Find your perfect college degree
Technology has permeated our daily lives! From Wi-Fi to mobile networks and cloud computing apps, the cyber world has significantly made our day-to-day personal activities and jobs much easier.
However, there are also other critical things that every technology-lover should be wary of keeping technology secure from the ever-prying eyes of cybercriminals.
This is the reason why Cybersecurity specialists are incredibly sought-after. If you are contemplating securing a career in any computer-related degree, it’s best to check out the bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity!
There is a steady increase of cyber-attacks and complicated cyber threats here and there–and a degree in Cybersecurity gives you a solid foundation to be properly equipped for a handful of jobs related to the field.
An online cybersecurity program is a great way to earn your degree!
Quick audio summary:
Perhaps one of today’s most interesting professional fields is the job that involves using advanced technologies as a defense against security threats! In an increasingly advanced world that’s reliant on computers and technology, earning an Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree definitely gives you access to the best roles as you become a sought-after professional!
First things first, enroll in an online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and related programs! If you have the technical know-how and are truly passionate about keeping businesses and organizations safe from cyber threats, an excellent Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree college can help you fulfill that dream of becoming a well-trained professional in the field.
Our list of Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Colleges is meant to provide you with the best educational options! These institutions, all of which are accredited, feature top-of-the-line courses that shape the next best Cybersecurity expert! Their program curricula emphasize the value of technical knowledge and awareness of the situations associated with cyber threats.
With expert instructors delivering the program via a robust online learning platform, students are poised to acquire the best training! These online programs also highlight financial aid options, top courses offered, and superb student services.
See our Methodology page for more information.
Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Colleges
Maryville University of Saint Louis
The Maryville University of Saint Louis is notable for its more than 30 online programs, including the online bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity.
When you have already completed a business core course, or any general education course for that matter, you can enroll in the program and delve into challenging topics in cyber law or database design.
The online program has three tracks: defensive Cybersecurity, offensive Cybersecurity, and general Cybersecurity.
Location:
St. Louis, Missouri
Accreditation:
The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- The program is purely online and runs for eight weeks of full semesters.
- Enrollees are not required to have experience in the information technology field upon admission.
- You can learn from case studies pulled from the latest headlines
Course Options:
- Offensive Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity
- Defensive Cybersecurity
Admission Requirements: (General)
For Incoming Freshmen
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.5 may be considered for provisional admission
- No standardized (SAT/ACT) required
- Official high school transcript
Graduate Admission
- (Minimum) cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- GMAT/GRE not required
- Personal Statement
Financial Aids:
- Federal Grants
- Stafford Loans
- PLUS loans
- Private sources
- Student-employment opportunities
- Employer assistance programs
What’s Unique About the Program
- 100% online coursework- no campus visit required
- No entrance exams or fees
- Programs start in the fall, spring, or summer
- Log in and study based on your schedule
- Average of 20 students per class
University of North Dakota
The online bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity at the University of North Dakota focuses mainly on electrical engineering. However, you can take 15 cybersecurity-related elective courses from more than 20 courses.
Options include advanced wireless communications engineering, cyber forecasting, and emerging threats and defenses.
The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer. Online students can take asynchronous classes in the whole seven-week or fourteen-week sessions.
Location:
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features:
- The program gives you the proper training and expertise to become a part of a highly educated workforce.
- You have better chances of participating in cybersecurity research.
- It also provides you with all the technical skills and knowledge for working in the cybersecurity sector.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Admission Requirements: (General)
Freshmen
- Must meet the required high school courses
- High School GPA and Test Scores
Transfer Students
- Minimum of 2.0 Cumulative GPA
- Be of good standing at the college you previously attended
- $35 non-refundable fee
Financial Aids:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Employment
What’s Unique About the Program
- It creates new opportunities for interdisciplinary education and research in key areas of strategic importance to the state, region, or nation.
- You can customize your curriculum and focus on specific areas of Cybersecurity that pique your interest the most.
