How Fast Can I Earn a Cyber Security Degree Online?
Are you passionate about computer systems, networks, and the protection of data? If so, an online accelerated cybersecurity degree program might be right for you. Potential computer and informational technology occupations in the cybersecurity field include information security analyst, network administrator, software developer, security consultant, and more.
Before you decide which career is right for you, let’s look at the best online accelerated cybersecurity degree programs to get you to the job application phase faster.
Online Accelerated Cybersecurity Associate Degree Programs
Traditionally, an associate degree program leads to a two-year degree and introduces students to a specific career field. So, an associate degree program in cybersecurity teaches the fundamentals of the field. These programs also provide information on how students can enter the industry with only an associate degree or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
While most of these programs take two years – approximately four semesters – to complete, some can be completed in as little as one year or two semesters.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online Associate of Science (AS) in Cybersecurity degree program. It provides hands-on learning experiences, an industry-relevant curriculum, and skills required to enter this growing field.
The 60-credit program was designed for students who are beginning a career in cybersecurity. It explores foundational cybersecurity concepts, frameworks, and technologies and prepares students for several in-demand entry-level roles and further education. The program can be completed in the traditional two-year timeline or in as little as one year. Courses are offered asynchronously, which gives students more control of their learning pace.
Duration: As little as one year
Mode: Online
Cost: $330 per credit (tuition only)
Curriculum:
- Cybersecurity Foundations
- Computer Networking
- Operating System Security
- Application Security
- Cyber Defense
- Legal and Human Factors of Cybersecurity
Online Accelerated Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Like most bachelor’s degree programs, an online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity traditionally takes four years to complete. These programs allow students to earn a degree faster, potentially in two years. Because most accelerated degree programs are virtual, many are self-paced, so students can control how quickly they complete courses.
No matter the preferred pace, a bachelor’s degree program provides the essential knowledge that students need for most entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private, non-profit school. It offers an online accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity degree program that is designed as a cohort program. Students can register for pre-selected courses and finish fully online coursework – taught by experts from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, and NASA – with the same group of peers in less time than a traditional bachelor’s degree program takes to complete.
Applicants must hold an associate degree before they enroll in the program. The curriculum is designed for students who are completely new to the technology field.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $449 per credit
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Cyber Threats, Technologies, and Security
- Introduction to Programming
- Network Security
- Securing Access Control
- Assessments and Audits
- Database Security
- Operational Security
- Operating Systems and Mobile Device Security
- Web Application Security
- Cyber Investigations and Forensics
- Penetration Testing and Incident Response
- Intrusion Detection and Response
- Advanced Intrusion Detection and Response
- American Vision and Values
- Tradition and Change
- Freedom and Responsibility
Online Accelerated Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs
Usually, a master’s degree program takes two to three years to complete. An online accelerated master’s degree program in cybersecurity typically takes 18 months to two years to complete. Most – if not all – coursework is completed online, so many classes can be taken at students’ own pace.
These programs usually include a capstone research or thesis project, so they are different from graduate certificate programs that allow for quicker skill acquisition.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Master of Arts in Global Security – Cybersecurity degree program. It grants students access to highly specialized course content from more than 100 ASU faculty members, former military personnel, award-winning journalists, and top scholars in international law, global affairs, humanitarian assistance, and strategy.
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It focuses on policy and strategy within international cybersecurity, so a background in computer science or engineering is not required. The program also requires completion of a capstone project like a research paper, a group project, or a policy memo.
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $940 per credit hour (total for tuition and fees)
Curriculum:
- Overview of Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Threats and Trends
- Cybersecurity Global Politics and Resiliency
- Cybersecurity Planning and Strategy
- Security Studies
- Future of War
- Understanding Conflict and War
- Law of War
Online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate Programs
Online graduate certificate program in cybersecurity typically take six months to one year to complete. It offers focused, skill-oriented courses. These programs emphasize practical expertise over comprehensive knowledge and research-heavy coursework like that found in a master’s degree program. They offer specific skill enhancement – such as developing solutions to protect online information, finding vulnerabilities within an organization, preventing common cybersecurity attacks, using secure coding, and more – within cybersecurity as a whole.
Many of these programs are offered at flexible times so students can balance coursework with a full-time job.
University of Washington
The University of Washington (UW) offers a Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management program. It provides specific tools and strategies that students can use to mitigate cybersecurity risks at large companies. This makes graduates invaluable assets to current and future employers.
The curriculum covers national and international cybersecurity and analyzing risk management for groups like the UN and the U.S. government. The certificate program is designed to be flexible and completed online, since many students in the program work full-time.
Duration: Eight months
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,193
Curriculum:
- Information Security and Risk Management in Context
- Building an Information Risk Management Toolkit
- Designing and Executing Information Security Strategies
FAQs about Online Accelerated Cybersecurity Degree Programs
How long does it usually take to complete an online accelerated cybersecurity degree program?
The amount of time needed to complete this type of degree program varies depending on the program itself – whether it’s an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or graduate certificate program. For example, a graduate certificate program can take six months to a year to complete, while an accelerated bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program can take two or three years to complete.
Accelerated programs condense coursework and are faster than traditional programs. Most of these programs allow students to work at their own pace.
What are the admissions requirements for online accelerated degree programs, and are they different from those for traditional programs?
Admissions requirements for online accelerated cybersecurity degree programs vary between institutions. But, they’re often more flexible than those for traditional programs. Accelerated degree programs usually have less strict requirements for enrollment. For some, only a high school diploma or an associate degree in another field is required.
Some programs, like Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in Global Security – Cybersecurity degree program, don’t require a background or previous knowledge in computer science or engineering to enroll.
Can I work while pursuing an online accelerated cybersecurity degree, or is it a full-time commitment?
Many online accelerated cybersecurity degree programs are flexible, so they can accommodate working professionals. Unlike traditional full-time programs, most of these programs are self-taught and self-paced. This allows students freedom to work through the coursework on their own schedule.
How does the cost of an online accelerated degree program compare to that of a traditional cybersecurity degree program, and are financial aid options available?
Online accelerated cybersecurity degree programs can be more cost-effective because students don’t incur fees associated with living on campus. Most accelerated degree programs offer financial aid, and a variety of other financial aid options are available outside of individual schools to make the cost more affordable.
Filling out a FAFSA form is an essential first step. Various scholarships for online students and cybersecurity students can help make a cybersecurity degree program more affordable.
What specific skills and knowledge will I gain from a cybersecurity degree program, and how does it prepare me for a career in the field?
An accelerated cybersecurity degree program equips students with a range of skills and knowledge that is crucial for a career in the field. Topics studied include computer programming, governance, risk, compliance laws, application of security controls, web and database security, forensics, assessing risks and vulnerabilities in cyber systems, data management, web and cloud security, hacking countermeasures and techniques, and more.
All of these skills are crucial for a career in cybersecurity, whether graduates work as cybersecurity analysts, security consultants, software developers, forensic computer analysts, or take other roles.
Top Online Accelerated Degree Programs for Cybersecurity Students
Many accredited colleges – such as the ones that are ranked below – offer fully online accelerated cybersecurity degree programs. When making the list, we considered essential factors like a program’s cost, curriculum, and flexibility. We also looked at specific metrics like the percentage of students who receive financial aid and which courses can be completed online.
To learn more, click the “About the Rankings” button below.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Private
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Public
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Private
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Public
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Private
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Public
