Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs
With the convenience and affordability of online and hybrid program formats, earning a cybersecurity degree or certificate has never been easier. Explore below the wealth of options available from today’s top online cybersecurity programs.
The number of online cybersecurity degree programs continues to rise, giving students a larger selection to choose from when entering the field. With such a wide range of education options, it’s crucial for students to pick a program than has been thoroughly vetted. This includes careful examination of each school and program for affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and curriculum. We evaluated these and other key factors from colleges across the nation to create our list of this year’s best online cybersecurity programs. See which schools stand above the rest this school year.
Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
Public
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Private
Champlain College
Burlington, Vermont
Private
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, Maryland
Private
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, Maine
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Private
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Montreat College
Montreat, North Carolina
Private
Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Private
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Public
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, Michigan
Public
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Public
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Public
Webster University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Private
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Public
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Public
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Private
Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Private
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Public
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, Michigan
Private
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Public
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Public
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
Private
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Private
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Public
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Private
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Public
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California
Public
New York University
New York, New York
Private
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Private
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Public
Texas State Technical College
Waco, Texas
Public
Albany Technical College
Albany, Georgia
Public
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Sandersville, Georgia
Public
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Public
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, California
Public
Trident Technical College
Charleston, South Carolina
Public
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Public
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, California
Public
Bristol Community College
Fall River, Massachusetts
Public
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, South Carolina
Public
Cecil College
North East, Maryland
Public
Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon
Public
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, Wisconsin
Public
Central Texas College
Killeen, Texas
Public
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, Texas
Public
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
Public
American River College
Sacramento, California
Public
Cerritos College
Norwalk, California
Public
College of the Redwoods
Eureka, California
Public
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi
Public
Klamath Community College
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Public
Savannah Technical College
Savannah, Georgia
Public
Mount Wachusett Community College
Gardner, Massachusetts
Public
Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
Public
Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Public
Finger Lakes Community College
Canandaigua, New York
Public
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, Georgia
Public
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
Public
Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, Minnesota
Public
West Georgia Technical College
Waco, Georgia
Public
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Public
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Public
GateWay Community College
Phoenix, Arizona
Public
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, Louisiana
Public
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, Massachusetts
Public
Reading Area Community College
Reading, Pennsylvania
Public
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, New Jersey
Public
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Public
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, Indiana
Public
What Cybersecurity Degrees Can You Get Online?
To better meet the needs of students and professionals, schools have created online curriculums for various degree levels. To get a better idea of what’s available, check out the following chart for a solid overview.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees Overview
|
| Credit Hours | Time to Complete | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 12 to 18 | One year full-time. Two to three years part-time. | • Computer programmer • Database administrator • Computer network architect |
| Associate | 60 | Two years full-time. Three to four years part-time. | • Web developer • Computer support specialist |
| Bachelor’s | 120 | Four years full-time. Five to six years part-time | • Information security analyst • Network and computer systems administrator • Computer systems analyst |
| Master’s | 35 | Two years full-time. Three to four years part-time. | • Computer and information research scientist • Information security analyst • Postsecondary instructor |
| PhD | 70 | Three to four years full-time. Five to eight years part-time. | • University professor • Security researcher • Cybersecurity engineer |
Online Certificates in Cybersecurity
Generally available at the graduate level, these online certificates are tailored for professionals already working in an information technology field who desire additional training in cybersecurity topics to enhance their professional career. Many of these programs are fully online and consist of about four courses that take one-to-three years to complete, depending on your personal study pace. These programs are widely available and are offered by a number of reputable institutions.
Online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity
Consisting of approximately 60 credit hours, an associate degree in cybersecurity takes about two years to complete as a full-time student in a non-accelerated program. While many cybersecurity positions will require a bachelor’s degree, the associate degree is still a great option for those who want to enter the workforce as quickly and affordably as possible. This experience is important because many jobs and certifications will require several years of relevant work experience, regardless of the degree you hold. Additionally, the associate degree is a perfect stepping stone to earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Cybersecurity
For many careers in cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement to begin working. While the curriculum will have many overlapping elements with other technology degrees like computer science, the program will go further in-depth on security topics, including cryptography, network security, operating system security, application security, cybersecurity forensics, and risk management. Students should expect to take four years of full-time study to complete this degree, however, many online cybersecurity programs have generous policies on providing college credit for learning at other institutions, work experience, and placement testing.
Online Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity
Typically requiring two years to complete, the online cybersecurity master’s degree is the perfect opportunity for a professional already in information technology to specialize in cybersecurity. The master’s program will teach 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 leaders of teams that test online cyber defenses or final development teams on cutting-edge security applications and programs.
Find out how earning a master’s in cybersecurity online can take your career to the next level.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Cybersecurity
The highest degree in cybersecurity is the doctorate, with the PhD being the most popular. The curriculum focuses on research methodologies and theories, as well as 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 private organizations. Students should expect to spend four-to-seven years, depending on dissertation completion time.
