As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tech world and no signs that job growth will slow any time soon, cybersecurity’s bright outlook offers lots of opportunities for professionals of any age looking for job security, a high salary, and the flexibility to choose a job that matches your life and aspirations. Earning a degree in cybersecurity opens a lot of doors, preparing students for a wide variety of occupations across industries, in either the private or public sector.
In the past, getting a degree often meant taking time off from your other responsibilities, a luxury not everyone can afford. The rise of online degree programs has leveled the playing field, giving students the freedom to learn on their own schedule without sacrificing the quality of their education. There are a plethora of options to choose from, too, with more than 300 accredited online degree programs in the United States alone. We’ve researched the top programs today and shared our findings below, along with some tips and other info that will help anyone thinking about a career in cybersecurity to find answers to all their questions.
Types of online cybersecurity degrees
Cyber security degrees are available at every level, from Associate’s degrees all the way to the doctoral level. That’s not even including the many online courses you can find for security certifications, which may be integrated into a larger degree program or set apart as a separate course.
The majority of online degree programs culminate in a Bachelor’s degree, typically a Bachelor of Science. The specific major and concentration can vary, however. Some of the most common include:
- Cybersecurity. This broad degree program covers all aspects of the industry, teaching students the in-demand skills that employers look for from a range of positions. A general cybersecurity degree will include everything from basics like programming languages, operating systems, databases, and computer networks, to more advanced security architecture and engineering concepts.
- Information assurance. This concentration is ideal training for information security analysts or others who want to focus on the data side of cybersecurity. The required courses train students in the best approaches for the protection of data against cybercrimes, including how to prevent unauthorized access to data as well as how to detect and react to threats.
- Information systems security. Also known as InfoSec, this degree is focused on mitigating risks to computer networks. Students learn the basics of data privacy covered in an information assurance degree, but with a stronger focus on areas like system auditing, malware prevention, and controls to keep interlopers out of proprietary organization systems and software.
- Computer forensics. These degrees focus on the investigations side of cybersecurity. Students learn how to recover data from computers and other devices, along with other methods for collecting and analyzing evidence and the right ways to present those details for a criminal investigation or court of law.
- IT management. This is a great path for mid-career professionals who want a degree to pursue a leadership opportunity. Students still learn the key technical skills needed to build and maintain security solutions, but with more focus on the people management side and soft skills like creative problem-solving, team planning and management, and communication that companies look for in senior-level and leadership candidates.
- Cloud, mobile, and device security. This is one of the new concentrations you’ll find for cybersecurity degrees. Along with the core security principles and functions included in other programs, they prepare students to protect distributed systems, or businesses using third-party software and services. These programs also often include courses on emerging technologies, such as IoT security or the role of AI algorithms in cybersecurity.
You’ll find many of these specialities at the MS level as well as in Bachelor degree programs. The main difference at the graduate level is that the coursework is more advanced, with a greater emphasis on leadership and management even if you’re not focused specifically on the IT management area.
Benefits of an online cybersecurity degree
Getting any kind of degree in cybersecurity comes with some obvious benefits, enabling students to not just get a job in the field but to earn higher salaries and make faster career progress within that track. There are a number of advantages specific to an online degree program too, though. What are the main perks of an online program compared to attending a traditional four-year college? Here are the three most often cited by students.
More flexibility.
On a college campus, the classes are scheduled into specific time slots that can’t be rearranged to accommodate other responsibilities. While some classes in an online program may still be scheduled lectures or labs, the majority of the coursework is typically asynchronous, meaning students can learn the material on their own schedule rather than reporting to a specific place, at a specific time. Many programs also have rolling course start dates, freeing students from the typical semester or quarter schedule.
Less financial strain.
There are multiple aspects to this benefit. First of all, the cost per credit of many online programs is lower than for an on-campus degree. You also save on many of the peripheral expenses associated with attending a four-year university, like travel and housing. Topping things off, an online program means working professionals can still have full availability for their job, so they don’t need to give up their current income to build toward their future.
Learn at your own pace.
