The District of Columbia, or Washington DC, is the center of many government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Central Intelligence Agency.

As the seat of the federal government of the United States, the state is very attractive for cyberattacks because it stores enormous amounts of confidential and sensitive information, which is why the state has a very high demand for cyber security experts.

Despite having a relatively small geographic area, DC has 15,000 job openings, according to CyberSeek. However, there might not be as many online cyber security degree programs compared to its neighboring states.

DC relies on public-private partnerships and specialized training facilities rather than traditional degree programs to meet the area’s cyber security demand.

Most of DC’s cyber security degrees are offered entirely on-campus, which is why we’ve listed reputable online cyber security programs of its neighboring states. Online cyber security degree programs are readily available in Maryland and Virginia, two states near Washington, DC. Plus, earning a degree in its neighboring states saves you tens of thousands of dollars.

Featured Programs

Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Cyber security is definitely growing in demand in District of Columbia, just as it is around the world. 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 cyber security job market in District of Columbia. That’s why we’ve ranked cyber security degrees as the best degree for jobs over the next decade.

Cyber security 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 a 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 cyber security. 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 cyber security degree is worth it, we answer that, and we can give you the playbook for how to become a cyber security analyst.

Why pursue a cyber security career in the District of Columbia?

Some US regions have more job openings than others in the field of cyber security, and one region in particular has a huge need for cyber security experts.

Washington, DC, is among the highest-paying regions in the nation for cyber security specialists, with an average annual salary of $132,200, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, it is the region with the highest concentration of cyber security specialists.

Given the proliferation and sophistication of cyber threats and the region’s need to safeguard the country’s most sensitive information, the need for cyber security skills is expected to increase significantly.

To succeed as a cyber security expert in DC, you need more than just a bachelor’s degree. Because you’ll be tasked to protect and counterattack malicious threats, DC cyber security employers will require you to have additional education and work experience to top off your bachelor’s degree. One of the best ways to gain more edge and competency is by earning cyber security industry certificates, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC, and CISA.

Other cybersecurity professionals may want to seek cyber security specialties and pursue online master’s programs. Master’s degree programs in cyber security often offer opportunities for deeper expertise and research in particular subfields of cyber security.

If you want to earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in Washington, DC, you should be ready for on-campus learning. Two of DC’s most dominant cyber security schools are George Washington University and Georgetown University. However, these institutions have very expensive tuition and fees.

online cybersecurity student working on an online course

District of Columbia Colleges Answering the Demand for Cyber Security Degrees Online

We’ve identified 3 colleges with online cyber security bachelor’s degrees near the District of Columbia. An online cyber security degree offers students in District of Columbia maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And you don’t have to sacrifice quality.

These programs are offered by some of the top ranked colleges near District of Columbia like Liberty University and Old Dominion University. For more about District of Columbia colleges visit The Best Colleges in District of Columbia.

Jump to Ranking

What will I learn in an online cyber security bachelor’s degree program?

With an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security program, 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 bachelor’s degree in cyber security include:

Mathematics
Computer Science
Organization
Time Management
Self-Pacing

As an online cyber security bachelor, 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 cyber security profession.
Provide both short-term and long-term organizational strategies for managing cyber security challenges.

What courses will I take in an online cyber security program?

As an online bachelor’s in cyber security student, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance. Popular online courses in cyber security include:

Cyber Threat Intelligence

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

National Security Policy

Learn the laws, policies, and practices shaping the cyber security profession in the United States. Study American cyber security 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 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 private, public, or non-profit organizations, including agencies like Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. 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 the online bachelor’s degree in cyber security 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.

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

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Washington DC. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity 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, and more.

Computer and Information Systems Managers earned a median pay of $164,070 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% rate of growth by 2032, with 46,900 new jobs added.

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 $126,900 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 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 $112,120 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

As a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you are responsible for both the daily and long-term operation and oversight of internal network and computer systems for your organization. It includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security in Washington DC?

It typically takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. 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.

Is it cheaper to get a cyber security degree online than it would be for a traditional degree program?

It can be cheaper to get a cyber security degree online if you go to a public school in your state. Colleges and universities have tuition discounts for in-state students. Online students get these same in-state discounts.

It will be cheaper to get your online bachelor’s degree in cyber security from a public school in your state. Your tuition for the online degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. But you will save on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

Your online bachelor’s degree in cyber security 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.

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

How do we determine the best online cyber security degree programs near District of Columbia?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

team of software programmers working in an office

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Programs Near Washington DC

#1
Old Dominion University
Norfolk , VA
#4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
48%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/24
Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Old Dominion University
Cost of Degree: $11,220
Expenses: $17,780
Starting Salary: $61,385
Salary after 4 years: $79,652
Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity is one of the best institutions for students who want to earn a competitive degree to break into DC’s cyber security job market. To advance multidisciplinary research and instruction in cyber security, it serves as one of the leading producers of cyber security experts in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. ODU has received the prestigious recognition as the National Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Operations.
There are two ways students can earn a cyber security degree at ODU.
They can opt for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity or a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Cybercrime. While both degrees lead to cyber security careers in government agencies and public and private organizations, they have their own focuses.
The BS in cyber security degree is best for students seeking a more comprehensive education in network security, digital forensics, cyber security strategy, ethical hacking, and risk management. On the other hand, the cyber crime program is for those who want to explore cyber security from various angles in cyber crime, including legal, ethical, and sociological aspects, in addition to technical aspects.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BS in Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Concentrations

Cybercrime
Leadership
Professional Writing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Regent University
Virginia Beach , VA
#13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
32%
Graduation
55%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Regent University
Cost of Degree: $19,680
Expenses: $11,182
Starting Salary: $51,553
Salary after 4 years: $61,505
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Regent University has been educating students via online learning since 2005. It offers several majors, from the arts and sciences to business and technology.
Regent’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is another top producer of cybersecurity professionals in the United States. With a curriculum recognized by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, students in this online cyber security program should expect comprehensive and competitive coursework. Online students will complete the same coursework and will have access to the same professional development opportunities as their on-campus counterparts.
Cyber security courses of the program include Digital Forensics, Systems Security, Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery, and Network Defense and Security. Online students can access Regent’s cutting-edge, multimillion-dollar cyber range to practice and enhance their cyber security skills using real-world simulations.
Another option is the BS in Cyber and Digital Forensics.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BS in Cyber and Digital Forensics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school

cybersecurity professional sitting at a desk

#3
Liberty University
Lynchburg , VA
#4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $16,203
Expenses: $19,987
Starting Salary: $46,805
Salary after 4 years: $55,840
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Liberty University is a pioneer in online education, offering various degree programs designed for working professionals and veterans. All online courses at Liberty are taught by the same on-campus residential faculty, ensuring that online students receive the same quality of education as on-campus learners.
Students seeking a computer science-focused cyber security program should consider Liberty’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Cybersecurity. This online program, recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense Education, covers arithmetic, logic, programming, and network security and software development courses.
The core courses covers advanced topics that focus on solving various issues in the workplace, including Modern Cryptography, Network Architecture, and Database Management. Liberty’s cyber security graduates will not only have the technical skills required for cyber security careers but also the ability to implement and maintain complex software systems on schedule and under budget.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 121
Completion time: 3.5 years
Format: Online
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#4
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi , MD
#6 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
19%
Student body
87K
Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Maryland Global Campus
Cost of Degree: $7,848
Starting Salary: $70,460
Salary after 4 years: $91,429
With over 20 computer science programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and certificate levels, the University of Maryland Global Campus provides a wide range of options and paths for a career in cyber security. Together with more than 90 other programs and specializations, these options are accessible online.
UMGC offers a competitive online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Technology degree program that equips students with cyber security management and policy abilities to lead in data security. This program’s curriculum is designed to have an interdisciplinary focus, blending management, law, humanities, business, and technology knowledge. It aims to prepare students for a career in improving cyber governance, implementing risk management frameworks, mitigating organizational risks, integrating security solutions, and incorporating best practices.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#5
Stevenson University
Owings Mills , MD
#8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Stevenson University
Cost of Degree: $38,738
Expenses: $19,780
Starting Salary: $61,728
Salary after 4 years: $73,644
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Stevenson University is a popular private liberal arts university that offers a variety of cyber security-related degrees. It has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and the DHS, making it one of the best cyber security schools.
The Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics at Stevenson provides one of the best cyber security education in the United States, accredited by the Defense Cyber Crime Center. Graduates will receive a Department of Justice certificate of completion that can be used as credit for Department of Defense training courses.
Prospective students can expect to receive several career development opportunities through internship placements. Some of its students have pursued internships in DC’s major federal government agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school

