Thinking of going the distance? We’ve scoured the country to find the top 18 online bachelor’s degrees in cyber security. They come from schools who have excellent reputations, great tuition rates, whip-smart faculty, and fascinating approaches to the field! Browse the rankings below, or jump ahead for our rankings methodology and advice on choosing the right cyber security bachelor’s program.
Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Rankings
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Kennesaw State University
Go Owls! The #1 university on our list is one of the biggest state schools in Georgia, with strong transfer ties to community colleges and schools in the University System of Georgia. We’re particularly pleased with KSU’s quality controls. It has a long-running commitment to cyber security education—it’s held an NSA CAE designation since 2004—and it’s deeply interested in improving online course standards and providing online training to campus professors. The Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development even runs its own cybersecurity faculty workshops.
Want to burnish your undergraduate résumé? Be sure to check out the Center for Information Security Education (CISE). Founded in January 2002, the CISE runs the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (SECCDC), publishes the Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice (JCERP), co-sponsors the Conference on Cybersecurity, Education, Research and Practice (CCERP), and liaisons with various industry partners. If you’re developing your own senior research project, you can dig for ideas at the Center for Machine Vision and Security Research (CMVSR) in KSU’s College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE).
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at the Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development
Created in 2017, this highly technical program draws on faculty expertise in cyber security, IT, business administration, and criminal justice. In some ways, it’s traditional: you must complete 41-42 credit hours in General Education, 18 credit hours of your Cyber Security Major in the lower division (e.g. freshmen classes in Stats, Programming, etc.), 36 credit hours in the upper division (e.g. Network Security, Perimeter Defense, Incident Response, etc.) as well as credit hours in a Security Specialization/Track (e.g. Cyber Crime) and targeted electives (e.g. internships).
But it’s also highly flexible. General Education courses can be completed at any of the University System of Georgia’s eCore affiliated universities. Working professionals, military members, and transfer students are especially welcome. What’s more, when you major in Cybersecurity, you will automatically earn a minor in Information Technology. (Minors in Criminal Justice and Crisis Preparedness are also available.)
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Security and Assurance at the Coles College of Business
The BBA-ISA is built for info security professionals who want to do battle in the corporate arena. The curriculum is a judicious blend of General Education credits, hard-core technical courses, and high-level business classes. In the first two years, you’ll be expected to complete credits in Math, English, and History, but you’ll also need to tackle areas such as Accounting, Economics, and Business Law. In the third and fourth years, you’ll have more opportunities to focus on Cyber Security (e.g. Programming, Network Security, Perimeter Defense, etc.) and business skills (e.g. Strategic Management, Finance, Behavioral Science, etc.). As a senior, you’ll also be expected to take electives in both Info Security and Business.
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE)
The BSIT is a broad-based program designed to give you a solid grounding in all aspects of IT. It’s composed of 43 credit hours of General Education (e.g. Math, Science, English, History), 18 credit hours in lower division IT Major requirements (e.g. Programming, Statistics, etc.), 41 credit hours in upper division Major requirements (e.g. Database Systems, Networks, Policy, etc.). However, you’ll also have the option to take 4 technical electives in Information Assurance and Security and 7 credit hours in free electives. Enrollment numbers for the BSIT have been steadily climbing since 2011.
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology at the College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE)
The BASIT is a completion program designed for students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science in Computing (AAS) from a member institution of the Technical College System of Georgia. You’ll be required to complete 80 credit hours (~2-3 years of full-time study) in IT major courses (e.g. Database Systems) and your concentration (i.e. Info Security).
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Online undergraduate students in the BBA, BSIT, and BAS are charged a special e-tuition rate per credit hour—this rate is the same whether you live in-state or out-of-state (fees are charged per semester). However, students enrolled in the online BS in Cybersecurity pay a separate and incredibly affordable eMajor rate!
Financial aid is available to distance learners. In addition to the regular government grants and federal student loans, you can also apply for various KSU undergraduate scholarships, including funds for Georgia residents. Some scholarships may require full-time enrollment. KSU has a reputation for being military friendly, and many of its military coordinators are veterans themselves.
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Drexel University
Drexel is a strong pick for working professionals—this NSA CAE university has adjusted its calendar to work in quarters instead of semesters, allowing you to fit more schoolwork into the year. Drexel also has a reputation of turning out career-focused, skills-based job candidates. If you want to get your online BS “done and dusted” and are willing to put in the hours, this is a sensible choice to put on your shortlist.
We’re also pleased with its record in distance learning. Drexel was #17 in our list of Top 25 Online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security and often falls in the top 10 of U.S. News rankings for Online Graduate Computer IT Programs. You won’t be working much in research, but it’s useful to know that all the undergraduate computing & security courses are administered by the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI). CCI runs the Cybersecurity Institute and it has some helpful corporate partners (i.e. potential employers) in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology
Drexel’s online BSCST is designed for IT professionals who are currently employed in the field and/or working adults who already hold an associate’s degree or the equivalent. Folks with early-stage IT certifications (e.g. CCNA, A+, etc.) may even be able to apply those as extra credit to the degree. Graduates often go on to work as database or network administrators, CISOs, security analysts, and more.
As we mentioned, the curriculum is split into four 10-week quarters. You’ll be required to take core courses in Computing & Security Technology (e.g. Server, Network Administration, IT Security), Info Science (e.g. Systems Analysis, Info Systems, Data Science, Database Management, etc.), Programming, and General Education. You can also choose a concentration in Computing Security or Computing Technology. The emphasis is often on practical, hands-on learning, so be prepared for labs.
In terms of admissions, first-year students must have between 0-23 previous college credits from a regionally accredited institution and have been out of high school for at least two years. Transfer students need a minimum of 24 college credits (grade C or better) within the past fifteen years. Science, math, and IT credits need to have been earned in the past ten years.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Drexel has great discounts. Online tuition rates are 40% lower than regular on-campus tuition rates; additional discounts are also available to Drexel Alumni (15%-30% reduction), members of Drexel’s many Partner Organizations (10%-40%), and Military members (10%-40%). The military category includes active military personnel, veterans, National Guard, or Reserve, and their immediate families (spouses, children, and parents). On top of this, you can also apply for standard federal financial aid.
It’s no surprise that Drexel is military-friendly—along with offering a military discount, it’s one of the few universities with no cap on the number of veterans who can enroll through the Yellow Ribbon Program. But it’s also important to note that Drexel is a National Reservist Cybersecurity Training Center. That means it’s dedicated to helping Army Reserve soldiers become cyber security professionals.
Is your company willing to help subsidize your degree? Drexel’s Employer Reimbursement Plan gives you the opportunity to defer tuition payments until 30 days after the term is complete (i.e. no late fee charges). This plan is open to both part-time and full-time undergraduates.
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Norwich University
Norwich is our #1 choice for Active Service and Reserve members. In addition to being an NSA CAE university, a Top Cyber Security School, and a National Center for Digital Forensic Academic Excellence (CDFAE), Norwich is the oldest private military college in the States. The university has put together a thoughtful, flexible, and low cost program—classes are taught by military experts and credits are relatively easy to transfer. If you’re in the Vermont area, check out the Norwich University Center for Advanced Computing and Digital Forensics (NUCAC-DF) for campus-based activities.
