15 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees 2021
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Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity prepare students to protect computer systems against malicious attacks. With cloud computing becoming an increasingly essential component of any business, cybersecurity now counts as a major staple across industries. Cybersecurity degree-holders can demonstrate the foundational knowledge they need to keep up in a rapidly evolving field.
With a cybersecurity degree, graduates enter an exciting field with flexible and potentially lucrative opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information technology professionals across all occupations earned a median annual wage of $88,240 as of 2019.
This page highlights the best online cybersecurity degrees, offering an excellent starting point for prospective students researching potential programs. Readers can learn more about cybersecurity degree expectations and careers, including educational requirements and average salaries.
15 Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees 2021
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.
Prospective students with a strong interest in computers and technology should consider pursuing cybersecurity degrees. Important skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong deductive reasoning.
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 131,000 information security analysts employed nationwide, BLS projection data indicates a surge in demand of 31% in the profession between 2019 and 2029, far outpacing the national average for all occupations.
Why Get an Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree?
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 $99,730 in 2019. Among other lucrative opportunities, cybersecurity degree-holders may also apply their expertise as IT managers, who took home a median annual salary of $146,360 in 2019.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
The Top Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Schools of 2021
The following list ranks 15 of the best online cybersecurity schools for 2021; 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.
What the Best Cybersecurity Programs Have in Common
Student experience can differ greatly based on their chosen school. However, the top cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees share four major characteristics, like institutional and programmatic accreditation.
They are accredited. To grant certificates and degrees respected by government authorities, professional organizations, and employers, postsecondary schools must be accredited. All the colleges featured below hold regional accreditation from one of the following agencies:
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Additionally, many of our listed institutions hold programmatic accreditation from ABET and/or center of academic excellence designation by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
They represent academic excellence. We determine the quality of a postsecondary school’s programming based on its student retention and graduation rates. For example, the University of Charleston (UC) retained 65% of its students during the 2019-20 academic year, which is roughly the average for nonprofit online colleges. However, UC shines when it comes to alumni achievement: 85% of its students find employment or pursue additional academics within six months of graduation, and 98% of graduates earn professional licensing or pass board exams on their first try.
They are reputable. We evaluate reputation by the number of applicants and admitted students an online college yields each year. Reputable, discerning schools may receive many applications but admit relatively few candidates. Pair that metric with a high enrollment rate — how many of those admitted end up attending — and you have a carefully selected student body excited to be at the school.
They have robust cybersecurity programs. To assess program appeal, we look at how many students at an institution are enrolled in online learning both overall and at the bachelor’s level. With remote programming across over 135 areas of study, Regent University is an exemplar in this category. Because cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field, we also look at elective concentration options.
A longtime leader in distance education, Maryville delivers more than 50 remote degrees and certificates through the Canvas platform. Students enjoy flexible start dates and one-on-one guidance from admissions and academic advisors.
Maryville's BS in cybersecurity prepares learners for jobs with government agencies, financial institutions, and tech companies through a curriculum emphasizing project-based skill development. The program entails courses in database design; applied operating systems; and cyberlaw, policy, and compliance. Students also complete a series of core business classes on accounting and economics.
In lieu of the general track, online cybersecurity degree candidates personalize their education by pursuing an offensive concentration focused on mobile security and advanced ethical hacking. Alternatively, they may specialize in defensive techniques like penetration testing and cloud security. Distance learners gain hands-on training through the school's virtual laboratory, the Cyber Fusion Center.
Applying to Maryville
Admission requirements include a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. Maryville is a test-optional institution and does not require prospective undergraduate students to have relevant job experience.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Tuition: $622/credit
Required Credits: 128 credit hours
Program Length: 2.5 years after completion of general education
UND is a comprehensive public research institution that provides over 250 academic programs across nine colleges and schools. The university powers distance education with Blackboard Learn.
Students who enroll in UND's online cybersecurity program learn to protect critical data assets. This training prepares learners for careers with defense firms and technology-focused companies, including employers in the surrounding Red River Valley. The interdisciplinary curriculum centers on electrical engineering, covering such topics as control systems and computer-aided measurements.
Applying to UND
Freshman applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA, and transfer candidates must have earned at least 24 college-level credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA. UND has waived all testing requirements through 2022.
Founded in 1866, Davenport is one of Michigan's oldest higher education institutions. The university was also the state's first distance education community. Today, students choose from over 30 online degrees and certificates through the Global Campus.
In addition to regional accreditation, the Davenport cybersecurity program is designated by the NSA and DHS as a national center of academic excellence in cyber defense education. Students take core classes like database design, Windows digital forensics, and Python/Perl scripting. They gain advanced skills through either an information assurance or healthcare information assurance specialty track.