- You can gain access to important UND computer resources and technologies. This includes the Secure Cyber-Physical Energy Systems and Data Sciences Laboratory.
Baker College
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology and Security with a concentration in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity of Baker College is led by IT professionals who follow a curriculum designed to give a solid background in security across several different systems and platforms.
The program has courses that cover different general education topics and information technology and security and cybersecurity concentration.
The most popular courses include computer forensics, ethical hacking, and network intrusion. In the final year, you can complete a 150-hour practical experience course.
Baker College’s online class runs asynchronously over eight-week sessions. However, you can also choose a hybrid study option to take classes online and on their regional campuses. You can also get access to learning support services from the school’s academic resource center.
Location:
Owosso, Michigan
Accreditation:
- Kansas State Department of Educator Preparation (CAEPnet.org)
- Member and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church
- Baker College is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education awardee. The citation was given by the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.
Program Features:
- Students learn the fundamentals of computer infrastructure to identify external and internal threats to keep up with the fast-paced world of information security.
- Other courses include Network Security, Platform Security, and Operating System Security.
- After graduating, you are equipped with the best range of skills to help you start a career in Cybersecurity.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance concentration
Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate
- Online Application
- $30 non-refundable application fee
- Copy of Transcripts or GED
- ACT or SAT Scores
Financial Aids:
- Grants (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, IRAQ, and Afghanistan Service Grant)
- State of Michigan Financial Aid (Children of Veterans Tuition Grant)
- Scholarships
- Tuition Incentive Programs
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Classes are available anywhere. You can also opt for the hybrid program, where you join classes both online and on-campus.
- Baker College was awarded the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Davenport University
As a student of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense online program of Davenport University, you are to complete major courses that cover UNIX operating systems, programming, and Windows digital forensics.
You can also pick the Healthcare Information Assurance or Basic Information Assurance specialization, or even both, to help you earn a certified information systems professional credential.
Location:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Accreditation:
- The university is an independent, non-profit institution chartered by the State of Michigan.
- Certified by the State Approval Agency of the Department of Education
Program Features:
- You can fully earn the degree online through the school’s innovative Global Campus or opt for a hybrid class studying online and in person at Davenport’s WA Letting Campus.
- Programs are taught by industry-experienced IT professionals with a solid foundation and deep connections to the cyber community.
- Full-tuition scholarships are available, including the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service and the Cyber Scholarship Program.
Course Options:
- Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Defense
Admission Requirements: (General)
Freshman
- Online application for admission
- Official high school or GED Transcripts
- SAT/ACT Scores
Financial Aids:
- Employment
- Gift Aid
- Federal Grants
- State Grants and Scholarships
- Davenport Institutional Scholarships
- Davenport Foundation Scholarship
- External Scholarships
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service through the National Science Foundation
- Cyber Scholarship Program through the Department of Defense
What’s Unique About the Program
- You can gain a unique perspective on Cybersecurity and incorporate digital forensic techniques in addressing security issues.
- You will build a solid foundation with the related professional ethics and management courses.
- Network security courses are offered, such as Database Design and Security Foundation.
- Davenport University is one of the 13 schools in Michigan that earned the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education awarded by the US National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Saint Leo University
The online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program of Saint Leo University allows its students to experience and learn about the many security tools and technologies utilized by top cybersecurity professionals in their day-to-day work.
The school has its unique virtual lab environment where you can have the chance to fully immerse in a mock IT infrastructure and gain access to real-world software tools. You can even experience realistic security scenarios, which will hone your skills even more.
These scenarios and infrastructure are designed to give the students a realistic experience to know what they will come across in their future career in Cybersecurity.
Location:
Saint Leo, Florida
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Program Features:
- Some coursework covers decision support systems, penetration testing and countermeasures, and network defense and security.
- Student support services are available for online students.
