Online Associates Degree in Cybersecurity🏆Best Programs of 2025

If a career in cyber security is your goal, you're in luck: according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to grow by 28% in the next decade, which is very high compared to all other industries.

However, if you're already plugged into or even working in the cyber security field, you may be wondering whether a college degree will be worth your time and effort. As with most degrees, there are both good and bad points to consider but, with cyber security, there are many careers in the field that you may not have considered. An associate degree, even an online degree in cyber security, can give you insight and access to many of the various entry-level careers available. Online or on-campus associate degree programs may be offered by a local community college near you and some are even provided by larger, well-known universities. Students who graduate from an associate degree program in cyber security can work as information security analysts and other security specialists and cyber security professionals who make sure that security policies are strong and followed by employees, and ensure that operating systems and computer systems are well protected. No matter what college you attend, or if you wish to attend online, if you're considering two-year programs in the field you can expect to complete general education courses and cyber security classes on some of the following subjects:

Information Technology and Computer Science
Computer Systems and Operating Systems
Networking and Computer Network Systems Security
Ethical Hacking
Information Security
Computer Networking
Cyber Security Procedures
Cyber Security Risks
Computer Systems and Operating Systems
Programming
Disaster Recovery and Disaster Management Cycle
Digital Forensics
Software Development
Business Continuity Planning
And More

Here's a look at the pros and cons of an associate degree in cyber security, as well as many more aspects of this growing career field.

PROS

On average, someone who holds a degree earns more than a person in the same position with the same amount of experience and none. This holds true for a cyber security degree and through the various levels: if students continue their online education to complete cyber security bachelor’s degree programs, they will most likely earn more than someone with a cyber security associate degree.
An associate degree doesn't take too long to earn and it's a good return on your investment of time and money, though if you attend part-time online, degree programs will naturally take longer.
Employers prefer to hire people who have completed cyber security programs because it shows you are willing to learn and invest time in yourself and your career.
If your high school grade point average (GPA) isn't too great you may not qualify for entry into cyber security bachelor’s degree programs and earning a cyber security associate degree is an excellent way to raise your GPA.
A cyber security associate degree will give you access to cyber and information security technology you probably can't learn about on your own as well as the general education students will complete during their college career.

CONS

If you're already working in the cyber security field, it may be hard for prospective students to find the time to attend school, even if they choose to attend online and even if only for certification.
Many certifications offered in the field of cyber security require you to hold at least a bachelor’s rather than a cyber security associate degree.
You must be good in math, as cyber security courses require college students to learn skills in analytics and statistical analysis as well as operating systems and advanced network security.
Cyber security associate degree programs take longer than certificate programs (not to be confused with certification in a specialized area).
College is expensive and it may be a financial hardship for you to pay for tuition, books, and other costs of attending an associate degree program in information technology or computer network security risks, even if you attend online.

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Top 25 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity Programs

LeTourneau University

Score: 84.38

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,500
- Out-of-State:$35,500
Net Price: $26,974
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 3,536
Undergrad Students: 3,350
Graduate Students: 186
Grads Salary: $87,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of St. Thomas-Houston

Score: 78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,660
- Out-of-State:$33,660
Net Price: $19,207
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 3,588
Undergrad Students: 2,646
Graduate Students: 942
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

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Bismarck State College

Score: 73.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,195
- Out-of-State:$7,279
Net Price: $11,309
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 3,771
Undergrad Students: 3,771
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

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Kent State University

Score: 72.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,846
- Out-of-State:$22,316
Net Price: $19,046
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 25,854
Undergrad Students: 20,418
Graduate Students: 5,436
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

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University of Charleston

Score: 71.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,842
- Out-of-State:$32,842
Net Price: $21,308
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 3,059
Undergrad Students: 2,365
Graduate Students: 694
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Saint Leo University

Score: 69.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,360
- Out-of-State:$28,360
Net Price: $20,390
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 10,242
Undergrad Students: 7,320
Graduate Students: 2,922
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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Franklin University

Score: 68.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,577
- Out-of-State:$9,577
Net Price: $18,989
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,044
Undergrad Students: 5,647
Graduate Students: 2,397
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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Miami Dade College

Score: 67.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

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St. Petersburg College

Score: 67.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State:$9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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ECPI University

Score: 67.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,484
- Out-of-State:$18,484
Net Price: $22,578
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 11,740
Undergrad Students: 11,399
Graduate Students: 341
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

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Davenport University

Score: 67.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,324
- Out-of-State:$23,324
Net Price: $18,350
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 5,073
Undergrad Students: 4,069
Graduate Students: 1,004
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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Lake Area Technical College

Score: 66.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,718
- Out-of-State:$6,718
Net Price: $12,735
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 70%
Total Enrollment: 2,238
Undergrad Students: 2,238
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $42,800
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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Fox Valley Technical College