We also appreciate Norwich’s commitment to improving cyber security training. At the Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI), funded in part by the DoD and DHS, you’ll find research groups devoted to aspects of cyber defense. Importantly, NUARI hosts the Learning Technologies Research Institute (LTRI). LTRI was a founding members of the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC), and it has developed all kinds of exciting, tech-based training programs.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Norwich’s flagship degree consists of 120 credits. The program includes your regular General Education courses, 36 credits of foundational courses (e.g. Networking, Programming, Information Assurance, Ethics, etc.), and a capstone project. But there are also two concentration options:
- Computer Forensics and Vulnerability Management (e.g. Forensics, Vulnerability Testing, Cyber Investigation, etc.)
- Information Warfare and Security Management (e.g. Defense Information Warfare, National Security Policy, Systems Assurance, etc.)
Classes are offered in 8-week sessions throughout the year. Applicants must already have 30 college credits in the bank, but Norwich grants credit for prior learning and military training. You can transfer up to 90 credits in total. We also like the fact that the BS gives you the option to progress to a master’s degree, including Norwich’s Online MS in Information Security and Assurance.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
You guessed it—Norwich is one of the most military-friendly schools in the country. It has extremely affordable per credit tuition rates (some of the best we’ve seen), with an additional discount for active military. Like Drexel and GMU, it’s one of six centers of cyber security training for the U.S. Army Reserve, and all of Norwich’s online programs are approved for Veterans benefits under the GI Bill®. It also participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Want the best news? If you are active duty, reserve or in the National Guard, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Tuition Assistance (TA) program may be able to cover up to 100% of the cost of your online tuition.
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George Mason University
GMU is a sturdy option for working professionals, veterans, and military. Its completion degree is custom-built for adult students (aged 25 or older) who are based in the state of Virginia. To help you reach graduation day, Mason Online has a large Digital Learning Team working on designing and improving online courses, teaching campus faculty about digital learning, and supporting online students.
Another bonus? GMU is known for its government connections. This NSA CAE university has always had close ties to intelligence agencies and defense contractors, and it runs multiple research centers involved in national security—name recognition may come into play when you’re applying for VA area jobs! It’s one of our own Top 25 Online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security and it ranks high in U.S. News’s list of Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security
The online BAS is a completion degree, created in collaboration with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC). That means you must earn an AAS in Cyber Security or an AAS in Information Systems Technology—with a Cyber Security Career Studies Certificate—at NVCC or LFCC before you apply. It’s also important to note that the BAS is usually a terminal degree. (If you’re interested in a master’s or PhD, you may want to consider a BS instead.)
After you’ve finished your AAS, you’ll be expected to complete 63-66 online credits at GMU. In addition to courses in the Mason Core, you’ll be working hard on the Cyber Security concentration (e.g. IT Architecture, Info Security Fundamentals, Computer Crime/Forensics/Auditing, etc.) and a capstone project with real-world applications. The curriculum also includes Management electives—this is a degree designed to get you prepped for business situations.
The BAS with a Cyber Security Concentration is only available to students from Northern Virginia or Lord Fairfax Community College who have earned a relevant AAS degree and certificate. Applicants must be over 25, although you are allowed to petition the Admissions Committee to waive that requirement.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
It’s best to be in VA if you’re considering this degree. Virginia state residents pay ~1/3 of the tuition rate compared to out-of-state students. Like Drexel and Norwich, GMU is a military-friendly school and a center of cyber security training for the U.S. Army Reserve. You can visit the financial aid section to learn more about applying for standard federal aid.
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Lewis University
Lewis is a small NSA CAE university in Illinois that attracts a lot of adult learners (i.e. more than 40%). If you’re looking for real-world business training, with an accelerated program that provides preparation for industry security certifications, it’s well-worth considering. It’s also a private Catholic school, so there is a certain amount of emphasis on ethics & moral questions in the syllabus.
We should also point out the Lewis has a ISACA-Lewis University Student Organization. ISACA is an international professional association focused on IT governance, and students who belong to the chapter can take advantage of competitions, resources, and job opportunities.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Risk Management
Offered by the College of Business, this 128-credit program is a blend of hard-core skills and business theory, with a hefty amount of emphasis on the corporate world. You’ll need to complete 64 credits in your major: 37 of those course credits are in business (e.g. Accounting, Marketing, Management, Finance, etc.) and 21 credits are in technical subjects (e.g. Info Security, Database Management, Forensics, Networks, Security Assessments, etc.). You must also tackle 6 credits in electives.
As we mentioned, it’s a practical program. You’ll have 24/7 access to a CloudLab where you can play with programming, hacking, and forensics assignments. The curriculum is set-up to prepare you for common certification tests, including Security +, CEH, CISSP, CISA, CISM, and ACE. Internships can be arranged in Chicago-area organizations. And your classes will be full of working professionals.
In terms of transfer credits, Lewis University accepts up to 72 semester hours of credit from community colleges and up to 96 hours of credit from four-year universities. It also has special agreements with local community colleges, including College of DuPage, Joliet Junior College, Moraine Valley Community College, and Waubonsee Community College.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
It’s very hard to find clear tuition rates for online learners—Lewis wants you to contact an admissions counselor to determine the exact number. It claims to offer discounted tuition to adult learners, but you’ll need to check with the school for details. Since Lewis is an NSA CAE university, you may also be eligible for CAE scholarships from the federal government, DoD, NSA, and DHS.
It certainly offers tuition deferment for students in employer assistance programs—you can defer your tuition payment for up to 6 weeks beyond the end of term to allow your company time to provide reimbursements.
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Champlain College
Champlain is the featherweight champion of our list. It may be tiny, but this Vermont school sure punches hard. It’s an NSA CAE school, a frequent top 3 contender on U.S. News’s list of Most Innovative Schools and a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE). According to Champlain, it offers more digital forensics courses than any other college in the country.
Better yet, you get a choice of focus. Champlain has two strong BS programs with plenty of emphasis on hands-on work and tons of electives in specialty areas (unusual for online degrees). We’re equally impressed with the real-world experience of the adjunct professors, the military discount, and the generous transfer credit policy. You can transfer up to 90 credits, including credit for professional experience and training.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
This 120-credit program is composed of two 7-week courses per semester, with 3 semesters in a year. Like many BS programs, you’ll be expected to tackle 48 credits in General Education (e.g. Communication, Ethics, Economics). But you’ll be allowed to complete 72 credits in Professional courses.
That means you’ll spend the bulk of your time on cyber security training, starting with foundation courses (e.g. Networking, Operating Systems, System Administration, etc.) and proceeding to higher-level topics (e.g. Digital Forensics, Cloud Computing Security, Mobile Security, Ethical Hacking, Intrusion Analysis, etc.).
To hone your specialty skills, the program also includes a 15-week Senior Seminar Project and 12 technical electives. You can use these electives to earn one of Champlain’s undergraduate certificates.
Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations
Like the BS in Cybersecurity, this is a 120 credit-program run over 3 semesters. There are changes, however. For instance, you’ll be required to take 57 credits in General Education. The bump is to allow for courses in forensics-related subjects such as Psychology and Statistics.
You’ll also take 63 credits in Professional courses, starting with the basics (e.g. Networking, Criminal Law, Operation Systems, Foundations of Cybersecurity, etc.) and quickly moving into specifics (e.g. Digital Forensic Investigation Techniques, White Collar Crime, Malware Forensics, Mobile Forensics, Law of Searching & Seizing Digital Evidence, etc.).
On top of all this, there’s a 3-credit practicum, a 15-week Senior Seminar/Digital Investigation, and a 15-week Forensics Internship or Elective—great for practicing your skills. You can also use your credits to earn an undergraduate certificate in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations, Cybersecurity, or Forensic Accounting.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Online students at Champlain can apply for the standard federal financial aid programs. Costs will vary based on your student status (part-time or full-time) and your number of transfer credits—typical undergraduate tuition rates are listed on the website.
The real deal is discounts. Champlain has an alliance with the government called truED Undergraduate Tuition for Federal Employees. Under this agreement, federal employees receive more than a 50% discount on normal tuition rates. The truED program also includes a fantastic truED military benefit, which offers a further discount on rates to Active Duty Military, National Guard and Reservists. Spouses and legal adult dependent children (children ages 23-26 who are eligible for coverage under their parents benefits) of service members also qualify!
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
NSA CAE designation? Yep. On our list of Top 25 Online Master’s Degrees? Yep. A College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) with BS faculty working on intriguing cyber security research projects? Yep. Top 10 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs? Yep. Penn State is the public all-star of this list—an online campus so consistently solid that it puts Roger Federer to shame.
We’d recommend Penn State if you’re looking for an interdisciplinary degree with a healthy emphasis on world issues (e.g. risk analysis, contemporary security issues, counter-terrorism, etc.). Military, adult learners, and mid-tier professionals are welcome, but so too are recent high school graduates. You can accrue an Associate in Science in IST or the Undergraduate Certificate in IST as you work toward your BS.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Security And Risk Analysis (SRA): Information and Cyber Security
The BS is a 120-credit program. The SRA part of the degree includes “big picture” topics (some of the faculty are former diplomats and lawyers); the Information and Cyber Security option allows you to specialize. In addition to the standard 45 General Education credits, you’ll be required to tackle:
- 39 credits in foundation coursework (e.g. Programming, Overview of Information Security, Statistics, Decision Theory and Analysis, Threat of Terrorism and Crime, etc.). This section includes a 1-credit Internship and an optional 3-credit Capstone.
- 12 additional credits in related subjects (e.g. Psychology, Economics, etc.)
- 22 credits in supporting areas, including proficiency in a foreign language and courses in foreign culture.
- 21 credits in the Information and Cyber Security Option (e.g. Network Security, Cyber Forensics, Info Security Management, etc.) and 3 credits of electives.
The BS SRA is not as technical as some other degrees in our list, but it contains a good deal of work on cyber-intelligence, security management, and legal issues. You can see by the faculty profiles below that you’re going to be exposed to what’s happening outside the virtual classroom. To apply, you must have a high school diploma or a GED, and three and a half units of mathematics.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Tuition rates are assessed by credit and part-time/full-time status. For example, if you have 59 or fewer credits and take 12 or more credits per semester you pay a cheaper flat rate than someone with 60 or more credits.
Happily, Penn State offers a number of undergraduate scholarships to World Campus (i.e. online) students. In addition, you can explore standard federal financial aid packages (e.g. loans, low-income grants, etc.). Folks who are unemployed or recently laid off, may also be eligible for educational benefits through Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Military and veteran applicants are always encouraged. The World Campus Military section will walk you through admissions, transferring credits, grants, and how to contact its support staff. Be sure to check out the advice on Military Grant-in-Aid. When those funds are combined with Military Tuition Assistance (TA), the cost of the degree shrinks enormously! Penn State is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
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Arizona State University
Distance learning is something of a specialty for ASU—it has been offering online degrees since 2006. To add to the allure, ASU is an NSA CAE school (in both Research and Cyber Defense) that often ranks in, or near, the top 10 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs. It has its own Center for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, which is part of ASU’s Global Security Initiative, and a multidisciplinary Information Assurance Center (IA Center) run by the IRA Fulton Schools of Engineering.
But what we particularly like is the emphasis that ASU Online places on career-building. The university has a strong online student support network that includes free online tutoring, virtual career advising, virtual job fairs & workshops, résumé reviews, practice interviews, chats with coaches, and more. Undergraduates are encouraged to join ASU Online Student Clubs. And the Online BSIT includes a 2-term capstone, which challenges you to create a project-based solution to a security challenge. Compared to other offerings in our Top 18, it’s not a hyper-specific degree program, but it’s solid.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Networking & Security Specialization)
The BSIT is a 120 credit hour program—40 courses, 7.5 weeks per course. It’s administered by the School of Engineering, so you can expect a thorough grounding in computer science & engineering subjects. Teamwork and presentation skills are emphasized, and project solutions are part of assessment. There’s also a fair amount of mixing and matching available in the curriculum, so you can customize the degree to your areas of interest.
Your first two years will deal with foundation courses (e.g. Programming, Statistics, Calculus, Computer and Network Systems, Internet Networking, etc.) plus General Education credits. In your junior and senior years, you’ll be able to focus on specific topics (e.g. Enterprise Planning, Wireless Networking, etc.) and the Network & Security “track”. That track includes 12 credit hours in security courses (e.g. Programming and Database Security, Security Analysis, Info System Security, Network Forensics, Security Policy, etc.) and the 2-term capstone.
ASU wants to see applicants who graduated in the top 25% of their high school class or achieved a 3.0 GPA in competency courses or who score well in the ACT/SAT. Fulton posts online enrollment data and graduation numbers in its Factbook.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
ASU is middle of the range when it comes to price, but there are no out-of-state tuition costs. On top of standard financial aid programs, including assistance with student loans and federal grants, it also offers a healthy number of online scholarships to new students (use the Scholarship Search and filter by online location).
And it’s military friendly—in 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked it #3 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. 1,500+ service men and women study with ASU Online, and the Pat Tillman Veterans Center is ready to help with transferring credits, Tuition Assistance (TA), GI Bill® benefits, etc. Better yet, ASU Online offers a special Military Active Duty and Reservist Commitment Scholarship, which pays for tuition costs that are not already covered by the TA program (students are still responsible for class & university fees).
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University of Arizona
We’re half-tempted to call UA the twin of ASU (and not just because they’re both in Arizona). Like its friend and rival, this public university has NSA CAE designations for both Cyber Defense and Research, a unique Information Assurance and Security Center (IASEC), and a stellar Department of Management Information Systems (MIS) that gives Carnegie Mellon and MIT a run for their money.