- Cybersecurity students are allowed to access co-curricular computer organization and two computer labs
- Information assurance lab is available
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science in Online Cyber Security Degree
Admission Requirements: General
Online
- Online Application
- Proof of High School Graduation. Those who did not attend a regionally accredited college or university must submit proof of high school graduation (either an official secondary transcript or official GED score report)
- Official academic transcripts
- Official scores, if applicable, for the following standardized examinations: Advanced Placement (AP), Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), USAFI, Excelsior College Exams, or Regents Examinations.
- Professional training documentation
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Student Employment
- Military and Veteran Affairs Benefits
What’s Unique About the Program:
- The program is offered online or at the main campus and is suitable for those who are interested in working in the Cyber Security Industry
- Both Synchronous and asynchronous instructions are available.
Kennesaw State University
The online bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity is a completely online degree offered by Kennesaw State University. The program is set to deliver a technically-focused curriculum designed particularly for the fast-growing world of the cybersecurity sector.
After you complete a degree in Cybersecurity via major, you automatically earn a minor in Information Technology.
Aside from the major programs, other minor programs are also offered completely online. This gives you better flexibility and convenience in taking courses anywhere, and anytime you want.
Location:
Kennesaw, Georgia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- The program features several courses in Cybersecurity like perimeter defense, client systems security, contingency planning, and incident response.
- You can choose between network security, cybercrime specialty tracks, and system security.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Admission Requirements: General
Freshman and Transfer Freshman
- Minimum 2.5 with qualifying test s ores
- Minimum 2.6 without qualifying or in the absence of test scores
- SAT/ACT Results
- High School Transcripts
- Any college transcripts (for those who have already earned any college credits while in high school
Financial Aids:
- Grants
- HOPE Scholarships
- Zell Miller Scholarship
- Student Loans
- Federal-Work Study
What’s Unique About the Program:
- This is a major program that follows a seven-week or 15-week term.
- All online learners can access academic skills resources, student workshops, and development support.
- After you complete the program, you automatically earn a minor in information technology.
- Criminal justice minor is also available online.
Dakota State University
The Cyber Operations program of Dakota State University will teach you how to properly discover and investigate cyberattacks like malware infections, data breaches, and other software vulnerabilities. In cyber operations, practice and research are critical elements.
As such, students at DSU also learn the fundamentals of programming and networking. The school also takes pride in its well-equipped laboratory, where Cyber Operations students analyze malware and software safety.
DSU’s Cyber Operations degree is a 4 + 1 program. You may complete both your BS in Cyber Operations and MS in Computer Science in just five years.
Location:
Madison, South Dakota
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features:
- Upon completing the program, students analyze computer dynamics, systems, and statistics to understand network behavior and spot security vulnerabilities.
- You learn how to execute and construct attacks against various computer systems.
- This Cybersecurity online degree lets you make functionally sound and solid software in different languages that can execute in different operating environments.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
Admission Requirements: General
High School Graduates
- ACT or SAT Score
- Cumulative GPA of 2.6
- Ranked upper 60% of high school class
Non-High School Graduates
- Must be 18 years or older
- Completed GED High School Equivalency Certificate – a total score of at least 580 and at least 145 on each subject
Financial Aids:
- Complete the FAFSA online application with DSU’s FAFSA school code 003463.
- DSU Champion Scholarships
- DSU Rising Scholarships
- Go Blue Dual Credit Scholarship
- Hatterscheidt Foundation Scholarship
- Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship
What’s Unique About the Program:
- The program holds the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations designation from the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.
- Through the school’s 4+1 program, you can earn a BS in Cyber Operations and an MS in Computer Science in 5 years.
- The program is delivered online, asynchronously.
William Woods University
William Woods University’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity aims to prepare a generation of students to join the cybersecurity workforce.
They are taught and geared with the best and most creative innovative solutions for protecting critical information in the face of the constant increase of cybersecurity threats.
With the program, you will gain a lot of experience and a deeper understanding of Cybersecurity. Areas of study include systems analysis, Cybersecurity, encryption techniques, information warfare, and much more.
