Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Colorado

Badge for BEST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY BACHELOR'S IN COLORADO
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Colorado's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

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  1. Colorado Christian University
  2. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  3. Colorado State University–Global Campus
  4. Colorado Technical University
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  2. Colorado Technical University
  3. Colorado Christian University
  4. Colorado State University–Global Campus
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
  1. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  2. Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
  3. Colorado Christian University 16 to 1
  1. Colorado Christian University $17,476
  2. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  3. Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
  1. Colorado Technical University $13,937
  2. Colorado Christian University $13,931
  3. Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
  1. Colorado Technical University
  2. Colorado State University–Global Campus
  3. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  4. Colorado Christian University
  1. Colorado State University–Global Campus
  2. Colorado Christian University
  3. Colorado Technical University
  4. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
  2. Colorado Christian University 16 to 1
  3. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
  2. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  3. Colorado Christian University $17,476
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
  2. Colorado Christian University $13,931
  3. Colorado Technical University $13,937

The cybersecurity industry is expanding quickly, making this the perfect time to start a career in the sector. Most cybersecurity professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree to work in the field.

The online cybersecurity bachelor’s is an increasingly valuable degree that can lead to an excellent career with competitive pay in Colorado. Check out the top-ranked online cybersecurity degree programs and learn more about the cost of tuition, admission requirements, cybersecurity courses, jobs in cybersecurity, and more.

Featured Programs

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Colorado, just as it is around the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security jobs are expected to grow by 35% over the next 10 years. That’s much faster than average career growth.

With current median salaries around $102,600 a year, it’s a good time to prepare yourself to become one of the cybersecurity professionals in Colorado. That’s why we’ve ranked online cybersecurity degrees as the #1 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 organizations, defense organizations. And therefore, the citizen, the simple citizen, needs protection as well as the big organization. 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 every university.

If you are still wondering if an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is worth it, we answer that, and we can give you the playbook for how to become a cybersecurity analyst.

cybersecurity students working in front of a desktop computer
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Colorado Colleges Answering the Demand for Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Some of Colorado’s largest employers of cybersecurity professionals and services are the industries that are emerging in leading roles as the state’s economy expands and diversifies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 5,820 information security analysts are employed in the state of Colorado. This comes towards the higher end of the spectrum compared to the entire country. The mean annual pay is similarly above average at $118,480. Even better, those cybersecurity professionals with the most experience make salaries that rise above $156,000.

Colorado Springs is the fourth-highest metropolitan region in terms of employment concentration, which is only behind well-known locations in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Arizona.

We’ve identified 4 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in Colorado. Each of these cybersecurity programs are recognized and approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.

Online cybersecurity degrees offer students in Colorado maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And online programs don’t sacrifice quality.

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software programmer working in an office

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

With online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity programs, you’ll learn specific subjects like software development and systems administration while also strengthening your math and computer science skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

  • Cryptography
  • Software Programming
  • Data Analytics
  • Network Security
  • Information Security
  • Systems Administration
  • National Security Policy

Key learning skills for your online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree include:

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Organization
  • Time Management
  • Self-Pacing

As a student in an online cybersecurity bachelor’s program, you’ll learn to:

  • Analyze network components including software and hardware.
  • Identify system vulnerabilities through a combination of technological and analytical insight.
  • Create solutions for system vulnerabilities.
  • Navigate the ethical and policy issues related to the cybersecurity profession.
  • Provide both short-term and long-term organizational strategies for managing cybersecurity challenges.
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As a student in an online cybersecurity bachelor’s program, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance. Popular online courses in cybersecurity include:

Cyber Threat Intelligence

Learn to identify cybersecurity threats and the techniques used by bad actors to attack computer secure networks. Study ethical hacking methodologies, permissions management, threat assessment reporting, and more.

National Security Policy

Learn the laws, policies, and practices shaping the cybersecurity profession in the United States. Study American cybersecurity policy as well as international policy and policy approaches in other nations.

Enterprise Risk Management

Learn how to analyze security conditions for commercial enterprises to identify vulnerabilities and provide cybersecurity solutions. Study best practices as well as legal and ethical responsibilities in creating network security strategies.

Network Security Administration

Learn how to assess, operate, and improve network security information for a public, non-profit organization, and private sector, including Homeland Security and National Cybersecurity Center. Study cloud security, information security, systems auditing and more.

Digital Forensics

Learn how to investigate cybercrime and produce evidence to be used in prosecuting these crimes. Study the tools, techniques, and principles driving digital forensics investigation.

If an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is your first experience with online education, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

And for a look at some of the advantages of pursuing your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online, check out these 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education

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cybersecurity professional standing in front of a bank of servers

You have several career path options in computer and network security with an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. As stated above, Colorado surpasses the median national average salary of security analysts. An online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is the basic qualification for students who want to become:

Computer and Information Systems Managers

As a Computer and Information Systems Manager you will plan, coordinate, and lead a wide range of computer-related activities in your organization including network security, permissions management, database management, cyber operations, and more. The field has a national job growth rate of 16% from 2021-2031, with 48,500 openings.

Computer Network Architects

As a Computer Network Architect, you will design and build data communication networks. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS also notes that computer network architects earned a median pay of $120,520 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% rate of growth by 2031, with 11,800 new jobs added.

