Students who get bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity are prepared for the rapidly expanding sector of technology by participating in flexible online coursework. Find out more information about the top online cybersecurity degree programs of 2022, including the cost of tuition, the courses offered, and the prerequisites for entrance.
Students who get a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity via an online program may receive the skills necessary to obtain in-demand jobs that pay above-average wages and give prospects for rapid career growth. Individuals who get one of these degrees may become qualified for a broad variety of occupations and can benefit from the acquisition of numerous transferable skills if they do so.
Whether students choose to enroll in a public or private school to get their bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity may have a significant impact on the total cost of their education. Learners who choose to pursue their education through online platforms are often exempt from paying a significant portion of the costs that are normally incurred on campus for parking, facilities, and other in-person services.
Graduates should expect a vibrant job market since it is projected that the great majority of opportunities in this industry will increase in the years to come. This is good news for graduates. The incomes of recent graduates are much higher than the norm, while the salaries of more experienced professionals might reach six figures.
Continue reading if you are interested in learning about the best online colleges for cybersecurity, common courses, employment possibilities, and choices for extending your education.
What Kind of Experience Can I Count on From an Online Bachelor’s Program in Cybersecurity?
People who are analytical, attentive to detail, and who like finding solutions to problems are generally attracted to pursue degrees and employment in the field of cybersecurity. They normally love working on their own, yet they are capable of cooperating with others when the situation calls for it.
The majority of online bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity require students to finish 120 courses over the course of four years and are designed for full-time students. Some educational institutions, in addition to requiring students to complete general education and fundamental coursework, also provide students with the opportunity to concentrate their studies on a subject area of their choosing. These differ from one software to another, but some frequent choices are as follows:
Protection Provided Via the Cloud
forensics analysis of computers
Protection of Software
The Technology of Mobile Applications
Information Conflict and the Administration of Security
Hacking Practiced in an Honest Way
Students in certain online bachelor’s degree programs are required to take part in an internship that lasts for a whole semester. This gives them the opportunity to get experience that is applicable in the real world and get a head start on networking with other professionals before they graduate. Other educational institutions may not mandate that their students engage in internships, but they can provide the opportunity for those students who are interested.
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Programs of Note Available Online in the Field of Cybersecurity
Contacting the institutions listed below will allow you to gather information such as start dates, the ability to transfer credits, the availability of financial assistance, and much more.
In an online program leading to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, what kinds of classes would I be required to take?
The Principles of Cybersecurity
Students are often required to take this foundational course in their first year because it introduces them to the fundamentals of cybersecurity and equips them with the skills and information necessary to be successful in more advanced classes.
An Overview of Computer Programming
Students who enroll in this class get familiar with a variety of programming languages and begin developing fundamental algorithmic structures that may be implemented in computer programs. Students develop skills in problem-solving and the construction of programs that are applicable to real-world scenarios.
Hacking Practiced in an Honest Way
This course will teach the training necessary to conduct penetration testing and other types of ethical hacking in order to search for holes in a system’s security. Students collaborate with client volunteers to research and develop new strategies for expanding their personal and professional networks.
Digital Forensics
This course gives students the skills they need to obtain vital evidence linked to cybercrimes so that they may be litigated in the appropriate manner. The primary emphasis of the course is on the identification and collecting of electronic evidence. The use of digital forensics in both criminal and civil proceedings is given a lot of attention in this article.
Internship in Computer and Network Security
Internships provide students the chance to put what they’ve learned in the classroom into practice via a placement that typically lasts for an entire academic semester and may take place either in the student’s junior or final year of study. Learners not only have the chance to get experience in the real world, but they also have the possibility to network with other experts.
Where can I get information on the prerequisites for entering an online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity?
The prerequisites for entering bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity that are offered online differ from school to school; thus, it is essential for students to thoroughly evaluate the material that is supplied by each establishment. In addition to the components that are detailed below, it is possible that candidates may be required to engage in interviews for certain programs.
Application
The majority of educational institutions now enable prospective students to submit their applications, after they have been finished, online. However, there is a possibility that some may continue accept applications via the mail. The applicant will normally be asked to provide basic demographic information such as their complete name, postal address, date of birth, and citizenship status while filling out one of these forms.
