Online Cybersecurity Degrees & Programs

See what earning a cybersecurity degree online is like and find a list of this year’s top-rated programs.

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STEPS Staff
Written By

STEPS Staff

Updated

05/11/2022

Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in 2022

The number of online cybersecurity degree programs continues to rise, giving students a larger selection to choose from when entering the field. With such a wide range of education options, it’s crucial for students to pick a program than has been thoroughly vetted. This includes careful examination of each school and program for affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and curriculum. We evaluated these and other key factors from colleges across the nation to create our list of this year’s best online cybersecurity programs. See which schools stand above the rest in 2022.

About the ranking

Methodology for the STEPS Best Online Programs in 2022

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.

Assign Impact of Data Points

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability. Online program availability and overall affordability received the heaviest weightings.

Online Program Availability

  • Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. When unable to verify this number, a star-based system was used to signify the number of programs relative to peers.

Affordability

  • Cost:
    Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
  • Students w/ Institutional Aid:
    Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.

Support Services

  • Academic Counseling:
    Existence of this service on campus or online.
  • Career Placement:
    Existence of this service on campus or online.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2021

1

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 83%
Online Students 22,481
2
University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 89%
Online Students 17,100
3
Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 61%
Online Students 20,400
4
Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 78%
Online Students 16,231
5
New York University

New York, New York

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 8:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 57%
Online Students 18,899
6
Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 78%
Online Students 6,746
7
Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 100%
Online Students 2,329

Total online programs: 2

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 73%
Online Students 31
9
Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 90%
Online Students 14,756
10
Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Institutional Financial Aid 26%
Online Students 23,927

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 77%
Online Students 14,291
12
Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Institutional Financial Aid 7%
Online Students 22,893

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 56%
Online Students 17,053
14
University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 90%
Online Students 10,795
15
West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 78%
Online Students 12,702
16
University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 91%
Online Students 4,979
17
University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 39%
Online Students 14,468

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 25%
Online Students 14,353
19

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 88%
Online Students 2,542
20

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 59%
Online Students 8,715
21

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 73%
Online Students 9,677

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 95%
Online Students 5,253
23
Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 84%
Online Students 6,677
24
Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 69%
Online Students 7,981
25
University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 84%
Online Students 6,130
26
Minot State University

Minot, North Dakota

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 79%
Online Students 1,204
27
Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 91%
Online Students 2,662
28

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 87%
Online Students 4,300
29

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 69%
Online Students 5,523
30
Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 75%
Online Students 3,977
31
Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 88%
Online Students 4,540
32
Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 52%
Online Students 10,304
33
Norfolk State University

Norfolk, Virginia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 76%
Online Students 4,143
34
The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Institutional Financial Aid 83%
Online Students 4,115
35
University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 92%
Online Students 5,871
36
University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 63%
Online Students 7,514
37
University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 73%
Online Students 3,083
38
Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, Missouri

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 75%
Online Students 2,661
39

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 90%
Online Students 2,158
40
Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 99%
Online Students 2,702
41
Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 81%
Online Students 3,500
42
New England College

Henniker, New Hampshire

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 95%
Online Students 965
43
Baker College

Owosso, Michigan

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 8:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Institutional Financial Aid 51%
Online Students 1,192
44
University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 91%
Online Students 3,100
45
Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 59%
Online Students 7,812
46
Fontbonne University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 98%
Online Students 605
47
Northwood University

Midland, Michigan

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 98%
Online Students 632
48
Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 79%
Online Students 508
49
University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Institutional Financial Aid 72%
Online Students 2,428
50
Mercer University

Macon, Georgia

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 100%
Online Students 1,568
51
Davenport University

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Total online programs: 1

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to- Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Institutional Financial Aid 98%
Online Students 2,126

What Cybersecurity Degrees Can You Get Online?

To better meet the needs of students and professionals, schools have created online curriculums for various degree levels. To get a better idea of what’s available, check out the following chart for a solid overview.

Online Cybersecurity Degrees Overview


Credit Hours Time to Complete Career Opportunities
Certificate 12 to 18 One year full-time. Two to three years part-time. • Computer programmer
• Database administrator
• Computer network architect
Associate 60 Two years full-time. Three to four years part-time. • Web developer
• Computer support specialist
Bachelor’s 120 Four years full-time. Five to six years part-time • Information security analyst
• Network and computer systems administrator
• Computer systems analyst
Master’s 35 Two years full-time. Three to four years part-time. • Computer and information research scientist
• Information security analyst
• Postsecondary instructor
PhD 70 Three to four years full-time. Five to eight years part-time. • University professor
• Security researcher
• Cybersecurity engineer

Online Certificates in Cybersecurity

Generally available at the graduate level, these online certificates are tailored for professionals already working in an information technology field who desire additional training in cybersecurity topics to enhance their professional career. Many of these programs are fully online and consist of about four courses that take one-to-three years to complete, depending on your personal study pace. These programs are widely available and are offered by a number of reputable institutions.