The difference lies in the programs. UA has decided to focus its energy on a BAS, which is a two-year completion degree. The curriculum is strong and the coursework is focused, but this is a program for someone who already has work experience or an AAS in their pockets. (UA has some pretty slick transfer agreements with Arizona community colleges.) Once you’re in, you’ll find constructive student support services, including academic success specialists, tutoring, leadership development, and alumni mentorship.
Online Degree Options
Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations
UA’s BAS in Cyber Operations is a completion degree designed for students who are ready to transfer ~60 credits from a regionally accredited institution. In our opinion, it has one of the best BAS curriculums out there. It offers two tracks that follow NSA CAE guidelines: Engineering or Defense & Forensics. It includes a lot of detailed, hard-core security courses in specific fields (defense & offense). It has labs to support instruction (e.g. Internet of Things, Malware Forensics, etc.). And it has developed its own Cyber Virtual Learning Environment to deliver content.
For example, in two years you could be schooled in foundation courses (e.g. Network Analysis, Intro to Cyber Operations, Cyber Ethics, Malware Threats & Analysis, Cyber Warfare, etc.), General Education credits, electives (e.g. Introduction to Cryptography, Information Security Risk Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Investigations & Forensics, etc.), and a senior capstone project. UA does have a second language proficiency requirement, but this can be fulfilled by a test.
Applicants are expected to have a minimum 2.5 GPA, an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cyber Security or a related IT field from a regionally accredited institution, and a sturdy résumé. If you don’t have an AAS and/or a relevant employment background, you’ll be required to take computer information science classes before applying. Check with the school—UA has transfer pathway agreements with many Arizona community colleges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
UA’s tuition costs are refreshingly affordable, and out-of-state online students pay the same tuition as in-state students. Most classes are three or four credits, but you pay per credit hour. UA’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid has specific aid information for online students; it can also help match you to non-UA (third party) scholarships and UA scholarships through Scholarship Universe after you apply.
Looking to transfer military credits? Like ASU, UA is friendly to service members. Military students can transfer up to 30 units from military transcripts (e.g. Joint Services Transcript and the Defense Language Institute) and up to 60 units from CLEP, AP, IB, and DSST test scores. UA is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program.
Do you work for a well-known company? UA has teamed up with a variety of corporate partners (e.g. American Express, U.S. Border Patrol, GEICO, CDW, GoDaddy, etc.) to arrange for tuition reimbursement. Worth a try!
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University of Illinois at Springfield
UIS is an NSA CAE school with computer science forming the backbone of its cyber security programs. The Department of Computer Science (DCS) handles the Online BS in ISS degree, and its faculty receive some of the best student reviews we’ve seen. The DCS also functions as a Cisco Regional Networking Academy, providing IT training for high schools and universities in central Illinois.
But UIS’s secret sauce lies in a partnership. The Department of Computer Science has a special relationship with the NSF-funded Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA). In practical terms, that means DCS faculty have money for cyber security research projects, the wherewithal to co-host a Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference, and continued insights into CSSIA’s cyber security faculty training, its remote virtualization lab environment, and its content initiatives. This tends to add up to better teaching and targeted coursework.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security
The Online BS in Information Systems Security is a 120-credit program composed of 4-credit courses. It’s not a deep dive into the field, but it does focus on the important fundamentals. You can customize the degree with security electives (to some extent). Many of the courses— especially in the upper levels—incorporate case studies, hands-labs, and real-world exercises.
In the ISS major, you’ll be require to take 24 credit hours of core coursework (e.g. Introduction to Networks, Network Security & Computer Ethics, Systems Programming Languages, Windows Network Administration, etc.), 12 credit hours of security electives (e.g. Intrusion Detection, Digital Forensics, Predictive Security, etc.), and a Systems Security and Information Assurance Capstone course.
There are a few stipulations. At least 48 semester hours of your degree must in be upper division credits (third year and fourth year courses) and at least 30 semester hours must be earned at UIS (and not a community college). Applicants are expected to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 and must have completed two semesters of Java programming, at least one calculus class, one math class, and a class in statistics. You can take these prerequisites at UIS if needed.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
UIS’s financial aid section lays out the tuition rates for online undergraduates, as well as an admirable up-front budget of online fees and books/supplies (other universities keep this info hidden). That tuition rate is excellent, by the way—one of the most reasonable on our list. In addition to applying for federal grants and loans, don’t forget to look for relevant scholarships in the UIS Scholarship Database Search.
UIS has a large number of transfer and 2+2 agreements with local community colleges in place, and the Office of Veterans Affairs can help you navigate education benefits, military grants, and Illinois-specific military scholarships.
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Bellevue University
Bellevue is an NSA CAE school that often scores well in rankings for Top Universities for Adult and Returning Learners—adult undergraduates make up a hefty percentage of its student body. Located near the Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, this private Midwest university also has the reputation of being conservative, affordable, and military-friendly. A number of the faculty are veterans with long-running careers in intelligence.
Having said all that, it’s worth noting that Bellevue doesn’t have the same reputation in research as some of the other schools in this list. True, it has an active Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE), but this is not a place of cutting-edge security developments. Instead, CCE supports student progress, maintains a security blog, coordinates high school cyber camps, and administers the student virtual lab. It’s small school, and with it comes a fairly open admissions process and a minimal budget for research.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The online BS in Cybersecurity comes in 2 flavors:
- Traditional: This 127-credit program follows the standard schedule of a campus BS, but it’s offered online. Students must complete 36 General Education credits, 55 credits in electives, and 36 credits in the Cybersecurity major. That major includes 30 required course credits (e.g. Network Security, Assessments and Audits, Operational Security, Cyber Investigations and Forensics, etc.) and 6 credits in a choice of security subjects (e.g. Cryptography, Introduction to National Security, Cyber Crime and Business, etc.).
- Accelerated Cohort: The Cohort is aimed at students who hold an associate’s degree or can transfer 60 undergraduate credits. Cohort courses last 9 weeks and the program can be completed in 54 weeks. In addition to 36 credits in the major (see above), Cohort students must also tackle 9 credit hours in the Kirkpatrick Signature Series (i.e. courses in American Vision & Values, Tradition & Change, and Freedom & Responsibility). Credits for electives may be granted based on prior learning & experience.
The mandatory Kirkpatrick courses emphasize a specific value system—in Bellevue’s case, that includes limited government, popular rule, and free enterprise.
The Admissions pages do not state any required GPA or test scores. Transfer students are not allowed to submit credits for individual courses where they’ve earned a grade below “C-.”
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Bellevue boasts that it is one of the most affordable private universities in the country, with tuition rates that rival some of the cheapest public schools. It works hard to accommodate transfer students—it holds articulation agreements with over 150 U.S. colleges and a number of institutions abroad. It also collaborates with various corporate partners (e.g. Verizon, Home Depot, SunTrust Banks, Mutual of Omaha, etc.) to develop career-relevant programs.
As we mentioned, Bellevue has the reputation of being military friendly. On top of standard military assistance, including guidance on transferring military credits and applying for Tuition Assistance Top Up, Bellevue offers modest Wounded Warrior Scholarships ($1,000). However, the BS in Cybersecurity does not qualify for special military tuition pricing.