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*: $10,117
Avg. Expenses*: $16,240
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

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	15.41%	$134,192
Database Architects	10.00%	$120,910
Computer Network Architects	3.55%	$111,162
Managers, All Other	3.35%	$106,040
Information Security Analysts	31.55%	$102,130
Database Administrators	7.04%	$90,551
Project Management Specialists	6.21%	$83,516
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	2.44%	$82,905
Computer Occupations, All Other	9.72%	$79,886
Web Developers	16.90%	$72,340

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$61,034	$98,954	$146,290

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 Georgia	13% higher than average	$108,150
#3 Virginia	5% higher than average	$117,193
#4 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$105,853
#5 Texas	10% higher than average	$105,429
#6 Washington	7% higher than average	$124,389
#7 New York	5% higher than average	$121,625
#8 Delaware	2% higher than average	$118,825
#9 Ohio	14% higher than average	$97,668
#10 Illinois	7% higher than average	$104,714
#11 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$106,067
#12 Colorado	3% higher than average	$113,445
#13 Michigan	15% higher than average	$93,068
#14 Alabama	13% higher than average	$93,644
#15 Missouri	16% higher than average	$90,354
#16 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$120,978
#17 Arizona	5% higher than average	$100,039
#18 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$97,539
#19 Florida	6% higher than average	$98,353
#20 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$88,420
#21 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$97,685
#22 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$94,668
#23 Iowa	9% higher than average	$92,793
#24 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$88,555
#25 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$93,780
#26 Utah	4% higher than average	$97,483
#27 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$94,777
#28 Maryland	18% higher than average	$118,732
#29 California	26% higher than average	$126,026
#30 Kansas	9% higher than average	$90,746
#31 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$85,084
#32 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$86,006
#33 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$119,614
#34 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$113,007
#35 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$78,418
#36 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$106,211
#37 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$112,099
#38 Indiana	11% higher than average	$82,896
#39 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$87,308
#40 Idaho	7% higher than average	$86,194
#41 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$83,197
#42 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$77,359
#43 Oregon	11% higher than average	$100,934
#44 North Dakota	average	$85,440
#45 Nevada	5% higher than average	$87,162
#46 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$80,980
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$122,905
#48 Montana	3% higher than average	$79,120
#49 Maine	9% higher than average	$88,864
#50 Alaska	23% higher than average	$97,396
#51 Vermont	13% higher than average	$88,412
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$96,358

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$134,192
Database Architects	$120,910
Computer Network Architects	$111,162
Managers, All Other	$106,040
Information Security Analysts	$102,130
Database Administrators	$90,551
Project Management Specialists	$83,516
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$82,905
Computer Occupations, All Other	$79,886
Web Developers	$72,340

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.

Washington DC is just one of the many states that have wonderful online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity programs. States such as Alabama, North Carolina, and Michigan have some of the best programs in the country where students will be equipped to face the challenging issues that face the cyber world today.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia

District of Columbia's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Featured Programs

Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Why pursue a cyber security career in the District of Columbia?

District of Columbia Colleges Answering the Demand for Cyber Security Degrees Online

What will I learn in an online cyber security bachelor’s degree program?

What courses will I take in an online cyber security program?

Cyber Threat Intelligence

National Security Policy

Enterprise Risk Management

Network Security Administration

Digital Forensics

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

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer Network Architects

Database Administrators and Architects

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security in Washington DC?

Is it cheaper to get a cyber security degree online than it would be for a traditional degree program?

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Programs Near Washington DC

Old Dominion University

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Old Dominion University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Concentrations

Regent University

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Regent University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Liberty University

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Liberty University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

University of Maryland Global Campus

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Maryland Global Campus

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Stevenson University

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Stevenson University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries