A bachelor of science in cybersecurity provides a foundation in information technology (IT), computing, and information security theory and strategies. Cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs prepare students for careers like information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security engineer.
As cyberattacks increase, organizations continue to need skilled professionals to improve information security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% job growth rate for information security analysts between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This page includes a list of best cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs. We also cover what to expect from a typical cybersecurity program, potential jobs for graduates, and how to choose the right school.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs prepare students for well-paying careers in computers and IT. Below, we discuss potential benefits of getting a cybersecurity bachelor's, including the opportunity to develop technical skills, make a comfortable salary, and enjoyjob security.
Gain Technical Skills: Cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs provide training that helps students develop in-demand technical skills to mitigate and respond to cyberattacks. They learn programming languages, risk-management strategies, and how to identify security risks.
High-Paying Field: Bachelor's in cybersecurity jobs typically offer competitive wages. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $102,600. This pay is significantly higher than the $45,760 median annual salary for all workers.
Job Security: The demand for IT professionals in general, and cybersecurity specialists in particular, continues to grow. As organizations conduct more of their operations online, they need information security experts to help protect their data.
What to Expect From a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs develop fundamental IT and computer skills, while emphasizing information security, risk mitigation, and data analytics.
A bachelor of science (BS) in cybersecurity requires around 120 credits, which full-time learners can complete in four years. Some cybersecurity schools offer accelerated options that take less time.
The cost of a cybersecurity degree varies by school, but the National Center for Education Statistics reports that public four-year universities charged their in-state students an average of $9,375 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year. But, out-of-state students paid significantly more — $32,825 for that same year.
The cybersecurity field offers a variety of degree types. Examples include a BS in cybersecurity, BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration, BS in information assurance, and BS in computer science with an IT concentration.
Though similar, these degrees often emphasize different skills and areas of knowledge. Students should pick the degree type that most closely aligns with their career goals.
Some of the best colleges for cybersecurity offer concentrations in areas like mobile application development and data analytics. The specific courses cybersecurity majors take varies by program, but a curriculum includes topics like digital forensics, legal issues in cybersecurity, and ethical hacking.
BS in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for cybersecurity schools vary by program. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, and satisfactory SAT/ACT scores.
The application process requires prospective students to fill out an online application, pay a small fee, and submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores. Those with an associate degree in cybersecurity or a cybersecurity certificate may boost their acceptance chances.
Many universities use Common App, which lets students apply to many schools at once. Some schools require applicants using CommonApp to submit supplemental materials like letters of recommendation, resumes, or written essays.
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree and Concentration Options
Students can choose from a variety of bachelor's programs that focus on cybersecurity. Below, we compare different types of cybersecurity bachelor's degrees.
BS in Cybersecurity: A bachelor of science in cybersecurity provides a foundation in information security. Students learn to evaluate network vulnerabilities, protect information from cyberattacks, and understand the legal issues of information security. Potential careers for those with a BS in cybersecurity include information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security administrator.
BS in Information Technology With a Cybersecurity Concentration: A BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration emphasizes networking and security. Graduates qualify for jobs like IT manager or web developer.
BS in Computer Science With a Cybersecurity Concentration: A BS in computer science with a cybersecurity concentration develops skills in programming, data science, and software engineering. Graduates pursue jobs like computer and information systems manager, information security analyst, and chief information security officer.
BS in Information Assurance: The curriculum of a typical BS in information assurance mirrors that of a BS in cybersecurity, with graduates pursuing similar careers.
BA in Computer Science with Concentration in Cybersecurity: The general outline of this degree is an applied computing program that involves a liberal arts core (approximately 48-49 hours) with a cybersecurity concentration (about 66 hours). In addition to critical thinking and technology ethics, students can expect to learn computer forensics, cyber defense, and principles of cybersecurity.
Popular Courses at Colleges With Cybersecurity Majors
Many of the best universities for cybersecurity focus on issues like risk management, information systems security, and programming. Typical bachelor's programs require core, elective/concentration, and general education courses. Some also require a practicum, capstone, or internship.
Foundations of Information Security: This class introduces the fundamentals of information security practice and theory. Topics include network vulnerabilities, security of physical media, and mitigation techniques. Cybersecurity majors learn best practices for information security procedures and policies.
Digital Forensics: This course provides a foundation in digital forensics, exploring topics like incident management, evidence handling, and incident categories. Students learn how to locate digital evidence to solve cybercrimes and use tools to respond to malicious activities. The class also covers security laws and legal issues of cyberthreats.
Ethical Hacking: Cybersecurity majors learn to think like a hacker and gain skills necessary to respond to cyberattacks in an information system. The class investigates how measures like security protocols, firewalls, and encryption can sometimes fail. Learners gain experience with risk assessment methodologies, incident response, and threat detection techniques.
Legal Issues in Information Security: This course focuses on legal and ethical principles related to securing data. Students explore the regulations, laws, and authorities that cybersecurity professionals need to understand to mitigate and respond to both external and internal threats.
Managing Information Security: This course emphasizes the foundations of information security, focusing on the relationship between information security and an organization's larger goals. Topics include creation and management of an information security program, information security best practices, and mitigation strategies.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs Cost?