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Old Dominion University
Based in Norfolk, Virginia, ODU is a public university with a military flair—let’s call it the kid brother of George Mason. It shares its home city with the Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station, and it’s not far from the Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. To add icing to the cake, it does well in US News & World Report rankings for Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs, Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs, and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
It’s important to note that ODU is offering a completion degree—you must earn your freshmen and sophomore credits elsewhere. Having said that, it’s a great security program. In addition to having a firm base in the Department of Computer Science, it draws on subject expertise from ODU’s Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research (CCSER), the Cybersecurity, Communications, and Networking Innovation Lab (CCNI), and cybersecurity research at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC). VMASC was created at the request of the DoD, who wanted assistance with its war games—we weren’t kidding about the military connection.
If you’re from Virginia, be sure to put it on your shortlist. ODU has discounts for in-state students, transfer agreements with VA community colleges, and participates in the easy-to-navigate Online Virginia Network (OVN), which aims to help Virginians achieve a degree at ODU or George Mason. 80% of its online students also work 20+ hours per week.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The Online BS in Cybersecurity is intended for students who have completed around 60 credits (i.e. the first two years) of college coursework. The curriculum for this degree is hard-core cyber security with a strong emphasis on labs, research, and skills, so make sure your foundation in core subjects (e.g. Math, Statistics, and Computer Science) is strong.
For the major, you must take four courses in foundation subjects at the 300 and 400 level (e.g. Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Introduction to Networking & Security, Information Assurance, Cryptography, etc.). That is on top of four courses in security applications at the 400 level (e.g. Digital Forensics, Secure and Trusted Operating Systems, Enterprise Cyber Defense, Business Intelligence, etc.), one 400 level course in Law & Ethics, and three courses in the Interdisciplinary Core. The Core includes a Cybersecurity Internship and two courses in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Although you can transfer up to 90 credits, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with ODU. You may need to add upper level course credits in General Education if you’re transferring fewer than 90 credits.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
When it comes to tuition rates, ODU is one of the cheapest schools on our list, especially if you’re an in-state Virginia resident or active duty military in Virginia (see which military groups are eligible for in-state rates). But even the out-of-state rates are superb! As per usual, the Office of Distance Learning offers various academic resources for online students, including online tutoring. You can also investigate standard financial aid options; ODU has some specific instructions for distance learners.
If you live in Virginia, think seriously about doing the first part of your degree at a local community college—the state offers Virginia residents a Community College Transfer Grant that can help pay for the final years of study; larger grants are available for students pursuing degrees in STEM fields (i.e. cyber security). Better yet, ODU has Guaranteed Admission agreements with colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). To take advantage of the guarantee, you’ll need to graduate with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in your Associate’s degree; you’ll also need a grade of “C” or higher in each course you want to transfer.
For military & veterans, ODU can provide advice on Tuition Assistance (TA), benefits, and transferring credits—the university is part of several military education affiliations that supply financial aid to military personnel and veterans. ODU’s Office of Distance Learning also offers a modest online Military Scholarship ($1,000) to current or former service members disabled in the line of duty, their spouses, and dependents.
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Roger Williams University
RWU is the “little university that could.” It’s a small, private school in Rhode Island that has gradually been building a name for itself in distance learning and adult education—in 2017, 17% of its undergraduate student body was enrolled in continuing studies. Although it is not an NSA CAE school, it often ranks in the top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges for Veterans. And it’s eminently affordable: RWU likes to boast that it offers a private degree at a public cost.
Consider this online undergraduate program if you’re interested in a work-focused IT qualification. The degree is heavy on both networking and security, with a good deal of emphasis on training students to handle standard security tasks in a modern corporate setting. It’s based on a campus degree at the School of Justice Studies, but the School of Continuing Studies offers a little more leeway in the choice of courses.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Networking
The Online BS in Cybersecurity and Networking is a 120-credit program. As we said, it’s designed to prepare students for security roles in IT Departments—think network administration, IT security, firewall support, penetration testing, packet analysis, digital forensics, and the like.
For the major, you must take 11 required courses in Networking & Security (e.g. Networking and Telecommunications, Advanced Networking, Digital Forensics, Penetration Testing, Cyber Law, etc.); one of those courses is an Internship in Networking and Security. You will also take 12 credits (i.e. 4 courses) in a relevant focus area (e.g. Digital Forensics, General Networking, Networking and Security, or Security Audit). The remaining required credits are made up of related subjects (e.g. Economics, Business, Math, Computer Science) and General Education. You can choose 30 credits of electives. There is no stated GPA requirement.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
RWU has very reasonable tuition rates, especially for a private school. If you’re interested in the program, be sure to check out SCS’s section on Financing Your Education, where you’ll find explanations, checklists, and advice. For instance, students can choose to pay tuition in monthly, interest-free payments.
SCS is willing to accept up to 90 transfer and life credits for work & military experience, community service, self-taught knowledge, etc. We might also mention that it has a number of industry and community partnerships, including agreements with the Rhode Island National Guard and the U.S. Navy.
Speaking of the military, it’s worth noting that military students account for more than 60% of RWU’s continuing studies population. If you’re part of this population, you’re eligible to seek credit from their Joint Service Transcripts (JST), CLEP exams, DSST exams, credit from other accredited higher education institutions, and through the Credit Documentation process. The university is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and currently offers a total of 15 seats in the program. (Seats are not limited to an individual major and/or school.)
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Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIUC is a hidden treasure on our list. It’s the flagship campus of the public Southern Illinois University system, an NSA CAE school, and the top-ranked Illinois School in Washington Monthly’s 2017 America’s Best Colleges for Adult Learners (#36 overall). In that ranking, 19% of its students were over the age of 25, and the school scored high on student services & ease of transfer. Online students pay great in-state tuition rates.
The university only offers an online degree completion program—you’re expected to earn your freshmen and sophomore credits elsewhere. The BS IST is not as security-focused as some, but the curriculum is built for careerists, with a lot of emphasis on applications. In addition, the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies has solid cyber security instructors, and the university has a separate Center for Academic Excellence for Information Assurance and Security Education (CIASE). ISAT also runs the Southern Illinois Collegiate Cyber Co-op (SI3C) Cyber Scholarship Program and hosts on-campus Security Days.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technologies with a Cybersecurity Specialization
To enroll in the Online BS IST with a Cyber Security Specialization, students must first meet SIUC’s University Core Curriculum and Career Course requirements by earning an approved Associate’s degree from an accredited community college. Those Career requirements include 9 credit hours in foundation subjects (i.e. Info Security Fundamentals, Network Fundamentals, and Intro to Programming).
Once you’re in, you’ll be taking a lot of classes in general IT and security. For example, you must complete 27 credit hours in the IST major (e.g. Data Applications and Interpretation, Information Systems, IT Project Management, Occupational Internship, etc.) and a minimum of 15 credit hours (i.e. 5 courses) in the Cybersecurity specialization. Sample security courses include Information Assurance I & II, Network Protocol & Apps, Enterprise Network Management, Device Programming for IoT, and Wireless Communication & Security.
