Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN CYBERSECURITY

Key Takeaways

  • Cyber security and information security jobs are expected to grow by 33% over the next 10 years, which is a much faster than average career growth.
  • In an online cyber security bachelor’s program, students learn the fundamentals of the cyber domain, including cryptography, system security resiliency, cyber vulnerability, and RF communications.
  • Many online cyber security programs offer specialized concentrations, such as cloud computing, data management, software programming, and analytics.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degrees

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  1. University of Arizona
  2. Syracuse University
  3. University of South Carolina
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  5. Roger Williams University
  6. Saint Louis University
  7. Eastern Michigan University
  8. Old Dominion University
  9. St. Petersburg College
  10. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  1. University of Arizona
  2. Syracuse University
  3. University of South Carolina
  4. Saint Louis University
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  6. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  7. Old Dominion University
  8. Liberty University
  9. Eastern Michigan University
  10. Boise State University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Old Dominion University 96%
  3. Keiser University 96%
  4. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  5. Roger Williams University 91%
  6. Stevenson University 91%
  7. University of Alabama at Birmingham 89%
  8. Utica University 89%
  9. University of Arizona 87%
  10. Mercy College 86%
  1. St. Petersburg College 23 to 1
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham 20 to 1
  4. University of the Cumberlands 20 to 1
  5. University of Missouri–St. Louis 19 to 1
  6. Boise State University 18 to 1
  7. University of South Carolina 18 to 1
  8. Old Dominion University 18 to 1
  9. Liberty University 17 to 1
  10. National University 16 to 1
  1. Syracuse University $57,591
  2. Saint Louis University $48,824
  3. Roger Williams University $39,594
  4. Abilene Christian University $39,350
  5. Stevenson University $38,168
  6. Albertus Magnus College $36,442
  7. McKendree University $33,050
  8. Holy Family University $31,640
  9. Notre Dame College $31,350
  10. Utica University $24,214
  1. Syracuse University $41,616
  2. Utica University $32,464
  3. Keiser University $29,632
  4. Abilene Christian University $24,174
  5. Saint Louis University $21,960
  6. Albertus Magnus College $21,744
  7. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  8. Roger Williams University $17,476
  9. Mercy College $16,974
  10. Eastern Michigan University $16,562
  1. Albertus Magnus College
  2. University of the Cumberlands
  3. Keiser University
  4. Utica University
  5. Liberty University
  6. Stevenson University
  7. Abilene Christian University
  8. Southern New Hampshire University
  9. Notre Dame College
  10. Mercy College
  1. Utica University
  2. Albertus Magnus College
  3. University of the Cumberlands
  4. Notre Dame College
  5. Holy Family University
  6. Stevenson University
  7. McKendree University
  8. Keiser University
  9. St. Petersburg College
  10. Mercy College
  1. National University 55%
  2. University of Missouri–St. Louis 57%
  3. Syracuse University 59%
  4. University of South Carolina 62%
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks 65%
  6. Abilene Christian University 70%
  7. Saint Louis University 70%
  8. Holy Family University 77%
  9. McKendree University 78%
  10. Notre Dame College 82%
  1. Saint Louis University 9 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  3. Utica University 12 to 1
  4. Notre Dame College 13 to 1
  5. Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
  6. Holy Family University 13 to 1
  7. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  8. McKendree University 14 to 1
  9. University of Arizona 15 to 1
  10. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  1. St. Petersburg College $1,943
  2. Boise State University $5,532
  3. Old Dominion University $7,029
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,296
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,568
  6. University of the Cumberlands $9,875
  7. University of Arizona $10,990
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,015
  9. University of South Carolina $12,288
  10. National University $13,320
  1. University of the Cumberlands $4,282
  2. Boise State University $7,110
  3. Liberty University $7,847
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,100
  5. Stevenson University $8,340
  6. McKendree University $9,756
  7. Old Dominion University $10,207
  8. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,265
  9. Holy Family University $11,851
  10. University of Arizona $12,106

Learn more about how to major in computer science.

We recently interviewed one of the world’s most influential cyber security experts, Dr. Isaac Ben-Israel. Dr. Ben-Israel says that cyber security is one of the most important fields of study today, and one of the newest. In 2011 cyber security programs in colleges and universities were scarce. Today, they are offered at colleges and universities around the world, and in some cases cyber security is making its way into core curriculum. Why? Dr. Ben-Israel’s answer is simple: As long as computers are the dominant technology of our time, this is the anticipation, the need for cyber security will only grow.

Featured Programs

25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $12,937
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $71,338
    Salary after 4 years: $92,567
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BAS in Cyber Operations

    Online Cybersecurity Program at University of Arizona | Interview with Jason Denno

    Concentrations

    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy

    The University of Arizona Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations prepares students for careers such as Cyber Incident Response Analyst, Cyber Threat Analyst, and Chief Information Security Officer. The University’s Cyber Operations Program is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations by the National Security Agency. It is one of only 24 programs in the nation carrying this designation. The Bachelor of Applied Science offers three tracks in Cyber Engineering, Defense and Forensics, and Cyber Law & Policy. Students may earn undergraduate certificates in Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity, Cyber Defense, Digital Forensics, Security Computing, and Information Warfare. Students gain real world experience in CyberApolis, the program’s virtual world where students practice their cyber skills.