Location:
Fulton, Missouri
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Association
Program Features:
- The program has 57 major credits that include capstone and courses in enterprise systems, cloud security, and encryption techniques.
- The faculty are experts in the field of Cybersecurity, with extensive background experience.
- Cybersecurity theories and applications are tested via an internship program with a local organization. This gives the student a real-world experience of what he has learned in the classroom.
- Classes are flexible, and the program has 24/7 support for online learning students.
Course Options:
- Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- High school transcript
- 2.0 GPA
- SAT score: 980 or higher
- ACT score: 19 or higher
Financial Aid:
- LEAD Award Program (Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, Amy Shelton McNutt Scholarship, Honors Program)
- Student-Work
- Loans
- Private scholarships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Students are qualified for different professional certifications after graduation.
- Admission into the school’s MS in Cybersecurity Program is offered.
- 24/7 technical support
- Career services, tutoring, and support are readily available for needy students.
University of Charleston
The program aims to prepare the students to lead others and contribute to the ever-evolving field of information technology. The primary goal is to train students how to defend against potential cyber threats and cybersecurity breaches.
This is a degree completion program. This means you can complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as two years, although this will be based on the knowledge and skills you got from your previous associate degree.
Location:
West Virginia
Program Features:
- Prepares graduates to secure positions in the cybersecurity world as information security analysts upon graduation.
- The program immerses the students in a cybersecurity setting grounded in theory and based upon practice.
Course Options:
- Bachelor’s in Cyber Security
Admission Requirements: General
- Minimum academic grade of 2.50 on a 4-point scare
- GED or TASC Score of 450
- A record of active participation in community organizations or school events throughout high school
- Completed undergraduate application for admission
- $25 application fee
Financial Aid:
- Federal Grant Programs
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Work-Study
What’s Unique About the Program:
- For experienced enrollees, they can earn prerequisite credits by successfully testing in three major areas: security, networking, and hardware and software
- The program is designed in coordination with the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
Drexel University
Drexel University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology that focuses on teaching professionals.
Whether you are in the corporate setting, the government, or a non-profit organization, you will play a critical role in computer system administration and Cybersecurity.
The program emphasizes primarily practical hands-on education. This provides the basic concepts coupled with work experience. This program is suitable for presently employed individuals or those seeking a career shift. If you are also working and have earned an associate degree, you can take advantage of the program.
Location:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- The program has two areas of concentration: Computing Technology and Computing Security.
- The computing technology program focuses on Database Administration.
- The Computing Security program deals with security system audits and IT security policies.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computing and Security Technology
Admission Requirements:
Transfer Students
Minimum of 24 previous college semester credits (36 quarter credits). You should have a grade of C or better. Credits must be earned within the past ten years from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Federal Loans (Federal Direct Loan Program for Students, Federal Direct Loan Programs for Parents)
- Private Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- The online coursework, delivered asynchronously, is particularly designed for professionals in the field.
Purdue University
You’ll learn how to defend companies against a broad range of cyber threats when you earn your cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online at Purdue University.
With this online degree in cybersecurity, you will learn best practices, identify IT security threats, and master cybersecurity fundamentals.
Students in this program learn how to apply computing principles and other relevant disciplines to analyze and solve complex computing problems. A computing-based solution will be designed, implemented, and evaluated within the context of the program.
Location:
- West Lafayette, Indiana
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 180 credits required
Course Option:
- Python Programming
- Ethical Hacking
- Intrusion Detection and Response
- Network Security
Admissions:
- High School Diploma
- Application Form
Financial Aid:
- Military Tuition Reduction
- Corporate Partner Benefits
- Grants
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The credit earned from previous coursework can be transferred to another qualifying institution, including those earned from a community college.
Franklin University
An attack on a data network or computer system can have far-reaching effects that affect millions of customers. This is why cybersecurity has grown: it provides critical protection against unauthorized disclosure, modification, or loss of information assets.
Learn how to respond to security breaches using state-of-the-art tactics and countermeasures with Franklin’s transfer-friendly, online bachelor’s in Cybersecurity degree program.
