5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

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Updated October 18, 2023

Explore online bachelor's programs in cybersecurity and how to choose from the top schools. We also cover admission requirements, popular courses, and potential careers.

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Bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity prepare students to protect computer systems against malicious attacks. Graduates can enter a constantly evolving, in-demand field with high-paying opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and information technology jobs to grow 15% from 2021-2031, much faster than average. Professionals in this field earn a median annual wage of $97,430, more than double the median for all jobs.

Learn about the best online cybersecurity schools in this guide. We also cover online cybersecurity degree courses and careers, including educational requirements and average salaries.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Experts date the beginning of cybersecurity to around 1970, when an engineer named Bob Thomas created the first virus capable of transferring between computer networks. In 1988, Robert Morris followed in Thomas' footsteps, inventing a worm that caused enough damage to halt operations across the nascent internet.

Now a necessary position in nearly every workplace, cybersecurity professionals protect their organizations' computer systems from attacks. With business becoming increasingly reliant upon cloud computing, attackers attempt to steal sensitive information and interrupt operations, making cybersecurity a crucial component of any company.

Graduates with bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity qualify for professional roles as consultants, information security analysts, and computer and information systems managers. According to the BLS, the top employing industries for information security analysts include computer systems design, management of companies and enterprises, and credit intermediation and related activities.

With 141,200 information security analysts employed nationwide, BLS projection data indicates a surge in demand of 33% in the profession between 2020 and 2030, far outpacing the national average for all occupations.

Why Get an Education in Cybersecurity?

Higher education entails a significant investment of time, energy, and money. Cybersecurity degree-holders can expect to enter a job market that rewards their investment through lucrative jobs within many career fields. Technology enthusiasts with strong problem-solving skills can find ample opportunities in this challenging and rewarding sector. Consider the following reasons to pursue a cybersecurity degree:

  • Opportunity: With cybersecurity now comprising a crucial component of most businesses, degree-holders can pursue roles in many industries and locations.
  • Challenge: As technology expands and changes, cyberattackers use new methods for undermining computer systems. Cybersecurity professionals must maintain up-to-date knowledge and explore creative solutions, resulting in an engaging and challenging career.
  • Earning Potential: According to BLS data, information security analysts made a median salary of $102,600 in May 2021. Among other lucrative opportunities, cybersecurity degree-holders may also apply their expertise as IT managers, who took home a median annual salary of $159,010 in May 2021.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Compare cybersecurity and computer science programs

Top Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Top Online Schools for Cybersecurity Degrees

The following list ranks 5 of the best online cybersecurity schools; learners can use this page to find the right school for their career goals and learning preferences. To examine our ranking methodology, visit the link below.

Our Ranking Methodology

#1 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1971, Liberty operates on three core values: affordability, academic quality, and accessibility. This evangelical liberal arts institution offers more than 600 online degree and certificate programs. 

Computer Science Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree

Liberty University's computer science cybersecurity degree helps prepare learners for careers as security engineers, ethical hackers, and malware analysts. It teaches students how to develop secure networks and protect sensitive data. 

Students complete 17 core cybersecurity classes, covering topics like C++ programming, Linux, modern cryptography, and system administration. Learners also explore software engineering and database management. 

The curriculum includes hands-on assignments and two capstone classes that let students practice learned skills. Degree-seekers can also use their elective credits to complete an internship.

Other degree requirements include quantitative studies like discrete mathematics, statistical analysis, and theology courses. 

Applying to Liberty

Liberty accepts applications submitted online or over the phone. Applicants must submit transcripts showing a 2.0 minimum GPA and pay a $50 fee.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Tuition: $390/credit
  • Required Credits: 121 credits
  • Program Length: 3.5 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online; asynchronous 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

WGU offers competency-based degree programs, meaning students focus on topic mastery rather than credit completion. This online school aims to expand education access and help students accelerate their careers.

Online Network Engineering and Security Degree

Western Governor's University's bachelor of science in network engineering and security offers two study paths: general and Cisco. 

Both programs include foundational computer science courses in web development, cloud security, and data management. Students pursuing either program earn five industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, LPI Linux Essentials, and CompTIA Cloud+.

The Cisco program covers topics like cyber operations and DevNet fundamentals, which provide learners with three extra Cisco certifications. Students in the general track explore the Internet of Things and fullstack engineering while earning six other CompTIA certifications.

Students finish their degrees with a capstone project, where they design system standards and deploy network infrastructure solutions.  

Applying to WGU

Candidates complete an online application, pay a $65 fee, and submit high school transcripts. They must also meet minimum GPA requirements (2.5 for undergraduate programs or 2.75 for high school STEM classes) or submit proof of IT work experience. WGU also accepts IT certification, completed IT courses, or undergraduate degrees. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private 
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Tuition: $3,625/six-month term
  • Required Credits: 111 credits
  • Program Length: 39 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online; asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

William Woods University

  • Fulton, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

WWU began in 1870 as the Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri. It has since grown to serve over 1,000 undergraduate students. The university offers 25 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

William Woods University's online cybersecurity degree program prepares students to pursue information security analyst careers in the private and public sectors. Graduates can also sit for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. 