A Look into Earning Your Cybersecurity Degree Online
Online programs deliver course materials through various virtual methods. Students can participate in class as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. Some distance learning methods include video or audio lectures, online reading materials and online tests. To facilitate collaborative learning, some courses may have online chat sessions or forums held in real time to discuss the course material.
Compare this with a traditional, on-campus program where students physically travel to a classroom several days a week for lectures or computer lab instruction. Let’s take a look at the different online course formats students can expect, as well as a few of the benefits of earning a cybersecurity degree online.
Course Format
Partially-Online
Partially online programs may sometimes be referred to as blended or hybrid programs and are comprised of both in-person and online elements. The number of courses available online will vary, but in most programs, the vast majority of courses can be completed 100% online, with a small handful of classes requiring on-campus visits.
Fully-Online
Fully online cybersecurity programs are the most convenient because they don’t have any in-person requirements. Because there are no on-campus visits, students can complete all curriculum requirements from the location that is most convenient for them, such as their home or office.
Part-Time
Due to the self-paced nature of most online curriculums, 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 this can significantly increase the length of time it will take to earn a degree.
Full-Time
Those who want to complete their degree or certificate in the advertised time frame should expect to take a full-time course load, which is usually three-to- five classes per semester. However, a full-time course load means it’ll be much more difficult to work full-time or meet existing family obligations.
Delivery Mode
Asynchronous
Online degrees are convenient, largely because students can work on courses when they want, where they want, and how they want. The time in which the course is “taught” will be different from when the student “attends” class. However, students can expect regular deadlines to help keep them on track to completion.
Synchronous
The synchronous learning format requires students to be present for their online course at specific times. While students may still be able to take the class from anywhere and have some flexibility in when assignments are due, they will have to sign onto their computer at a specific time for live lectures or to interact with their classmates or professor.
Benefits of Online Programs
Advancements in technology have made distance learning far more available to the average student. There are many reasons for this proliferation, including the demand for flexible schedules that allow students to self-pace, learn, and attend class anytime and from anywhere. This allows students to continue working full-time or take care of family responsibilities while in school. Online learning may also accelerate time spent in a program and cut down on tuition cost.
Despite the benefits, online programs can also mean fewer programs and concentrations available, reduced ability to network and form connections with classmates, and a tremendous demand for self-discipline to stay on top of the coursework.
However, most students find that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Here are a few other great reasons to pursue this degree online:
Are There On-Campus Requirements for Online Cybersecurity Programs?
Most online cybersecurity programs will be fully online, especially at the certificate and undergraduate levels. However, some graduates degrees, especially at the doctoral level, will have in-person requirements. For example, research seminars or residencies may be offered only on-campus. Some online doctoral programs that have an in-person seminar or residency research requirement may still allow the defense of the dissertation to take place online.
What Courses Should I Expect to Take?
The bachelor’s program will be one of the more popular academic tracks available for those interested in an online cybersecurity degree. While each school will develop their own unique curriculum, students can expect to find the following online cybersecurity courses in most bachelor’s level curriculums.
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Credits
3
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
Students will gain a basic understanding of the terminology and principles that will create the foundation for learning how to institute cybersecurity policies and plans within an organization.
Computer Forensics
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
Computer forensics teaches students the basics of investigating a computer breach. Students will learn how to determine who did what, when they did it, and how they did it. There will be instruction on how to gather and preserve evidence, as well as the legal considerations when conducting an investigation.
Software Engineering
Credits
4
Type
Elective
Delivery
Online
A cybersecurity degree doesn’t go too in-depth with respect to designing software, but this course will provide additional context for how software applications are developed within the cybersecurity world, including design and coding considerations.
Cloud and Web Computing Security
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
This course examines the security needs of web and cloud-based platforms, including security protocols, disaster recovery, and best practices. Techniques will be examined in both best case and practical scenarios, with the latter taking into account the human factor, which is often the weakest point in a security system.
Network Security
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
In addition to foundational knowledge concerning the various types of computer networks, students will also explore common types of network vulnerabilities, effective countermeasures, and specific policies and mitigation techniques to help protect networks from outside interference.
Cybersecurity Capstone Project
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
The capstone project provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate knowledge in a practical manner. Specifically, students will prepare a report that reflects the design, implementation and analysis of an information security plan or initiative.
What are The Admission Requirements for a Cybersecurity Program?
Students interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can expect to, at a minimum, meet the basic admissions requirements for all other students. This often includes providing the following:
Due to the desire to attract students and in the interest of maximum flexibility, many schools offering online degrees will not require an application fee, personal statement, letters of recommendation, or entrance exam test scores. However, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency and familiarity in the subject of information or computer technology, such as:
How are Online Cybersecurity Programs Accredited?