Students can personalize the curriculum even further with an optional mathematics minor. All degree candidates must complete a relevant internship or field experience. Graduates who do not find work within six months of earning their degree can access financial and career development resources through the Employment Guarantee initiative.
Applying to Davenport
Both first-time and transfer applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and acceptable ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores. In addition to general financial aid, cybersecurity students can apply for Department of Defense and National Science Foundation scholarships.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $815/credit (in state); $544/credit (out of state)
Saint Leo was one of the first American universities to deliver online academic programming. Distance learners choose from more than 75 certificates and degrees. They have the option to earn their credentials through fully asynchronous classes or pursue a learning hybrid experience.
The Saint Leo online cybersecurity degree teaches students to protect cyber assets and critical information. Through a 120-credit curriculum, candidates develop programming skills with Java, Python, and C/C++. They also learn to create statistical analysis applications supporting the organizational decision-making process.
Cybersecurity candidates strengthen their skills in virtual lab sessions and may also gain additional hands-on training through an internship. Graduates are well-equipped to occupy entry-level positions as database administrators, computer engineers, and information security analysts. Alternatively, they can enroll in Saint Leo's online MS in cybersecurity or MBA in cybersecurity management program.
Applying to Saint Leo
Transfer applicants need at least 19 college-level credits demonstrating a minimum 2.0 GPA. Saint Leo offers rolling admissions and six yearly start dates. Prospective students can expect official notification within 30 days of submitting all required application materials.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition: $380/credit
Required Credits: 120 credits
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), hybrid, or on campus
Baker provides affordable academics at its Michigan campuses and through asynchronous courses powered by Canvas. The college's remote certificates and degrees are renowned for their innovation, earning a quality scorecard exemplary endorsement from the Online Learning Commission in 2016.
The online bachelor of science program in information technology and security with a concentration in information assurance/cybersecurity teaches students to respond to internal and external threats. Required coursework includes ethical hacking, security policies and auditing, and VPN firewall. Learners also delve into IT legal/ethical issues like intellectual property and social media addiction.
All degree candidates need to gain at least 150 hours of work experience. The program culminates with a research-focused senior project that lets students examine a pertinent challenge in the technology field. Baker is a designated national center of academic excellence in cyber defense and education.
Applying to Baker
Baker does not maintain minimum GPA requirements. Applicants may send ACT or SAT scores to strengthen their admissions portfolio, but doing so is not mandatory. Nearly 86% of students receive scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial aid.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $415/credit
Required Credits: 120 credit hours
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous) or on campus
Based in Fulton, Mississippi, William Woods enrolls 3,500 students annually. Nearly two-thirds of learners engage in remote learning, earning their credentials through eight-week, asynchronous classes powered by the Moodle platform. The university offers over 20 fully online degrees.
The William Woods online cybersecurity bachelor's degree prepares students for careers with government and military bodies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations. Required courses include database management systems and critical infrastructures. Learners also explore information warfare and digital terrorism, focusing on the legal strategies and information technology tactics used to combat these threats.
Cybersecurity degree candidates develop practical skills though virtual laboratory sessions and internship training. They round out their undergraduate studies with a capstone project, in which students investigate a major challenge in the information technology and assurance field. Distance learners can begin classes in January, March, April, June, August, or October.
Applying to Williams Woods
William Woods operates a rolling admissions process. In addition to a minimum 2.0 GPA, applicants must score at least 19 on the ACT or 980 on the SAT. The university offers scholarships for incoming first-year and transfer students.
UC offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees, 12 of which students can earn entirely online through asynchronous coursework. On top of low tuition rates, distance learners benefit from job guidance and professional networking opportunities through the Center for Career Development.
Cybersecurity students can earn their online degree either part or full time. Coursework consists of incident handling, security analysis, and ethical hacking and countermeasures. Learners personalize the curriculum with a complementary minor, which entails a prescribed business track covering fundamental marketing, accounting, and organizational management topics.
UC is an accredited training provider for the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (E-C Council). Graduates are prepared to pursue IT certifications like the Cisco certified network associate and CompTIA's A+ credential. They can pursue careers as network administrators and information systems security engineers.
Applying to UC
As a degree completion track, the UC online cybersecurity degree requires applicants to hold either an associate of cybersecurity or 60 credits of relevant coursework. Prospective students also need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Regent aims to provide accessible education to students of all backgrounds. The university offers online certificates and degrees in over 135 academic disciplines. Distance learners can take traditional 15-week courses or accelerate graduation with eight-week classes.
Online cybersecurity degree students learn to implement and maintain integrated defenses to minimize organizations' IT weaknesses. The curriculum includes coursework in computer science ethics, digital forensics, and project management and practice. Candidates also examine contingency planning to help businesses recover from external attacks and internal subversion.