Score: 62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,916
- Out-of-State:$7,109
Net Price: $10,220
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 11,181
Undergrad Students: 11,181
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,900
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

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Oconee Fall Line Technical College

Score: 61.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,201
- Out-of-State:$5,601
Net Price: $6,097
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 1,819
Undergrad Students: 1,819
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,200
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Alexandria Technical & Community College

Score: 61.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,213
- Out-of-State:$6,213
Net Price: $13,655
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,865
Undergrad Students: 2,865
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $46,300
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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Southeast Technical College

Score: 59.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,650
- Out-of-State:$7,650
Net Price: $16,048
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 2,453
Undergrad Students: 2,453
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,100
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Sullivan University

Score: 59.27

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,220
- Out-of-State:$14,220
Net Price: $19,537
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 2,309
Undergrad Students: 1,844
Graduate Students: 465
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Madisonville Community College

Score: 58.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
Net Price: $7,738
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 3,493
Undergrad Students: 3,493
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,400
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Peninsula College

Score: 56.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,586
- Out-of-State:$5,111
Net Price: $7,491
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 1,583
Undergrad Students: 1,583
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,700
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Broward College

Score: 56.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,830
- Out-of-State:$8,952
Net Price: $15,252
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 30,057
Undergrad Students: 30,057
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 29:1

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Fisher College

Score: 56.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,013
- Out-of-State:$35,013
Net Price: $26,257
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 1,421
Undergrad Students: 1,312
Graduate Students: 109
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Southern New Hampshire University

Score: 56.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,450
- Out-of-State:$16,450
Net Price: $32,043
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 164,091
Undergrad Students: 140,865
Graduate Students: 23,226
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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Lincoln Land Community College

Score: 55.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State:$10,248
Net Price: $4,265
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 4,444
Undergrad Students: 4,444
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,800
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Score: 54.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,344
- Out-of-State:$7,848
Net Price: $4,219
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 4,247
Undergrad Students: 4,247
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,600
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Bucks County Community College

Score: 54.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,221
- Out-of-State:$13,421
Net Price: $7,061
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 6,162
Undergrad Students: 6,162
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,500
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

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Certificate vs. Associate's

Some colleges and high schools offer a cyber security certificate program and you might be considering this instead of a degree. Most online and in-person certificate programs take around one year and also have both positive and negative points. While you will learn practical cyber security skills and knowledge, your credits may not transfer to a new program, so if you're considering a certificate you should make sure it is transferable. That being said, it's an excellent way to quickly enter the field of online security.

A certificate program is usually between 12 and 18 credit hours as opposed to 60 credit hours for an associate degree, so you'll only have half the credits you would earn in the first year of your program. This is important because, if you want to advance in your career, you'll probably eventually want to earn a higher degree, such as a cyber security bachelor's. Also, online programs are less likely to have full accreditation, so you should thoroughly check out online programs before signing on.

What Cyber Security Associate Degrees are Available?

Cyber security degrees fall under the umbrella of computer science fields, which means it’s considered a science degree. There are two types you can earn: an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). An Applied Science degree is considered a "career" degree, meaning the overall goal is to prepare you to enter the employment market directly after graduation. On the other hand, an AS is designed to prepare you to continue your education to the bachelor's level and are more likely to be found in online programs.

If you choose an AAS cyber security program, you should first make sure it is transferable to a four-year degree, even if you don't currently plan to continue your education. If you wish to enroll in a AS cyber security program but also want to enter the job market immediately after graduation, you can compare the curriculum offered in the two degree types and use your elective classes to fill in what's missing as compared to the AAS cyber security program. That way, you'll be halfway through your bachelor’s degree by the time you earn your associate's.

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Here's a look at some examples of Associate Cyber Degree types:

Associate in Applied Science in Information Security and Assurance (AAS)
AAS in Cyber and Information Security Technology
AAS in Network Administration and Cybersecurity (AAS)
Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity-Information Assurance (AAS)
Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Network Management (AAS)
AS in Cybersecurity
AS in Computer and Information Science – Cyber and Network Security Concentration

Admission Requirements

Many people choose to begin their higher education with an associate degree instead of a bachelor’s program because the admission requirements are minimal. All you need is a high school diploma or GED to qualify for an associate degree program, so if your high school GPA wasn't great, this is the perfect way to start fresh. However, be aware that online students will have the same admission requirements as those who attend in-person.

Most schools do require you have lived in the state for at least six months in order to qualify for in-state tuition rates and online programs may choose to charge out-of-state tuition, meaning you might not save much money by choosing to attend online. You will also have to fill out an admission applications and may have to pay an application fee when you submit it.

How long does it take to earn a Cyber Security Associates?

