The good news is that, much like other technical fields like computer science or engineering, an online cybersecurity degree will open doors on many fronts — and although some cybersecurity professionals choose to specialize in one area of the field and obtain a graduate degree, cybersecurity bachelor degree holders have a lot of options. In this manual, you can learn how to: Indeed, there is an unprecedented shortage of skilled experts in the industry, resulting in short work hunts and lucrative job offers for those with the required qualifications. Since more and more of our lives are taking place on the internet, the field is rapidly expanding. All is done online these days, from shopping to dating to banking to investing. As a result, these emerging digital environments and resources are generating a demand for cybersecurity specialists, as well as some excellent online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs. It’s never been easier to learn online, let alone earn a difficult degree like a bachelor’s in cybersecurity. Colleges and universities today deliver a mix of conventional on-campus education, hybrid on-campus and online degree programs, as well as 100 percent online learning, ranging from prestigious universities to more local and regional institutions. This guide examines some of the most important factors to consider while seeking an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Online cybersecurity degree rankings — The best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2021
The best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2021 are listed below, according to Cybersecurity Guide. The following methodology was used to assess the online cybersecurity degree rankings:
Only schools that offer both a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree and a cybersecurity master’s degree online were considered. Each program must be classified as a Cybersecurity Academic Excellence Center. Graduation rates Retention rates Admission rates Tuition for both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in cybersecurity.
The following are the top online cybersecurity degree rankings for 2020:
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Specifications: This latest online program from KSU’s major program is a technically based degree that builds on the curriculum of other degrees offered at the university, such as a business degree in information protection and assurance, a bachelor’s degree in information technology, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In one calendar year, a 30-credit master’s degree can be completed.
CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Specifications: Champlain College’s online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is designed to help students gain foundational skills in both technological and critical thinking/problem-solving skills that today’s cybersecurity professionals need. A Fast Start Formula Career Course is also available as part of the curriculum to assist students in locating suitable employment opportunities. Champlain’s master’s program prepares candidates to handle businesses’ and organizations’ network operations.
DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Dakota State’s cyber leadership and intelligence program focus on critical cybersecurity skills including investigating a security breach or intrusion, computer forensics, and the privacy and legal problems that come with cyber attacks. Students also master other critical skills such as world cultures and theological values, as well as an understanding of global geopolitics, as the name of the degree program suggests. Due to the fact that cyber operations are often multidisciplinary, teamwork and management skills are often needed. Via risk assessment and vulnerability checking, the cybersecurity master’s degree prepares students to combat cyber attacks.
AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Specifications: The online cybersecurity degree program at American Public University System (APU) emphasizes cybersecurity theory and the resources required to prepare and carry out strategic cybersecurity defense tactics. Coursework in cyber operations, cybercrime law, forensics and investigations, security engineering, and network penetration skills, as well as other skills like communication and administration, are all part of the curriculum. The master’s degree program is intended to assist students in comprehending large-scale cyber threats and preventing cyber attacks.
NORWICH UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Norwich University’s bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is geared toward working professionals and focuses on project-based learning in advanced cybersecurity topics. Students may also select from a variety of electives aimed at improving critical thought, communication, and study skills. The master’s degree program allows students to choose between a number of concentrations, which means the degree is highly customizable.
SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Saint Leo University’s online cybersecurity program incorporates virtual IT environments into the curriculum to construct real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Penetration testing and ethical hacking, computer and network controls and safeguards, and the administration and management of cybersecurity systems, computers, and procedures are all required courses. The master’s program provides flexible opportunities to meet the needs and schedule of working professionals.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Liberty University’s bachelor’s degree in information assurance is structured around eight-week courses. The classes are asynchronous, which means there are no set meeting times, giving working professionals and those with other obligations more flexibility. The program emphasizes cryptography, digital forensics, and network security, as well as business classes, and includes a captain project. The degree can also be used to prepare for a variety of cybersecurity certifications. The master’s degree program is designed to concentrate on learning the skills needed to prevent and identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities throughout an enterprise.
CAPITOL TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Capitol University’s Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis is home to the university’s cyber and information technology degree. Students can learn management and leadership skills as well as hands-on experiences through simulated cyber events in order to prepare for advanced cybersecurity careers. The master’s program is structured to prepare students for roles in protection and privacy assurance at the mid-career and senior levels.
LEWIS UNIVERSITY
In the fall of 2020, the bachelor’s program will not accept new candidates. The master’s degree combines computer science theory with opportunities to learn practical cybersecurity skills.
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Specifications: The online cybersecurity degree from Old Dominion University takes an interdisciplinary approach to train students for the complexities of a cyber career. The program includes classes in criminal justice, engineering management, modeling, and theory, in addition to technical aspects of cybersecurity. To teach advanced cybersecurity principles and techniques, the master’s program emphasizes real-world exercises and study.
MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Specifications: The online bachelor’s degree in information technology is divided into many concentrations to enable students to concentrate on a subject of their choice. Cybersecurity, cyber forensics, and critical infrastructure management are some of the concentrations available in this major. The 30-credit master’s program is split in half, with 50 percent of the coursework focusing on principles and philosophy and the other 50 percent focusing on leadership and critical thinking skills.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Specifications: Robert Morris University’s online cybersecurity degree takes a multidisciplinary approach to learning and includes courses in computer science, business, law, and operations. The degree program also includes opportunities for hands-on experiences, such as an internship program. Depending on the needs of the student, the 30-credit master’s program can be completed in three or four semesters.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Specifications: The cyber operations degree program is intended for upper-division students who have completed a variety of prerequisites. Preparatory coursework may be taken at a university, community college, or another academic or military learning facility. The requisite cyber operations coursework is provided synchronously in live formats via the online curriculum (and the classes are recorded for later viewing). Hands-on and immersive coursework is also required for the degree. The 33-credit hour online cybersecurity master’s degree program is structured to help working professionals advance their careers.
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
Details: Wilmington University’s cybersecurity program prepares students to sit for industry certifications such as CISA, CISSP, A+, Linux+, Security+, and Network+. A technical lab portion is also included in the curriculum to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. Cyber Terrorism and SCADA Cybersecurity are the two specializations available for the master’s degree.
BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
Details: Through real-world case studies, Bellevue University’s cybersecurity degree program teaches students basic cybersecurity principles, theories, and tactics. Cyber incident prevention and risk management are also included in the curriculum. There are many learning opportunities available in the master’s degree program, including an accelerated cohort for students with professional IT experience.
PACE UNIVERSITY-NEW YORK
Pace University’s cybersecurity program emphasizes cybercrime and criminal justice through virtual laboratories and protection preparation. The master’s degree program offers an information technology degree with a cybersecurity or networking management focus.
ECPI UNIVERSITY
Details: ECPI’s cyber and network security degree trains students to secure and handle sensitive data using cybersecurity best practices (hardware, applications, and services). Students can learn how to evaluate the health of networks and protect them by vulnerability analyses and penetration testing. Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity Policy are the two concentrations available in the master’s degree program.
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
The computer and security degree program at Drexel emphasizes hands-on research. The curriculum is geared toward IT professionals with experience and working knowledge of current structures and risks, as well as those who have completed at least two years of associates or undergraduate prerequisites. Students with a background in computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, electrical engineering, or a similar area should apply for the master’s degree.
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY
Details: Davenport University’s cyber protection program teaches students how to deal with digital security threats both proactively and reactively. Students may concentrate on information assurance or health care information assurance as part of this degree program. Both in the United States and overseas, the master’s degree includes risk assessment and threat analysis for cyber security.
MERCY COLLEGE
Mercy College’s online cybersecurity degree program teaches students how to install, customize, and test new security tools and technologies in order to keep company and business systems safe. Students in the undergraduate program are also prepared to take the CISSP test. Students who complete the master’s degree program will serve as network security managers, information security administrators, or IT auditors.
EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
Details: Excelsior College’s cybersecurity program is designed to train students for positions in cyber protection at agencies such as the US Cyber Command, NSA signal intelligence operations, FBI and other law enforcement agencies, as well as businesses. Students will be prepared for a variety of industry certification tests, including the CISP, CEH, Security+, Network+, CHFI, SSCP, and ESCP. Students may choose between a general cybersecurity concentration and an information assurance concentration in the master’s program.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND — GLOBAL CAMPUS
Details: The University of Maryland’s Global Campus online cybersecurity degree blends the conventional college program with hands-on cybersecurity experience. Students will learn how to plan, build, secure, and troubleshoot corporate networks. The master’s cybersecurity program is also hands-on and prepares candidates for industry certifications such as the CISSP, GIAC, and CEH.
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
Students in Walden University’s online cybersecurity degree program learn about digital privacy and protection through real-world case studies, as well as how to avoid and react to security breaches. The master’s degree needs 30 credits, with 12 credits in core courses and 18 credits in advanced courses.
CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
The City University of Seattle’s online cybersecurity degree allows students to work at their own pace. Students can complete the degree program at their own rate, and in as little as two years, they can earn a bachelor’s degree. The master’s degree in cybersecurity is a 16-course program that can be tailored to your specific interests and career goals.
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
Capella University’s undergraduate cybersecurity degree program is highly customizable and flexible. The program includes general education standards, specialized classes, and a hands-on capstone project. Students may specialize in digital forensics, health care protection, or network defense as part of their master’s degree program.