Registration for the Online BS IST is restricted to students who cannot attend the on-campus program and a minimum 2.5 GPA is required for prior post-secondary course work. You can begin the program at any point in the year; part-time enrollment is available.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
SIUC online students pay the same tuition rates as on-campus, in-state students. Like ODU, these tuition rates are very inexpensive; we’re particularly pleased that SIUC has an Online/Distance Learning Tuition Calculator so you can calculate the accompanying fees.
As always, the Financial Aid Office can explain your federal aid options. But we’re pleased to see that the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies offers ISAT/IST Scholarships and the Extended Campus offers a few scholarships to off-campus students. There’s even an Active Duty military scholarship for Active Duty service members, including Guard and Reserve members. The office of Veterans Services can also help with aid applications, admission procedures, transferring credits, and the like.
Finally, be sure to explore all the transfer options if you live in Illinois—SIUC has Guaranteed Admission partnerships with the College of Lake County and McHenry County College, as well as specific Dual Admission Program (DAP) agreements with a large number of local community colleges.
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Davenport University
Davenport is the outsider that no one sees coming. This small, private university in Michigan has enough cyber security power to earn NSA CAE and CDFAE designations (there aren’t that many schools with both). It has been in the distance learning business since 1999 and 42% of its students take all their coursework online. Even more surprising, it offers a healthy tuition discount to out-of-state online students.
It gets better. The full 120-credit BS in Cyber Defense is offered by the College of Technology in two information assurance specialties, the Information Security and Assurance Center (ISaAC) has an active roster of faculty involved in various research interests, and the student Cyber Defense Organization is open to all. If you want to earn all your degree credits in one place, check it out.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense
Davenport’s Online BS in Cyber Defense is a traditional 120-credit program that combines business and IT and comes in a choice of specialties:
- Health Care Information and Assurance, which deals with the intersection of security and the health care industry
- Information Assurance, which focuses more on areas such as disaster recovery, authentication and audits, cryptography, and wireless networking.
To graduate with the BS, you must complete 30-31 credits in General Education, 9-10 credits in Foundation of Business, and 15 credits in Foundations of Cyber Defense (e.g. Database Design, Security Foundations, PC Operating Systems, etc.).
Foundation classes are complemented by lots of security courses: 45 credits in the Cyber Defense Major (e.g. Windows Digital Forensics, Information Security and Assurance, Cisco Networking Fundamentals, etc.), an Internship and a Capstone Project, and 12 credits in your Specialty area (i.e. Health Care Information and Assurance or IA). You can even earn an additional specialty in Mathematical Modeling by taking three additional Math classes. Case studies, hands-on exercises, performance assessments—these are the kinds of characteristics you can expect from the program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
First up—although Davenport’s tuition rates are among the least expensive of Michigan private colleges and universities, they are still pretty high for in-state students. The real deal is the out-of-state tuition discount. Fully online undergraduate students (new and continuing) who live outside of Michigan receive a 33% tuition discount, which brings the price way down.
Davenport also offers transfer course credits for specific professional certifications (e.g. CompTIA’s Network+, Security+, etc.) if you achieve the minimum passing score, as established by the vendor of the specific certification.
Financial aid is standard, but be sure to have a look at the DU Scholarships and Technology Scholarships sections to see if you qualify for undergraduate funds. Military Student Services can help with credit transfers, financial aid, and transcripts; Davenport is a Yellow Ribbon School.
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Franklin University
Adult learners, make a note! Founded in 1902, this small, private university in Ohio was built for the working professional. The average age of students is in the mid-30s and almost 80% of them take online courses. It offers a BS that’s completely focused on cyber security, a fantastic tuition deal for active service members, and numerous transfer options. Name recognition may be a factor in your decision—it’s not an NSA CAE school and it’s unranked by U.S. News & World Report—but its programs are fairly well-known in Ohio.
It also emphasizes industry skills over cutting-edge research. Adjunct faculty often have extensive local corporate experience, and BS students are required to develop a real-world security project with a business or nonprofit. At the Center for Career Development, you’ll find CareerBeam—a virtual career success center that supplies a Job & Internship Board, career planning tools, interview preparation, etc. Admissions are accepted year-round (there are many start dates within each trimester) and no personal essays or recommendations are required.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Franklin’s Online BS in Cyber Security was built to align with key knowledge areas as defined by ISC²— the body that offers CISSP certification. We’re talking about a “soup to nuts” program that begins with foundation courses, explores applications & business issues, and ends with the hands-on project that we mentioned in the intro. Franklin states its program is reviewed by industry reps (e.g. C. Matthew Curtin, Founder of Interhack Corporation) to ensure the curriculum is on-point.
The program consists of 124 semester hours: 36 hours in General Education; 24 hours in the Professional core (e.g. Database Management Systems, Network Security, Principles of Programming, Cyber Security Fundamentals, etc.); 26 hours of electives; and 36 hours in the major (e.g. Information Assurance, Digital Forensics & Incident Response, Security Engineering & Assessment, etc.). For the business project, you’ll be putting all the tools into practice—preparing a security plan & risk assessment, performing penetration tests & vulnerability scans, etc.
You can transfer up to 94 previously earned college credits, but you must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University. Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma (or equivalent) or an associate, bachelor or master’s degree.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
Franklin’s tuition rates are in the middle of the road, but its rate for active service members is one of the best—comparable to some of the military-friendly schools higher up on this list. The financial aid section has advice on state & federal aid, but we should also highlight Franklin’s university scholarships, including funds for undergraduates choosing cyber security as a major, and its tuition payment options, including installment plans, deferred tuition reimbursement, and direct company billing.
Thinking about transferring credits into the bachelor’s degree? Franklin allows transfers for all sorts of credit categories and more than 90% of its students transfer credits. You can use the MyTransfer Credit tool to estimate how much you can transfer. It also has a 3+1 Program for community college credits—you take 3 years of coursework at a community or technical college at a reduced rate and finish your last year with Franklin. 230+ community college partners participate in the university’s Community College Alliance (CCA).
Military & veterans are also in clover. Along with that great rate for active service members, Franklin offers a military family member discount—a 15% tuition discount on a bachelor’s degree for the spouse or dependent child of a current member of the U.S. Armed Forces. You might also wish to take a look at the internal Franklin military scholarship for service members and honorably discharged veterans ($1,000 in tuition assistance for those who have and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Franklin participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
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Western Governors University
WGU is the unicorn on our list. It’s exclusively online, but it’s non-profit and regionally accredited—it was founded by a group of 19 Western governors to help rural residents and low-income students earn a degree. It’s not an NSA CAE school and it’s unranked by U.S. News & World Report, but 72% of its IT undergrads finish in 1-4 years and 73% of WGU students in a 2016 Gallup poll strongly agreed that their education was worth the cost. One key point? It can keep tuition rates very low because it’s not paying for on-campus facilities.