The curriculum combines theory with practical application. Students explore topics in cybercrime and information warfare, encryption techniques, and cloud computing. They apply that knowledge and gain hands-on experience in WWU's cybersecurity lab. 

Enrollees must also complete a 120-hour internship or an independent research project, plus a cybersecurity capstone project. These experiential courses encourage students to explore relevant cybersecurity topics and prepare for their careers.

Applying to WWU

Applicants complete a free online application and submit high school transcripts with a 2.0 minimum GPA. WWU's minimum test score requirement is 19 for the ACT or  980 for the SAT.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $300/credit
  • Required Credits: 124 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus or online; asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,000
Out-of-state
$25,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,750
Out-of-state
$6,750
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
2,114
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

McKendree University

  • Lebanon, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Pioneer methodists founded McK in 1828, and the university maintains its traditional Judeo-Christian values. Located in Lebanon, Illinois, McK offers over 20 online degree and certificate programs. 

Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Defense

McKendree University's online cyber defense program follows the guidelines established by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. The program covers securely provisioning and governing IT systems. 

The curriculum focuses on managerial and financial courses. Learners complete 40 business core credits in classes like microeconomics and management information systems. 

The cybersecurity portion includes 18 credits, starting with a foundational programming course. Enrollees explore topics like cyber defense networking and the ethical environment of cyber defense. 

The program ends with a lab-based cyber defense practicum. Degree-seekers identify threats and apply a mitigation plan in a simulated environment.

Applying to McK

Candidates complete a 15-minute online application. They submit their transcripts and test scores from the ACT or SAT. McK does not request an application fee.    

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $405/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Program Length: 3-4 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online; asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,100
Out-of-state
$31,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,324
Out-of-state
$9,324
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
2,200
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees for 2023

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Maryville began in 1872 as an all-girls academy in St. Louis, Missouri. The now coed institution has grown to serve about 10,000 students, with over 6,400 studying online.

Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity

Maryville's John E. Simon School of Business offers an online bachelor's in cybersecurity program. The curriculum combines cybersecurity and business classes to help students prepare for a cybersecurity career in the public or private sector. 

Learners select six core courses exploring topics like managerial accounting, database design, or cyberlaw. Students then choose one of three cybersecurity tracks: general, defense, or offense. Each program track includes four courses. 

The defense track covers topics like digital forensics and cloud security, while the offense track explores ethical hacking. Students who pursue the general track learn both approaches.

Applying to Maryville

First-time applicants need a 2.5 minimum GPA and a high school transcript. Transfer students need university transcripts with a 2.0 minimum GPA. Maryville does not require standardized tests or an application fee. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Tuition: $622/credit
  • Required Credits: 128 credits
  • Program Length: 2.5 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online; synchronous or asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,766
Out-of-state
$24,766
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
10,979
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

What to Expect From a Cybersecurity Degree Program

A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity prepares students to protect digital assets through offensive and defensive methods. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with hands-on projects to emphasize skill-building in critical thinking, analysis, communication, and research. Students can also collaborate with local businesses.

To complete a cybersecurity degree, an enrollee must typically complete 120 credits, including any transfer credits. Some programs allow learners to apply work experience, such as industry credentials, toward degree completion. Depending on the program, the number of transfer credits, and individual student needs, program timelines can vary from 18 months to six years.

Many cybersecurity degree programs offer multiple tracks or concentrations. Foundational courses cover topics like network administration, information systems security, and computer programming. Some programs also cover certain aspects of business environments, such as organization management. Tuition rates also vary by institution, though many schools feature reduced rates.

Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Schools

Cybersecurity programs often require applicants to hold an associate degree in cybersecurity or other college experience, like a cybersecurity certificate, before qualifying for admission. These programs expect students to enter the program with about 30 credits already earned. Some schools do not require any previous college coursework. In either case, most programs allow degree-seekers to transfer more credits into the program as needed.

Applicants may also encounter GPA minimums, typically in the 2.5-3.0 range. In addition to an online application, schools typically require an application fee, personal statement, resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Prospective students can use the Common App to create a single, streamlined application for multiple schools. The Common App also provides planning resources and financial aid information.

Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree and Concentration Options

Most cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs offer BS degrees. Individuals interested in pairing business and technology can also pursue bachelor's degrees in business administration with a focus in cybersecurity.

Several of the best cybersecurity programs offer a selection of specializations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Common options include:

  • Computer Forensics: Computer forensics involves investigation and vulnerability testing, with courses focused on network and malware forensics. Students learn to detect and respond to network intrusions.
  • Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation: This specialization focuses on unearthing crimes like money laundering, credit fraud, and fraud prevention.
  • Information Assurance: Emphasizing the prevention of data-driven cybercrime, the information assurance concentration teaches students to run protected cyberoperations and continually assess system vulnerabilities.
  • Information Warfare and Security Management: An information warfare concentration focuses on issues of national security and explores cyberintelligence from offensive and defensive positions.

Popular Courses at Cybersecurity Schools

Every cybersecurity degree program maintains different requirements and expectations. Prospective students should keep their own interests in mind while researching schools, as coursework differs substantially among schools. Still, degree-seekers can expect to encounter some similarities as they consider their options.