Results of Exams
It is normal practice for colleges to ask prospective first-year students at the undergraduate level to submit either their ACT or SAT scores. In spite of this, some educational institutions are moving toward eliminating this requirement entirely while others are making it optional. Be careful to familiarize yourself with the specific criteria of each potential institution.
Recommendation Letters (also known as LORs)
Recommendation letters are an essential component of the admissions process since they provide educational institutions with insight into the perspectives of individuals on whom they are considering making admissions decisions.Letters of recommendation are often written by current or past instructors, bosses, mentors, volunteer managers, or religious leaders in the community.
Essays
Students have the chance to convey, in their own words, what makes them stand out as candidates and what they can bring to the table via the use of essays, which allow this opportunity. The vast majority of institutions provide candidates with questions or suggestions to help them structure their responses. Make sure that you carefully and completely follow all of the guidelines.
Official Transcripts
The official transcripts provide admissions staff the ability to check the reported GPAs of applicants and guarantee that they completed all of the necessary high school requirements for admission.Transcripts are required to be sent in by transfer students so that registrars may establish the total number of transfer credits acquired.
What Kind of Careers Are Open to Me With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
Career Outlook
Earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity may pave the way to a job that is both secure and financially rewarding. Recent graduates in the field of cybersecurity are anticipated to be in high demand due to the growing number of people and businesses who rely on these experts to keep their information secure. It seems expected that people will continue to seek this degree.
According to projections made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of available employment for information security analysts would increase by 33 percent between the years 2020 and 2030, resulting in the addition of more than 47,000 new positions.
Graduates of these programs are qualified for employment opportunities in a wide variety of fields, including as the private industry, the nonprofit sector, and government organizations, due to the widespread need for cybersecurity specialists. Continue reading to find out more about some of the most desirable careers for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Different Career Options With a Degree in Cybersecurity
Analysts in Information Security Positions
These people are employed in institutional contexts to protect networks against criminal activity on the internet. Information security analysts are responsible for a number of tasks, including the installation of firewalls and the use of data encryption services, as well as the identification of vulnerabilities and the monitoring of trends in the cybersecurity business. They also educate other personnel on the most effective security procedures.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $102,600
Those in Charge of Computer and Information System Management
Computer and information systems managers often hold leadership roles within their companies and are responsible for managing the firms’ various technological requirements. These specialists not only meet the requirements of their organizations in terms of software and hardware maintenance, but they also enhance already available technology. They could also instruct other staff members on how to make advantage of certain services. It’s possible that managers of computer and information systems will need to obtain a master’s degree in a relevant field to work at certain organizations.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $159,010
Administrators of database systems
Database administrators spend their days developing databases that are tailored to individual requirements and managing existing databases in positions that may be found both in-house and as freelancers. These experts utilize security systems to protect personal and sensitive information from being accessed by cybercriminals. In addition to developing systems to prevent the loss of data, these professionals also create systems to prevent the loss of data.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $98,860
Administrators of Computer Networks and Operating Systems
Administrators of computer networks and information systems are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of their organizations’ intranets, local area networks, wide area networks, and data communication systems. These specialists must not only remain current with the requirements for new technology and software, but they must also develop security permissions depending on the user levels.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $80,600
Hackers Who Only Do Good
In order to uncover trouble areas for their customers, ethical hackers employ the extensive knowledge of security procedures, vulnerable places, and malware that they possess. These specialists are able to identify weak points of access in a variety of databases and intranets by using the abilities necessary for penetration testing. They communicate these discoveries to their customers and recommend methods of correcting the flaws in order to prevent further intruders from entering the property.
The Typical Annual Wage (as of April 2022) is $79,100.
Not Interested in Cybersecurity at All? Check out these more related fields of work.
Career Opportunities in Computer Programming
Jobs in the Field of Data Science
Career Opportunities in Network Security
Education That Never Stops
Following the completion of an online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity and some time spent working in the sector, some individuals may come to the conclusion that they want to go back to school to acquire an advanced degree. Obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity may now be done in-person or online at a number of different colleges. These programs are designed to provide students with more in-depth information and abilities.