Location:
- Columbus, Ohio
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 124 credit hours
- 76% transfer credit
Course Option:
- Principles of Computer Networks
- Problem-Solving With Computing
- Cyber Security Fundamentals
- Database Management Systems
Admissions:
- High School Transcripts
- GED scores
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Pell Grant
- Work Study
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Cybersecurity degree programs at Franklin University prepare students for a career securing valuable data from threats and hackers in business, industry, and government.
Regent University
You can prepare for a career in technology and network security in various sectors, including government, military, private, public, and nonprofit organizations, through Regent University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. Develop and execute a digital security strategy that protects and supports your employer’s data resources.
Location:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 120 credit hours
Course Option:
- Linux System Administration
- Digital Forensics
- Information Systems Security
- Internet Security
Admissions:
- Official Transcripts
- Application Form
- FAFSA
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Military Benefits
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The school offers online and on-campus students hands-on training in our multimillion-dollar cyber range, which is state-of-the-art and multimillion-dollar. Using the cyber range, you can simulate and train for real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Mississippi State University
The Mississippi State University BAS in Cybersecurity Online teaches students about cyber systems, defenses, countermeasures, and ethical hacking and security management.
An accredited community college may transfer 50 credits; a four-year university may transfer 60 credits, and MSU may transfer 30 courses.
Some courses you will take in this program are Introduction to Cyber Operations, Secure Software Engineering, Computer Forensics, and Cryptography. Online students can apply for the Distance Makes a Difference Scholarship, specifically designed for distance learners.
Location:
- Oxford, Mississippi
Accreditation:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- Course Option:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Systems Programming
- Computer Organization
- Cryptography
Admissions:
- GPA of 3.20
- ACT or SAT scores
- Application Form
Financial Aid:
- Private Loans
- State Aid
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About The Program:
- As a result of the Carnegie Foundation’s assessment, Mississippi State University is viewed as an institution with a “Very High Research Activity.”
- Additionally, they are classified as a Carnegie Community Engagement Organization.
ECPI University
In the Cyber and Information Security Technology field, you’ll learn how to prevent, detect, and combat all types of digital crime, so a Computer and Information Science degree may be the perfect fit for you!
As a cybersecurity specialist, it may be your job to protect computer systems against internal and external threats, including social engineering, hackers, malware, spyware, and viruses.
The year-round Computer and Information Science degree program at ECPI University offers a Cyber and Information Security Technology degree major in as little as 2.5 years.
Location:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits
Course Options:
- Introduction to Cloud Solutions
- Linux Administration
- Principles of Cybersecurity
- Applied Project Management LAB
- Introduction to Databases
Admission Requirements:
- Appointment
- Assessment
- Online application
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Military Benefits
What’s Unique About the Program:
- It will be easier for you to start and graduate sooner when you take accelerated courses.
- Students at ECPI University are committed to their success regardless of their financial situation, with small class sizes, accelerated courses, and student support services.
Norwich University
It is becoming increasingly valuable to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Norwich University. A flexible online classroom provides highly relevant, skills-based instruction as part of Norwich’s renowned cybersecurity education.
By combining core cybersecurity principles with elective and project-based courses, the cybersecurity curriculum is ideal for adult learners. Among the skills, you will learn critical thinking, communication, research, and analysis, as well as an in-depth exploration of topics.
Additionally, you can customize your degree by choosing a specialization in Information Warfare and Security Management or Computer Forensics and Vulnerability Management.
Location:
- Northfield, Vermont
Accreditation:
- The New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- Allows you to transfer 90 credits
- Can be completed in less than two years
- Multiple start dates
Course Options:
- Comparative Religion
- Comparative Politics
- Leadership
- Computer Programming with a Low-Level Language
- Windows Server Administration
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Military and Veteran Scholarships
- Federal loans and grants
- Military Benefits
- Personal Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- With elective courses, you can tailor your studies to meet your personal and professional needs.