Accreditation serves as a method of confirming that the degree a student earns means something. Worded another way, it ensures a school’s education meets certain minimum standards of a good, solid education.
There are two primary types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. The former refers to the school itself being accredited, while the latter means the specific program within a school has been accredited.
Institutional accreditation can come from either a national or regional accrediting body. Most schools will have one or the other, but not both. The type isn’t as important, as long as it’s recognized by the US Department of Education. This is also useful for obtaining federal financial aid. Students interested in seeing if a school has institutional or programmatic accreditation can use the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Two popular organizations for accrediting cybersecurity programs or recognizing schools with cybersecurity programs with institutional accreditation are ABET and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Prospective students should keep in mind that many online cybersecurity programs will not be accredited at the programmatic level, although the school itself will have institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the US Department of Education.
How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost?
The cost of tuition may be one of the most important factors when considering an online cybersecurity degree. The total cost of attendance will depend on many factors besides tuition, including a school’s transfer credit policy and the availability of financial aid.
However, looking at a school’s tuition can give you a ballpark idea of what to expect. The following table is for bachelor’s degrees; for information about degrees at the associate, master’s and doctoral levels, please check out our specific degree pages. To find programs that won’t break the bank, check out our list of most affordable online cybersecurity degrees.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | 180 (quarter credits) | $371.00 (per quarter credit hour) | $45,000 (maximum charge for a bachelor’s degree) |
| Rasmussen University | 90 (quarter credits. Incoming students must have either an associate degree or have the equivalent of 90 quarter credit hours of college level coursework) | $279 (per quarter credit) | $25,110 (fees not included) |
| Western Governors University | Eight terms (self-paced, many can finish sooner) | $4,265 (per 6 month term) | $34,210 |
| Colorado Technical University | 186 | $340 (per quarter credit) | $66,910 (includes fees) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 120 | $330 | $39,600 |
Discover more ways to learn about paying for college by reading our guides on financial aid and scholarships.
Cybersecurity Career Landscape
A cybersecurity degree is a very specific and tailored degree that teaches a unique set of skills and knowledge. Whether it’s working with hardware and software or making policy decisions, understanding the concepts of security is an integral part of any professional job in the information technology field. As an individual gains additional years of experience and education, the opportunities available can expand. Below is a brief list of just a handful of the potential careers a graduate with a cybersecurity degree can anticipate.
Security Analyst
Security analysts design, implement, monitor, improve and review an organization’s information security plans and policies.
Security Architect
A security architect works as part of an organization’s cybersecurity team to protect assets. Specifically, the security architect works on designing, building, and creating policies, software and hardware necessary to achieve these goals.
Cryptanalyst
A major key to information security is the encryption of information. Cryptanalysts work to understand and improve encryption systems to keep hackers from compromising data.
Security Software Developer
This career involves the creating of computer programs that provide information security. Security software developers will both design and implement security software for use within an organization or by an individual.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are tasked with maintaining the integrity and accessibility of information on a database. Many of their duties include maintaining the security of the information and keeping it from unauthorized access.
Network and computer systems administrators
These computer professionals handle the daily maintenance tasks necessary for the proper functioning of computer systems and networks, including ensuring their protection and integrity.
Cybersecurity Helpful Resources
Interested in learning more about a career in cybersecurity? The following websites will provide additional information on how to make the most of an online cybersecurity degree.
- (ISC)2
The most prominent international nonprofit organization for cybersecurity professionals. They provide a number of relevant certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). - Bureau of Labor Statistics – Information Security Analyst
Has detailed information about what it takes to start a career in a number of cybersecurity related professions, including job outlook and expected compensation. - Cisco Systems – What Is Cybersecurity?
Cisco Systems is an industry leader in the telecommunications industry. They offer a variety of cybersecurity certifications and a website with information about the information security field. - Cyber Security & Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC)
This is an Information Analysis Center for the US Department of Defense with a number of resources for information security professionals. - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Established in 2018, the CISA is a part of the Department of Homeland Security and works to defend government websites and assets against cyber attacks. - Cybrary
Offers free training on a number of cybersecurity topics. Certification is not free, however. - The Daily Security Tip
Sponsored by Heimdal Security, users can sign up for a free daily security tip sent directly to their email account. - HackerOne
This private company organizes and coordinates ethical hacking. Specifically, they provide cash rewards to individuals to try and hack into secure platforms to test its cyber security measures. The website contains a host of free training and exercises to anyone looking to learn more about security online and over networks. - National Cyber Awareness System
Run by the Department of Homeland Security, this site offers technical information about cybersecurity to anyone interested in learning more about the status of the information infrastructure in the United States. - NSA – National Centers of Academic Excellence
The National Security Agency (NSA), along with the Department of Homeland Security, sponsors a number of academic programs that focus training future cybersecurity professionals to help protect the information infrastructure of the United States.