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A bachelor’s in cybersecurity provides a foundation in information technology (IT), computing, and information security theory and strategies. Cybersecurity school prepares students for careers like information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security engineer.
Demand for computer and IT professionals continues to increase as businesses and other organizations move more operations online. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 31% job growth rate for information security analysts between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average growth projection for all occupations. As cyberattacks increase, organizations continue to need skilled professionals to improve information security.
This page includes a list of best cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs. We also explain what to expect from a typical cybersecurity program, potential jobs for graduates, and how to choose the right school.
Cybersecurity is an exciting, lucrative, and in-demand field concerned with protecting valuable and sensitive information from cyberattacks by hackers and other malicious actors. Cybersecurity professionals once primarily worked in specialized areas like defense and government, but industries like finance, retail, insurance, and healthcare now demand these experts’ knowledge as well.
Popular cybersecurity jobs include information security analyst, security engineer, and penetration tester. Cybersecurity professionals also work as security administrators and chief information security officers. The BLS reports 131,000 information security analysts working in the U.S. as of 2019, with that number expected to grow by 40,900 by 2029.
The cybersecurity field attracts those interested in justice, privacy, and information security. These individuals tend to possess computer, math, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Earning a BS in cybersecurity helps students develop the technical skills and theoretical foundation to qualify for a variety of computer and IT jobs, or to apply to graduate school in cybersecurity and related fields.
Many employers prefer or require applicants with bachelor’s degrees. Specializing in cybersecurity can help you stand out from applicants with more general IT or computer science backgrounds. Some technical industry certifications required by employers also call for a bachelor’s degree.
Why Apply for a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs prepare students for well-paying careers in computers and IT. Although it takes time, money, and hard work to earn a BS in cybersecurity, it can pay off. Below, we discuss potential benefits of getting a cybersecurity bachelor’s, including the opportunity to develop technical skills, make a comfortable salary, and enjoy job security.
Gain Technical Skills
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs provide training that helps students develop in-demand technical skills to mitigate and respond to cyberattacks. They learn programming languages, risk management strategies, and how to identify security risks.
High-Paying Field
Bachelor’s in cybersecurity jobs typically offer competitive wages. The BLS reports that as of 2019, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $99,730, significantly higher than the median annual wage for all workers of $39,810.
Job Security
The demand for computer and IT professionals in general, and cybersecurity specialists in particular, continues to grow. As organizations conduct more of their operations online, they need information security experts to help protect their data.
Top Online Programs
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2021’s Top Bachelor Degree Programs in Cybersecurity Schools
Graduates of our top-ranked cybersecurity schools earn some of the highest salaries in IT. The following schools offer the 15 best cybersecurity degrees in 2021, according to our unique ranking methodology.
What the Best Cybersecurity Degrees Have in Common
Each college and university offers a unique experience, but the best cybersecurity schools often share some characteristics. We apply the following criteria to rank the top cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs:
They are accredited. To earn accreditation, a school must undergo a rigorous evaluation to meet standards set by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students should only consider schools that hold national or regional accreditation, with the latter held in higher regard. Some cybersecurity schools receive programmatic accreditation through ABET or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Our rankings include schools with regional accreditation through 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 (NWCCU)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
They are reputable. Our rankings highlight schools with selective admission, high admissions yields, and impressive average alumni earnings six years after graduation. DePaul University, for example, ranks fourth on our list, due in part to the school’s 68% acceptance rate.
They provide affordable programs. Affordability takes precedence for many prospective college enrollees. Our list ranks the top cybersecurity schools according to their average amount of aid awarded, net price, percent of students with scholarships or federal aid, and default loan rate. Our first-place school, Messiah University, awards financial aid to 100% of its first-year undergraduate students.
They embody academic excellence. Our rankings recognize high-performance schools with impressive statistics, including their student retention rates, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, and full-time faculty. Our third-place school, Maryville University, boasts an 83% retention rate and a 71% graduation rate.
Founded in 1909, Messiah offers nearly 200 graduate and undergraduate programs in the Christian tradition. The university enrolls nearly 3,400 students in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and online.
Messiah offers its BS in cybersecurity through the Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Physics. The cybersecurity bachelor's explores information assurance, ethical hacking, and secure software. Each student must also satisfy an experiential learning requirement to earn the degree.