Western Governors University
A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree from WGU will help you become a frontline cybersecurity professional who can outsmart these cybercriminals.
The WGU BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance was designed to meet the latest guidelines from the DHS – Department of Homeland Security and the NSA – National Security Agency. WGU, National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2026, was designated as such owing to this program.
In addition to 14 top certifications, the WGU cybersecurity program gives you an opportunity to boost your résumé even before you graduate. Cybersecurity online programs allow you to earn while learning, offer you cybersecurity certification options, and allow you to continue working while pursuing your degree online.
Location:
- Millcreek, Utah
Accreditation:
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- 120 required credits
Course Options:
- Managing Cloud Security
- Fundamentals of Information Security
- Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity
- Managing Information Security
- Web Development Foundations
Admission Requirements:
- High school transcripts
- Online application
- GPA of 2.75
- 2 years of IT work
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- 19 governors from across the country founded Western Governors University.
Old Dominion University
IT jobs are in high demand. Employers need cybersecurity professionals to protect computer systems, networks, and online data. The bachelor’s program at ODU teaches you how to troubleshoot and identify possible security breaches.
A forensic evidence collection course is also included in this program. Research projects, lectures, and computer lab sessions are all included in this online program.
Location:
- Norfolk, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 120 required courses
Course Options:
- computer science
- philosophy
- modeling and simulation engineering
- engineering management
- information technology
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Military aid
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Old Dominion University is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations Fundamentals for 2019-2024 by the National Security Agency.
Champlain College
As a nationally recognized online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program, Champlain’s online bachelor’s degree program provides students with hands-on experience and problem-solving skills to prepare them for a career in this critical field.
With cutting-edge education and virtual hands-on learning, a cybersecurity degree from Champlain will enhance your career prospects.
It’s crucial that you build a foundational skillset that will help you adapt and grow in a field that changes as quickly as cybersecurity.
Besides the core technical skills, Champlain’s program emphasizes important soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which you can immediately apply to your workplace and that will help you adapt to increasingly complex digital environments.
Location:
- Burlington, Vermont
Accreditation:
- The New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits
Course Options:
- Mobile Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Intrusion Analysis and Response
- Emerging Threats and Defence
- Networking and Security
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Online application
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Their online classrooms allow you to learn relevant material immediately applicable to your job.
- Experience real-world knowledge and experience from practitioners in the field.
The Salary You Can Expect
The University of San Diego reported that 46% of cybersecurity professionals regularly got offers from various companies. This indicates such a position is always in demand. Every organization, regardless of its industry, is constantly in need of cybersecurity professionals.
Information Security Manager
Ave. Salary: $112,000 per year
Job Description:
- Works mainly with the top management
- Develops and deploys computer security policies and security measures
- Employ in various sectors such as finance and insurance, computer systems design, and information and management
Information Assurance Engineer
Ave. Salary: $102,928 per year
Job Description:
- Protect IT infrastructure
- Updating software and hardware regularly
- Monitoring digital threats
- Implement digital security standards
IT Security Consultant
Ave. Salary: $87,190 per year
Job Description:
- Optimizing the efficiency in securing data and information systems, software, and networks
- Working alongside IT departments to eliminate online safety issues
- Monitoring and facilitating tests for vulnerabilities in the system
- Conducting research cybersecurity criteria and validation procedures
Information Security Specialist
Ave. Salary: $114,000 per year
Job Description:
- Exclusively implements security measures and not as much as the strategies and management
- Scrutinizes security systems and provides recommendations for improvements
- Prepares action plans when a security breach occurs
- Oversees the network and gives early signs of issues
- Provides relevant information about the system status as well as disseminates downtime to system users
Information Security Analyst
Ave. Salary: $119,860 per year
Job Description:
- Performing security assessments through testing and risk analysis
- Conducting security audits, both internal and external
- Validating the security of third-party vendors
- Enforcing strict security requirements
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the career paths in Cybersecurity?
