketing materials, which is a good thing.

3. Admission prep: After developing a list of target schools and programs, dive into admissions requirements and understand what kind of preparation can be done in advance. Look at the test scores required, prerequisites, experience needed, and other factors that can be prepared ahead of time. Develop good relationships with teachers and other people who can be called on as references. There is more information on admission requirements in the next section.

4. Apply: Applying to a college or university program can be a daunting experience, but understanding specific timelines and deadlines in advance can make the process feel a little bit more manageable. Also, pay attention to schools and programs that use common applications (where one application can be used for multiple schools) and keep a list of scholarship opportunities and deadlines.

5. Budget: One of the biggest challenges to obtaining a bachelor’s degree is creating (and sticking to) a sustainable budget. Understanding the total degree costs (credit costs per year + cost of living + other factors) is one key step. Also understanding what kind of student financing options are available is critical to developing a realistic budget.

The best cybersecurity degree programs for 2024

Southern New Hampshire University
Online BS in Cybersecurity
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cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Learn more: Program details
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
Program: BS in Cyber Operations
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
Credits: 128
Cost per credit: $280
Total tuition: $35,840
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama
Program: BS in Information Technology – Network Administration/Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 128
Cost per credit: $589
Total Tuition: $75,392
Delivery method: $75,392
Learn more: Program details
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 127
Cost per credit: $1,215
Total tuition: $154,305
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New Jersey
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 125
Cost per credit: $1,876
Total Tuition: $234,500
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, Maryland
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $435
Total tuition: $52,200
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Webster University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,018
Total tuition: $122,160
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Purdue Global
Online BS in Cybersecurity
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cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Learn more: Program details
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $286
Total tuition: $34,320
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts
Program: Computer Science (BS)- Cyber Security Concentration
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,610
Total tuition: $193,200
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois
Program: Applied Cybersecurity and Information Technology (B.S.)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 129
Cost per credit: $1,539
Total tuition: $198,531
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Baker College
Allen Park, Michigan
Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security – Concentration in Information Assurance and Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $435
Total tuition: $52,200
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Champlain College
Burlington, Vermont
Program: Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,503
Total tuition: $180,360
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Utica College
Utica, New York
Program: BS Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $475
Total Tuition: $57,000
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Anderson University
Anderson, Indiana
Program: Cybersecurity Major
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,102
Total tuition: $132,240
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Madison, New Jersey
Program: B.S. in Computer Science – Cybersecurity & Information Assurance Concentration
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $967
Total Tuition: $116,040
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Indiana Tech
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Program: Cybersecurity, B.S.
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 121
Cost per credit: $606
Total tuition: $73,326
Delivery method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
Program: BS Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Credits: 126
Cost per credit: $2,017
Total tuition: $254,142
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
University of Illinois, Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Program: Information Systems Security Bachelor’s Degree
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $647
Total tuition: $77,640
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology – Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $627
Total tuition: $75,240
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Assumption University
Worcester, Massachusetts
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,556
Total tuition: $186,720
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas
Program: BA in Computer Information Systems and Security – Security Track
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,027
Total tuition: $123,240
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Program: Cybersecurity BS
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $536
Total tuition: $64,320
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,070
Total tuition: $128,400
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Program: BS in Computer Engineering – Major in Networks and Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-R
Credits: 131
Cost per credit: $970
Total tuition: $127,070
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New Jersey
Program: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a Digital Forensics option
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,055
Total tuition: $126,600
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $491
Total tuition: $58,920
Delivery method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
Grand Canyon University
Online BS in Cybersecurity
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cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Learn more: Program details

These rankings were compiled from data accessed in November 2023 from the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of November 2023.

Cybersecurity degree admission requirements

Like other undergraduate degree programs, most undergraduate cybersecurity schools require a high school diploma or a GED.

Since cybersecurity is computer-intensive, learning the basic building blocks for computing infrastructure and programming might help demonstrate the skills and aptitude necessary to be a successful cybersecurity student and professional.