A master’s degree in cybersecurity may help students establish the skills necessary to take on more senior leadership jobs, which normally pay better income and allow for more responsibility. Students can gain these qualifications by completing a master’s degree program. The majority of master’s degree programs can be completed in around two years, and an increasing number of educational institutions are making them accessible online.
How do I decide which of the several online bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity to enroll in?
Cost
Because the price of a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity may vary significantly depending on whether students attend a public or a private institution, it is essential for students to have a thorough understanding of the exact cost of the program before enrolling. Applicants may also examine the prices of attending campus-based and online programs to determine which learning format is most cost-efficient for them.
Program Format
Students enrolled in online bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity often have the option of selecting either an asynchronous or synchronous learning method to fulfill their degree requirements. Asynchronous programs enable students to go through classes at their own leisure, whereas synchronous programs require students to attend scheduled meetings at certain times. In addition, the majority of educational institutions often provide both part-time and full-time study alternatives to cater to a variety of timetable preferences. Some schools even offer students who are highly motivated the opportunity to get their degrees more quickly.
Location
Even for students who attend classes online, the institution’s physical location is still a factor that must be considered. Even fully online programs, such as bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, may need students to complete some coursework on campus. In such case, it’s possible that students will wish to live within commuting distance of the school.
Accreditation
Students looking into earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity have access to a variety of programs that have earned either programmatic or institutional accreditation. At the level of the individual program, cybersecurity programs may get accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology as well as from the National Centers of Academic Excellence. In addition, students have the responsibility of ensuring that the colleges they attend have earned the necessary institutional accreditation.
Student Support
Colleges provide many support services to students, ensuring that they get the necessary academic, social, and professional assistance to flourish. The greatest colleges make it possible for their students to have access to expert mentors as well as the most prestigious internship locations. A growing number of educational institutions now provide specialized services to online students in order to guarantee that they, too, get a sense of support.
The Most Reputable and Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Cybersecurity
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The Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity, Ranked Number One
University of the City of SeattleSeattle, Washington
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
Transfer students have the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from CityU in as little as two years via the bachelor’s program’s accelerated track. The curriculum culminates with a capstone project and an internship, both of which provide students with valuable employment experience.
Students are taught the protocols used in networking, how to code, and how to protect networks. They receive expertise utilizing the programming languages Python and C++. Operating systems, web design, network communications, data security, data mining, and machine learning are some of the topics that are covered in the courses.
Students have obtained employment in fields such as data security, cybercrime, risk analysis, and corporate investigations after graduating.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$13,120
Out-of-state
$13,120
Rate of Keeping Customers
Lacking in provision
Admission Rate
Lacking in provision
Students Enrolled
1,960
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
80% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
2 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
College or university located in North DakotaNorth Dakota, Grand Forks
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at the University of North Dakota (UND), which is offered online via the College of Engineering and Mines, emphasizes interdisciplinary courses and provides possibilities for cybersecurity research.
Circuit analysis, signals and systems, and computer-aided measurement and controls are some of the topics that are covered in the foundational online courses for electrical engineering that are offered to students. They also have the option of enrolling in electives offered by other departments, such as cognitive psychology, cybersecurity law and investigations, and physics.
The coursework is completed online, and students have the option of working at the University of North Dakota’s Secure Cyber Physical Energy Systems and Data Sciences Laboratory.
Students taking classes online have access to research materials and tutoring services provided by the Chester Fritz Library and the UND Writing Center.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Rate of Keeping Customers
78%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
The Kind of Institution
Public
Participation Rates in Online Courses
45% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
3 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
Located in Saint Louis, the Maryville UniversitySaint Louis, MO
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at Maryville offers students the opportunity to specialize in either offensive cybersecurity, general cybersecurity, or defensive cybersecurity.
Classes in macroeconomics and microeconomics, financial accounting, cybersecurity concepts, and database architecture are some of the topics covered in this curriculum, which blends the study of business with that of cybersecurity. Online students have a maximum of 3.5 years to complete the prerequisites for their general education before graduating.