Today, Cybersecurity degrees are offered to feature a myriad of specializations or concentrations. If you are an established cybersecurity specialist and have the proper training in this niche, coupled with a deeper understanding of Cybersecurity across the board, it’s relatively easy to land a job.
But also remember that it’s important to factor in your interests that are also beyond the technical aspect of the career.
You can work in the law enforcement field to prevent cyber hackers from exploiting defense or banking systems as a forensics specialist.
However, you need to have an aptitude for law and criminal investigation for this. As a forensics expert, you should also have ample knowledge of the following:
- The rules of discovery and evidence
- The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution
- The capacity to perform under cross-examination in a court of the law perfectly. This is where your communication skills are tested since you will convey the toughest technical terms to ordinary people on a jury.
As a forensic specialist, it’s also easy to secure a job as a consultant for a law enforcement agency’s defense team. Your task is primarily to study evidence, how these were collected, and how they were handled.
However, it’s important that computer forensic analysts already have several years of experience in this field.
Cybersecurity experts are also in demand in many IT departments working as security administrators, security auditors, or network engineers. From this position, you can easily work your way up through the corporate ranks. If you’re that gutsy, you can even work on your own and become a consultant.
Another interesting direction in this field is becoming an ethical hacker, otherwise called a penetration tester. But you need to have extensive experience and a handful of special certificates to work as one. As a penetration tester, you have to be able to:
- Have sharp writing, presentation, and management skills so that your potential clients will receive the best testings
- Sort out reports that relay the meaning of the test results
- Think critically. Interestingly, some of the best penetration testers in multinational companies are reformed criminals.
Should you get a Cybersecurity degree?
Before you start a degree in Cybersecurity, it’s best to make sure that this degree is the right field for you. Remember that computer science is very demanding.
Students with a solid math background will do very well in this analytical field of study, along with those with strong logic skills.
If you were previously in the military or had worked in fields utilizing advanced technologies, you may be cut out for a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity program!
These experiences will eventually pay off once you are already in the class and can even boost your professional life (most importantly, if you get a top-secret clearance).
While this clearance expires when you revert to the civilian workforce, you can put this on your resume. This is helpful if you plan on applying to defense contractors, as these people will appreciate how the military trusted you during the days.
How do you find the right Cybersecurity program?
When looking for a bachelor’s program in Cybersecurity, you should do your homework. We mostly hear only about the security aspect of this program, but remember that it is also about developing your management skills, legal know-how, technical writing skills, and knowledge of ethics in general.
You get an edge over your peers, too, if you have a background in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
Do you have experience working before in an IT department? Or do you have a computer Associate degree and are searching for an educational structure that will easily let you work around your obligations? Earning an online Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is possible.
How does an online Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity differ from an on-campus program?
There are several differences between campus-based and online cybersecurity degrees. A key example is the technical requirements. Campus-based computer labs are available to students in traditional programs.
However, learners must use computers and software that meet the necessary standards for online programs. Some applications require additional licensing or purchases.
It is also important to note that group work differs from individual work. Major projects in cybersecurity programs often require students to respond to a simulated cyberattack. These projects are often assigned to students as group projects by their instructors.
Unlike campus-based learning, the online cybersecurity degree program learning environment can create challenges for group work. The schedules and time zones of online learners may differ greatly. An academic group’s performance can be negatively affected if it cannot come up with a workable solution.
Summary Points
- An online cyber security program will provide lucrative career options, including risk management, cybersecurity management, homeland security, cyber security analysts, and many others in the information technology world, often hired by government agencies and law enforcement agencies.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual salary of $119,860 for the Information Security Analyst.
- A bachelor’s online degree program in the field of Cybersecurity will prepare students and graduates for entry-level positions, as well as a great stepping stone that prepares students for a master’s degree program for career advancement.
- Online cybersecurity degree programs teach students how to protect sensitive data, security principles, legal and ethical principles, and security protocols. Graduate students learn to sharpen business administration and critical thinking skills, as well as pursue cybersecurity research opportunities.