Learning to write computer code, or how to design computer software and hardware, are all good ways to prepare for a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree.

Not all professionals working in cybersecurity start with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information security. Some major in math or computer science or engineering, but specialize in security either through coursework, internships, or preparing for industry certifications.

Common courses for cybersecurity majors

Reflecting the diversity of roles that are possible in the workforce for skilled cybersecurity professionals, the coursework and curriculum for undergraduate cybersecurity programs are comprehensive.

“What we teach at an undergraduate level is offensive security as well as defensive security. The first thing we teach the students is how to hack. But we also teach them ethics.”

— Hossein Sarrafzadeh, professor and chair of the cybersecurity department at St. Bonaventure University.

While individual learning will vary depending on each cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program requirements, there are some universal curriculum trends. Undergraduate cybersecurity students can expect to take courses in:

Computer science: Computer science theory and application is the bedrock of cybersecurity work.
Network security design and hardening: Understanding how different data networks operate (and how different networks can become compromised ) is also key to the profession.
Ethics in information technology and security fields: These courses might outline the rights and responsibilities expected of a cybersecurity professional, especially when handling or accessing sensitive data or intelligence. Issues covered might include ethical hacking, and when it is permissible to move from a defensive security position to an offensive security posture.
Forensics: These courses relate to diagnosing a security breach or intrusion and figuring out how to trace its path to find the person or group responsible.
Mobile and wireless security: As the world becomes increasingly mobile and wireless, the security concerns surrounding these systems are becoming its specialty within the cybersecurity world.

Not only are there different technical components of cybersecurity (such as learning about network security, versus how to prevent social engineering attacks) but there are other ways to specialize too.

At Colorado Technical University, for example, there is a bachelor’s degree program for students interested in pursuing management and cybersecurity. This kind of program would be ideal for someone who are interested in learning the technical components of cybersecurity while also preparing to lead teams and work within the leadership structure of a company or organization.

Online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs

The good news here is that with each passing year there are more options for students to complete their cybersecurity bachelor’s degree.

More and more colleges and universities are offering coursework and degree programs for cybersecurity students, including certificates and other professional programs.

They are also offering online degree programs that are well-suited to working professionals or for people who have other commitments that prevent them from taking on-campus courses.

Campus-based courses might offer students additional access to student groups and professional organizations, as well as internship and mentoring opportunities.

As online education becomes more prevalent, universities are offering hybrid degrees, which allow students to attend some in-person, campus-based instruction and pair it with online courses. These programs seem to offer the best blend of both worlds, by offering students campus opportunities and the flexibility of completing coursework online.

How much is tuition for a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree?

On average, 123 credits are required to earn a cybersecurity degree, although 120 credits is pretty much the standard (111 of the 178 schools require 120).

The average tuition cost for a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree at a private college or university is $1,005 per credit. There is a pretty extreme cost-per-credit range for cybersecurity degrees and ranges from $105 on the low end to $1,972 on the high end. That means the total degree cost at a private school can range anywhere from $12,600 to $238,612, with the average cost landing at $122,969.

The cost breakdown for cybersecurity degree programs at public schools is a little bit different because the differential between in-state and out-of-state tuition plays a role.

The average cost per credit for an in-state student pursuing a cybersecurity degree at a public institution is $348. The low end of the range ends at $123 per credit for in-state tuition and is $806 at the high end of the range. This means that the average total degree cost for in-state tuition students at a public university is $42,901 with a low end of $14,706 and a high end of $102,362.

For students attending a public university, but paying out-of-state tuition the total cybersecurity degree cost average is $100,502. The low end of the range is $38,130, while the high end is $250,952.

Tuition for cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees can vary widely, depending on a variety of factors.

Here are five things to consider when evaluating tuition costs.