Messiah's experiential learning initiative enables enrollees to complete internship or service-learning projects, hold student leadership positions, or pursue undergraduate research projects to meet degree requirements. Cybersecurity students participate in internships with organizations including Comcast, Ford Motor Company, and General Electric. The program trains degree-seekers to bring Christian principles to the cybersecurity profession.
Applying to Messiah
Applying to Messiah requires a $50 application fee. Each applicant must provide official high school transcripts; a personal statement; and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores with their completed admission application.
Through multiple campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel enrolls more than 24,000 students and offers over 200 programs. Drexel helped pioneer distance education with the launch of its online program in 1996.
Drexel offers its bachelor's in cybersecurity as a full-time program on campus or a part-time degree-completion program online for transfer students with two years of experience. Students must choose a concentration in computing technology or computing security. The National Security Agency has deemed Drexel a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity.
Drexel's unique cooperative learning model provides practical career training opportunities. Learners may complete one co-op over four years or three co-op experiences over five years. Core course requirements include network administration, information technology security, and open servers. The degree culminates in a two-part senior project.
Applying to Drexel
Each candidate must provide official high school transcripts, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Drexel currently maintains a testing-optional policy for standardized test scores. Transfer students with at least 24 completed credits must submit official transcripts of all college-level coursework. Applicants with fewer than 24 credits must submit high school transcripts and may require SAT or ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $17,956/term (on campus); $530/credit (online)
Required Credits: 188 quarter credit hours
Program Length: 4 years (with 3 co-op experiences) or 5 years (with 1 co-op experience)
Delivery Format: On campus or 100% online (asynchronous)
Maryville, following 16 consecutive years of record enrollment, is the nation's second-fastest-growing private university, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. The university enrolls nearly 11,000 students and offers more than 120 academic programs.
Maryville's BS in cybersecurity offers offensive, defensive, and general tracks. The curriculum includes general education, business core, cybersecurity core, and elective coursework. The cybersecurity degree culminates in a business policies capstone requirement. Each enrollee receives a complimentary iPad and partners with a life coach to customize their coursework.
Maryville developed the Cyber Fusion Center for students to provide free cybersecurity services to local organizations, including the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club and the American Cancer Society. The university also offers a bachelor's in cybersecurity online.
Applying to Maryville
Maryville accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants must provide official high school transcripts demonstrating a high school GPA of at least 2.5. Students may opt to provide SAT or ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $24,766/year (on campus); $622/credit (online)
Required Credits: 128 credits
Program Length: 4 years (on campus); 2.5 years (online)
DePaul enrolls nearly 22,000 students as the nation's largest Catholic university. The university offers an "urban education" with a "global perspective" through hundreds of academic programs across 10 schools and colleges.
DePaul offers a bachelor's in cybersecurity through its College of Computing and Digital Media. Enrollees gain practical experience through designing and implementing infrastructure elements. DePaul maintains a security laboratory, equipped by Cisco to provide training in virtual private networks, multi-vendor firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems.
The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency recognize DePaul as a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity. Degree-seekers may earn additional Cisco certified network associate credentials. The degree culminates in an information systems security engineering capstone. DePaul makes many courses, including 100% of lectures, available online for enrollees in the cybersecurity bachelor's program.
Applying to DePaul
Students may apply for early action or regular acceptance notification, though all undergraduate programs begin in September. Each applicant must submit official high school transcripts and may choose to submit ACT or SAT scores.
St. John's enrolls more than 21,000 students at multiple campuses across New York; in Italy, France, and Ireland; and online. The university offers more than 100 academic programs rooted in Catholic and Vincentian traditions.
St. John's offers its BS in cybersecurity systems through the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies and the Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science. Learners can complete their degrees at the university's main campus in Queens, New York. The program prepares students for careers in Fortune 500 companies and law enforcement agencies.
The bachelor's in cybersecurity systems emphasizes foundational math, programming, and computing coursework. Course options unique to St. John's include perspectives on Christianity, moral theology, and "discover NY." Students can complete elective internships in the fourth year of the degree.
Applying to St. John's
St. John's offers a free online application for all undergraduate programs. Each candidate must submit official high school transcripts, plus standardized test scores or a personal essay. St. John's recommends that test-optional applicants also submit resumes and letters of recommendation.
