Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs of 2024
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Cybersecurity experts are on the front lines of national, corporate, and personal defense, helping prevent cybercriminals and other malicious actors from committing fraud, theft, or acts of terror.
This fast-growing field urgently needs qualified administrators, analysts, engineers, and executives to help meet a severe employment shortage.
Earning an online cybersecurity degree is the first step toward becoming an information security professional. Many schools offer an accelerated cybersecurity degree online that lets you maximize your transfer credits and life experience to graduate early and get started in an exciting professional role.
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Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
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- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $329
Out-of-State | $329
Credits to Graduate: 120
Charter Oak State College's online cybersecurity bachelor's program offers six start dates each year. Students who earn the degree can acquire the skills and knowledge to launch careers as security professionals.
Major requirements include managing risk in information systems, auditing IT infrastructure for compliance, and fundamentals of network security. Other topics include cyberpolicy analysis, social and ethical dilemmas in the field, and vulnerability assessments.
Students must complete a capstone course to graduate and can get academic credit for prior learning and work experience.
University of St Thomas
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,175
Out-of-State | $1,175
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of St. Thomas's online global cybersecurity program takes a multidisciplinary look at technology's place in society and explores privacy, data protection, and ethics. Students can complete the degree entirely online or choose a hyflex option if they want to attend some courses on campus.
The school has small class sizes, a diverse student body, and opportunities for experiential learning. Admission requirements for the BA in global cybersecurity program include a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA and a minimum score of 1140 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT.
Champlain College
Burlington, VT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $335
Out-of-State | $335
Credits to Graduate: 120
Champlain College's online cybersecurity bachelor's degree explores digital forensic investigation techniques, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity policy analysis. Designed for working professionals, the program accepts up to 90 transfer credits. The program does not charge an application fee.
The school is home to the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation & Cybersecurity and employs experienced practitioner-faculty who are leaders in the field. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designated Champlain College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Hilbert College
Hamburg, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 120
Hilbert College Global's online bachelor of science in cybersecurity program covers digital forensics, technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity, and ethics. The curriculum includes real-world examples and develops technical expertise, communication skills, and knowledge in human resources, finance, and accounting.
Required classes include computer crime, a cybersecurity internship, and introduction to network security. All coursework takes place online and asynchronously, and the program offers six start dates per year. The transfer-friendly program accepts up to 90 transfer credits and it's free to apply.
Featured Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Cybersecurity Degree Program?
Cybersecurity online degree programs typically attract students who are analytical, are detail-oriented, and enjoy problem-solving. The ability to work independently as well as on a team is an important skill for cybersecurity students.
The majority of full-time online bachelor's in cybersecurity programs consist of 120 credits and take four years to complete. In addition to general education and core coursework requirements, some schools also offer concentrations to help students build nuanced skills in specific areas.
Concentrations vary from program to program, but common options include:
- Cloud-based security
- Computer forensics
- Software security
- Mobile app technology
- Ethical hacking
- Information warfare and security management
Some online bachelor's programs also require you to participate in a semester-long internship, as this allows you to build real-world skills and start networking with other professionals prior to graduating.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Cybersecurity Degree Program?
Cybersecurity Principles
Typically taken in your first year, this course introduces the tenets of cybersecurity and provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in more advanced courses.
Introduction to Programming
In this course, you learn about various programming languages and begin designing basic algorithms that can translate into programs. You also learn how to problem-solve and design programs that have real-life applications.
Ethical Hacking
This course trains you to use penetration testing and other forms of ethical hacking to look for security vulnerabilities. You work with volunteer clients to look for ways of strengthening their networks.
Digital Forensics
With a focus on electronic evidence identification and collection, this course teaches you the skills you need to gather important evidence related to cybercrimes so that they can be properly litigated. The course places special emphasis on how to use digital forensics in criminal and civil courtrooms.
Cybersecurity Internship
Typically completed in your third or fourth year of study, an internship gives you the opportunity to put your learning into action through a semester-long placement. Completing an internship can also help you expand your network.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Cost?
The average undergraduate major in computer and information science costs $17,545.70 in annual tuition, according to the NCES
Fortunately, most students do not pay the sticker price for their degrees. Pell grants, work-study programs, and state-supported merit scholarships can all reduce overall costs.
Organizations, companies, schools, and even the federal government also offer cybersecurity scholarships. For example, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies
What Are the Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs?
Admission requirements for online bachelor's in cybersecurity programs vary by school, so it is important that you carefully review the information provided by each institution. In addition to the components outlined below, some programs may require you to participate in interviews.
Application
Most schools allow you to submit your completed applications online. However, a few may still allow for mailed applications. These forms typically ask for basic demographic information such as your full name, mailing address, date of birth, and citizenship status.
Test Scores
At the undergraduate level, it's common for schools to request ACT or SAT scores from incoming first-year students. That said, some schools are phasing out this requirement or making it optional. Be sure to review each prospective school's requirements.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process, as they help schools better understand how others view candidates. Your recommendation letters can come from former or current teachers, supervisors, mentors, volunteer managers, or faith leaders.
Essays
College application essays provide an opportunity for you to share, in your own words, what makes you a stand-out candidate and what you can bring to the table. Most schools supply prompts or questions to help you frame your answers. Be sure to follow all directions carefully and fully.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts help admission officers verify your GPA and ensure you took all the required high school prerequisites. If you are a transfer student, you must submit your college transcripts so that the registrar can determine how many transfer credits you've earned.
Featured Cybersecurity Online Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Program?
Cost
The cost of a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can vary substantially based on whether you attend a private vs. public school, or an in-state vs. out-of-state school. If you're looking at local colleges and universities, it may be worthwhile to compare the costs of online and campus-based programs to see which option is more cost-effective.
Location
Location can play an important role in choosing a program, even for online students. Even an online bachelor's in cybersecurity program may have some campus-based requirements. If so, you may want to be within driving distance of the campus.
Program Format
For online cybersecurity programs, you can generally choose between asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. Synchronous programs have live virtual meetings, whereas asynchronous programs allow you to complete lessons at your own pace. Online programs typically offer both part-time and full-time options to support different scheduling needs. Some programs may even allow you to earn an accelerated degree.
Accreditation
Before enrolling in a cybersecurity program, you should confirm that the institution is accredited, which legitimizes your degree and qualifies you for federal financial aid.
Cybersecurity programs can also be accredited by ABET
Student Support
Colleges provide support services to ensure you get the academic, social, and professional support you need to thrive. The best schools provide access to professional mentors as well as top-tier internship sites.
Many schools now provide specific services to online students to ensure they feel supported as well. Check that the school you are interested in offers the support services that best fit your needs.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing professional fields in the world. Fortune Business Insight
As a result, jobs in the field continue to outpace qualified applicants. ISC2's Cyber Workforce Study
Job Title | Job Duties | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth (2022-2032) |
---|---|---|---|
Information security analyst |
|
$112,000 |
32% |
Computer and information systems manager |
|
$164,070 |
15% |
Database administrator |
|
$112,110 |
8% |
Network and computer systems administrator |
|
$90,520 |
2% |
Ethical hacker |
|
$85,720 |
not available |
*Average salary as of January 2024
Continuing Education
After completing an online bachelor's in cybersecurity and working in the field for some time, you may decide you want to return to school and earn an advanced degree. Several universities now offer in-person and online master's in cybersecurity degrees focused on building deeper knowledge and skills.
Completing a master's in cybersecurity can help you build the qualifications to take on more senior leadership roles that typically pay higher wages and allow for more responsibilities. Most master's programs take about two years to complete, and many schools now make them available online.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Degrees Online
Is an online degree in cybersecurity worth it?
As of January 2024, Payscale reports that the average salary for a bachelor's in cybersecurity is $76,000. Earning your degree online can help you save time and money as you work toward securing your place in a cybersecurity profession.
Is an online cybersecurity degree a hard major?
A cybersecurity major requires learning complex concepts like cryptography and coding languages. Consequently, many people may find it more difficult than studying business or the humanities. However, cybersecurity is often less complex than other STEM fields that demand higher math or laboratory science.
How long does an online cybersecurity degree take?
A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity typically requires 120 credits or more and takes four years for full-time students and six years for part-time learners. Accelerated programs, online degrees, and transfer-friendly schools can help shave time off your educational experience. Some universities also grant credit for work or military experience, which can shorten your time to graduation.
Can I get a cybersecurity job without a degree?
Yes, getting a cybersecurity job without a degree is possible, but typically, the best-paying spots go to the best-prepared applicants. Consequently, graduating from a cybersecurity bootcamp or earning a bachelor's degree is often a smart step for aspiring professionals.
You'll probably earn more with a degree. While individual experiences vary, on average, people with bachelor's degrees earn 84% more than high school graduates, according to data from Georgetown University.
What are the highest-paying jobs in cybersecurity?
According to Payscale data as of January 2024, cybersecurity engineers, IT security architects, and chief information security officers are among the top-paying jobs in the industry. These careers often require professional certifications, graduate degrees, or extensive professional experience. For all the highest-paying security professions, however, a bachelor's degree is a great place to start.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 12, 2024.