Best Online Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Maine
The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity is an increasingly valuable option that can lead to an excellent career with competitive pay in Maine. Check out the top-ranked cybersecurity degree programs for 2022 and learn more about the cost of tuition, admission requirements, cybersecurity courses, jobs in cybersecurity, and more.
Maine's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs
Key Takeaways
- Maine’s thriving job market for cybersecurity professionals encourages both local and out-of-state students to consider building a career in cybersecurity.
- Maine offers a number of the country’s strongest and most reputable online bachelor’s of cybersecurity degree programs.
- These programs build the skills and knowledge necessary to not only excel professionally, but to attain the best paying positions.
Featured Programs
The Cybersecurity Industry in Maine
Students of online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Maine will find that cyber security jobs in the Pine Tree State are plentiful and offer alluring compensation packages.
This is true for the rest of the United States, as cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. With 750,000 jobs yet to be filled, there’s plenty to go around, particularly for graduates of a cybersecurity program who earn the right credentials.
First, the State protects citizens and entities from cyber threats and attacks via its laws, thus, allowing cybersecurity professionals to do their job. The most notable is its Maine Insurance Data Security Act modeled after the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Insurance Data Security Model Law.
Second, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has dedicated cyber security initiatives that prevent and mitigate the impact of cyber threats and attacks. These are crucial initiatives due to the ever-increasing and serious threats to the state’s computer systems, many of which are in critical infrastructure networks.
Available Courses in Online Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs
These are challenging but rewarding programs that emphasize academic excellence, hands-on experiences, and professional ethics.
Students learn through a combination of didactic coursework, computer laboratory sessions, and internship and/or practicum experiences.
Career-relevant knowledge and skills are built in courses like:
Fundamentals of Networks and Security , a course that introduces the fundamental concepts and applications of computer networks and operating systems. Students learn skills of installing and configuring secure systems, networks and programs.Foundations in Scripting and Programming , a course that covers the basics of coding and programming with a cyber security emphasis. Students learn specific programming languages but many programs also adopt a language-agnostic approach.Cyber Defense and Countermeasures , a course that combines traditional and cutting-edge technologies in the cyber security industry. Students prepare for certification exams, too, such as the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) exam.Other complex topics covered in the best cyber defense education are cryptography, data analytics, and systems administration. Students also develop soft skills, such as time management, teamwork and communication skills.
Additional Preparation
Students will also have the opportunity to demonstrate command of both hard and soft skills via an information technology or cyber security capstone written project.
- In a capstone project, students develop a technical work proposal which contains detailed descriptions of the capstone project’s development, from concept to completion.
Undergraduate Vs. Graduate Study of Cybersecurity
While a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will open doors to entry-level jobs, many cyber security jobs require further education. This can include a master’s degree in cyber security or other disciplines and industry-recognized certifications.
The master’s degree exposes students to increasingly complex scholarly and professional literature that, in turn, allows them to engage in advanced-level research.
Enrolling in a graduate cybersecurity program demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and recognition of the rapidly changing world of cybersecurity
Available Career Paths in Cybersecurity
Possible occupations include:
- Computer and information systems managers
- Computer network architects
- Database architects and administrators
- Computer and network systems administrators
The Bottom Line: With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 33% employment growth among information security analysts, now is the best time to act!
Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade
Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Maine, 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 cybersecurity job market in Maine. 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 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 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 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.
Maine Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online
We’ve identified 1 college with an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in Maine. Online degrees offer students in Maine 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 Maine’s top ranked colleges, University of Maine at Fort Kent. For more about Maine colleges visit The Best Colleges in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
With an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity 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, 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.
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 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. 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 cybersecurity 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
Back to TopYou can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. 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 $159,010 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% rate of growth by 2030, with 52,700 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 $120,520 in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% rate of growth by 2030, with 9000 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 8% rate of growth by 2030, with 13,200 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. 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.
Back to TopIt takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. 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.
Back to TopIt 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. It will be cheaper to get your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity 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 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.
Back to TopIf 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.
Rankings Factors for the Best Online Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity in Maine
Despite being the sole school on this list, the University of Maine at Fort Kent delivers a top-tier Cybersecurity curriculum that lays the foundation for professional expertise in the field.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent delivers the online Cybersecurity undergraduate program with academic quality in mind.
This is evidenced by rigorous coursework and the use of computing and information technologies or security analysis tools to produce the most well-trained graduate.
Graduates from the Online bachelor’s in Cybersecurity emerge as highly capable professionals who qualify for entry-to-mid-level employment in the sector!
With a reputation for instructional quality, the university takes pride in its panel of instructors and professors who themselves are seasoned experts in Cybersecurity or have published professional literature relating to the subject.
Accreditation is crucial for students looking for an online Cybersecurity degree program. A fully accredited college, the University of Maine is proven compliant with the academic standards for the delivery of online bachelor’s degree programs.
Median Salaries of Similar Careers in Maine
The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Information Security Analysts in Maine.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Maine
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
