Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Indiana

Cybercrime can be a big problem, often starting with weak security practices. Everyone, including businesses and users, needs to prioritize cyber security. Email phishing is a common method cybercriminals use to access important data and launch more attacks. Poor password policies, the lack of two-factor authentication, and careless access controls make personal accounts easy targets.

Cyberattacks threaten many areas, including healthcare, finance, government, and tech companies. In Indiana, three hospitals—Eskenazi Health, Schneck Medical Center, and Johnson Memorial Hospital—recently faced multiple ransomware attacks. While attacks on healthcare facilities aren’t rare, having several in one region in a short time is unusual.

These types of attacks have prompted the growth in agencies like Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA).

These more frequent and severe attacks have also led to a greater focus on strong cyber security in Indiana. These attacks have also impacted education, resulting in the growth of cybersecurity degree programs. These programs teach individuals to defend against evolving cyber threats and safeguard important computer systems.

Why pursue a cybersecurity degree in Indiana?

In addition to the 20,000+ vacant cyber security jobs in Indiana, the state’s comparatively inexpensive cost of living is another strong argument for choosing it as the location of your cyber security study. Your school budget will stretch further in Indiana thanks to the favorable economic climate. By pursuing your cybersecurity degree in Indiana, you can live more affordably and have access to the field’s expanding job market.

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Twelve years ago, there was no formal cyber security education found in colleges and universities in Israel and the United States, probably because cyber attacks were less prevalent than they are today. But as the world and society become more connected and dependent on technology, almost all higher education institutions now offer cybersecurity-related programs. According to Dr. Isaac Ben-Israel, individuals, big organizations, and agencies need protection.

The monetary damage from cyber attacks in the United States has reached $10.3 billion, according to Statista. These financial losses cover a variety of charges, such as incident response, data recovery, legal fees, and, frequently, the loss of sensitive data. From this data alone, it’s clear that the expertise of cybersecurity professionals is needed now more than ever.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that information security analysts have an average annual salary of $112,000, with an expected growth rate of 32% over the next 10 years.

You’d think that this data is enough to encourage professionals to flood open job positions. But despite cybersecurity roles offering higher-than-average median annual salaries and promising job growth rates, there remains a persistent 3.4 million shortage of qualified applicants.

The fundamental issue, though, is not a lack of cybersecurity positions. Certain talents are needed for work in this industry, and cybersecurity positions are considered stressful and very demanding.

That’s why we’ve ranked cybersecurity degrees as the #1 degree for jobs over the next decade.

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.

Indiana Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

We’ve identified 5 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Indiana. Online degrees offer students in Indiana 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 Indiana’s top ranked colleges like Purdue Global University and Ball State University.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

What are the admission requirements for online cybersecurity degree programs in Indiana?

The specific admission materials for an online cybersecurity program will vary from school to school. But in general, applicants must have either a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or a GED (General Educational Development) certificate.

Most programs may also require students to have backgrounds of at least three units in mathematics, four units in English, two units of science, and two units of social sciences. These requirements ensure that students have a strong academic foundation to excel in the program’s coursework and meet the demands of the cybersecurity field.

What will I learn in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program in Indiana?

With a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online 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 cybersecurity include:

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

As an online cybersecurity bachelor’s student, 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.

What courses will I take with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree in Indiana?

As an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity student, 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 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 the 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 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 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 cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in Indiana?

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online. 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 cybersecurity in Indiana?

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

How much does an online cybersecurity degree in Indiana cost?

The average cost of an online cybersecurity degree varies on several factors. However, data from EDI indicates that, on average, online schools charge approximately $51,091 for undergraduate programs. In-state bachelor’s degrees offer lower costs compared to out-of-state online schools.

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online?

It can be cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online if you go to a public school in Indiana. 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 cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online from a public school in Indiana. 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 cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online 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.

Is a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online in Indiana worth it?

Yes, online bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity are worth it. This degree level offers students a comprehensive and in-depth education that surpasses what can typically be obtained at two-year community colleges. These programs are designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of cybersecurity and access to a broader curriculum that delves into advanced concepts, techniques, and emerging technologies.

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