Many four-year schools have a minimum number of credits students need to enroll in every semester to maintain their status in the program. In a typical online program, you can take as few or as many courses as you can handle at one time. That doesn’t always mean you’ll earn your degree more slowly, either. In fact, many dedicated students with full-time capability can earn an online degree in half the time or less compared to an in-person college. Most online programs let students transfer credits from other institutions, while others offer assessments that let you test out of subjects you’re already familiar with, letting you focus your time and money on the learning that will be the most valuable for you.
Full control over your learning environment.
Campus life can be fun for some, but it can also be a distraction. An online program lets students just focus on their education, in the space where they can concentrate and learn best. This is an especially appealing perk for adult students who aren’t interested in the social aspects of the college experience.
Drawbacks of online cybersecurity degrees
Online programs are convenient, but they’re not perfect, and won’t necessarily be the best choice for everyone. The main disadvantage of an online program compared to an in-person one is that it can be more difficult to connect with teachers and other students. Professors and classmates are often the first pillars of a person’s professional network, so this can be a more significant drawback for those just starting a cybersecurity career who don’t already have professional contacts in the industry.
Online courses also shift more of the responsibility for keeping up with course materials onto the student. This is particularly true in asynchronous classes, where there’s no teacher reminding you which assignments are due when and what topics to focus on for exams. This won’t be a problem for someone who’s a self-starter with strong internal motivation, but some students will be less likely to actually finish an online degree program because there’s no one keeping them on track.
Admission requirements for online cybersecurity programs
Just like with on-property university programs, the specific requirements for admission to an online degree program vary widely depending on the school and course. Having said that, though, there are some typical requirements that you’ll see from just about every online degree program.
First and foremost, you’ll need to have completed your high school education or GED. Some schools have a minimum GPA requirement, as well, and will ask you to send along your transcripts to verify that you achieved it. The typical threshold is a 2.5 GPA, though some programs may look for students who earned a 3.0 or higher.
Along with this, you’ll typically need to submit a resume or CV, along with a personal statement explaining why you want to attend this university or program. For recent high school graduates, this resume will typically focus on your extracurricular activities, while an adult learner’s will look more similar to a resume you’d submit for a job opening. Similar to a new job, you’ll usually also be asked to submit letters of recommendation, which can come from previous educators, employees, or other professionals who can vouch for your ability to succeed in the program.
Many universities also require undergraduate students to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Even when test scores aren’t a barrier to enrolling, there is often a minimum score threshold for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid, something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to get this help with financing your education.
Finally, some schools require students to have completed certain prerequisites before enrolling in a degree program. The good news is, these usually don’t need to have been completed at that specific university, letting students transfer credits from a community college or other school to meet their requirement.
Typical courses in an online cybersecurity degree
While the specific courses required for a degree vary from one institution to the next, there is a common core set of topics that all programs will cover. Let’s take a closer look at what those are for the undergraduate and graduate level.
Typical courses for a Bachelor’s degree
Undergraduate cybersecurity degrees often start with a basic foundation in computing and networks. This normally includes around 60 credits worth of professional core classes, covering subjects such as networking fundamentals, coding and programming, operating system security, cloud computing security, and threat analysis and response. There will often also be required courses in basic penetration testing methodologies and digital forensic investigation techniques.
The rest of the credits in your degree will be split between general education requirements and electives that further expand on the basic concepts above. This is where you’ll often have the option to choose a minor or concentration, or to add skills like project management, accounting and budgeting, criminal justice, statistics, data analysis, and other specializations that will be useful in a cybersecurity career.
Typical courses for a Master’s degree
Much of the coursework for a Master’s degree will consist of more advanced and in-depth versions of the same concepts studied at the undergraduate level. One major difference is that there’s usually no general education requirement for a graduate degree, letting students just focus on their core area of study.
Many of those who pursue a Master’s plan to pursue a leadership role in the field, and many programs have courses that anticipate this. This includes concepts like team management and strategic planning that business leaders need across disciplines. Cybersecurity Master’s degrees get more specific with these concepts, often including courses on incident response and event management, security architecture design, and other high-level skills you’ll need to be a leader in this sector.
Online cybersecurity degree programs
1. City University of Seattle
Tuition: $395-$495 per credit
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
CityU has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, making this an excellent degree program for those interested in pursuing government and other private sector roles after graduation.
