Best Online Cyber Security Programs in Georgia (GA)

Georgia’s Online Cybersecurity Associate Degrees

Associate degrees provide students with introductory-level knowledge and cyber security skills. These degree programs are typically completed in two years. They prepare students for diverse learning and career outcomes. Many graduates enter the workforce in entry-level cyber security roles, while others apply their knowledge to a bachelor’s degree program.

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees Online in Georgia

Students in a bachelor’s degree program learn the fundamentals of cyber security in preparation for the workforce or graduate-level degrees. Most cyber security bachelor’s degree programs focus on research and theories while guiding students through hands-on training and technical skills. These programs typically take four years to complete.

Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees for Georgia Students

Students who already earned a bachelor’s degree in cyber security might want to continue their studies in more advanced, specialized fields. In a master’s degree program, students delve into topics such as risk management, cloud security, cyber security ethics, and more. Graduates can pursue careers as cyber security analysts, engineers, officers, and managers.

Online Cybersecurity Graduate Degrees & Certificates in GA

A doctoral degree program is primarily focused on the policy, research, and theories of cyber security. PhD in cyber security degree programs focus on theory and research, and are ideal for students who want to advance into specialized roles.

Graduate certificates are ideal for working professionals who want to learn a specialized skill or stay up to date on concepts in the field.

FAQs from Georgia’s Online Cyber Security Students

How can I pay for a cyber security degree program in Georgia?

Students can generally earn a cyber security degree in Georgia without going into debt. Financial aid and scholarships are accessible through the federal government and schools themselves.

After you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you can start applying for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Start with your school first and then branch out to external funding sources. Some universities partner with federal agencies to provide scholarships, like the Department of Defense (DOD) Cyber Scholarship Program at the University of North Georgia. Winners of this scholarship receive full coverage of tuition, fees, and books, as long as they pursue a degree in cyber security at an approved college or university.

What’s the fastest cyber security degree program in Georgia?

The answer to this question depends on the level of degree you want and whether you can study full-time. Students usually take two years to earn an associate degree, four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, and two years to earn a master’s degree. However, accelerated cyber security degree programs, like Kennesaw State University’s one-year Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program, can be much shorter.

What accreditation should I look for in a cyber security degree program in Georgia?

Students should look for two types of accreditation when they choose a cyber security degree program in Georgia. The first type is school-wide accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is the regional accrediting body for colleges and universities in Georgia. The second type is programmatic accreditation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), which is the stamp of a high-quality cyber security degree program.

Seeking out an accredited school is important for financial aid, your education, and future employment prospects. Graduating from a Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE)-accredited cyber security degree program shows employers that your education meets the standard for updated, industry-aligned education in cyber security.

Is a two-year cyber security degree program worth the cost?

Absolutely, if you want to work in the field. If you’re wondering what you can do with a cyber security degree, you’ve probably noticed that many jobs require a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s possible to obtain some entry-level jobs in cyber security with a two-year degree. Plus, a two-year degree can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, which makes it easier to transfer to a four-year degree program.

How much do online cyber security degree programs in Georgia cost?

It varies, depending on the school and which level of degree you choose. Usually, public schools offer more affordable cyber security degree programs, while private colleges and universities charge higher tuition rates.

Associate degree programs at community colleges, like the Cybersecurity associate degree program at West Georgia Technical College, often have tuition rates under $200 per credit. Master’s and doctoral degree programs like the Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity degree program at Mercer University cost more; Mercer charges $1,309 per credit (tuition only).

Cyber Security Graduates: Georgia Careers

Resources for Cyber Security Students in Georgia

Earning a degree in cyber security is the most important step toward launching your career in the field. Available resources can help you network, take advantage of continuing education opportunities, and find a job after you graduate. Listed below are 10 resources for cyber security students and professionals in Georgia.

• Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International (AFCEA), Atlanta Chapter: This organization lets professionals share knowledge and network with others in communications, IT, intelligence, and global security fields.
• Cisco Networking Academy: Cisco partners with multiple Georgia cyber security degree programs and offers a robust library of technology courses across diverse subjects, including cyber security, IT, programming, and more.
• CyberCorps Scholarship for Service at Augusta University: CyberCorps scholarships cover tuition and education-related fees for cyber security students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Recipients must agree to work for a governmental organization after graduation.
• Georgia Cyber Center: This organization works alongside two Georgia-based universities to facilitate training and collaboration. Students can apply for internships with resident partners, including law enforcement, state and federal governments, and private organizations.
• Georgia Department of Education Cybersecurity resources: This website offers awareness training, professional resources, and instructional materials to enhance digital security practices for educators and students statewide. It also presents information on alerts, tips, and best practices.
• Georgia State University Cybersecurity Club: This club aims to provide students with tools, techniques, and resources needed to lead a successful career in cyber security. They can grow skills through guest speakers and experts, club-wide projects, and competitions that offer national recognition.
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Columbus Chapter: This branch of the ISSA provides networking and support for cyber security professionals. They can participate in educational forums and meetings that boost career growth.
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Metro Atlanta Chapter: This Atlanta-based outpost of ISSA encourages the knowledge, skills, and professional growth of its members as they establish and grow their careers in cyber security. The group offers networking events, continuing education, and more.
• The Cybersecurity Readiness Podcast Series: This podcast series is hosted by Dr. Dave Chatterjee, a tenured professor at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. He discusses how to enhance cyber security at the individual, organizational, and national levels.
• University of Georgia (UGA) Society for Cybersecurity: This student-managed organization provides students with exposure to the cyber security industry. Students are given unique opportunities to develop new skills, engage in marketing events, and network with professionals.

Georgia’s Top Online Cyber Security Schools

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn a cyber security degree, Georgia has several high-quality options. We ranked top schools where you can earn an online cyber security degree in Georgia, to help you start searching. Each school must offer at least one program in the field partially or fully online. We rated each school based on a number of factors, including the availability of online programs, affordability, and student outcomes.