An associate degree is considered a two-year degree because it takes an average of two years to complete if you take a full class load. If you're attending part-time it may take twice as long, and there are a few ways you can shorten the time.

If you're still in high school, you can opt to take college level courses which can fulfill your college core class requirements such as English, math, and science. Many high school students who choose this option can earn one or two semesters worth of credits by the time they graduate from high school, basically earning a free year of college.

If you're proficient in one or more subjects you could also choose to use the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and test out of courses for a minimal fee. This is most likely to work for general education courses rather than your core courses, such as networking or computer systems.

Potential Careers in Cyber Security with an Associate's

Because the field of cyber security is growing so fast, there are a lot of job openings. It's important to note that the demand for skilled workers is so great many employers who list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement may accept a candidate who only holds an associate for the simple reason there are many open positions and not enough trained workers. Because of this, when you look at job descriptions that say a four-year degree is required as entry-level criteria, you should take that with a grain of salt. By the same token, it's an excellent reason to earn your bachelor's degree as soon as possible because you'll be a top candidate once you graduate. Here's a look at some entry-level positions in the field of cyber security:

Information Security Associate:
This position typically works a nine-to-five schedule in an office setting. They act as a liaison between departments to coordinate security efforts and are charged with looking at the current system to determine the weak areas that might be prone to a security breach.
The average information security associate salary is $60,700.
Cyber Security Penetration Tester:
If you have any skills in hacking and would like to be paid to use them, then this is the job for you. A cyber security penetration tester tries their best to gain entry into a company's system and identifies security holes and weaknesses.
The average penetration tester salary is $85,500.
Network Security Analyst:
This type of position is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and resolving the online security incidents within a company. Information security analysts might also be tasked with implementing policies and procedures to prevent future security incidents.
The average network security analyst salary is $72,400.
Cyber Security Analyst:
The analyst is in charge of developing internal policies and procedures that will prevent and thwart cyber-attacks and, when an apparent break occurs, the analyst determines whether it was a false alarm or an actual attack.
The average cyber security analyst salary is $76,600.
Information System Security Officer:
This position is in charge of data security within the operating systems of a company and may install hardware to ensure password credentials are assigned and working properly.
The average information security officer earns a salary of $92,300.

Further Educational Options to Advance Your Cybersecurity Career

You should plan to earn your online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and then a master's degree as soon as possible if you wish to advance within the field of cyber security or computer science. By continuing to learn while you gain experience in the field, you will soon be able to advance as far as you'd like in your chosen area of cyber security. Luckily, there are plenty of programs available in this field, both online and traditional. These programs might focus on computer systems, database management systems, cyber defense, cyber threats, operating system security, disaster recovery, software development, computer networks and computer networking, ethical hacking, digital forensics, etc. They can work for government agencies, the National Security Agency (NSA), and more as information security analysts, computer systems administrators, disaster recovery specialists, homeland security workers, etc.

While an online bachelor’s degree will qualify you for positions such as Cyber Threat Analyst and Senior Cyber Security Engineer, a master's degree will put you at the top of the field. Your graduate degree means you can apply for the highest paying positions such as Global Security Operations Manager, Security Consultant, and Chief Executive IT Security Officer for companies and corporations of all sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an associate or bachelor’s degree in cyber security?

To be fair, there are many open roles in the cyber security field in which prospective employees might state that they are looking for a worker who already has a bachelor’s degree. However, that doesn’t always mean that they won’t hire someone with an associate degree, you’ll just need to have the focus they’re looking for. In addition, earning your associate degree will give you access to a number of jobs and you can still always move on into a bachelor’s degree program and gain that higher level credential, thereby gaining access to many more job openings and opportunities.

Is cyber security hard?

One reason why some students choose to earn associate degrees is to ensure that the field they choose is the right one for them. By earning an associate degree first, you can make sure that a field isn’t too far outside your wheelhouse for you to ever be comfortable working in it. However, you might be surprised to find that, while it may not necessarily be easy, cyber security is often noted as being not particularly difficult either. Now, there are difficult subjects within the cyber security umbrella, such as cryptography, but those who enjoy the technology field shouldn’t have much trouble grasping the basics of cyber security.

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🏆Best Online Associate in Cyber Security Degrees for 2025

PROS

CONS

Search Programs

Top 25 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity Programs

LeTourneau University

University of Charleston

Oconee Fall Line Technical College

Southeast Technical College

Sullivan University

Madisonville Community College

Peninsula College

Fisher College

Lincoln Land Community College

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Certificate vs. Associate's

What Cyber Security Associate Degrees are Available?

Admission Requirements

How long does it take to earn a Cyber Security Associates?

Potential Careers in Cyber Security with an Associate's

Further Educational Options to Advance Your Cybersecurity Career

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an associate or bachelor’s degree in cyber security?

Is cyber security hard?

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