The cybersecurity program culminates with a capstone course in project management and practice. Working in teams, students design and test complex information systems to synthesize major concepts and skills. Regent is a national center of academic excellence in cyber defense education, as designated by the NSA and DHS.
Applying to Regent
Regent does not require online students to satisfy minimum GPA or standardized testing requirements. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits. However, cybersecurity degree candidates must complete at least half of their major requirements at Regent.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $395/credit
Required Credits: 120 credits
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
UofA Global offers 60 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and more than 2,200 individual courses. The university is a leader in information technology education, recognized by the NHA and DHS as a national center of academic excellence for cyber defense education.
This BAS in cyber operations with a defense and forensics emphasis is a practitioner-focused program that teaches students to implement countermeasures and gather digital evidence. On top of security fundamentals for Linux and Windows systems, the curriculum covers topics like social engineering, wireless networking, and cloud computing.
Students also learn to use Python to support operational analytics and penetration tests, strengthening these skills in Cyberopolis, a state-of-the-art virtual training ground. Learners round out the program by producing and presenting a research paper. UofA also offers cyber operations emphasis options in cyber engineering and cyber policy/law.
Applying to UofA
The cybersecurity program is a degree completion track, requiring applicants to transfer 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution demonstrating a minimum 2.4 GPA. Additional admissions materials include a goal statement and a current resume.
Drexel enrolls over 24,000 students each year, making it one of the largest private research universities in the United States. About 20% of learners obtain their credentials remotely through flexible classes powered by Blackboard Learn.
The Drexel online cybersecurity degree is designed for working IT professionals who want to advance into leadership positions as software engineering managers and information assurance specialists. Required coursework comprises network administration, data science, and software project management. Students also delve into human-centered design, using consumer and stakeholder feedback to support the product development cycle.
Cybersecurity candidates pursue either a computing technology or computing security concentration. The former option emphasizes defense structures for mobile applications and cloud computing platforms. The latter track focuses on conducting multi-tiered penetration tests and systems audits for risk management purposes.
Applying to Drexel
Prospective students must have 36 transferable quarter credits (or 24 semester credits) earned at a regionally accredited institution with at least a 2.0 GPA. Drexel allows distance learners to apply up to 90 credits toward degree completion.
Champlain is a private college headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses located in Dublin and Montreal. The school offers more than 60 remote certificates and degrees, including two options for students interested in information technology and security.
The online cybersecurity bachelor's program covers 31 major programming languages and applications, including CSS, Google Hacking, VMWare, and Linux Server. Students also learn to write security script using Python, preparing them for careers as penetration testers and security auditors.
The computer forensics/digital investigations program best suits criminal justice professionals who want to advance their careers with law enforcement agencies and multinational corporations. Coursework includes criminal law, white-collar crime, and anti-forensics.
Beyond college-level coursework, students can earn transfer credit for certification earned with organizations like the Information System Security Certification Consortium and the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center. The NSA and DHS designate Champlain as a center of academic excellence for cyber defense.
Applying to Champlain
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must submit a current resume and answer 3-4 short-answer questions. Champlain awards up to 90 transfer credits, enabling some candidates to earn their cybersecurity degree in under one year.
Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior is a career-focused college that primarily serves working professionals. The academic catalog offers over 40 certificates and degrees in business, healthcare, liberal arts, public service, and technology.
Excelsior's online cybersecurity degree meets NSA/DHS standards for center of academic excellence in cyber defense designation. The curriculum covers topics like network and application security, business data communication, and computer forensics. Students also learn to assess the vulnerabilities of existing security systems and new structures
In lieu of a generalist track, cybersecurity candidates can pick the cyber operations concentration. This option focuses on programming and reverse engineering strategies used by government agencies to confront large-scale cyberterrorism. Graduates are prepared to take certification exams from vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and the Project Management Institute.
Applying to Excelsior
Excelsior maintains a holistic admissions process, meaning applicants do not have to meet GPA minimums or submit test scores. Students can earn up to 113 transfer credits from prior coursework, job experience, professional certification, and military training.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $510/credit
Required Credits: 120 semester credits
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Established in 1973, CityU offers over 65 flexible academic programs in areas like education, business leadership, health and human services, and project management. A national center of academic excellence in cyber defense education, the university also offers information technology (IT) certificates and degrees.
Students who enroll in the online cybersecurity program gain the skills to investigate and deter identity theft, DdOS attacks, and digital terrorism campaigns. The program entails coursework in database technologies and cyber ethics. Learners also receive foundational training in Python and Standard C++.
Through specialized electives, degree candidates can focus their skills on areas like IT service management and machine learning. The program ends with a capstone course, in which learners conduct research and give presentations about a pertinent information security topic. CityU facilitates networking events that allow current students to meet alumni working for major employers like Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft.
