Online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity: Comparing Top Programs

Explore Online Cybersecurity Programs

With the rise in technology use across every industry, there’s also a growing need for cybersecurity experts to ensure data safety. With an associate degree, graduates can find a well-paying job in this field.

Whether you’re a first-time college student or a career-changer, you can find hybrid or online programs that allow you to focus on your education while also managing other responsibilities.

There are many cybersecurity programs that are fully online with classes offered either asynchronously or synchronously. In many cases, learning is self-paced with virtual labs to provide hands-on learning. Here’s a look at several of the top online associate programs to prepare you for a future in cybersecurity.

Online Cyber Security Associates FAQs

Should I choose an online or on-campus cybersecurity program?

On-campus and online associate degrees in cybersecurity have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the option you choose should be based on your preferred format, learning style, schedule, and career aspirations. If you’re looking for greater flexibility and convenience, an online associate degree in cybersecurity is likely the right fit for you.

Is an associate degree in cybersecurity better than a certificate or bootcamp?

There are many paths to launching a cybersecurity career, so to ensure you’re choosing the right type of program you’ll need to define your career goals and learning style.

Typically, cybersecurity certifications are for those who want to learn a specific skill rather than become a general expert in cybersecurity. An associate degree in cybersecurity and a cybersecurity bootcamp will both help you launch a career in the field, but they take different approaches.

Cybersecurity bootcamps are usually fast paced for completion in a few weeks or months. Earning an associate degree in cybersecurity online will result in a degree, but you’ll move at a slower pace.

What is the program length?

An online associate cybersecurity degree can usually be completed in two years, but there is slight variation among programs. Some programs have shorter semester lengths, which may allow you to finish the program more quickly.

Additionally, how long it takes for you to complete the program will depend on your course load. For most associate cybersecurity degree online programs, full-time students usually take around 15 credits per semester.

What financial aid and scholarship resources are available?

For most cybersecurity programs, there are both need-based and merit-based financial aid options available. As a student in an online cybersecurity program, there are plenty of resources to help you find financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Here are just a few of our recommended resources:

• Mastering the FAFSA: Expert Tips for Successful Filing and Funding
• 30 Top Scholarships for Public Service Students
• College Scholarships for Online Students
• Cybersecurity Student Resources, Scholarships, and Support Services

What careers will an associate degree in cybersecurity qualify me for?

An associate degree in cybersecurity can lead to a career as a computer support specialist, cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester, or security engineer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts roles like information security analysts are expected to grow 32% by 2032.

While a degree isn’t always required to start a career in cybersecurity, there’s certain knowledge and training that may be necessary to do your job well.

With the right experience, you can find an entry-level job in the field with just an associate’s degree, but there are many information technology jobs where at least a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Common Online Cyber Security Associate Degree Courses

Before applying to a cybersecurity associate program, you may want to know more about what courses you’ll take. While each university has unique curriculum and program requirements, there are several courses that are commonly part of the curriculum. Explore five of the courses you can expect to take in your cybersecurity program below.

Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is used to gather digital evidence that could be used in investigations. In this course, you’ll typically learn the principles, techniques, and tools used to collect and analyze digital data for investigations. By developing an understanding of computer forensics, you’ll know what evidence to capture should your organization be the target of a cyberattack.

Criminal Law and Cybersecurity

As a cybersecurity professional, you’re the police of the digital realm, which means there are many legal implications that you need to understand. In this course, you’ll explore legal frameworks and learn how cybercrime is prosecuted. This course will empower you by providing you with the knowledge necessary to inform your organization’s own policies.

Database Management

With data being of high value to companies in every industry, database management is often one of the key responsibilities for cybersecurity professionals. In a database management course, you’ll learn about database structures, how to protect them, and how hackers exploit databases so you can protect your company’s valuable data.

Ethical Computer Hacking

Ethical hacking is a common technique used by cybersecurity professionals to identify and proactively fix vulnerabilities within your system. An ethical computer hacking course will dive into topics like vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and tools and techniques for ethical hacking. Learning ethical hacking is an essential part of building strong cybersecurity measures.

Intrusion Detection Systems

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a “listen-only” device that detects suspicious activity and reports to the administrator. As you might imagine, IDS is a critical technology for cybersecurity professionals. In this course, you’ll learn about the different types of IDS and how they work while exploring how to effectively integrate them into your cybersecurity strategy.

Resources for Cybersecurity Students

Planning to start an online MPA degree program in Florida might seem overwhelming. But, public and private resources are available to help you during the process. Listed below are some resources that should be useful for MPA students and professionals in Florida.

• Digital Guardian: Since 2013, Digital Guardian has provided information about the latest developments in cyber security. They offer blogs on topics such as data visibility, compliance, and data loss prevention.
• Information Security Forum (ISF): ISF offers a membership that gives students and professionals unlimited access to an extensive library of research and reports. They also offer workshops and forums to address cyber issues.
• National Cyber League: The National Cyber League is a virtual cybersecurity competition and community that’s open to students, educators, and employers. The NCL competition is for cybersecurity students in high school and college.
• National Cybersecurity Student Association: The National Cybersecurity Student Association supports cybersecurity students across the country through extracurricular activities, career opportunities, and mentoring. They also offer networking opportunities and events for students.
• The Hacker News: The Hacker News provides insights and information about the latest development in cybersecurity. In addition to their articles, they offer webinars on a range of cybersecurity topics.

Ranking Top Online Cyber Security Associate Degrees

If you’re wondering what you should look for in an online cybersecurity associate degree program, we’ve created rankings to help you determine which program may be the right fit for you. A comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experiences, and affordable tuition are all considerations for a top online cybersecurity associate degree program. To help, we’ve created a ranking list based on accreditation, number of online programs, and availability of student services.