Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Learning the Basics of Cybersecurity Degrees

Cybersecurity degrees can help students earn a rewarding and high-demand job within the broader information technology field. For instance, information security analysts and information security engineers each earn six figures on average. These are only some examples of what you can do with a cybersecurity degree.

As a cybersecurity student, you’ll study such topics as computer forensics, software engineering, cloud-based system details, and networks and systems. Tech enthusiasts tend to thrive in cybersecurity programs, as they often feature leading-edge instruction on the latest tech available.

Most online cybersecurity programs will be fully online, especially at the certificate and undergraduate levels. However, some graduate degrees may have in-person requirements such as seminars or residencies.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in Cybersecurity and see which one might be the right fit.

Where Your Cybersecurity Degree Can Take You

Across the information technology spectrum, there are many ways that a cybersecurity degree-holder can find impactful work. From direct security roles that stop threats in their tracks to creating policies that can make the online world safer, these occupations can truly make a difference for many people and prove to be rewarding career paths.

Cybersecurity Salaries and Careers

An Overview of Cybersecurity Programs by Degree Level

To better meet the needs of students and professionals, cybersecurity degree and certificate programs were created with online options at every level. They start at the associate degree level, for people just starting out as web developers or support specialists. A terminal degree in this field includes a full PhD for an educational or research role.

At any level you choose, you will learn about the challenges of today’s cybersecurity needs and skills for addressing them. To get a better idea of what’s available, check out the following information for all the options.

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate online cybersecurity certificates appeal to students with little or no experience in the field who want to utilize a program to find their first job. Graduates or those in degree programs may also take an undergraduate certificate to add to their resumes.

Although certifications typically don’t require coursework, the process of preparing for required exams can help students build the knowledge needed to fill entry-level support roles after they earn a certificate. These programs are the fastest way to get your foot in the door, but you’ll need a higher level of certification or a degree if you want to advance in the field or find work as a federal cybersecurity expert.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate

SANS Institute’s Foundations: Computers, Technology, and Security

This practitioner certification course is perfect for those just dipping their toes into cybersecurity. It goes into the basics of data and cloud computing before it segues into details on how search engines, programming, and servers can be affected by security issues. The different types of cybersecurity scenarios and careers are also discussed thoroughly.

Cybersecurity Associate Degrees

It takes about two years to earn an associate degree in cybersecurity as a full-time student in a non-accelerated program. While many cybersecurity positions will require a bachelor’s degree, the associate option is another good choice for people who want to enter the workforce as quickly and affordably as possible.

Earning an associate degree can still be a great launching point for your career in cybersecurity, as many jobs and certifications will require several years of relevant work in cybersecurity, regardless of the degree you have earned. Additionally, the associate degree is a perfect stepping stone to earning a bachelor’s degree and more opportunities.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Associate Degree

Southern New Hampshire University’s AS Online Program in Cybersecurity

What you learn in this program coincides with international cybersecurity standards, preparing you for hands-on work in the field once you earn your degree. The program curriculum includes courses on networking, system security operations, cyber defense, and the legal factors that affect cybersecurity. Financial aid and military discounts are available.

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees

Due to the technical nature of a cybersecurity role, a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement for many jobs in this field. While the curriculum will have many overlapping elements with other technology degrees, such as computer science, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity program goes in-depth on security topics, including cryptography, network security, operating system security, application security, cybersecurity forensics, and risk management.

Students should expect four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree. However, there are many online cybersecurity programs with generous policies on providing college credit for learning at other institutions, during work experience, and for placement testing.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Program with a Cybersecurity Emphasis

This Arizona-based school offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) that includes a specialty in cybersecurity. Students in this program will study specific course topics on cloud computing, cyber forensics investigations, ethical hacking, and virtual enterprise infrastructure. This degree can be a great starting point for cybersecurity careers working with computer-based information systems.

Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate Programs

Online certificates at the graduate level are tailored for professionals already working in the information technology field who desire additional training in cybersecurity topics to enhance their professional careers. Many of these programs are fully online and consist of about four courses. Depending on the specific program and your personal study pace, they can take as little as one year to complete.

These programs are widely available and are offered by a number of reputable institutions, as well as by some specific organizations in the cybersecurity and information security field. Earning one of these means that you are likely to secure a specialty role within an organization.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

University of Massachusetts, Lowell’s Graduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity

This certificate program, which doesn’t require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, includes a curriculum totaling about nine months of study. There is also financial aid and scholarships available for students. A bachelor’s degree is required in a related field, such as information systems or computer science. Entry requirements additionally include some technical skills, including familiarity with C programming.

Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

Typically requiring a two-year commitment, the online cybersecurity master’s degree is the perfect opportunity for an IT professional to specialize in this field. Prior college-level work in computer science and programming is usually required to earn this degree.

These programs are centered on advanced theory and strategies for protecting computer networks and electronic infrastructure from cyber-attacks. Upon graduation, students can expect to take on high-level careers such as team leaders for online cyber defense testing or final development teams for leading-edge security applications and programs. Specialties may include forensics and cyber investigation, information assurance, cybersecurity management and policy, and more.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Touted as the only cybersecurity degree that received a top ten ranking from US News and World Report, Georgia Tech’s offering has three different specialty tracks: information security, cyber-physical systems, and policy. Among the courses are cryptography, networks and security, physical security design and analysis, and privacy concerns for professionals.

Cybersecurity Doctoral Degrees

The highest degree level in cybersecurity is a doctorate, with the PhD as the most popular. Online offerings are plentiful due to the format’s appeal to active cybersecurity professionals. The curricula often focus on research methodologies and theories and how they tie into the creation and implementation of strategic policy.

With this high-level training, graduates will be well-prepared to take on leadership, innovation, or policy roles in intelligence, military, law enforcement, or business. It’s definitely a commitment to reach this level, though — students should expect to spend four to seven years of study in these programs, depending on dissertation completion time.

STEPS Pick: Online Cybersecurity Doctoral Degree

Dakota State University’s Cyber Defense Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Cyber Defense Doctor of Philosophy (PHDCD) program at Dakota State features three specializations: data privacy, management, and technology. This doctorate enables graduates to advance in the field of cyber defense, practice effective risk management, apply scientific research methodologies to concerns in the industry, and apply ethical frameworks to make security decisions.

Finding the Right Online Cybersecurity Program for You

Cybersecurity is a career role where you need a lot of technical know-how — not to mention some nerves of steel. For those reasons, you want to earn your degree or certificate from a program that will provide the expertise and real-world experience you need to succeed.

Finding the right program will involve introspection on your personal needs and career goals. Before you decide on a particular program, or before weighing several options against each other, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Can I really learn cybersecurity online?

Online courses are the most prevalent for cybersecurity. They are also ideal for student convenience, since classes can be taken at home or in the office.

At the same time, students should consider if they have the time and self-discipline to take online coursework, particularly in such a technical field. Consider how much time you’re willing to devote to your learning, and make sure to understand the resources your program offers.

Do I meet the admission requirements for a cybersecurity program?

You’ll need to make sure that you can pay application fees, provide transcripts for either high school or higher education, and are proficient at writing personal statements. You may also need personal references. Higher-level degrees may also require certifications in specific subjects or experience in a specific technological field.

Should I care if a program is accredited or not?

The short answer is, “Yes, you should care.” Accreditation means a lot to potential employers and to universities that accept credits from undergraduate courses for graduate degrees.

Accreditation is also a mark of quality education with a curriculum that is effective in real-world situations. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) both accredit cybersecurity programs.

Do I have the skills to succeed in cybersecurity?

Beyond having the technical acumen to be good in this role, there are some other skills and traits that are definitely needed. It’s a job where you need to respond well under pressure and solve problems quickly. It requires a great deal of critical thinking and openness to change as you press for solutions.

Should I aim for a master’s degree, PhD, or doctorate in cybersecurity?

A big part of answering this question concerns the amount of responsibility you would like in this field. Once you earn those degrees, it’s more likely that you will be teaching others about ways to maintain good security, and you could be developing policies that make a great impact for large groups of users.

