Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity - Best of 2024

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Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation and an excellent choice if you're weighing undergraduate programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), online security and cyber security professional's positions, in general, are projected to grow an astounding 28% in the next ten years, which means that a traditional or online cyber security degree will make you a coveted asset in any company concerned with their critical information technology and security management.

Due to the lack of educated employees in the cyber security field, you will most likely have a job waiting for you as soon as you graduate, whether you attend an online or traditional program. For the same reason, those who hold a bachelor's cyber security degree can expect to enjoy excellent salaries and timely advances regardless of the type of business they are employed in. Here's a closer look at this career field and whether prospective students should consider earning their bachelor's degrees in network security, cyber-risk management, database management systems, digital forensics, cyber-defense, data security, or another similar cyber security program.

Online and on-campus undergraduate degree programs will include not only the general education courses you require to succeed in any career but also core courses in cyber security that will help students learn everything about security principles they need to work as network security or information security analysts, digital forensics professionals, and other information technology workers who will continue to have access to many job opportunities as long as there is a need to protect sensitive data, though no field can guarantee actual job growth. For the largest impact, a cyber security program should be a Cyber Security Center of Excellence, approved by the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and National Security Agency, the largest employers of cyber security professionals. After earning traditional and online cyber security degrees, many professionals go on to earn important industry certifications to improve access to job opportunities. Your degree program may cover subjects such as the following:

Computer Systems and Operating Systems
Information Technology Security and Cyber Defense
Network Security
Intrusion Detection of Cyber-Threats
Ethical Hacking
Risk Management
Malware Analysis
Vulnerability Analysis of Security Risks
Cyber Threats
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
And More

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PROS

Demand is high in the cyber and network security fields, and you'll most likely find employment very quickly; those who hold a Bachelor of Science, a BA, or higher are eligible for approximately 13% more positions than competitors with a cyber security associate degree.
Most bachelor’s programs include an internship, which can give cyber security students valuable networking opportunities, experience in the field, and possibly a job offer upon graduation, though online programs are less likely to offer these.
A bachelor’s cyber security degree will make you eligible to earn a wide range of online professional certifications in specific areas of the cyber security field.
Graduates of undergraduate programs, on average, earn much more than counterparts with the same experience but no diploma.
A specialization within the field, such as a focus on risk management or network security, will allow you to showcase your knowledge and apply for the career path and cyber security jobs that interest you the most, such as security systems administrator.
Completing an undergraduate cyber security program will qualify you for entry into a master's program so you can climb the corporate ladder to the top of the industry.

CONS

A traditional or online Bachelor of Science degree can take four years or more and takes a lot of time and dedication, even if you take your courses online.
You must be good at math for these programs, as there is a lot of math required. Students will need to learn analytics and statistical analysis as well as encryption and programming to work as an information security analysts or any type of cyber security analysts, all of which require strong math skills, not just critical thinking.
A bachelor’s degree can be expensive, and it may take considerable time for cyber security gradfuates to see a return on their investment - and they might need further industry certifications if they want to go into a specialty field that requires specific technical skills.
Bachelor’s degree programs require you to have a high school or associate degree grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, so if you have a less than stellar school record your application may be rejected.
If your associate degree is an Applied Science degree, all of your credits may not be accepted into a bachelor’s degree program.

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Best Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Programs

Northeastern University

Tuition
- In-State: $57,592
- Out-of-state: $57,592
Net Price: $38,927
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 91%
Total Enrollment: 28,167
Undergrad Students: 15,747
Graduate Students: 12,420
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty:15:1

Drexel University

Tuition
- In-State: $57,136
- Out-of-state: $57,136
Net Price: $26,076
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 23,216
Undergrad Students: 14,413
Graduate Students: 8,803
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty:10:1

LeTourneau University

Tuition
- In-State: $33,490
- Out-of-state: $33,490
Net Price: $25,932
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 3,209
Undergrad Students: 2,991
Graduate Students: 218
Grads Salary: $85,000
Student-to-faculty:15:1

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Iowa State University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,634
- Out-of-state: $25,446
Net Price: $15,422
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 30,708
Undergrad Students: 25,808
Graduate Students: 4,900
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty:18:1

Regis University

Tuition
- In-State: $39,610
- Out-of-state: $39,610
Net Price: $27,735
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 5,566
Undergrad Students: 2,745
Graduate Students: 2,821
Grads Salary: $86,000
Student-to-faculty:10:1

Penn State World Campus

Tuition
- In-State: $14,338
- Out-of-state: $14,338
Net Price: $24,012
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 88,914
Undergrad Students: 73,476
Graduate Students: 15,438
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty:15:1

Arizona State University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,348
- Out-of-state: $29,438
Net Price: $14,934
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 77,881
Undergrad Students: 64,716
Graduate Students: 13,165
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty:18:1

