Best Online Bachelors in Cyber Security Degrees for 2023

Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security Career Options & Salary

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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

Online Cybersecurity Programs Bachelors Colleges
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1

Purdue University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $9,992
    • Out-of-state: $28,794
  • Net Price: $12,294
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,655
  • Undergrad Students: 35,706
  • Graduate Students: 10,949
  • Diplomas Awarded: 54
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty:13:1
  • Purdue University
2

Northeastern University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $55,452
    • Out-of-state: $55,452
  • Net Price: $37,738
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,905
  • Undergrad Students: 15,156
  • Graduate Students: 7,749
  • Diplomas Awarded: 8
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty:14:1
  • Northeastern University
3

Norwich University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $42,950
    • Out-of-state: $42,950
  • Net Price: $25,641
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,975
  • Undergrad Students: 3,236
  • Graduate Students: 7,39
  • Diplomas Awarded: 47
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty:13:1
  • Norwich University
4

University of Arizona

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $12,716
    • Out-of-state: $36,743
  • Net Price: $15,620
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 45,601
  • Undergrad Students: 35,357
  • Graduate Students: 10,244
  • Diplomas Awarded: 162
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty:15:1
  • University of Arizona
5

Regis University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $38,558
    • Out-of-state: $38,558
  • Net Price: $27,785
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,310
  • Undergrad Students: 3,197
  • Graduate Students: 3,113
  • Diplomas Awarded: 49
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty:11:1
  • Regis University
6

The Pennsylvania State University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $18,450
    • Out-of-state: $35,514
  • Net Price: $25,548
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 89,816
  • Undergrad Students: 74,446
  • Graduate Students: 15,370
  • Diplomas Awarded: 1,442
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty:15:1
  • The Pennsylvania State University
7

Arizona State University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $11,338
    • Out-of-state: $29,428
  • Net Price: $14,653
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 74,795
  • Undergrad Students: 63,124
  • Graduate Students: 11,671
  • Diplomas Awarded: 463
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty:18:1
  • Arizona State University
8

Colorado State University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $11,814
    • Out-of-state: $30,535
  • Net Price: $17,609
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,428
  • Undergrad Students: 24,792
  • Graduate Students: 7,636
  • Diplomas Awarded: 18
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty:16:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
9

Maryville University

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $27,166
    • Out-of-state: $27,166
  • Net Price: $28,087
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,979
  • Undergrad Students: 5,504
  • Graduate Students: 5,475
  • Diplomas Awarded: NA
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty:13:1
  • Maryville University of Saint Louis
10

American Public University System

  • Tuition
    • In-State: $7,360
    • Out-of-state: $7,360
  • Net Price: $11,503
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,047
  • Undergrad Students: 40,362
  • Graduate Students: 9,685
  • Diplomas Awarded: 242
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty:23:1
  • American Public University System
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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.

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.

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