What to Expect: The Cost of a Degree in Cybersecurity

The cost of tuition may be one of the most important factors when considering the price of an online cybersecurity degree, although there are other factors in play. These include everything from additional fees to whether or not your chosen program will accept transfer credits. Among the factors to consider beyond the base cost of tuition are these:

• Type of degree: The higher the level of degree and the number of credits that are needed to complete it, the more it will likely cost.
• Online vs. in-person:Not every college or university makes online courses cheaper, but a lot of them do just that. Plus, you’ll naturally save on personal travel, food, and potential lodging expenses.
• Accelerated programs: Often, an online cybersecurity program will have an option to finish coursework faster or at your own pace, and that may save you on the total credit cost.
• Type of facility: As a general rule, public institutions are more cost-affordable than private schools, and for-profit schools tend to have higher rates for their offerings, including online cybersecurity courses.
• Additional fees: Since cybersecurity programs often feature more computer and software use and sometimes include certification tests and expenses, the non-tuition side of the cost may be higher for a cybersecurity degree.

Student Support: FAQs About Cybersecurity Programs

What are some certifications I can get with a cybersecurity degree?

Among the most prevalent cybersecurity certifications that you can receive are certification as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), certification as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CISA), the Security Essentials certificate from the Global Information Assurance Certifications group, and a series of certifications from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that cover entry-level skills, analysis expertise, or practitioner status.

Is there financial aid available for my cybersecurity education?

Yes, most college and university programs offer some kind of financial assistance for cybersecurity students. There are many scholarships for both at-need or merit-based awards, especially for undergraduate courses. You can also check for student loan programs, employer tuition reimbursement, work-study placements, or research fellowships to help fund your education.

One of the most important steps you can take is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA will not only open the door to federal aid, but this form is often used to gauge the need and qualifications for aid from universities and state agencies.

Are there programs for cybersecurity that offer a part-time option?

Yes, there are, and due to the self-paced nature of most online courses, being a part-time student has never been easier. Students typically have the option of taking just one course per term, allowing them the time and flexibility to fulfill other personal or professional obligations.

Keep in mind, though, that this can significantly increase the length of time it will take to earn a degree. Just so you know, a full-time coursework load for most students is three to five classes in a half-year semester.

Is there a stigma to receiving my cybersecurity degree online?

While it’s true that some employers still harbor a negative tone against online degrees, that’s not usually the case with cybersecurity. This is due to the emphasis placed on what a person can do on the job to succeed in this type of career.

An online degree provides the basic foundation to make it easier for an information security analyst to obtain the skills and experience that will allow them to work in the cybersecurity field. As long as the course from which you graduated is accredited by a reputable organization, and you’ve learned those bedrock or specialist skills needed, how you earned your cybersecurity degree shouldn’t matter to most employers.

What are the chances of working for the government as a cybersecurity degree holder?

The chances can be pretty good if there are open positions, and since government agencies have a range of confidential information that needs protecting, there is a lot of demand there. This can include federal, state, and even local agencies that need an expert in information security on their side.

Making Your Decision

Now that you’ve digested all of this cybersecurity program information, there should be two major questions you can answer.

The first one is, “Is being a cybersecurity professional right for me?” If you have the time, technical skills, strong communication, and ethical considerations that make the best type of cybersecurity student and professional, then seriously consider it.

The next question to answer will be, “Where should I get my cybersecurity degree?”Finding the right cost, curriculum, and quality program for your own needs and ambitions should guide this decision. Hopefully, this guide will have gotten you started on this journey; you only need to finish it.

If you still feel like you need more details or resources, keep seeking out more about cybersecurity from individual programs, or explore other online degrees in public service you can pursue today.

STEPS Top Picks: Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

The following list features many two-year and four-year programs for cybersecurity, ranked by attributes that greatly affect students. Institutions in these lists volunteered information on their programs to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Our rankings take into account some key metrics in online learning (including number of virtual programs), affordability (including tuition and amount of grant aid awarded to students), and student outcomes (including retention and graduation rates). For more information on our rankings process and ideas for what to look for in your search, review our “About the Rankings” section below.