Founded in 1918, Seton Hill ranks among the nation's most prominent Catholic universities. Students may choose from more than 100 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs on its campus in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and online.
Seton Hill's BS in cybersecurity explores computer ethics and society, cybercrime, and network security. Elective coursework incorporates related topics such as criminal justice, criminalistics, and mobile software systems. Each enrollee must complete a three-credit internship. The BS in cybersecurity culminates in a computer systems research/seminar capstone course.
Seton Hill recently earned recognition as an Apple Distinguished School for the sixth time. All traditional, full-time undergraduate students receive a free MacBook Air through the Mobile Learning @ The Hill program. At least 50% of cybersecurity faculty members hold a Ph.D. in their field of expertise. Seton Hill's dedicated Career and Professional Development Center assists students in locating internships and pursuing cybersecurity jobs.
Applying to Seton Hill
Applicants must submit official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Candidates who choose the test-optional route submit 200-word essays and letters of recommendation.
ISU enrolls nearly 21,000 students from 47 states and 74 countries. One in four students at ISU come from underrepresented backgrounds. Learners can choose from more than 160 academic programs across seven schools and colleges.
This bachelor's in cybersecurity emphasizes cryptography, ethical hacking, and security basics. The curriculum also provides a foundation in computer hardware and software, networking, and programming languages. ISU's BS in cybersecurity also introduces students to computer forensics. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security named ISU a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity.
ISU offers the cybersecurity program through its School of Information Technology and the College of Applied Science and Technology. Degree-seekers may choose to select a major or minor in cybersecurity or enroll as first-year enrollees or transfer students. The School of Information Technology requires transfer applicants to possess experience in Java programming, data structures, and computer problem-solving.
Applying to ISU
ISU recommends new freshmen apply to the fall semester. Applicants should demonstrate completion of high school coursework, including English, math, science, social science, and foreign language. ISU also considers a student's GPA for admission. While not required, applicants may also submit SAT or ACT scores and a personal statement.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $404/credit hour (in state); $838/credit hour (out of state)
Founded in 1846, TU offers liberal arts programs in the Christian tradition. The university occupies a 952-acre campus in Indiana and an online division, enrolling nearly 1,800 students from 41 states and 25 countries.
TU offers its bachelor's in cybersecurity through the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. The BS in computer science with a major in cybersecurity follows standards set by the Association for Computing Machinery and the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Graduates of TU's computer science programs enjoy a near-100% placement rate.
Core requirements within the cybersecurity major include a practicum, senior project, and computer science senior capstone. Courses explore digital forensics, software reverse engineering and analysis, and computer and network security. TU offers practical experience through grant-supported research for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Labs and a student-run cybersecurity club.
Applying to TU
Each applicant must provide high school transcripts demonstrating completed coursework in English, math, science, social science, and a foreign language or fine arts. TU prefers SAT or ACT scores but may accept placement testing or academic recommendations instead. All candidates must submit a testimony/statement and a Christian character reference.
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USAFA combines academic programs and military training. The university enrolls more than 4,000 cadets and offers more than 30 programs. USAFA boasts a cadet-to-faculty ratio of just 8-1.
USAFA's cybersecurity bachelor's degree program requires core, major, and physical education modules. Core courses explore statistics, physics, and chemistry. Each enrollee must complete a two-part cyber science colloquium sequence and a two-part cyber science capstone requirement. Graduates qualify for specialized positions within the Air Force and in the IT security field.
USAFA's program develops skills for pilots to operate advanced software systems for aircraft, weapons, and military equipment. Applicants do not require prior programming experience. The cyber science degree features introductory coursework in basics such as telecommunications, cyberoperations, and computer programming.
Applying to USAFA
Each applicant must be 17-23 years old, a U.S. citizen, unmarried with no dependents, and of upstanding moral character. Additionally, USAFA requires SAT or ACT scores, class rank, and GPA to determine academic fitness for the program. Candidates must also meet physical and medical admission requirements.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC; ABET
Tuition: None; students must commit to serve in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force
RWU enrolls about 6,500 students at two campuses in Rhode Island and online. Students choose from more than 60 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across nine schools and colleges.
RWU emphasizes practical learning as a tenet of its higher learning model. The cybersecurity and networking program guarantees internships for students through organizations such as Dell SecureWorks, Raytheon, or police crime labs. RWU requires a signature core course sequence. The program culminates in a senior seminar.
Advanced course topics include penetration testing, cryptography, and digital forensics. Most RWU students select more than one major, with many cybersecurity enrollees pursuing dual majors in computer science, psychology, criminal justice, or web development. RWU employs cybersecurity faculty with experience at organizations including SecurityWeekly.com and CyberPatriot.
Applying to RWU
Candidates submit applications through CommonApp, including an essay. RWU also requires official high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Students may opt to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Established in 1871, EC offers nearly 100 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs, all in the Christian tradition. The college enrolls more than 3,400 students online and on campus near Chicago, Illinois.
EC launched its undergraduate major in cybersecurity in the fall semester of 2020. The program combines interdisciplinary coursework in information systems, computer science, and math. Its bachelor's in cybersecurity explores operating systems, Linux, and algorithmic analysis.
Though not required, advisors recommend that each enrollee completes an internship and incorporates criminal justice into their curriculum. The program culminates in a capstone course in software engineering. EC welcomes transfer students with prior experience in STEM disciplines.
Applying to EC
EC considers applicants holistically, based on their cumulative academic performance and potential. Each candidate submits high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores or an admission essay. EC adheres to a test-optional admissions policy.
UT enrolls roughly 9,600 students from all 50 states and 132 countries. Students can choose from more than 200 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across four colleges.
UT offers its undergraduate cybersecurity major through the Sykes College of Business. The program requires a core business module in financial accounting, business law, and principles of management. Cybersecurity coursework covers network and cloud infrastructure, information security standards, and application development, culminating in a cybersecurity capstone.
This program prepares students for professional certification through the certified information systems security professional exam. UT emphasizes practical learning in its cybersecurity lab, which features more than 60 work stations. The Sykes College of Business receives accreditation through AACSB.
Applying to UT
UT accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students in the fall, spring, and summer terms. A candidate must submit high school transcripts or GED scores with their completed application. UT does not require SAT or ACT scores. Each first-year student must also submit a letter of recommendation and an essay, unless they possess prior college experience.
As the oldest and largest Christian college in Oregon, George Fox maintains multiple campuses throughout the state and online. Students can choose from dozens of graduate, undergraduate, certificate, and seminary programs.
George Fox offers a BS in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. The curriculum explores foundational coursework in computer science, computer engineering, and information systems. The National Security Agency and the Central Security Service designate George Fox as a center of excellence in cyber operations.
Like all undergraduate programs at George Fox, the BS in cybersecurity requires a comprehensive general education course sequence in the Christian liberal arts. Requirements include a writing lab, a college experience course, and Bible study and theology coursework. The general education sequence culminates in a senior capstone. Applicants with advanced qualifications may complete the Honors Program instead.
Applying to George Fox
George Fox requires each candidate to submit official high school transcripts and a completed application. Applicants may opt to submit ACT or SAT scores. George Fox recommends that students with cumulative GPAs below 3.0 submit academic reference letters.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $37,840/year
Required Credits: 29 credit hours in the major, plus general education package or Honors Program
Based in Bellingham, Washington, WWU occupies a scenic campus near the Sehome Hill Arboretum. WWU enrolls more than 16,000 students and offers more than 175 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
WWU offers a "2+2" degree-completion cybersecurity program. Students complete the first 90 credits (two years) of the undergraduate cybersecurity program as an associate degree through a Washington state community college. WWU awards the BS in cybersecurity to transfer students who complete the final two years of the program through the College of Science and Engineering and the Computer Science Department.
WWU emphasizes practical learning opportunities for cybersecurity students. The university recently features internships with Premera Blue Cross and IBM. WWU participates in the Cyber Defense Club, the Association for Women in Computing, and Viking Womxn in Cybersecurity.
Applying to WWU
Each transfer applicant must provide college transcripts and an essay outlining their academic achievements and goals. WWU does not require but will consider SAT or ACT scores for transfer students.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition: $6,705/year (in state); $23,463/year (out of state)
RIT enrolls nearly 19,000 students at its main campus in Rochester, New York, and international locations in Dubai, China, Croatia, and Kosovo. RIT also ranks among the pioneers of distance education in the U.S. since launching its first fully online program in 1991.