WGU’s unusual approach spills into its degree structure. Instead of traditional per-credit tuition charges, you pay a flat rate every six months, which covers all the coursework you try to tackle—the more courses you take and the faster you finish, the cheaper your education. There’s also a real emphasis on core skills. To progress through the degree, you must pass competency assessments (e.g. tests, papers, projects, etc.)—if you don’t pass, you don’t move on. Aiming for professional certifications? Preparation for many qualifications (e.g. Security+, CCNA, CCSP, etc.) is hard-wired into the curriculum.
We’ll tell you straight—WGU is not for everyone. The university is looking for candidates who already have some experience/IT education, and alumni stress that you need to be self-motivated and an independent learner. The coursework can be challenging, even with prior knowledge, and students spend at least 20 hours per week on studies. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and can commit to getting coursework done, it might be right up your alley.
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
WGU’s Online BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance was designed by various security experts to meet DHS and NSA guidelines; WGU notes that the curriculum is regularly updated with input from the experts on its Information Technology Program Council. The program contains 34 required courses, and you’ll be expected to complete at least 12 competency units (WGU’s equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. Each course is typically 3 or 4 units.
For example, you would start with typical foundation classes (e.g. Statistics, Business of IT, Networks, Info Systems Security, Network and Security, etc.) and General Education courses and then dig deeper and deeper into security topics (e.g. Cryptography, Digital Forensics, Cloud Security, Legal Issues, Cyber Defense, etc.). This particular BS will help you study for and complete a wide range of security certifications (e.g. Network+, Security+, CIH, CCSP, CES, etc.). You’ll also be required to tackle a mandatory capstone.
WGU wants to see applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent and IT experience. That experience might mean an associate degree in information technology or equivalent (A.S. or A.A.S.) OR high-level IT certification earned within the last five years OR a résumé showing three-plus years of IT work experience OR high-level IT coursework completed within the last five years.
Online Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security
The Online BS in Network Operations and Security is offered by the online arm of WGU Washington—an offshoot of WGU that was created in partnership with the Washington State Legislature in 2011. As the title suggests, this degree places more of an emphasis on network administration and operations issues. Cyber security is there, but it’s there as part of a larger subject area. Graduates might go on to jobs as network administrators, info systems managers, and network security analysts, or graduate work in IT security or network administration.
You’ll take 123 competency units (3-4 units per course), including a capstone project. As usual, you’ll begin with General Education and foundation courses (e.g. IT Foundations & Applications, Networks, Security Foundations & Applications, Business of IT, etc.) and then slide into specifics (e.g. Interconnecting Network Devices, Network Design Foundations, Designing Customized Security, etc.). You’ll study for and complete various certification exams (e.g. Network+, Security+, CCNA, and CCNA Security, CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist, etc.).
Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and IT experience. That experience might mean an associate degree in IT or equivalent (AS or AAS) OR high-level IT coursework within the last five year OR three or more years of IT work experience OR high-level IT certification earned within the last five years. You may also be required to take and pass the WGU Readiness Assessment.
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
WGU is up-front about its tuition rates: you pay a flat sum every 6-month term, a certain amount in fees, and a one-time application fee. The more courses you pass each term, the cheaper your overall degree. The university claims to be about half the cost of most other online universities and it has a responsible borrowing initiative to keep debt low—the average student loan debt of graduates in 2016 was less than half the national average.
Financial aid is what you’d expect, but there are some special WGU scholarships, including military & veteran scholarships, community college scholarships, and scholarships for women in tech. Corporate reimbursement is another option to explore, although the university points out that it’s not for folks who are looking to take individual courses only.
WGU allows transfer credits—professionals certifications, an associate’s degree, or previous college credit may waive some courses (e.g. General Education); on average, students transfer 37 credits. If you have completed relevant college courses (e.g. tech) but not earned a degree of any type, the university will do a course-by-course transcript evaluation to see if it matches up to competencies.
One important thing to note: competency-based degree programs at WGU are approved for Military Tuition Assistance and VA education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill®. Its section on military and veterans can fill you in on the details and give you advice on taking advantage of Tuition Assistance (TA). The university does not award traditional credits for military experience, but it may waive requirements based upon DANTES and CLEP exams or when your military experience has been ACE-reviewed and applied directly to the degree program.
WGU Washington
WGU Washington follows the lead of its parent university. It offers the same tuition rates, the same list of WGU scholarships, and the same policies on transferring credits. It also has similar guidelines on financial aid and advice for VA and military (GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance, credit for military experience, etc.).
Next Steps
- Online BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance Admissions
- Online BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance Overview
- Online BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance Tuition Costs
- Online BS in Network Operations and Security Admissions
- Online BS in Network Operations and Security Overview
- Online BS in Network Operations and Security Tuition Costs
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Saint Louis University-Main Campus
Founded in 1818, SLU is a private school that’s ranked among the top Jesuit universities in the country. It does not hold an NSA CAE designation, and it doesn’t conduct a lot of on-campus cyber security research, but it does have a solid record of quality—it’s often ranked in the top 100 of National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.
You’ve got 2 options when it comes to programs: a BS grounded in security and strategic intelligence or a BS in computer information systems that allows you to choose a security concentration. Both are run by the School of Professional Studies and both are built for adult learners—SLU is looking for candidates with 3+ years of work experience. Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week terms to speed up the process; you might take one or two 3-credit courses per term (i.e. 30 credits per year).
Online Degree Options
Online Bachelor of Science in Security and Strategic Intelligence
SLU’s Online BS in Security and Strategic Intelligence is a bit of a hybrid—a cross between a technical degree and a strategic/management approach to national and global security. The 120-credit program includes 48 credits in the Core Curriculum (i.e. General Education), 27 credits in electives, and 33 credits in the major (e.g. Threat and Risk Assessment, Analytics in Security and Intelligence, Database Analysis and Design, Networking and Telecommunication, etc.). You must also choose two of three courses in Cyber Security, Computer Forensics, and Information Assurance, and you get to specialize in one of three tracks:
- Business Continuity (e.g. Integrated Risk Planning, Strategy and Compliance, Resilience, Recovery and Contingency, etc.)—think careers in business intelligence, business operations, emergency & risk management, and business continuity planning.
- Strategic Intelligence (e.g. Terrorism, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, etc.)—think careers in business intelligence, private investigation, foreign affairs, and criminal investigation.
- Global Corporate Security (e.g. Cyber Security and Governance of Data, Tangible Asset Security, etc.)—think careers in security & asset management, loss prevention, transportation security, and criminal investigation.
While you’re working on your degree, you’re encouraged to take applicable industry certification courses (e.g. Security+, CISM, CEH, etc.) through the Workforce Center at SLU. You’ll receive dual credit for these in your BS.
SLU is looking for applicants with a high school diploma or the equivalent, 3+ years of work experience, and who are at least 22-years-old (the school may waive the age requirement on a case-by-case basis).
Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Information Security and Assurance Track
Unlike the degree above, SLU’s 120-credit Online BS in Computer Information Systems follows the traditional format of a BS CIS. There’s much less emphasis on management and interdisciplinary concerns, and more classes on computer science and programming. In particular, this program will really school you in engineering and application skills. It’s a degree for aspiring CIOs, not CEOs.