    The Bachelor of Applied Science offers a scholarship program aimed at juniors and seniors, a Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, which provides scholarship funding for two years, internships, and appointment in the Foreign Service at the end of the two-year program, and a Summer Internship Program. Students are admitted to classes every 8 weeks. Classes may last 7.5 weeks or 15 weeks. At the end of the course, all students will complete a Capstone course. The program is designed for students transferring in with approximately 60 hours and a 2.5 GPA. Depending on the concentration, students will need background courses in mathematics, programming, and government. Tuition is $500-$610 per credit hour.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $60,135
    Expenses: $20,812
    Starting Salary: $78,387
    Salary after 4 years: $93,519
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration

    The Syracuse University Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Cybersecurity Administration prepares graduates for careers in Information Security, Networking Setup, Coding, Auditing, Healthcare, and Finance. The program provides the skills necessary to protect information, information systems, and infrastructure.

    The B.P.S. differs from a traditional bachelor’s degree in that 75% of the skills learned are career specific. The program has six start dates a year. The classes run for 8 weeks. Students may transfer up to 90 credits and study part time. The format is 100% online, with both synchronous and asynchronous classes. The program consists of 120 credits, including 33 hours of required core courses for the major. Tuition costs are approximately $695 per credit hour. The degree is designed with working professionals in mind.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $68,663
    Salary after 4 years: $89,096
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $9,612
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $57,453
    Salary after 4 years: $74,550
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSEM in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management
    • Emergency Management
    • Emergency Medical and Public Health Management
    • Fire Administration
    • Homeland Security
    • Law Enforcement Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Roger Williams University

    Cost of Degree: $41,398
    Expenses: $20,644
    Starting Salary: $63,435
    Salary after 4 years: $75,680
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity And Networking

    The Roger Williams University BS in Cybersecurity & Networking prepares graduates for careers in fields such as computer network architect, information security analyst, network administrator, and computer network support specialist. Students are given a background in technology security and networking skills the first three years and then develop a focus area (major). Class topics include Law for Networking, Security, and Forensic Professionals, Mobile Device Forensics, and Database Design and Implementation.

    The BS in Cybersecurity & Networking Degree requires some experience with software and hardware. Applicants do not have to take an entrance exam or provide ACT/SAT scores. There is no application fee or GPA requirement. Students may apply transfer credits, trainings, military and work experience, and self-taught skills toward their degree.

    This degree requires 120 credits for completion. A three-credit online course costs $1,299. There are corporate and military discounts available.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Saint Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $50,644
    Expenses: $20,032
    Starting Salary: $73,517
    Salary after 4 years: $87,708
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics

    Saint Louis University’s accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program in cybersecurity allows students to take up to 12 graduate credits which apply both to the undergraduate and graduate degree. This degree is designed for working professionals who may be pursuing an undergraduate degree in any of the School of Professional Studies programs. Graduates may pursue careers such as computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, data security consultant, government cybersecurity analyst, information security analyst, and network and computer systems administrator.

    This program has 6 start dates a year with terms lasting 8 weeks. Students must have a 3.0 overall GPA, with a 3.5 in their current major. The total cost for the MS in Cybersecurity is app. $32,000.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Eastern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,410
    Expenses: $14,566
    Starting Salary: $55,924
    Salary after 4 years: $72,566
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $11,220
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $62,039
    Salary after 4 years: $80,501
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity

    Old Dominion University’s BS in Cybersecurity degree is offered both as a degree completion and as a full program. This program is interdisciplinary, giving students the option of taking courses from computer engineering, computer science, criminal justice, engineering management, information technology, modeling and simulation engineering, and philosophy. The National Security Agency has designed Old Dominion as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations Fundamental.

    The curriculum includes calculus, physics, computer engineering, and computer science courses. Good math skills are required. You must complete at least 30 hours with ODU. The degree requires a total of 120 hours. Classes may be synchronous or asynchronous, and the courses may include lecture, computer lab sessions, and research projects.

    Tuition for Virginia residents is $374 per credit hour, and out of state residents pay $407 per credit hour. Active-duty military students may qualify for a discount. Graduates will be qualified for careers such as computer systems analyst, information security analyst, database administrator, computer network architect, digital forensics analyst, and web administrator.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    36K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at St. Petersburg College

    Cost of Degree: $2,682
    Starting Salary: $46,752
    Salary after 4 years: $60,665

    Online Degrees

    BAS in Technology Development and Management

    St. Petersburg College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity prepares graduates for jobs that align with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. These jobs include systems security analyst, security control assessor, vulnerability assessment analyst, cyber defense analyst, and security architect. The National Security Agency has designed SPC a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The degree focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity such as information security, advanced forensics, and defense against cyber-attack.