Major requirements for a bachelor's in cybersecurity usually split core degree requirements and electives or concentration options. Some programs also require each enrollee to complete a capstone or senior project. Frequently required courses include:

  • Fundamentals of Computer Networking: Cybersecurity personnel must understand the systems they aim to protect. By studying networking theories and protocols, plus common structures and terminology, learners develop the foundational knowledge they need to apply security measures. Topics include common networking types, hardware, applications, and routing concepts.
  • Computer Science I: This staple of the more technically oriented concentration pathways, such as network forensics and information assurance, covers general knowledge in data structures, programming, and algorithms. A computer science course generally comprises theoretical principles and project-based learning.
  • Cyberlaw and Cybercrime: This course provides a foundation in the legal aspects of cybersecurity. Students learn about laws and regulations as they apply to information security, internet fraud, and the use of digital forensics. Coursework also touches on approaches for investigations that extend across international borders.
  • Information Security: With data breaches becoming a common occurrence among corporations, every business aims to enhance the protection of their sensitive information. This course may cover cybersecurity as it applies to both business and government, focusing on the value of information, legal issues, policy development, and system maintenance as it applies to data security.
  • Cybersecurity Capstone: Capstone expectations vary by program. Some schools require each student to work with an advisor to develop an individual project, while others use seminars. In some cases, students work directly with an existing company to assess their cybersecurity protocols and infrastructure.

Learn more about master's degrees in cybersecurity

Explore top doctorate in cybersecurity programs

Jobs for Graduates of Cybersecurity Colleges

With degrees in cybersecurity, candidates can leverage their expertise to impress potential employers for many computer-related roles. BLS data indicates that careers in the information security field requiring a bachelor's degree took home a national median salary that exceeded $100,000 in 2021. Computer systems analysts earned a median income of $99,270 in 2021, while computer programmers earned a median income of $93,000 in the same year.

Graduates might also consider obtaining professional certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, to help secure lucrative manager or director positions. A master's degree can also accelerate advancement opportunities to roles as computer and information research scientists, for which the BLS reports a median 2021 salary of $131,490.

Top Jobs for Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Graduates

Top Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

How to Choose the Best College for a Cybersecurity Degree

Our rankings provide an excellent anchor for students beginning or continuing their search for the right cybersecurity degree. However, prospective enrollees should consider their own goals and preferences before committing to a program.

Accreditation plays a crucial role in the search for any degree program. Institutional accreditation applies to schools themselves, while programmatic accreditation refers to specific degrees within a school. Many institutions do not recognize transfer credits or degrees earned without institutional accreditation. Cybersecurity degree-seekers may also want to look for programs accredited by the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.

Prospective students should consider the availability of extracurricular activities and university resources. Distance learners may wish to know what kind of community-building opportunities the program provides, such as club memberships and online events. Other important resources include career services and alumni networks, library assistance, disability services, and tutoring.

The cost of a program also weighs heavily for many degree-seekers. Some online cybersecurity schools offer scholarships and other forms of financial aid, so students should ask about these opportunities when contacting potential schools. Learners should also balance cost against earning potential -- many of the best colleges for cybersecurity offer details on graduate success rates, including how quickly graduates secured jobs, salary ranges, and specific job titles.

Why You Should Get Your Cybersecurity Degree Online

The success of online education grows by the year as more top institutions recognize the value of distance learning.

Cybersecurity students can easily learn the necessary theories and principles through online cybersecurity lectures, with practical computing projects particularly suited to distance learning. Enrollees can still participate in group work and make important connections while studying online.

Before committing to an online cybersecurity degree, however, degree-seekers should consider their personal preferences and tendencies. Distance education in cybersecurity curriculum compares equally with the rigor of in-person coursework, necessitating strong self-motivation on the part of the students. Some may want to participate in a busy on-campus atmosphere, whereas others excel in individual study.

Cybersecurity college students should consider the program structure that best matches their situation and personality. Some online courses run through real-time web meetings, requiring enrollees to attend courses at scheduled times. Others present materials for students to complete on their own schedules. Degree-seekers may also prefer a hybrid approach, which incorporates regular or occasional in-person meetings.

Should you attend a cybersecurity bootcamp instead?

Review these tips for taking online cybersecurity classes

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Classes


What degree do I need for cybersecurity?

A cybersecurity degree typically comes in the form of a BS in cybersecurity. Students interested in business might consider a BS in administration with a concentration in cybersecurity, as well.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity?

Depending on the number of credits transferred into a program, a cybersecurity degree can take 18 months to four years. Part-time students may extend programs longer, if necessary.

What can I do with a degree in cybersecurity?

As an essential component to many computer-related professions, cybersecurity opens the doors to jobs like information security analyst, computer and information systems manager, and database administrator.

Is an online cybersecurity degree worth it?

BLS projection data indicates that demand for information security analysts will grow by 33% between 2020 and 2030, far exceeding the national average for all occupations. With an overall growth of 13% for all computer and IT professions, graduates can enter a booming job market with high earning potential.

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