Learn more about earning a certificate in cybersecurity.

Online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity

Consisting of approximately 60 credit hours, an associate degree in cybersecurity takes about two years to complete as a full-time student in a non-accelerated program. While many cybersecurity positions will require a bachelor’s degree, the associate degree is still a great option for those who want to enter the workforce as quickly and affordably as possible. This experience is important because many jobs and certifications will require several years of relevant work experience, regardless of the degree you hold. Additionally, the associate degree is a perfect stepping stone to earning a bachelor’s degree later on.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

For many careers in cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement to begin working. While the curriculum will have many overlapping elements with other technology degrees like computer science, the program will go further in-depth on security topics, including cryptography, network security, operating system security, application security, cybersecurity forensics, and risk management. Students should expect to take four years of full-time study to complete this degree, however, many online cybersecurity programs have generous policies on providing college credit for learning at other institutions, work experience, and placement testing.

Online Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

Typically requiring two years to complete, the online cybersecurity master’s degree is the perfect opportunity for a professional already in information technology to specialize in cybersecurity. The master’s program will teach advanced theory and strategies for protecting computer networks and electronic infrastructure from cyber-attacks. Upon graduation, students can expect to take on high level careers such as leaders of teams that test online cyber defenses or final development teams on cutting-edge security applications and programs.

Find out how earning a master’s in cybersecurity online can take your career to the next level.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Cybersecurity

The highest degree in cybersecurity is the doctorate, with the PhD being the most popular. The curriculum focuses on research methodologies and theories, as well as the creation and implementation of strategic policy. With this high-level training, graduates will be well-prepared to take on leadership, innovation, or policy roles in intelligence, military, law enforcement, or private organizations. Students should expect to spend four-to-seven years, depending on dissertation completion time.

Ready to advance your career with an online doctoral degree? Learn more on our cybersecurity PhD programs page.

A Look into Earning Your Cybersecurity Degree Online

Online programs deliver course materials through various virtual methods. Students can participate in class as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. Some distance learning methods include video or audio lectures, online reading materials and online tests. To facilitate collaborative learning, some courses may have online chat sessions or forums held in real time to discuss the course material.

Compare this with a traditional, on-campus program where students physically travel to a classroom several days a week for lectures or computer lab instruction. Let’s take a look at the different online course formats students can expect, as well as a few of the benefits of earning a cybersecurity degree online.

Course Format

Partially-Online

Partially online programs may sometimes be referred to as blended or hybrid programs and are comprised of both in-person and online elements. The number of courses available online will vary, but in most programs, the vast majority of courses can be completed 100% online, with a small handful of classes requiring on-campus visits.

Fully-Online

Fully online cybersecurity programs are the most convenient because they don’t have any in-person requirements. Because there are no on-campus visits, students can complete all curriculum requirements from the location that is most convenient for them, such as their home or office.

Part-Time

Due to the self-paced nature of most online curriculums, being a part-time student has never been easier. Students typically have the option of taking just one course per term, allowing them the time and flexibility to fulfill other personal or professional obligations. Keep in mind this can significantly increase the length of time it will take to earn a degree.

Full-Time

Those who want to complete their degree or certificate in the advertised time frame should expect to take a full-time course load, which is usually three-to- five classes per semester. However, a full-time course load means it’ll be much more difficult to work full-time or meet existing family obligations.

Delivery Mode

Asynchronous

Online degrees are convenient, largely because students can work on courses when they want, where they want, and how they want. The time in which the course is “taught” will be different from when the student “attends” class. However, students can expect regular deadlines to help keep them on track to completion.

Synchronous

The synchronous learning format requires students to be present for their online course at specific times. While students may still be able to take the class from anywhere and have some flexibility in when assignments are due, they will have to sign onto their computer at a specific time for live lectures or to interact with their classmates or professor.

Benefits of Online Programs

Advancements in technology have made distance learning far more available to the average student. There are many reasons for this proliferation, including the demand for flexible schedules that allow students to self-pace, learn, and attend class anytime and from anywhere. This allows students to continue working full-time or take care of family responsibilities while in school. Online learning may also accelerate time spent in a program and cut down on tuition cost.