You’ll be required to take the standard 48 credits in the Core Curriculum, 27 credits in electives, and 33 credits in the CIS foundation (e.g. Information Systems and Technology, Principles of Object-Oriented Programming, Software Engineering, Networking and Telecommunications, etc.). To build your skills in security, you should choose the Information Security and Assurance track, which will allow you to take 12 credits in Enterprise Architecture, Fundamentals of Computer Forensics, Information Assurance and Security, and Enterprise Application Development.
To apply, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, 3+ years of work experience, and be at least 22-years-old (the school may waive the age requirement on a case-by-case basis).
Scholarships & Financial Aid For Online Students
SLU’s tuition rates are in the mid-range of schools on our list, but active military, veterans, and first-responders pay a much lower rate per credit hour. SLU also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program—it will fund 50% of remaining unmet tuition and fee charges for up to 80 students.
When it comes to financial aid, we especially wanted to mention SLU’s scholarships for adult students. This category includes the Larry L. Cockell Security and Strategic Intelligence (SSI) Scholarship for full-time students in the BS in Security and Strategic Intelligence and a Cyber Security Scholarship for students who want to specialize in the field.
It’s fairly straightforward to transfer credits: SLU accepts up to 64 transfer credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 transfer credit hours from accredited four-year institutions (college-level courses should have a grade of C or above). You can also use credits from ACE, CLEP, industry certifications, and DSST exams.
How to Find the Right Program
It’s a given that all of the schools in the top 18 are non-profit and regionally accredited. The real trick is finding a cyber security program that exactly matches your talents, budget, and experience. To slice and dice them down to a shortlist, consider:
Professional Goals
- What Works for You: Do you want a flexible part-time program that encourages you to apply coursework immediately to your job? Do you want to play in a high-stakes virtual lab and dive deep into a senior research project? Do you want small, intimate classes where you’ll participate in group discussions and talk to the instructor frequently? Or do you want an affordable BS that will act as a stepping-stone to graduate work? All of these options (and more) appear on our list.
- Degree Options: You’ll need to decide how quickly you wish to focus on security. For example, an Online BS in Information Systems or Computer Science with a Security Concentration may not be as specialized as a BS in Cyber Security or Digital Forensics, but it might allow for more IT career choices after graduation. Check which school is offering the program (e.g. School of Business vs. Department of Computer Science or Engineering). That will tell you a lot about the slant of the syllabus.
- Field Specializations: Some universities have created programs that apply to a specific IT field (e.g. Roger Williams with its combo of security and networking). Others have devised interdisciplinary degrees (e.g. Penn State, Saint Louis University) that can set you up for a job in government or the foreign service. Highly technical degrees (e.g. Champlain) may be best for certain military positions. Jot down your career goals before you start making decisions.
- Course Content: Cyber security is not about easy “As”—you want to graduate with hard-core fundamentals, strong communication skills, an in-depth knowledge of corporate challenges, and an ability to think creatively. Look for programs that grill you in technical issues, test you on real-world scenarios, and treat you like an adult. Want an industry certification (e.g. Security+)? Some degrees will incorporate these into the curriculum.
Quality Markers
- Admissions Requirements: Strong cyber security programs tend to have tough admissions requirements—it ensures that the caliber of your online classmates will be high. For instance, a university may ask to see proof of a 3.0 GPA, prior work experience, GRE scores, and/or course credits in college-level math. But not to worry if you don’t have these—we found some schools that have open/lenient admissions policies.
- Faculty: Find out who will be teaching your online courses. Academic titles are overrated—we’re much more impressed by real-world experience, online teaching awards, current research projects, rave student reviews, and relevant industry certifications. And don’t be put off by adjunct professors who are teaching part-time but working elsewhere (e.g. active military, DoD, forensics labs, etc.). Their teaching often focuses on direct, real-world applications.
- Online Support: You’re probably going to need more academic and emotional support than an online graduate student. What kinds of resources does the school offer to online students? Is free online tutoring available? How about course mentors? Can you attend virtual career fairs, look at job boards, or talk to a job counselor?
- Name Recognition: When it comes to cyber security, name recognition matters. It’s a technical field, and employers want to know you have fundamental IT training. You can get a feel for reputation by searching for the school name and degree title in LinkedIn profiles (i.e. you’ll see where graduates are currently working). Some universities are known for particular strengths (e.g. Norwich and military/defense).
- NSA CAE: Schools that hold an NSA CAE designation have agreed to meet certain academic and quality requirements—it’s not a “must-have” in our list, but it does mean the school is serious about cyber defense. Interested in cyber forensics? The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations has also created a National Center for Digital Forensic Academic Excellence (CDFAE) designation.
How To Save Money
- Budget Concerns: Realistically, a BS is only going to get you so far in the job market (e.g. security analyst & administrator positions). You’re probably going to need an MS, specialized security training, job experience, and/or bootcamp work to move into high-level positions. You may want to save on an online bachelor’s degree (e.g. a program with an inexpensive but well-regarded state school) so you can splurge on your master’s.
- Completion Degrees & Credit Transfers: For true savings on tuition, think outside the box. You may be able to earn an AS or AAS at a cheap community college and transfer your credits straight into an online completion program (e.g. George Mason, University of Arizona, Old Dominion, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, etc.). You can also get credits for industry certifications, military training, and outside exams. Some universities will allow you to transfer up to 90 credits in a 120 credit program.
- Scholarships & Tuition Discounts: We believe that every university should be transparent about costs. Read the fine print on fees for distance learners (including books & materials) and always double-check to see if you qualify for a discount. Applying for federal financial aid is pretty straightforward but you may need to ask if certain scholarships are open to online students. And talk to your employer about tuition reimbursement—if the company can’t cover all of the tuition, it may cover some.
- Military & Veterans: Military and veterans, especially active service members, often get major tuition reductions for online courses. But it’s worth remembering that online discounts & scholarships can also apply to family members! And we haven’t even started on Yellow Ribbon, Tuition Assistance (TA), and DSST credit transfers. Follow the links in our list to see what military assistance is available for your program.
- Local Deals & Partnerships: Check this list for schools in your state—some universities offer tuition deductions to in-state students, even if they’re studying online. Others go out of their way to accommodate locals. George Mason and Old Dominion are good choices for VA students; Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has transfer agreements with IL colleges; and Roger Williams has partnerships with Rhode Island National Guard and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
Methodology
To rank the top 18 programs/schools in our massive database of online cyber security bachelor’s degrees, we created an algorithm using the following sources:
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data on bachelor’s degree completions for:
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
In addition to completions, we factored in the:
- Acceptance rate (acceptances vis a vis applications)
- Student retention rate (students that stay enrolled in school)
We also considered whether they:
- Appeared in Ponemon Institute’s Report on Best Schools for Cybersecurity
- Hold an NSA CAE designation
- Appeared in our own rankings of Top Cyber Security Schools and Top 25 Online Master’s Degrees
Note: You will see schools on this list that are not NSA CAE. This may be because they have healthy completion and retention rates. U.S. News & World Report only provides a general ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (i.e. degrees in every subject), so we didn’t feel it was relevant to consider those data points.