Five steps for picking the right online cybersecurity degree
Choosing cybersecurity as a career — There are a variety of reasons to choose cybersecurity as a career. As previously stated, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and others expect that cybersecurity employment will expand rapidly over the next few years. In reality, the industry is already having difficulty supplying companies and organizations with new and well-trained talent. This can be seen in a variety of technical associations and certificate-granting bodies, which all have different recruiting, training, and scholarship programs. However, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity should be about more than just job security. The field is also enthralling. It’s an area that combines computer programming’s technological and quantitative aspects with other areas like law, policy, and training and teaching. There are several career pathways and educational options to consider in the area of cybersecurity. Searching for an online curriculum — Every day, more online cybersecurity degree programs open their doors. This provides students with more choices and versatility, but it also increases the need for them to learn and comprehend all of their options. Make a list of constraints, such as budget, test scores, prerequisites, and so on, and then look for programs that fit under those constraints. Another important factor to consider when studying online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs is the quality of career services and advising, as well as assistance in locating good cybersecurity internship opportunities. Research entry requirements — Admission requirements for online cybersecurity degree programs are similar to those for conventional on-campus degree programs. Related test scores (such as the ACT and SAT), high school transcripts, transcripts from a community college or associate’s degree program, letters of recommendation, and entrance essays are all needed. During the application process, it is critical to understand and keep track of important deadlines. Test ahead of time — All college admissions training should be planned and completed well ahead of the application season. Prior to taking the examination, making time for test planning and practice tests should also become a priority. Test scores are often used in admissions decisions as well as the granting of merit scholarships. The good news is that both the ACT and the SAT can be taken several times with proper preparation and runway, and scores also increase with further attempts. Budget and financial aid — Budgetary concerns are one of the determining factors for most students when deciding which college program to attend. Understanding what types of financial assistance and scholarships are accessible to cybersecurity majors can go a long way toward assisting students in making educated financial decisions.
What kinds of courses are required to get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online?
In terms of academic standards, online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs are similar to conventional, campus-based programs. Online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees typically require 120 credit hours, just like a campus-based program. These credit hours are divided into general education requirements, electives, and courses unique to the requirements of the online cybersecurity degree. — Ralph Russo, director of Tulane University’s Professional Advancement Information Technology Program. The transition credit criteria are an important aspect of each program to be aware of. Transferring credits to finish an online degree is very popular, but the process varies from program to program. The following are some examples of high-level cybersecurity courses that are often offered as part of an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program:
Ethical hacking Network security Forensics Security breach detection and response Cyber attacks and defense Computer security laws and ethics
What to look for in an online cybersecurity degree
When comparing an online cybersecurity degree to a conventional campus-based degree, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Advantages
One of the most significant benefits is that most institutions that deliver both online and on-campus degree programs award the same degree to both types of programs. To put it another way, the final diploma that students earn is identical. Another significant benefit of online learning and cybersecurity degree programs is that they provide students with some versatility. Online learning necessitates a different degree of dedication than being physically present anywhere if you’re trying to study remotely or juggle undergraduate studies with other family or job obligations. Not to mention, some students prefer learning online because it fits their learning style better — many lectures are delivered through video, and exercises and assignments are adapted for online learning. For certain students, the opportunity to speed up or slow down lectures or revisit content several times is more beneficial. Obtaining a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online could be more cost-effective than attending a typical campus-based degree program, depending on your living and job circumstances.
Disadvantages
One of the most significant benefits of enrolling in a campus-based degree program is the opportunity to establish in-person relationships with peers and professors, which can lead to the formation of a professional network. Having a professional network is beneficial later in one’s career, not just in the years following graduation while searching for one’s first job in the cybersecurity industry, but even later on. When colleagues advance in their careers, they become valuable sources of work leads and openings, and they might even become hiring managers in the future. That’s not to assume that in-person partnerships are the only way to build a professional network. Outside of traditional practices, there is an increasing number of choices for building a strong network today. Another trend is the rise in popularity of remote work in a variety of sectors, including several tech fields. Digital and social networking in the workplace are becoming more acceptable as remote work becomes more commonplace. As a result, there are several ways to compensate for the lack of personal interaction or face-to-face time with cybersecurity colleagues and professionals.
Admission criteria for an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree
The criteria for an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity differ from program to program, much as they do for traditional undergraduate degrees. After making a list of potential colleges, it’s a good idea to double-check individual program acceptance requirements. Although the details can vary, there are certain standards that many programs have in common:
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. If appropriate, official high school transcripts as well as transcripts indicating course work done at community colleges or other universities. A resume (highlighting any relevant computer/programming experience) Fees for applications
Career options with an online cybersecurity degree
It cannot be overstated how quickly the cybersecurity sector is rising and how in-demand cybersecurity professionals will become when assessing job opportunities in the field. According to some figures, the information security industry will expand 10 times in the next few years, from $800 million to $6 billion. And that’s all in the United States. The Department of Defense, as well as a variety of specialist computer science and engineering organizations, are all pitching in to help raise awareness of the impending cybersecurity shortage and lead recruitment efforts and academic support services, including scholarships. The United States Cyber Challenge is an example of a new type of opportunity for students involved in cybersecurity. The US Cyber Challenge program provides a variety of opportunities to help students prepare for undergraduate cybersecurity degree programs, including organized tournaments, camps, and scholarships. It’s no surprise that newly graduated professionals with an online cybersecurity degree are in high demand (in some respects new graduates are attractive to employers because they have the most current cybersecurity training available). For example, 87 percent of graduates of Arizona State University’s online cybersecurity degree program obtain job offers within 90 days of graduation. Finding out what kinds of technical certifications are needed and completing the necessary steps to become certified is another important part of completing a cybersecurity education. Cybersecurity, like other information technology areas, necessitates different levels of technical certification in addition to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Complete List of Schools with an Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
The below is not meant to be a ranking of colleges. Instead, the aim is to include an up-to-date list of the numerous choices for students interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