Despite the benefits, online programs can also mean fewer programs and concentrations available, reduced ability to network and form connections with classmates, and a tremendous demand for self-discipline to stay on top of the coursework.

However, most students find that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Here are a few other great reasons to pursue this degree online:

  • Since much of what you will learn in an online cybersecurity program will have to do with computers anyway, working remotely from your computer is often an option already offered by many schools and programs.
  • Many certifications related to information technology can be obtained from training and materials available online, so distance learning is already built into the cybersecurity field, even without an online degree.
  • Online programs provide the flexibility to continue working while in school. This is valuable for cybersecurity professionals because most entry-level jobs, as well as the most prominent certification for cybersecurity professionals (the CISSP or Certified Information Systems Security Professional), require relevant professional experience for eligibility.
  • The biggest advantage of attending an online program is being able to self-pace, however, this requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline to stay on top of the course. An online degree will teach this trait, which is very useful for information security professionals as it requires continuous learning and training, often spurred by the individual’s own initiative.
  • Despite the prevalence of online degrees, there can still be a stigma attached to graduating from an online program. Fortunately, this stigma has faded in the cybersecurity field due to the emphasis is placed on what an individual can do, not what they have done. So a degree means nothing if the person can’t do the job. An online degree provides the basic foundation to make it easier for an information security analyst to obtain the skills and experience that will allow them to work in the cybersecurity field.

Are There On-Campus Requirements for Online Cybersecurity Programs?

Most online cybersecurity programs will be fully online, especially at the certificate and undergraduate levels. However, some graduates degrees, especially at the doctoral level, will have in-person requirements. For example, research seminars or residencies may be offered only on-campus. Some online doctoral programs that have an in-person seminar or residency research requirement may still allow the defense of the dissertation to take place online.

What Courses Should I Expect to Take?

The bachelor’s program will be one of the more popular academic tracks available for those interested in an online cybersecurity degree. While each school will develop their own unique curriculum, students can expect to find the following online cybersecurity courses in most bachelor’s level curriculums.

Introduction to Cybersecurity

Credits

3

Type

Core

Delivery

Online

Students will gain a basic understanding of the terminology and principles that will create the foundation for learning how to institute cybersecurity policies and plans within an organization.

Computer Forensics

Credits

4

Type

Core

Delivery

Online

Computer forensics teaches students the basics of investigating a computer breach. Students will learn how to determine who did what, when they did it, and how they did it. There will be instruction on how to gather and preserve evidence, as well as the legal considerations when conducting an investigation.

Software Engineering

Credits

4

Type

Elective

Delivery

Online

A cybersecurity degree doesn’t go too in-depth with respect to designing software, but this course will provide additional context for how software applications are developed within the cybersecurity world, including design and coding considerations.

Cloud and Web Computing Security

Credits

4

Type

Core

Delivery

Online

This course examines the security needs of web and cloud-based platforms, including security protocols, disaster recovery, and best practices. Techniques will be examined in both best case and practical scenarios, with the latter taking into account the human factor, which is often the weakest point in a security system.

Network Security

Credits

4

Type

Core

Delivery

Online

In addition to foundational knowledge concerning the various types of computer networks, students will also explore common types of network vulnerabilities, effective countermeasures, and specific policies and mitigation techniques to help protect networks from outside interference.

Cybersecurity Capstone Project

Credits

4

Type

Core

Delivery

Online

The capstone project provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate knowledge in a practical manner. Specifically, students will prepare a report that reflects the design, implementation and analysis of an information security plan or initiative.

What are The Admission Requirements for a Cybersecurity Program?

Students interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can expect to, at a minimum, meet the basic admissions requirements for all other students. This often includes providing the following:

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • High school transcripts
  • Entrance exam scores, such as the SAT or ACT
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation

Due to the desire to attract students and in the interest of maximum flexibility, many schools offering online degrees will not require an application fee, personal statement, letters of recommendation, or entrance exam test scores. However, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency and familiarity in the subject of information or computer technology, such as:

  • A prior degree in a technology field, such as an associate degree in computer science
  • Relevant professional experience
  • Upper level certification in an information technology subject
  • Completion of a minimum number of advanced college level technology related coursework, such as advanced computer programming, networking or computer security.

How are Online Cybersecurity Programs Accredited?

Accreditation serves as a method of confirming that the degree a student earns means something. Worded another way, it ensures a school’s education meets certain minimum standards of a good, solid education.

There are two primary types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. The former refers to the school itself being accredited, while the latter means the specific program within a school has been accredited.

Institutional accreditation can come from either a national or regional accred