Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It?

What is a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?

The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a valuable four-year undergraduate degree where you’ll study topics like software development, network security, and systems vulnerability analysis. The online cybersecurity degree can also teach you important skills like database administration, cloud computing, and system security resiliency. The online cybersecurity degree is a good degree because it can lead to many different types of cybersecurity jobs.

Want more insights into a top program, we also have an interview with the #1 online cybersecurity program director, University of Arizona’s Jason Denno.

What is an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?

An online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a four-year undergraduate degree that you can earn through online classes. Some online bachelor’s degrees are fully online. Other online bachelor’s degrees are hybrid. Hybrid means some classes are online and some are in person. You will study the same topics in an online bachelor’s degree program as you would in person. Online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity also require the same number of credits. You may even have the same instructors for your online degree that you would have in person. The biggest difference between the in-person and online bachelor’s degrees is the convenience and flexibility of online courses.

What can I do with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is the basic qualification for students who want to become Computer and Information Systems Managers (2020 Median Pay—$151,150); Computer Network Architects (2020 Median Pay—$116,780); Database Administrators and Architects (2020 Median Pay—$98,860); Network and Computer Systems Administrators (2020 Median Pay—$84,810), and more. You can also work for a lot of different organizations with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity. An online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity could get you a job at a bank, corporation, or with the government. You have a lot of career options with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

What does a job in cybersecurity pay?

A job in cybersecurity can pay a six-figure salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that Information Security Analysts earned a median pay of $103,590 in 2020. The BLS also says that the number of jobs for information security analysts will grow by 33% in the next ten years. This means that there will be more than 47,000 new positions for people with knowledge in cybersecurity. The online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is also worth it because you may be able to begin working in the field while earning your degree. The online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program is designed to be flexible. Working adults can earn their online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity by completing self-paced courses or attending online lectures at night. This makes the online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity worth it for working adults who want more skills and credentials.

For a more in-depth look at the job outlook for cybersecurity analysts, check out What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity?

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online?

It can be cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online if you go to a public school in your state. Colleges and universities have tuition discounts for in-state students. Online students get these same in-state discounts. It will be cheaper to get your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from a public school in your state. Your tuition for the online degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. But you will save on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees. Your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will be cheaper if you get an in-state discount and save on these expenses.

Are online cybersecurity degrees respected?

Online cybersecurity degrees are respected as long as they come from good schools. Employers respect online cybersecurity degrees from accredited colleges and universities. Accreditation is very important. Accreditation means your degree comes from a school that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are two kinds of accreditation—national accreditation and regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. An online cybersecurity degree from a regionally accredited college or university will be respected by employers. Check out the best online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity to make sure you are getting a respected online cybersecurity degree.

Interested in getting a degree in cybersecurity? Check out How to Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity.