Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN CYBERSECURITY
By James Barham and Dr. Winston Ewert
Published:
Updated:

In this article you will find top-ranked online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree programs that prepare students to help defend against growing cybersecurity threats from hackers, criminals, and hostile foreign governments.

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. 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. Utica University
  2. University of the Cumberlands
  3. Albertus Magnus College
  4. Holy Family University
  5. Notre Dame College
  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. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  10. Keiser 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

Featured Programs

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 Because we understand that nowadays everyone is dependent on computers, not only military organisations, defense organisations. And therefore, the citizen, the simple citizen, needs a protection as well as the big organisation. And we decided to make it legitimate for education and industry. ...At that time, 2011, it’s hard to believe but this is true, there was not even one university in the world, neither in Israel nor in the States, in which you could go and study cybersecurity. Only 10 years ago. It’s hard to believe but this was the situation 10 years ago. Today ... you can learn cyber security in almost 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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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.

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs
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Median Salaries of Similar Careers in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Information Security Analysts in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Annual Salary
57650Computer User Support Specialists
71350Computer Network Support Specialists
102210Computer Systems Analysts
113270Information Security Analysts
142650Computer and Information Research Scientists

25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    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
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  2. #2

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #5 Best Colleges in New York 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    22K

    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
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  3. #3

    University of South Carolina

    Columbia , SC
    #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science

    Concentrations

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

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    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
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  5. #5

    Roger Williams University

    Bristol , RI
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    4K

    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
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  7. #6

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #4 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #16 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    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
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  9. #8

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    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
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  10. #9

    St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg , FL
    #1 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management #2 Best Online Associate in Web Design #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    17K

    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
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  11. #10

    University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #7 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2023 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023 #8 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1172/24

    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
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  13. #11

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California #3 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    25K

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
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  14. #12

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #13 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/19

    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
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  15. #13

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1209/26

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Data Analytics
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  21. #18

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    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
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  22. #19

    Abilene Christian University

    Abilene , TX
    #10 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
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  25. #21

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
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  27. #23

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #1 Best Online DBA Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    29K

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cyber Forensics/Information Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  28. #24

    University of the Cumberlands

    Williamsburg , KY
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/21

    Online Degrees

    BAS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

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