RIT's BS in computing security emphasizes a unique cooperative learning model. This program requires two blocks of cooperative education through a full-time, paid work experience in computing security. Additionally, students complete core coursework in programming, ethics, and computer and network security, along with electives in digital forensics and malware, security software, and security management.
Each student completes a capstone in computing security during their final year. Learners with strong academic records may qualify to enroll in RIT's five-year, accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree in computing security. RIT also offers a combined BS in computing security and MS in science, technology, and public policy.
Applying to RIT
Each applicant must demonstrate a strong academic background in college-preparatory coursework, including English, math, science, social studies, and/or history. Specific prerequisites include four years of math with pre-calculus, chemistry or physics (RIT prefers both), and computing electives.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: $25,282/semester (full time)
Required Credits: 126 semester credit hours
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: On campus
What To Expect From Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs develop fundamental IT and computer skills, while emphasizing information security, risk mitigation, and data analytics. A BS in cybersecurity typically requires 120 credits, which full-time learners can complete in four years. Some cybersecurity schools offer accelerated options that take less time.
The cost of a cybersecurity degree varies by school, but the National Center for Education Statistics reports that public, four-year universities charged their in-state students an average of $9,212 in tuition and fees as of the 2018-19 academic year.
The cybersecurity field offers a variety of degree types, including a BS in cybersecurity, BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration, BS in information assurance, and BS in computer science with an IT concentration. Though similar, these degrees often emphasize different skills and areas of knowledge. Students should pick the degree type that most closely aligns with their career goals.
Some cybersecurity programs offer concentrations in areas like mobile application development and data analytics. The specific types of courses that cybersecurity majors take varies by program, but a typical curriculum includes classes that focus on topics like digital forensics, legal issues in cybersecurity, and ethical hacking.
Admission requirements for cybersecurity school vary by program. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, and satisfactory SAT/ACT scores.
The application process requires prospective students to fill out an online application, pay a small fee, and submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores. Those with a relevant associate degree or certificate may increase their chances of acceptance.
Many universities use Common App, which lets students apply to many schools at one time by filling out one general application. Common App streamlines the otherwise time-consuming and tedious process of applying to multiple programs. Some schools require applicants using CommonApp to submit supplemental materials like letters of recommendation, resumes, or written essays.
Degree and Concentration Options
Students can choose from a variety of bachelor’s programs that focus on cybersecurity. Below, we compare different types of cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees.
BS in Cybersecurity
A bachelor of science in cybersecurity provides a foundation in information security. Students learn to evaluate network vulnerabilities, protect information from cyberattacks, and understand the legal issues of information security. Potential careers for those with a BS in cybersecurity include information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security administrator.
BS in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Concentration
A BS in computer science with a cybersecurity concentration develops skills in programming, data science, and software engineering. Graduates pursue jobs like computer and information systems manager, information security analyst, and chief information security officer.
BS in Information Technology with a Cybersecurity Concentration
A BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration emphasizes networking and security. Graduates qualify for jobs like IT manager or web developer.
BS in Information Assurance
The curriculum of a typical BS in information assurance mirrors that of a BS in cybersecurity, with graduates pursuing similar careers.
Popular Cybersecurity Courses
The type and variety of classes varies by cybersecurity school, but most focus on issues like risk management, information systems security, and programming. Typical bachelor’s programs require core, elective/concentration, and general education courses. Some also require a practicum, capstone, or internship. Below, we describe courses in cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs.
This class introduces the fundamentals of information security practice and theory. Topics include network vulnerabilities, security of physical media, and mitigation techniques. Students learn best practices for information security procedures and policies.
This course provides a foundation in digital forensics, exploring topics like incident management, evidence handling, and incident categories. Students learn how to locate digital evidence to solve cyber crimes and use tools to respond to malicious activities. The class also covers security laws and legal issues of cyber threats.
This course focuses on legal and ethical principles related to keeping organizations’ data secure. Students explore the regulations, laws, and authorities that cybersecurity professionals need to understand to mitigate and respond to both external and internal threats.
Students learn to think like a hacker and gain skills necessary to respond to cyber attacks in an information system. The class investigates how measures like security protocols, firewalls, and encryption can sometimes fail. Learners gain experience with risk assessment methodologies, incident response, and threat detection techniques.
This course emphasizes the foundations of information security, focusing on the relationship between information security and an organization’s larger goals. Topics include creation and management of an information security program, information security best practices, and mitigation strategies.
Jobs for Cybersecurity School Graduates
Cybersecurity school prepares graduates for lucrative computer and information technology careers that improve organizations’ information security. Most bachelor’s in cybersecurity jobs offer significantly higher pay than the median salary for all occupations.
Many graduates pursue careers as information security analysts, who earn a median annual salary of $99,730. On the higher end, chief information security officers earn an average annual salary of $163,559. We describe a variety of cybersecurity jobs below, including typical duties, job outlook, required education, and typical annual salaries.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts protect their organizations’ computer systems and networks. Typical job duties may include monitoring networks for security threats, installing software to protect data, and creating organizational best practices. They can expect steady job growth for the profession and high salaries.
Security engineers improve security of organizations’ networks by creating computing solutions. They need high-level understanding of intrusion prevention and detection strategies. Typical job duties may include setting up intrusion detection systems, responding to security breaches, and testing new hardware and software for security risks.
A high-level, high-paying career, chief information security officers bear responsibility for the information systems and data security of their organization. They usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and 7-10 years of IT experience. This job requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
IT security administrators manage all information security issues for an organization. They develop and implement policies and systems to improve security and prevent breaches. Most security administrators start out in lower-level IT positions and work their way up.
Penetration testers usually work on a team of other IT and cybersecurity employees. Typical job duties include conducting penetration tests, determining security needs, and detecting vulnerabilities. Penetration testers often need relevant certifications in addition to a bachelor’s degree.
Our rankings list of the best cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs is a great place to start, but choosing a program takes research. The best cybersecurity degree for one person is not necessarily right for someone else with different career goals or personal circumstances. Below, we explain additional considerations for selecting a program.
Accreditation
Attending a regionally accredited institution increases your chances of receiving financial aid, qualifying for graduate school and professional certifications, and transferring credit to another school. Regional accreditation also signals that your college meets minimum standards of quality.
School Size
Do you want to attend a large university to take advantage of the academic, career, and cultural opportunities? Or do you seek a small college where you can build close relationships more easily?
Cost
Make sure to create a budget and decide what you want to spend before looking at programs. Students usually get the best price by paying in-state tuition at a public university.
Career Services
Many universities offer career development assistance to students and alumni, including resume help, mock job interviews, and networking events. Learners can often find internship and job opportunities through their school’s career services office.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
Going to cybersecurity school online lets you learn anywhere and anytime. Distance education works especially well for students with family responsibilities and full-time jobs, but online learning increasingly draws people of all kinds. The past stigma attached to online degrees rarely presents problems for job-hunters, as companies today generally understand that distance learning can provide the same quality education as on-campus options.
Most online bachelor of cybersecurity programs offer asynchronous instruction, giving students the flexibility to log on to a virtual classroom to participate in discussions, watch lectures, and submit assignments on their own time. In some cases, online learning may be more affordable than an in-person program. Online programs sometimes offer tuition discounts, fee waivers, and free textbooks. Students may graduate with less debt by continuing to work while in school.
Other factors to think about when considering an online cybersecurity degree include your learning style, schedule, and the importance of student services and extracurricular activities to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you go to school for cybersecurity?
The amount of time it takes to finish cybersecurity school varies depending on what type of degree you earn. A BS in cybersecurity usually takes full-time students four years to complete.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity?
Potential bachelor’s in cybersecurity jobs include information security analyst, penetration tester, and chief information security officer. Other opportunities include security administrator and security engineer. Cybersecurity bachelor’s-holders can also apply to graduate programs.
Is it worth getting a degree in cybersecurity?
Earning a BS in cybersecurity takes time and money, but the degree prepares students for lucrative computer and IT jobs. As of 2019, information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $99,730, significantly more than the median annual salary for all jobs.
Is cybersecurity a good career?
The cybersecurity field offers exciting, well-paying, and stable job opportunities. Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as more organizations put their information online.
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.