Students obtain the knowledge and experience necessary to achieve certificates such as CompTIA Security and Certified Ethical Hacker via training that takes place in virtual laboratories.
Applications to enter college as a freshman need either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required of transfer students. Standardized testing is not required for entry into the program.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$26,070
Out-of-state
$26,070
Rate of Keeping Customers
83%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
10,013
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
76% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
4 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
The Immaculate Conception UniversityImmaculata, PA
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
An expedited bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity that incorporates a Christian worldview is available via the College of Adult Professional Studies division at Immaculata University.
The majority of students come into the program having already completed the requirements. The primary courses address topics such as open source intelligence, Christian faith in action, vulnerability assessment and penetration, research and analysis, network and infrastructure, and software design and programming.
According to Immaculata, almost 94% of graduates from the class of 2020 secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of receiving their diplomas.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$26,500
Out-of-state
$26,500
Rate of Keeping Customers
86%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
2,479
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
44% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
5 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
Baker CollegeOwosso, MI
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
Students who earn Baker’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree are more prepared for positions in platform security, network security, and operating system security because of the required work experience. Students are required to complete 150 hours of work experience spread out over the course of 10 weeks.
Students are able to finish their assignments and other classwork at their own pace while using Baker Online. Students enrolled in online courses often have the choice to attend either live online or on-campus sessions.
In addition, completion of a senior project and classes in CISCO networking, Linux, a VPN firewall, ethical hacking, and computer forensics and investigation are prerequisites for admission to the program.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$9,720
Rate of Keeping Customers
49%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
7,606
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
62% i
Accreditation
Yes i
6 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
UT San Antonio, sometimes known simply as UT San Antonio.San Antonio, TX
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at UTSA has a strong focus on business, and students may choose to specialize in either information technology project management or cyber analytics.
Students are taught in a variety of programming languages, including Scripting and Java, among others. In addition to that, they attend classes in marketing, business and professional communication, and accounting as part of the Common Body of Knowledge.
Graduates have been successful in finding employment with USAA, HEB, and Valero.
A minimum SAT reading and math score of 1170 or an ACT composite score of 24 is required for admission to the freshman class. Candidates for transfer must have a grade point average of at least 2.5.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$5,510
Out-of-state
$17,511
Rate of Keeping Customers
73%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
32,594
The Kind of Institution
Public
Participation Rates in Online Courses
37% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
7 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
The University of DrexelPhiladelphia, PA
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
Drexel University offers an online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity that students may complete at their own leisure. Available specializations include computer technology and computing security.
Students are required to complete foundational coursework in subjects such as network administration, information technology security, server and open server management. The coursework is spread out over the course of four 10-week quarters. Computer forensics, access control and intrusion detection, networking security, and information technology security policies and audits are some of the topics that are covered in the computing security focus.
Drexel allows up to 90 transfer credits. A minimum of 24 college credits is required of transfer students.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$52,146
Out-of-state
$52,146
Rate of Keeping Customers
89%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
24,205
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
38% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
8 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
The University of Saint LeoSaint Leo, FL
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
Students who get a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Saint Leo University have chances for career advancement.
Network protection, penetration testing, and disaster recovery are some of the topics that are covered in the program’s classes. The school has two computer laboratories where students may put their skills to use, in addition to internship opportunities. In addition, Saint Leo’s provides chances for professional growth and networking via its Computing Club and Computer Security Club, as well as through the student branch of Upsilon Pi Epsilon.
Graduates have been employed by a variety of businesses, including Bisk Technologies, Tampa Electric, Verizon, and the University of South Florida, among others.
Students have the ability to submit an application at any time, and there are six different start dates available.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$23,100
Out-of-state
$23,100
Rate of Keeping Customers
69%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
10,912
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
72% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
9 Of The Best Degree Programs Available Online In The Field Of Cybersecurity
The Global Campus of the University of MarylandAdelphi, MD
4 years
Online
The University of Maryland, University College (UMGC), which began providing distance education in 1997, now offers a flexible online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity with no scheduled class schedules.
The curriculum is multidisciplinary, combining subjects such as business, law, science, and technology with subjects such as psychology. Network security, ethics in information technology, and practical applications in cybersecurity management are some of the topics that students learn in this course.
The degree prepares students for certifications via CompTIA Network and CompTIA Security, as well as credentials as Certified Information Privacy Professionals and Certified Information Systems Security Professionals.
The UMGC would accept a maximum of ninety credits from another institution. Students have the option of taking their classes entirely online or in a hybrid model that includes certain on-campus requirements.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$7,200
Out-of-state
$11,976
Rate of Keeping Customers
52%
Admission Rate
Lacking in provision
Students Enrolled
58,281
The Kind of Institution
Public
Participation Rates in Online Courses
90% i
Accreditation
Yes iLess Details
10 among the Best Online Degree Programs for Cybersecurity
The University of Robert MorrisMoon Township (Pennsylvania)
4 years
In-Person + Virtual
The program for the online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity offered by RMU mixes business and cyber technology studies, and students have the option of specializing in either cybersecurity or digital forensics.
Concepts related to operating systems, the Python programming language, database management systems, and project management are among the topics that students learn about via major credits. Students at RMU have the opportunity to get valuable job experience in the fields of media, politics, and cybersecurity by participating in internships offered by the Washington Center in Washington, District of Columbia.
Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.75 to be eligible. The submission of test results from the SAT and ACT is optional for first-year candidates.
Standard Cost of Education
In-state
$29,930
Out-of-state
$29,930
Rate of Keeping Customers
83%
Admission Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
4,608
The Kind of Institution
Private
Participation Rates in Online Courses
35% i
Accreditation
Yes i
Questions That Are Frequently Asked Regarding Online Security Programs
Is it worthwhile to get a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?
To determine whether or not receiving a degree online is worth the investment, one must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both online and traditional forms of education. Many of the online programs are challenging, and it is anticipated that graduates with cybersecurity skills will find more desirable employment in the years to come.
It seems anticipated that the rate of cybercrime will grow as an increasing number of people and organizations move their lives online. Having the knowledge and abilities necessary to combat hackers may be an asset that pays dividends for many years to come.
What kinds of careers do I have access to if I get a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity have a wide variety of work opportunities to choose from. A significant number of graduates go on to establish careers in the field of information security analysis, either as independent consultants or as employees of a single organization. Others may choose to work directly with the networks or databases themselves, either to construct them in a secure manner or to defend them while they are being used.
Ethical hacking could be the greatest option for those who are interested in finding solutions to problems and putting their knowledge to the test. Ethical hackers do these responsibilities by scouring the networks of their customers for weak points of access and delivering reports detailing problem areas that need to be fixed.
Are students who study in cybersecurity in high demand?
Students who study in cybersecurity are in demand, and this trend is expected to continue for many years to come. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that employment opportunities for information security analysts will increase by 33 percent between the years 2020 and 2030, which will result in the creation of more than 47,000 new positions by the end of the decade.
The website Cyber Seek reports that there are presently approximately 600,000 unfilled positions in the field of cybersecurity in the United States. The state of California alone has more than 63,000 opportunities. It’s possible that a career in cybersecurity may be a good match for you if you’re seeking for something that pays well and is in high demand.
With a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, what kind of salary can I expect to make?
In the field of cybersecurity, the average starting salary for recent college graduates is between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, while seasoned specialists may make six figures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators brought in a yearly income of $80,600 on average in 2021, with the top 10% of earners bringing in more than $130,830 during the same year.
There are a lot of things that may influence how much money a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity makes, such as their amount of experience, title, location, and job.
Which careers in the field of cybersecurity provide the best compensation for a bachelor’s degree?
Those with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity who have gained some experience have the potential to earn incomes of well over $100,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers in May 2021 was $159,010. Recent graduates are not eligible for these roles since they need candidates to have a minimum of five years of experience in the relevant field.
In 2021, the highest-earning 10% of computer and information systems managers brought in salaries of more than $208,000. Master’s degree holders in cybersecurity have the opportunity to further their careers into management or administrative roles, where they may earn even more.
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Scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for students attending online colleges.
The Student’s Planning Guide to Postsecondary Education
The Student’s Guide to Financial Aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