    A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses, and there is a foreign language requirement. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree, with 18 of these credits being state mandated prerequisites, and 45 being major core courses. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $112 per credit hour. For out of state students, the tuition per credit hour is approximately $387.

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Cyber Security Defense And Risk Mitigation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1172/24

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $12,528
    Expenses: $17,950
    Starting Salary: $62,676
    Salary after 4 years: $81,327
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity: Information Systems & Technology

    The University of Missouri’s BS in Cybersecurity with an emphasis in Information Systems and Technology is a 123 credit program, with 24 hours of core courses and 81 hours of emphasis specific coursework. Students gain both technical and business skills, and graduates pursue careers such as cloud security specialists, cyber defense analysts, information security analyst, malware analyst, and security architect. The NSA has designated UMSL as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

    The BS in Cybersecurity with a Computer Science emphasis provides a technical and mathematical focus. Core courses focus on topics such as business and technical writing, introduction to computing, programming and data structures, secure software development, security risk management, computer forensics, and introduction to cryptography. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in fields such as cyber defense incident responder, cybersecurity engineer, and vulnerability assessment analyst. The degree requires 24 hours of core coursework, and 51-53 hours of emphasis specific coursework.

    There is no foreign language requirement for either area of emphasis. Missouri and Illinois residents pay $396 per credit hour. Non-residents pay $1.070 per credit hour.

    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #11

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $13,320
    Starting Salary: $66,833
    Salary after 4 years: $79,735

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/19

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Holy Family University

    Cost of Degree: $32,558
    Expenses: $16,616
    Starting Salary: $61,509
    Salary after 4 years: $73,383
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity Operations and Management

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Management and Leadership
    • Cyber Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1209/26

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $61,656
    Salary after 4 years: $80,005
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Data Analytics
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #15

    McKendree University

    Lebanon , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1074/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at McKendree University

    Cost of Degree: $33,430
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $56,865
    Salary after 4 years: $67,842
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Cyber Defense
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #16

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/22

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $21,358
    Expenses: $19,354
    Starting Salary: $50,521
    Salary after 4 years: $60,274
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  16. #17

    Notre Dame College

    Cleveland , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Notre Dame College

    Cost of Degree: $31,950
    Expenses: $16,168
    Starting Salary: $49,728
    Salary after 4 years: $59,328
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 103-107
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    199K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $15,380
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $56,865
    Salary after 4 years: $67,842
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technologies

    Concentrations

    • Business Management For It
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Project Management For It
    • Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Abilene Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $40,400
    Expenses: $16,022
    Starting Salary: $55,392
    Salary after 4 years: $66,085
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
  19. #21

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    129K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $46,897
    Salary after 4 years: $55,949
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  20. #22

    Utica University

    Utica , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Utica University

    Cost of Degree: $24,308
    Expenses: $15,410
    Starting Salary: $55,052
    Salary after 4 years: $65,680
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity

    Concentrations

    • Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation
    • Information Assurance
    • Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation
    • Cyber Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Criminology and Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  21. #23

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    34K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $23,248
    Expenses: $27,451
    Starting Salary: $39,760
    Salary after 4 years: $47,435
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cyber Forensics/Information Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #24

    University of the Cumberlands

    Williamsburg , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/21

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of the Cumberlands

    Cost of Degree: $9,875
    Starting Salary: $43,272
    Salary after 4 years: $51,625

    Online Degrees

    BAS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Infrastructure
    • Management
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,005
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,013
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $59,164
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $76,771
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
  • Job Growth: 11.36%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,573,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$134,192
Database Architects10.00%$120,910
Computer Network Architects3.55%$111,162
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Information Security Analysts31.55%$102,130

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$61,034$98,954$146,290

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Georgia13% higher than average$108,150
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$117,193
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$105,853
#5 Texas10% higher than average$105,429
#6 Washington7% higher than average$124,389

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$134,192
Database Architects$120,910
Computer Network Architects$111,162

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees

Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand. Information security jobs are expected to grow by 33% over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s much faster than average career growth.

With current median salaries around $100,000 a year, it’s a good time to prepare yourself to compete in the field. That’s why we’ve ranked cybersecurity degrees as the best degree for jobs over the next decade.

Cybersecurity is also new and its need is very widespread. In our interview with world-leading cyber security expert Isaac Ben-Israel, Ben-Israel says that even as recently as the 10 years ago, there were no universities in the United States, or anywhere in the world offering a cyber security degree program. Today, students can study cyber security in nearly every university.

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Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help defend against growing cybersecurity threats from hackers, criminals, and hostile foreign governments.

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Both online and on-campus degree programs are available, and students will learn the fundamentals of the cyber domain, including cryptography, system security resiliency, cyber vulnerability, and RF communications.

Many programs offer specialized concentrations as well, such as cloud computing, data management, software programming, and analytics.

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Typically, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity requires a minimum of 120 credits, which takes about four to five years to complete. Some programs offer an accelerated path that permits students to work at their own pace, allowing them to potentially finish early.

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Graduates often find positions in the energy, healthcare, finance, and government industries as software developers, security administrators, information assurance engineers, and IT security consultants.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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