Inside Online Bachelor's Degrees in Cybersecurity: Reviewing Programs

Explore Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees

Cyber security bachelor’s programs are ideal for both aspiring professionals beginning their training and students who hold associate degrees. For new college students, these programs typically take four years to complete, but transferring college credits from other programs can help you complete your bachelor’s faster.

Online cyber security programs come in a variety of learning options, from in-person to fully online, with flexible class schedules designed for working professionals. To help you begin your cyber security education and learn what to expect, we’ve profiled some online cyber security bachelor’s programs that you can attend today.

FAQs About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Degrees

Should I choose an online or on-campus cyber security program?

Generally, online cyber security students receive the same training and education as their on-campus peers. If you consider yourself a more traditional college student who prefers face-to-face learning and an on-campus experience, then you should probably choose a campus-based program.

There are pros and cons to both types of programs, but if you have personal or professional obligations that make having a set schedule or in-person classes difficult, an online program may be best. For those who need flexibility but prefer in-person classes, you can choose a hybrid program, such as the hybrid cyber security program at Saint Leo University.

Is a bachelor’s degree better than a certificate or bootcamp?

Each career path has its own set of benefits, so you’ll need to weigh options depending on your specific needs. If you want the most comprehensive training in not just cyber security, but also general education topics, then a bachelor’s program may be the best fit.

A cyber security certificate is ideal if you already have a college degree but want to specialize in a field or gain advanced training in cyber security. A bootcamp, which is an intensive, fast-paced training course, might be better if you need to learn the basics of cybersecurity as quickly and affordably as possible.

How fast can I earn a bachelor’s degree in cyber security?

A typical bachelor’s program will take about four years, but the exact amount of time will depend on how much prior college learning you’ve completed and the learning pace you choose. Programs such as the University of Arizona’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations allow you to meet half of your required curriculum requirements through transfer credits. If you are up for an intensive study schedule and want to launch your cyber security degree faster, you may also consider an online accelerated cyber security program.

How are online cyber security programs paced or structured?

Many online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs do not follow a cohort model and instead let students choose the speed at which they complete their courses. However, there are also online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs that require students to complete certain components of their coursework on a more regimented schedule.

For instance, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of North Dakota lets students complete individual course assignments on their own timeframe but still requires them to complete requirements within specific deadlines.

What financial aid and scholarship resources are available for an online cyber security degree?

Once accepted into a particular online cyber security bachelor’s degree program, you can take advantage of various financial aid resources. Some of these will come from the school itself and include grants and scholarships. If you look online, you can also find specific scholarships for cyber security students from a variety of organizations.

As part of your funding search, consider filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out your FAFSA on time will confirm whether you qualify for need-based federal aid. It’s also worth looking into organizations such as the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, and CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service for more funding opportunities.

The Ins and Outs of an Online Cyber Security Curriculum

Every school designs its curriculum to fit into its specific learning philosophies. However, there are plenty of similarities in the skills and knowledge you’ll gain while earning a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, regardless of where you attend. Below is a list and description of five major-related courses you can expect to take in most programs.

Cybersecurity Foundations

This is an introductory course to the general terms and theories of cyber security. Class content covers various types of electronic and technological threats and how to identify vulnerabilities that can lead to these threats. Students will also take legal and psychological factors into consideration and understand their effect on managing cyber security risks.

IT Risk Management

Since no information system is immune to a cyberattack, it’s necessary for cyber security professionals to know how to effectively assess risk and use a cost-benefit analysis to develop systems that can defend against hacks. This class teaches students to examine real-world security risks and determine the methods of managing them.

Legal and Ethical Issues with IT Security

Much of what a cyber security expert does is dictated by ethical and legal considerations. The goal of this course is to teach students how they can serve their clients’ interests in protecting technological assets while also complying with regulatory and moral obligations. Content topics for this course include privacy concerns and statutory requirements.

Network Security

Given the need for interconnection among systems, devices, and infrastructure, future cyber security professionals must learn how to protect both internal and external computer networks. This class examines the basics of network operations, including hardware requirements and regulatory considerations, when developing and maintaining the confidentiality of organizational and user information.

Strengthening Operation Systems

Operating systems serve as the core of many information technology systems, so understanding how they work is necessary for any cyber security professional. This class covers not just the operating system software itself but also the hardware and networking aspects of its operation, as well as how to improve the security of operating systems from hacking attempts.

What to do With a Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts are trained to analyze the computer systems within an organization to ensure optimal efficiency. The day-to-day responsibilities of a computer analyst include designing new computer systems and procedures, analyzing the cost and benefits of systems, and identifying ways to maximize efficiency.

For an entry-level computer systems analyst position, a bachelor’s degree is generally required. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for system analysts was $103,800 for 2023.

Database Administrators

Database administrators, or database architects, work within the technology field to ensure data is properly stored and secured within an organization. In the role of a cyber security professional, you will design and organize databases to keep data secure and ensure all systems are operating efficiently.

The job growth for data administrators is higher than the national average, with an expected growth of up to 9% over the next decade. The median salary for this position as of 2023 was $117,450 per year.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are in charge of the data security systems in an organization and are responsible for protecting these systems. One role of an information security analyst is to monitor the computer systems to prevent security breaches and to step in if a breach occurs.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is generally required for this position. The job and salary outlook are positive, with a median salary for information security analysts of around $120,360 per year as of 2023.

Your Resources as an Online Cyber Security Student

Planning to start an online MPA degree program in Florida might seem overwhelming. But, public and private resources are available to help you during the process. Listed below are some resources that should be useful for MPA students and professionals in Florida.

• DEFCON: DEFCON is a hacker convention created for individuals interested in cyber security, hacking, and other related topics. The convention is attended by cyber security students and professionals in the field.
• Cloud Security Alliance: Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is an organization that provides tools, connections, and credibility related to cloud security. They offer hundreds of free webinars and a membership for professionals.
• Cyberforce Competition: The Cyberforce Competition is open to college students in cyber security programs. The purpose of this competition is to provide hands-on cyber education to college students and professionals.
• Krebs on Security: Krebs on Security is one of the top blogs on cyber security, created by former reporter Brian Krebs. On the site, he provides in-depth security news and investigation.
• Schneier on Security: Schneier on Security is another site on cyber security and technology topics. This site, created by technologist Bruce Schneier, provides blogs, news, and other resources related to security.

Leading Online Bachelor’s Programs in Cyber Security

There are many online cyber security programs out there, but it’s not always easy to determine which one is right for you. To save you from extra hours spent searching online, we’ve created a list of top schools based on factors such as accreditation, number of online programs, and availability of services such as career placement.

Our full list of rankings can be found below to help you choose the best cyber security online program. You can also learn more about our rankings system and discover what qualities to look for by viewing our “About the Rankings” section.