Applying to CityU
CityU offers four start dates each year. The university does not maintain minimum GPA or standardized testing requirements. Distance learners may access a variety of financial aid resources, including scholarships specifically for transfer and international students.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $420-$489/credit (depending on course level)
Required Credits: 180 quarter credits
Program Length: 2-4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), on campus, or hybrid
Immaculata powers distance education with Moodle, providing more than 24 online certificates and degrees. Remote learners can take classes part time, enroll full time, and even complete accelerated courses to earn their bachelor's degree in as little as two years.
Designed for busy IT professionals, the online cybersecurity program equips students with the skills to address increasingly frequent and complex digital threats. Major coursework covers web design applications, vulnerability assessment and penetration, and 3D computing. Immaculata also offers a unique class on open-source intelligence collection and analysis.
Cybersecurity candidates can use the 39 elective credits to take on a complementary minor like business administration, finance, or information systems. As part of their capstone experience, students conduct research and present their findings to faculty and industry experts. Immaculata grants up to 72 credits for coursework completed at accredited schools and even non-accredited training centers.
Applying to Immaculata
The College of Adult Professional Studies does not maintain GPA or standardized testing requirements. Immaculata offers a 15% tuition discount to students with in-house associate credentials returning to complete their cybersecurity degree.
Penn State World Campus enrolls about 20,000 students in over 150 online academic programs each year. Distance learners can access learning materials, complete assignments, and engage with peers and professionals at their convenience through asynchronous courses.
The Penn State program stands out from other online cybersecurity degrees for its emphasis on mathematics. Students build a strong foundation in statistics, discrete math, and calculus to help them to analyze IT risks and support organizational decision-making. Through laboratory studios, candidates learn fundamental cyber defense techniques like configuring a firework and implementing intrusion detection tools.
All cybersecurity students complete an internship with either university partners or organizations in their communities. They round out degree training with a capstone course, engaging in a semester-long practical exercise created by their instructor. Graduates are prepared to work as information security analysts, vulnerability assessors, security engineers.
Applying to Penn State
The College of Information Sciences and Technology requires applicants to achieve passing scores on math placement exams. To qualify for the cybersecurity major, students must complete six foundational classes with minimum 2.75 GPA.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $576-$617/credit (depending on remaining required credits)
Required Credits: 126 semester credits
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
What To Expect From Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs
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 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.
Cybersecurity programs often require applicants to hold an associate degree or other college experience, like a 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.
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.
Many 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 Cybersecurity Degree Courses
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jobs for Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Graduates
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 $80,000 in 2019. Computer systems analysts earned a median income of $90,920 in 2019, while computer programmers earned a median income of $86,550 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 2019 salary of $122,840.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect their company’s systems against cyberattacks. They employ defensive software and firewalls, detailing network activity to detect any malicious activity. Top industries include computer systems design, banking, and insurance. While bachelor’s degrees qualify applicants for many positions, employers sometimes prefer information security analysts who hold master of business administration degrees.
These professionals, who commonly work in computer and information systems management, coordinate security plans for their organizations, often supervising staff teams. They perform regular research to remain informed on the latest trends and threats. Cybersecurity graduates can qualify to work as security managers with bachelor’s degrees, though master’s degrees may help with advancement opportunities.
Computer network architects handle the hardware components for their organizations’ data communication networks. Implementation, maintenance, and research all factor into a computer network architect’s responsibilities.Top-employing industries include telecommunications, computer systems design, and management of companies and enterprises.
These professionals oversee employers’ data systems to ensure the security of sensitive information. They protect customer data, financial details, and health backgrounds. Database administrators also run tests, install patches, and back up company data. Top industries include computer systems design; management of companies and enterprises; and colleges, universities, and professional schools.
Network and computer systems administrators oversee daily IT operations for their companies. They handle issues related to data communication, including upgrades and installations, user setup, and problem-solving. They also monitor for security issues and implement solutions. Top employers include computer systems design and educational services.
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. Regional and national accreditation apply to schools themselves, while programmatic accreditation refers to specific degrees within a school. Many institutions do not recognize transfer credits or degrees earned without regional accreditation. Cybersecurity degree-seekers may also want to look for programs accredited by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense or Operations.
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 programs 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 schools offer details on graduate success rates, including how quickly graduates secured jobs, salary ranges, and specific job titles.
Why You Should Get Your 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 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 degree, however, degree-seekers should consider their personal preferences and tendencies. Distance education 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a degree in cybersecurity worth it?
BLS projection data indicates that demand for information security analysts will grow by 31% between 2019-2029, far exceeding the national average for all occupations. With an overall growth of 11% for all computer and IT professions, graduates can enter a booming job market with high earning potential.
The best cybersecurity schools prepare students for exciting and lucrative IT careers. Explore our ranking of the best cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs.
Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?
Find the right education path to take advantage of this fast-growing industry and join the front-lines on technology and security.