Cost per credit: This is probably the simplest metric to use when comparing cybersecurity degree programs to one another. Sometimes total tuition costs can include things like lab fees or other expenses. But to really get a sense of the cost versus value for a cybersecurity degree, make sure and compare credit costs for each program.
Location: The cost of a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree might vary depending on geographic location. One thing to evaluate is whether or not the school has existing relationships with cybersecurity employers in a geographic area. This will make things like internships and career planning a little bit easier.
Size: Overall school and program size seem to correlate to cost. Larger programs offer more in the way of diversity of course offerings because the programs are part of a larger university. However, bigger isn’t always better, so conducting research on how individual programs will help meet individual student needs and aspirations is always advisable.
Online vs. campus-based: It’s important to look at the cost per credit when comparing online degrees versus campus-based degrees. It’s also important to compare the required course hours to obtain the degree, and then decide which is a better fit.
Full-time versus part-time: While the decision to attend a cybersecurity bachelor degree program full-time versus part-time might not really impact the cost-per-credit, it still might make the degree more affordable, or at least financially obtainable, because students can work while attending school. Not all programs offer a part-time option, but enough do that it’s worth looking at as an option.

One thing to consider when evaluating bachelor degree options is to consider community college cybersecurity programs. Increasingly, community colleges are offering bachelor’s and associate’s degrees for cybersecurity majors with campus and online course offerings.

Scholarships

Qualified professions with a background and understanding of computer and network security are in such high demand that there are a number of cybersecurity-specific scholarships available for undergraduate students. Many of the cybersecurity scholarship opportunities are supported by companies looking to expand the cybersecurity workforce or government agencies and organizations that need to fill critical cybersecurity-related roles.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of scholarships available for students interested in a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree:

The Science, Mathematics, and Research Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program: This scholarship pays full tuition, pays a stipend, and offers other benefits. It is designed for students interested in working for the Department of Defense (DOD) during the summer while enrolled in an undergraduate program and then working full-time for a set a period for the DOD after graduation.

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, which is part of the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium, Inc., offers a number of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Some of the scholarships are specifically designed to support women studying cybersecurity. The scholarships are available for students pursuing both traditional on-campus degrees and online cybersecurity degrees.

The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program: High school students who are planning on enrolling in a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program can apply for this scholarship. Run by the National Security Agency (NSA) the scholarship offers up to $30,000 a year and provides other benefits and stipend opportunities. Students enrolled in this program are required to work for the NSA after graduation for 1.5 times the number of years the scholarship funded.

Cybersecurity career outlook

Whether a top-secret government, military, or intelligence work or a buttoned-down office job with a Fortune 500 company or as early start-ups building the latest technology, cybersecurity bachelor degree holders are able to find rewarding and high-paying jobs in all kinds of industries and sectors.

From a financial or career perspective, obtaining a cybersecurity degree should provide a good return on the initial investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for an entry-level information security worker with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is $95,510.

Many cybersecurity undergraduate degree programs focus on a combination of computer science with information and network security.

The background and experience obtained during an undergraduate cybersecurity degree is also great preparation for the cybersecurity certification process, which is a core component of the cybersecurity field.

Degree program FAQ

What can I do with a cybersecurity degree?

A cybersecurity degree prepares you for a wide range of careers across a growing number of industrial sectors. Professionals with skills in cybersecurity are in high demand because of society’s increasing dependence on digital products and services and because of the increase in cybercrime, and digital threats. Common cybersecurity related issues include hacks, data breaches, scams, and cyber theft — all of which are issues that cybersecurity professionals are trained to deal with. In addition to a cybersecurity degree, many professionals also pursue professional certifications to demonstrate their skillset.

What is a cybersecurity degree?

A cybersecurity degree is the culmination of an academic program that trains students to pursue professions related to protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, or other forms of intrusion or misuse.

In the past, the names of cybersecurity degrees might vary widely between different institutions, and cybersecurity was often viewed as a discipline within computer science. But increasingly, cybersecurity is becoming its own field and degree names and programs are all consolidating under the cybersecurity umbrella. However, some programs might still be named information security or computer security.

Regardless of the name, common components of a cybersecurity degree program include: technical skills to defend and protect networks, digital information and data, secure software development, and cryptography. Another component of a cybersecurity degree is practical knowledge through real-world projects or at cyber ranges. Understanding the legal and ethical issues of cyber attacks, defense, and cyber crime (including issues like chain of custody) are extremely important for cybersecurity professionals.

What kind of job can I get with a cybersecurity degree?

Some common cybersecurity careers include: cybersecurity analyst, information security analyst, penetration tester, ethical hacker, security architect, security engineer, security consultant, incident responder, security software developer, cryptographer, IT project manager, security auditor, or forensic analyst.

How much does a cybersecurity degree cost?

There are two ways to break down the cost of a cybersecurity degree. The cost per credit can range from $105 to $1,976 depending on a number of factors including private college or university versus a public institution.

Meanwhile, the total cybersecurity degree cost can range from $12,600 to $250,952, which also varies widely depending on public/private and in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates.

How long does it take to get a cybersecurity degree?

It depends. Increasingly, there are many kinds of options available to pursue a cybersecurity degree including full-time, part-time, online, and on-campus options. The most common campus-based degree program is 120 credit hours, which generally takes four years (15 credits per semester) if following a traditional academic calendar.

Some universities are now offering accelerated degree programs, which compresses the time needed to earn a degree, or rolling a master’s degree into that traditional four-year undergraduate program. These offerings really vary from school to school and are relatively new.

What degree do I need for cybersecurity?

There are a number of different degree pathways that are common in the cybersecurity field including a cybersecurity degree specifically (there are 178 unique cybersecurity degree programs available in the US), a computer science degree with an emphasis or specialty in security, information systems, or information technology, or software engineering with an emphasis in secure coding or development.

Additionally, there are a number of professional certifications available for people interested in pivoting related skills and backgrounds into cybersecurity.

What are the requirements for a cybersecurity degree?

There are three main requirements to get into a cybersecurity bachelor’s program: GPA, experience, and test scores. All universities and degree programs have different admission requirements but they generally focus on some combination of previous GPA, past work experience or academic experience, and required test scores. An average acceptable GPA for a bachelor’s in cybersecurity program is generally reported as a 3.0, but more competitive programs will require higher GPAs, while less competitive programs will require a lower GPA. Master’s degree programs also have some kind of GPA component, but, like bachelor’s programs, it will vary higher or lower than a 3.0 based on a variety of factors.

In terms of experience for bachelor’s degree programs, it is always a good idea to show an interest and proficiency in computer science or programming. This can be demonstrated through a project portfolio, prior coursework or certifications, or through competitions or membership in clubs. Competitive master’s candidates will be able to show some cybersecurity-related work experience or some other means of demonstrating the skills and acumen needed to be successful in the academic program and in the career path beyond.

Is getting a cybersecurity degree worth it?

Yes, a degree in cybersecurity is worth it. Let’s elaborate. There are generally two criteria for determining the worth or the value of something. There are intrinsic values and extrinsic values. Intrinsic values imply that something has value on its own, or for its own sake. In a lot of ways, this is true of cybersecurity.

The purpose of the profession is literally in its name: to keep secure. If you remove cybersecurity experts working on the good side, then all you are left with is cybersecurity experts working for the bad guys. So, yes. Cybersecurity has intrinsic value. As far as extrinsic value — extrinsic value usually implies how others see the profession and how they value it. One really simple metric for extrinsic valuation is salary. In this regard, cybersecurity professionals are well regarded extrinsically because many people with a cybersecurity degree and job experience make six-figure salaries.

Is cybersecurity hard?

Yes. Obtaining a cybersecurity degree is hard. Most often cybersecurity degrees are based on engineering, computer science, mathematics, and other technical disciplines. Proving proficiency in these fields known for depth and rigor is not easy.

That’s not to say that getting a cybersecurity degree is impossible. Increasingly, universities are using hands-on learning exercises, such as cyber-ranges and project-based capstone projects to make sure the cyber curriculum is a good balance between the technical theoretical and the practical.