University of Arizona

Tuition
- In-State: $12,736
- Out-of-state: $37,258
Net Price: $17,242
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 48,274
Undergrad Students: 37,434
Graduate Students: 10,840
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty:17:1

Colorado State University

Tuition
- In-State: $12,331
- Out-of-state: $31,613
Net Price: $18,320
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 32,586
Undergrad Students: 24,954
Graduate Students: 7,632
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty:17:1

Norwich University

Tuition
- In-State: $44,020
- Out-of-state: $44,020
Net Price: $27,973
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 3,672
Undergrad Students: 2,988
Graduate Students: 684
Grads Salary: $87,000
Student-to-faculty:14:1

Charter Oak State College

Tuition
- In-State: $8,254
- Out-of-state: $10,654
Net Price: $9,697
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 1,618
Undergrad Students: 1,526
Graduate Students: 92
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty:13:1

Maryville University

Tuition
- In-State: $27,166
- Out-of-state: $27,166
Net Price: $24,733
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 10,596
Undergrad Students: 5,685
Graduate Students: 4,911
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty:13:1

George Mason University

Tuition
- In-State: $13,119
- Out-of-state: $36,579
Net Price: $18,841
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 70%
Total Enrollment: 38,628
Undergrad Students: 26,882
Graduate Students: 11,746
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty:16:1

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University of Missouri-St. Louis

Tuition
- In-State: $11,214
- Out-of-state: $28,532
Net Price: $10,525
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 15,189
Undergrad Students: 12,347
Graduate Students: 2,842
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty:14:1

Indiana Wesleyan University

Tuition
- In-State: $28,960
- Out-of-state: $28,960
Net Price: $22,098
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 2,862
Undergrad Students: 2,461
Graduate Students: 401
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty:12:1

Immaculata University

Tuition
- In-State: $27,750
- Out-of-state: $27,750
Net Price: $28,510
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 2,478
Undergrad Students: 1,576
Graduate Students: 902
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty:9:1

Mississippi State University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,220
- Out-of-state: $24,900
Net Price: $16,175
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 23,086
Undergrad Students: 18,584
Graduate Students: 4,502
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty:17:1

American Public University System

Tuition
- In-State: $7,360
- Out-of-state: $7,360
Net Price: $11,916
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 48,298
Undergrad Students: 38,969
Graduate Students: 9,329
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty:22:1

Utica University

Tuition
- In-State: $24,214
- Out-of-state: $24,214
Net Price: $22,335
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 4,242
Undergrad Students: 2,986
Graduate Students: 1,256
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty:11:1

University of Illinois Springfield

Tuition
- In-State: $11,911
- Out-of-state: $21,526
Net Price: $11,965
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 3,944
Undergrad Students: 2,503
Graduate Students: 1,441
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty:12:1

Western Governors University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,452
- Out-of-state: $7,452
Net Price: $10,336
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 150,116
Undergrad Students: 107,952
Graduate Students: 42,164
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty:42:1

University of North Dakota

Tuition
- In-State: $10,596
- Out-of-state: $15,037
Net Price: $17,425
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 13,772
Undergrad Students: 9,718
Graduate Students: 4,054
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty:17:1

The University of West Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-state: $19,241
Net Price: $10,344
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 13,288
Undergrad Students: 9,319
Graduate Students: 3,969
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty:21:1

Monroe College

Tuition
- In-State: $16,686
- Out-of-state: $16,686
Net Price: $12,054
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 7,256
Undergrad Students: 6,445
Graduate Students: 811
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty:16:1

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Indiana Tech

Tuition
- In-State: $28,840
- Out-of-state: $28,840
Net Price: $21,397
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 2,450
Undergrad Students: 1,522
Graduate Students: 928
Grads Salary: $87,000
Student-to-faculty:15:1

Associate's Vs. Bachelor’s

There are online certificate programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months. If you hold an associate degree in a different computer subject, a certificate may help you land a job, but it won't be as competitive as a bachelor’s degree. If you choose to enter a certificate program, you should verify that the credits will transfer to a degree program at your future school of choice.

Although it sounds similar, industry certifications are a different subject. You can take a test for certification in a specific subject such as Cisco and it will show you are proficient in that area. Certification in a specialty is highly desirable and often a hiring criteria for job applicants.

What Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees are Available Online?

Your cyber security degree will be a Bachelor of Science because it is a sub-category of computer science. Because the field of online security is relatively new, there are few standard degree titles.

Some typical titles used in the degree are:

Cyber Security
Information Assurance
Information Security
Information Systems Security

Look for programs with titles that are similar to these:

Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Concentration in Information Security
BAS: Concentration in Cyber Security
Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS) with a specialization in Networks and Security
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Networking & Security specialization)

The most important point to remember is to look closely at the curriculum, as well as any specialties or concentrations offered, especially if you choose to take your degree courses online. Make sure it aligns with your long-term goals and will transfer to an online master's degree program you might choose to earn in the future.

Admission Requirements

Each college or university sets its own admission requirements and, as a rule of thumb, the more prestigious schools have more vigorous requirements. Online programs will require the same admission requirements as traditional programs. Here are the general requirements for most schools:

You'll need a high school or associate degree GPA of at least 3.0; you will have to submit your school transcripts as part of the admissions process.
Complete an application and submit the requested application fee.
If you've completed an online or traditional associate degree, you'll need to meet the computer class perquisites. Because an associate degree is the equivalent of the first two years of your bachelor’s degree program, you may have to make up some computer or online security courses if your associate is in another subject.
Some schools require a minimum SAT or ACT score, letters of recommendation, and an essay as part of the application process.

How long does it take to earn a Cyber Security Bachelor’s Online?

An online bachelor’s degree is considered a four year degree in that it takes approximately four years to complete if you take a full load of classes each semester. If you attend online part-time, it may take twice as long, and if you already have an associate degree it will take half as long. If you took college level courses while in high school, you may shave a year or more off the four-year estimate.

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Potential Careers for Bachelor of Science Cyber Graduates

The following careers are samples of types of jobs you may find directly after graduation from your bachelor’s degree program. Average annual salaries are included, but it's important to point out that, due to the growth in the field of Cyber Security and lack of skilled employees, you most likely will earn more than these averages within a short period of employment.

Cyber Security Engineer:
An online security engineer uses their technical skill set to respond to emergency security incidents and threats. They may lead their team or department in engineering solutions to prevent malicious attacks and implement security practices for future improvements.
The average cybersecurity engineer salary is $96,500.
Information Security Manager:
an information security manager is in charge of implementing security measures while maintaining the structural integrity of the company's information and general data. They are in charge of a team of information technology (IT) professionals whose focus is on prevention rather than threat resolution.
The average pay for an information security manager is $116,600 per year.
Information Security Analyst:
An information security analyst accounts for security concerns and creates solutions by collecting data, which is then analyzed to provide insight on the best means of maximizing productivity while maintaining a threat-free IT system.
The average pay for an information security analyst is $72,700 per year.
Cyber security Analyst:
A cybersecurity analyst monitors and analyzes data from various sources in order to respond to emergency incidents and threats; they may also develop improvements or solutions to prevent malicious threats and activity.
The average pay for a cyber security analyst is $76,600 per year.
Penetration Tester:
The penetration tester is basically a hacker employed by a company to look for weaknesses within the organization's IT network. They may also be tasked with securing the system with patches to prevent further threats and compromises.
The average pay for a penetration tester is $85,500 per year.

Options to Advance

You should make long-term plans to continue your education to the graduate degree level as soon as possible. An online cybersecurity master's degree will showcase your expertise, as well as your expansive knowledge base, and allow you to apply for the best positions at any level in the industry. With an online master's degree and experience, you can literally work anywhere in the world and will also be qualified for upper management positions in the IT industry. Here are a few examples of positions you might achieve with an online master's degree in cyber security:

Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer Network Architects
Network and Computer System Administrator
Software Developer

Frequently Asked Questions

What math will I need for cyber security learning?

It’s true that most professionals in computer science roles need to understand math at higher levels than you would to work as a journalist or even accountant. While accountants use math all the time, they often use only the basics. However, as a cyber security specialist, you are likely to need to use math in the form of algorithms and formulas to calculate outcomes and understand how to communicate with computer systems. The math that you will use will not be the higher-level forms used in physics or engineering. Instead, in most cases, you will use specialized mathematical communication specifically built for use in computer science. These include binary math, Boolean values, hexadecimal math, cryptography, algorithms, linear algebra, programming math, etc. So, a high school level understanding of math may not be enough to even tell you if you’ll be able to understand and succeed with the math required at this level. It’s best to take some intro classes before you decide if it is or isn’t for you.

What is the main benefit of earning a traditional or online bachelor’s degree in cyber security rather than an associate degree?

The main benefit of these degrees over associate’s is the very thing that might make an associate degree more attractive. It’s the extra time spent earning the degree and taking courses. Because cyber security is a specialization inside the subject of computer science, it takes longer to really dig down into all the information you need to succeed in the field. You can earn an associate degree in cyber security, but you will have little time in a two-year program to dig deep into the subject after taking all your general education and basic computer science courses. That is the main reason why you might want to opt for a bachelor’s degree if your interest is in cyber security rather than computer science. On top of this, there are few associate degree programs in cyber security that are fully accredited, both regionally and programmatically, while there are many more in-class and online bachelor’s degrees that have this complete accreditation.

Best Online Bachelors in Cyber Security Degrees for 2024