Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Idaho

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

Idaho's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

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  1. Boise State University
  1. Boise State University
  1. Boise State University 84%
  1. Boise State University 20 to 1
  1. Boise State University $5,532
  1. Boise State University $7,236
  1. Boise State University
  1. Boise State University
  1. Boise State University 84%
  1. Boise State University 20 to 1
  1. Boise State University $5,532
  1. Boise State University $7,236

Idaho is famous for being “The Gem State.” Historically, a significant portion of Idaho’s revenue has come from tourism. However, over the past few decades, Idaho has become home to several science and technology companies spanning various industries, including aerospace, software development, and biotechnology.

Despite being new and relatively small, Idaho’s cybersecurity sector is still active and involved and colleges and universities are slowly beginning to offer online cybersecurity degree programs.

For the full list of the best colleges and universities in Idaho, check out our ranking.

Featured Programs

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

The Cybersecurity workforce is vastly growing worldwide. But it’s not that big yet in Idaho. Still, those who pursue a cyber defense education can apply for six-digit positions in the cybersecurity industry in Idaho.

Information security jobs are among the most common career paths for cybersecurity degree graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this field will grow by 35% over the next 10 years. That’s much faster than average career growth.

Moreover, Information Security Analysts have an average median annual salary of $102,600—it’s a good time to prepare yourself to compete in the cybersecurity job market in Idaho. That’s why we’ve ranked online cybersecurity degree programs as the #1 degree for jobs over the next decade.

Cybersecurity is a relatively new but very fast-paced industry. And it’s only becoming more crucial for for-profit and nonprofit businesses, organizations, governments, the military, and individuals. You can read more about the urgency for cybersecurity experts in our interview with world-leading cyber security expert Isaac Ben-Israel.

It is astounding to consider that, as late as 2011, no universities were available for official cybersecurity education anywhere globally, including Israel and the US. This was the stark reality just ten years ago. But today, you’ll be able to encounter several online cybersecurity colleges.

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

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Career and Job Outlook for Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Graduates in Idaho

Unlike most other states, the demand for fresh infosec experts is currently not vastly outpacing the supply of qualified individuals in Idaho. This is one of the few reasons why there’s a limited number of cybersecurity degrees in Idaho.

5,893 state citizens are working in some capacity related to information security. Idaho firms listed 5,376 job vacancies. The Boise City region was the busiest, followed by Coeur d’Alene, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.

Employers are paying roughly in line with the relative cost of living in the state of Idaho when using security analysts as a gauge for the cybersecurity pay scale in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that their average hourly earnings was $37.37, and the average annual salary was $84,430.

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Idaho Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

In his 2020 State of the State address, Idaho’s Governor Brad Little noted the state’s urgent need for cybersecurity experts. But because Idaho’s cybersecurity sector is currently not as big as its tourism, there aren’t many possibilities for cybersecurity degrees and certifications in the state. While there are three on-campus cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs in Idaho, we’ve only identified 1 college with an online delivery format.

Online degrees offer students in Idaho maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And you don’t have to sacrifice quality. This program is offered by one of Idaho’s top ranked colleges, Boise State University.

For more about Idaho colleges visit The Best Colleges in Idaho.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in Idaho

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 that you will gain while earning your online bachelor’s degree in cyber security include:

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

As an online cyber security student in Idaho, 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.
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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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity 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. 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

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In addition to becoming an information security analyst, graduates are qualified for numerous jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree. The bachelor’s degree in cyber security 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 $159,010 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% rate of growth by 2030, with 52,700 new jobs added.

  • Median Annual Salary: $159,010
  • Expected Job Growth: 11%

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 also projects a 5% rate of growth by 2030, with 9000 new jobs added.

  • Median Annual Salary: $120,520
  • Expected Job Growth: 5%

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 8% rate of growth by 2030, with 13,200 new jobs added.

  • Median Annual Salary: $98,860
  • Expected Job Growth: 8%

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. 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 5% rate of growth by 2030, with 18,800 new jobs added.

  • Median Annual Salary: $80,600
  • Expected Job Growth: 5%
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It takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity 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 degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. But you will save on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees. Your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will be cheaper if you get an in-state discount and save on these expenses.

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

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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.

What are the accreditation options for bachelors in cybersecurity degree programs in Idaho?

Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity, online and on-campus, do not have a designated programmatic accreditation. However, the colleges and universities that offer the programs should be accredited by a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-certified agency. In this case, the accrediting agency is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The National Centers of Academic Excellence is a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security initiative, recognizing top-notch cybersecurity programs in the United States. Numerous Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) exist nationwide.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Idaho

  1. #1

    Boise State University

    Boise , ID
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Boise State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,782
    Expenses: $23,559
    Starting Salary: $53,443
    Salary after 4 years: $66,491
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Boise State University is located in Idaho’s rapidly growing capital city. Boise State is a public, metropolitan research university that provides students with a top-tier education, an accomplished faculty, and hands-on student services.

    Due to Idaho’s growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, Boise State and other competitive higher education institutions in the state have started offering various cybersecurity educational opportunities. In particular, Boise State offers five new cybersecurity programs approved by the Idaho State Board of Education. Thanks to its continuous efforts, the academic institution was able to land industry partnerships and move ahead with developing courses.

    Boise State University is the only institution to offer an online cybersecurity program. The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations & Resilience is a 100% online degree program completed through asynchronous, seven-week courses.

    Online students will participate in several experiential learning activities in operating systems, information technology and cybersecurity technologies, strategies, and processes through the Online Cyber Operations and Resilience Learning Lab. The curriculum allows students to gain practical skills and learn how to create secure and dependable systems.

    Moreover, students will have the opportunity to pursue internships in one of Boise’s industry partners. Cisco Networking Academy, Palo Alto Academy, and VMware IT Academy have all joined Boise’s growing roster of partners and provide students in the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program with free access to training materials.

    To expand educational opportunities for students interested in studying cybersecurity at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the university recently secured a $800,000 workforce grant.

    Students can further specialize in their degrees by pursuing a basic technical certificate that best aligns with their career goals. Certifications offered:

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Cyber Operations and Resilience
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
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Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

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Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: Idaho (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $16,204
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,247
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $63,244
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 12.77%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,616,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
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.
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