Several factors impact the cost of obtaining a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. The prestige of the university matters, as renowned Ivy league schools tend to be expensive. Public institutions are often cheaper than their private for-profit or private nonprofit counterparts.
The cost of living in the cybersecurity program's city dictates students' expenses. Online programs are often much cheaper. It is difficult to pinpoint how much a cybersecurity degree costs. However, a bachelor of science in cybersecurity at an in-state school can start at about $30,000 total.
To reduce the cost of a cybersecurity program, students enroll in in-state schools andtake advantage of available scholarships and financial aid.
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Jobs for Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Graduates
Cybersecurity school prepares graduates for lucrative computer and information technology careers. Most bachelor's in cybersecurity jobs offer significantly higher pay than the median salary for all occupations.
Many graduates pursue careers as information security analysts, a position with a median annual salary of $102,600. On the higher end, chief information security officers earn an average annual salary of $170,271.
We detail a handful of cybersecurity jobs below, including typical duties, job outlook, required education, and typical annual salaries.
Chief Information Security Officer
This person is responsible for overseeing an organization's IT security. CISOs develop contingency plans, standards, and procedures to protect system infrastructure and deal with security breaches. Their duties include assembling and managing a team of cybersecurity staff.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Average Annual Salary, December 2022: $170,700
Information Security Analysts
An information security analyst designs and implements the security measures necessary to protect IT systems and networks. These duties include developing security best practices and monitoring the organization's network for breaches and vulnerabilities.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): +35%
Median Annual Salary, 2021: $102,600
Security Architect
Security architects maintain an organization's network and computer security. They combine an understanding of hardware and software to plan and design cybersecurity functionality. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of an IT environment, they often perform penetration tests.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Average Annual Salary, December 2022: $133,360
Security Auditor
A security auditor creates and conducts audits to assess the safety and efficiency of an organization's cybersecurity readiness. People in this role must understand networks, databases, and applicable government regulations.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Average Annual Salary, December 2022: $75,120
Security Consultant
Security consultants collaborate with organizations to ensure they adhere to the steps for adequate cybersecurity protection. They need the flexibility to adapt to each industry they serve. In addition to understanding cybersecurity threats, they are often versed in networking, computing, and systems analysis.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Average Annual Salary, December 2022: $91,920
Choosing the Best Cybersecurity Degree Program for You
Our rankings list of the best bachelor's degree programs in cybersecurity is a great place to start your search for a school, but choosing a program still takes time and research.
The best cybersecurity degree for one person is not necessarily right for someone else. Below, we explain additional considerations for selecting a cybersecurity bachelor's degree program.
Accreditation: Attending an institutionally accredited school increases your chances of receiving financial aid, qualifying for graduate school and professional certifications, and transferring credit to another school. Institutional accreditation also signals that your college meets minimum standards of quality.
School Size: Do you want to attend a large university to take advantage of the academic, career, and cultural opportunities? Or do you seek a small college where you can build close relationships more easily?
Cost: Create a budget before looking at programs. Students often get the best price by paying in-state tuition at a public university.
Career Services: Many universities offer career development assistance, including resume help, mock job interviews, and networking events. Learners can often find internship and job opportunities through their school's career services office.
Prestige and reputation: Degrees from Ivy League and top-notch institutions tend to attract more interest and higher compensation from employers. However, admissions processes for prestigious programs are more competitive.
Should You Get Your Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree Online?
Going to cybersecurity school online lets you learn anywhere and anytime. Distance education works especially well for students with family responsibilities and full-time jobs, but online learning increasingly draws people of all kinds.
The past stigma attached to online degrees rarely presents problems for job-hunters, as companies today generally understand that distance learning can provide the same quality education as on-campus options.
Most online bachelor of cybersecurity programs offer asynchronous instruction, giving students the flexibility to log on to a virtual classroom to participate in discussions, watch lectures, and submit assignments on their own time.
In some cases, online learning may be more affordable than an in-person program. Online programs may offer tuition discounts, fee waivers, and free textbooks. And students can graduate with less debt by continuing to work while in school.
Other factors when considering an online cybersecurity degree include your learning style, schedule, and the importance of student services and extracurricular activities to you.
Explore Related Programs
Top 5 Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs
Graduates of the top-ranked cybersecurity schools can earn some of the highest salaries in the field. The following five schools offer the best bachelor's in cybersecurity degrees in 2023, according to our unique ranking methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Colleges
How long do you go to school as a cybersecurity major?
The amount of time it takes to finish cybersecurity school varies depending on what type of degree you earn. A BS in cybersecurity usually takes full-time students four years to complete.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity?
Potential bachelor's in cybersecurity jobs include information security analyst, penetration tester, and chief information security officer. Other opportunities include security administrator and security engineer. Cybersecurity bachelor's-holders can also apply to graduate programs.
Are bachelor's degree programs in cybersecurity worth it?
Earning a BS in cybersecurity takes time and money, but the degree prepares students for in demand, high-paying computer and IT jobs. For example, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $102,600, much higher than the median annual salary for all jobs.
Is cybersecurity a good career?
The cybersecurity field offers exciting, well-paying, and stable job opportunities. Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as more organizations put their information online.
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