Database Administrators and Architects

As a Database Administrator or Architect, you will work within an organization to create, organize, and oversee the systems used to both store data and keep this data secure. Database Administrators and Architects earned a median pay of $98,860 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 9% rate of growth by 2031, with 11,500 new jobs added.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for both the daily and long-term operation and oversight of internal network and computer systems for an organization. This includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more. Network and Computer Systems Administrators earned a median pay of $80,600 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% rate of growth by 2031, with 23,900 new jobs added.

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It takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Some online programs may offer accelerated or self-paced options where you can earn your online bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 to 24 months.

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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.

Your tuition for the online cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity bachelor’s degree will be cheaper if you get an in-state discount and save on these expenses.

For more, check out our Guide to the Cost of Online College vs. On-Campus College.

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How much is an online undergraduate degree in cybersecurity in Colorado?

Colorado’s average tuition costs are comparable to the national average. Private four-year universities, which are substantially less expensive in Colorado, are a prominent exception.

At private colleges in Colorado, the four-year average total cost of tuition is close to $100,000. Students who completed their associate degree programs in accredited community colleges may incur less cost in their bachelor’s degree.

What are the top cyber security and tech employers and organizations in Colorado?

The tech and cybersecurity industries are expanding in Colorado, where several well-known firms and organizations exist. The most prominent employer of cybersecurity professionals in the state is Root9B, the first business to provide threat hunting to commercial markets in 2011.

If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.

For detailed information on accreditation, financial aid, college applications and more, check out our Complete Guide to Applying for College.

online cybersecurity student working on a desktop computer
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado

  1. #1

    Colorado Christian University

    Lakewood , CO
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $26,846
    Expenses: $12,774
    Starting Salary: $50,423
    Salary after 4 years: $60,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colorado Christian University is a top-ranked four-year educational institution built to provide convenience for students seeking a faith-based, liberal arts education. Online courses at CCU are offered through the Brightspace learning management system. The simple-to-use system gives students access to everything they need to succeed as an online learner.

    The CCU Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management program is one of Colorado’s first online cybersecurity education degrees. Designed for working professionals, students of this online cybersecurity degree enroll in one 5-week course at a time.

    They’ll learn about security design concepts, cyber defense, security development theory, and secure design for important computer network system assets from the same on-campus faculty. Online students will also gain skill from hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity issues.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Systems Management

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • System Analyst
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/19

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $10,260
    Starting Salary: $55,713
    Salary after 4 years: $72,292

    Metropolitan State University of Denver is a large public institution that offers a diverse range of programs and is known for their academic excellence. MSU Denver emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and real-world education. The university grants various financial aid opportunities, including a renewable $ 1,000 scholarship for new Colorado students.

    MSU Denver offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Major, a joint program of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Criminology, and Computer Sciences Departments. As an applied science-based major, students in this online program will explore topics on computer crime, information systems solutions, and the correct seizure and recovery of digital evidence.

    One of the unique aspects of this online degree program is its emphasis on preventing cybercrimes, comprehending cyber laws, controlling the prosecution of and punishment of cybercriminals, and recognizing criminal cyber-criminal activities.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    Colorado State University–Global Campus

    #19 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024

    Colorado State University Global is a well-known online institution delivering accredited career-focused degree programs. Their fully online undergraduate and graduate programs have monthly start dates, asynchronous, self-paced classes, and accelerated study schedules.

    One of its most sought-after bachelor’s degree programs online is the Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity. Following the same on-campus program curriculum, the online degree will prepare students for entry-level positions.

    Prospective students will have the right skills to defend data and information against cyber threats, create security modes, assess network vulnerabilities, and comprehend information security’s moral and legal implications.

    Students can add a focus to their cybersecurity bachelor’s degree if it aligns with their career objectives or academic interests. There are several specializations spanning from and beyond the fields of cybersecurity. The most popular areas of focus include:

    • Emergency Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resources and Organizational Development
    • Marketing
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    Colorado Technical University

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    50K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Colorado Technical University

    Cost of Degree: $12,696
    Starting Salary: $57,998
    Salary after 4 years: $69,193

    As another of the top career-focused academic institutions in Colorado, Colorado Technical University is best for students seeking flexible and affordable programs, both on-campus and online. CTU is also known as one of the top institutions using innovative technology to serve a diverse student population.

    For students interested in learning how to create programs to prevent cyberattacks and create systems that could identify network breaches, Colorado Technical University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program comes with a Cybersecurity Engineering specialization.

    The program provides students with knowledge of computer science and software engineering models, techniques, tools, and technologies. And thanks to this degree’s practical programming and instruction from business executives in real-world scenarios, graduates will be ready to face issues in cyber security.

    • Required Credits: 183
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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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: Colorado (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,554
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,860
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 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%$168,800
Managers, All Other3.35%$153,920
Computer Network Architects3.55%$132,970
Database Architects10.00%$132,360
Computer Occupations, All Other9.72%$114,420

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$72,238$113,445$152,885

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#11 Colorado3% higher than average$113,445
#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$168,800
Managers, All Other$153,920
Computer Network Architects$132,970
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Interested in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity but not sure where to study? Colorado isn’t the only state that has excellent degrees! Look into online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity in South Dakota, South Carolina, Iowa and more!

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