Along with coursework, students in CityU’s program get hands-on experience with an internship and capstone before earning their Bachelor’s degree. While it’s a full four-year program, it can be completed in as little as two years with transfer credits, and the courses are flexible, available in both online and in-person environments. The curriculum includes an introduction to programming languages like Python and C++, as well as courses on network security, ethical hacking, IT compliance, and database technologies, giving students the full array of skills they need to succeed in careers across the cybersecurity sector.
2. Champlain College
Tuition: $328 per credit (Bachelor’s), $795 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Master’s Degree in Information Security
Champlain College offers 100% online programs at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s level that can help cybersecurity professionals further their career. The flexibility of these programs makes them a particularly smart choice for those who already have a full-time job in information technology. Students can access the course materials 24/7, letting you balance classes with work and other responsibilities. Those with CISSP certifications can also get transfer credits applied to their degree, letting you focus on learning new knowledge rather than paying to review skills you already have and use.
Along with the full Bachelor’s degree, there are also undergraduate certificates available in Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Advanced Security. At the Master’s level, students have their choice of the Operations Track or the Management Track. The former prepares you for a role in incident response and prevention, while the latter focuses on strategies for project management and leadership for security teams.
3. American Public University
Tuition: $285 per credit (Bachelor’s), $370 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies
The cybersecurity curriculum in American Public University’s online program has a broader scope than those in many institutions. This includes coursework on topics like computer forensics and cyber crime law in addition to security architecture, network penetration, and other key principles of cyber operations. Bachelor’s students can choose a concentration in Wireless and Mobile Security, Critical Infrastructure, Digital Forensics, or Privacy and Surveillance. At the Master’s level, the core coursework aims to build a foundation on topics like risk management, cybercrime, and network security, with a final capstone project that integrates this knowledge in a practical application.
Along with the variety of cyber security concentrations you can study at American Public University, one other advantage of this program is its comparatively low tuition rates, particularly at the Master’s level. At half the cost per credit of some universities, APU’s cybersecurity program helps learners meet their career goals without taking on as much educational debt.
4. Liberty University
Tuition: $390 per credit (Bachelor’s), $565 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Cyber Security
For students with jobs, families, and other responsibilities, the asynchronous 8-week courses in Liberty University’s Bachelor’s degree program make it easier to schedule school into their life. The degree aims to prepare students for a career in network and data security, providing an overview of security principles and best practices as well as more general business administration topics like project management and business law.
The more intensive Master’s program puts this knowledge in context, helping students develop expertise in preventing, identifying, and responding to data breaches and other security incidents. It can still be completed quickly, though, with many graduates completing the program in 18 months. Liberty University’s mission of providing affordable education is reflected in their Experience Plus program, opening up the potential to earn college credit for work experience so you can complete your cybersecurity education faster.
5. Western Governors University
Tuition: $3,950 per term
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
WGU was founded to make education accessible to people from all backgrounds. They have become one of the top online-only colleges in the United States, with a reputation for course quality and student support. The average length of their cybersecurity degree program is only 21 months, and since tuition is determined per term rather than per credit, most students save money as well as time compared to a typical 4-year program.
Along with their Bachelor’s degrees, WGU graduates can leave the program with 14 third-party industry certifications. This includes general certifications such as (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) or CompTIA Security+, as well as PenTest+ for penetration testing and other specializations. The fees for these credentials are included with tuition, too.
6. Old Dominion University
Tuition: $374-$407 per credit (Bachelor’s), $571-$595 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity
ODU offers two options for enrolling in their undergraduate cyber security program. Those who already have college credits can complete their cybersecurity Bachelor’s degree by taking as little as 30 credits. Others can enroll in the full program online, completing a range of courses including lectures, lab sessions, and research projects, all without stepping foot on a physical campus. The Master’s program is similarly all-online and can be completed in a single year, with a practical capstone in place of a research-based thesis.
At both levels, Old Dominion University takes an interdisciplinary approach in their cyber security degree programs. In addition to learning key terminology and technical skills for the discipline, students can also take electives in criminal justice, computer science, engineering management, and information technology. This gives students more freedom to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career needs. The Master’s coursework includes advanced topics in cybercrime laws, digital forensics, and current best standards for security measures to safeguard computer systems and networks, along with management and leadership techniques.
7. University of Maryland
Tuition: $312-$499 per credit (Bachelor’s), $694 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology
The University of Maryland has earned a CAE-CD designation, making it a great choice for individuals who want to work for private sector organizations like the DHS or NSA. It’s also an excellent institution for active-duty U.S. military and veterans, who get a discounted tuition rate at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those with college credits can transfer up to 90, while students starting from scratch can take all the courses online, with some available as a hybrid model.
The coursework in the University of Maryland’s program also makes it well-suited for those pursuing careers in the law enforcement side of cybersecurity. In addition to the major in cybersecurity, students can add a focus in Digital Forensics. These upper-level classes cover mobile forensics, network forensics, forensic analysis, and other content focused on the investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals. The graduate coursework also includes a class on digital forensics, along with other skills leaders in this space need.
8. Kennesaw State University
Tuition: $185 per credit (Bachelor’s), $383 per credit (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity
The BS in Cybersecurity degree at Kennesaw State University was rated #1 on CyberDegrees.org’s rankings of the top online cybersecurity programs. It’s also one of the most affordable full bachelor’s degree programs with CAE-CD accreditation, good news for those who want to advance their career without taking out massive loans. This completely online program is part of the University System of Georgia’s eCampus initiative, whose goal is to build a more skilled workforce by making education more accessible.
The emphasis on flexibility makes Kennesaw State University a great option for members of the military, working professionals, and others often left behind by traditional 4-year schools. That flexibility applies to the classes, too. Students can add a specialization in Systems Security, Network Security, or Cyber Crime, in addition to learning core concepts of how to protect hardware, systems, and applications from threats and attacks.
9. Wilmington University
Tuition: $399 per credit
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The breadth of courses offered by Wilmington University is their main advantage over other programs in the field. The Security Core includes topics like cryptography, firewalls, and database foundations that aren’t explored in-depth in many degree programs. The Digital Forensics concentration is equally comprehensive, with courses on mobile device security and IoT forensics, teaching students how to gather evidence from emerging technologies to fully prepare them for today’s law enforcement challenges. Other available security electives include courses on cloud computing and the psychology of hackers.
The online courses at Wilmington University are led by the same information security experts who teach on their campus, many of whom are active professionals with a real-world understanding of the latest tools, issues, and trends in the industry. Along with earning the degree, the courses prepare students to sit for certifications such as CISSP, CISA, or CompTIA A+, Linux+, Security+, and Network+.
10. ECPI University
Tuition: $8,712 per semester (Bachelor’s), $6,480 per semester (Master’s)
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security, Master of Science in Cybersecurity
It might sound counterintuitive to describe an online university program as “hands-on”, but ECPI University makes it work with workshops, labs, and externships that give students practical training on how to use the knowledge learned in classrooms. Since classes run year-round, students can earn their Bachelor’s degree in less than three years. This makes ECPI a great way to reach gainful employment faster for those able to devote themselves to school full-time.
The Bachelor program at ECPI is designated CAE-CDE (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education), and alumni often go on to work in national security or other private sector roles. There are two concentrations available at the graduate level. The Cyber Operations concentration is focused on the design, implementation, and maintenance of organization security. The other, Cybersecurity Policy, focuses on how to develop cybersecurity policies and procedures, along with the analysis and enforcement of these policies, both within organizations and in the larger regulatory and legal framework.
Finding the right online cybersecurity degree program
Choosing where you’ll further your education is a major life decision, and not one that should be undertaken lightly. All 10 of the programs listed above are fully accredited and have some kind of CAE designation, and any one of them can give you a high-quality education. That doesn’t necessarily mean all of them will be the right choice for you, though. It’s up to you to make the evaluation of which program will be the best fit for your lifestyle and career aspirations.
Now that you have a baseline understanding of the options from this guide, the next step is to reach out to the programs that seem like a good fit and request info from an advisor. If you don’t get accepted to the first place you apply, don’t give up! With hundreds of online cybersecurity programs to choose from, there’s one that will be an ideal match for every type of student.