Best Online Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity in Maryland

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

The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity is an increasingly valuable degree that can lead to an excellent career with competitive pay in Maryland. 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.

Maryland's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Sort by:
  1. Stevenson University
  2. Capitol Technology University
  1. Stevenson University
  2. Capitol Technology University
  1. Stevenson University 84%
  2. Capitol Technology University 64%
  1. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  2. Capitol Technology University 9 to 1
  1. Stevenson University $38,738
  2. Capitol Technology University $27,004
  1. Capitol Technology University $11,340
  2. Stevenson University $8,340
  1. Capitol Technology University
  2. Stevenson University
  1. Capitol Technology University
  2. Stevenson University
  1. Capitol Technology University 64%
  2. Stevenson University 84%
  1. Capitol Technology University 9 to 1
  2. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  1. Capitol Technology University $27,004
  2. Stevenson University $38,738
  1. Stevenson University $8,340
  2. Capitol Technology University $11,340

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland offers both a thriving job market for cybersecurity professionals and three of the country’s top online undergraduate programs for earning your Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity.
  • In-state Maryland students will benefit from a more affordable tuition, and will build a professional network within the state to leverage after graduation.
  • Country-wide growth in the cybersecurity job market, makes an online bachelor’s of cybersecurity an excellent option–even if you wish to pursue opportunities outside of Maryland.

Featured Programs

Why Earn a Cybersecurity Degree in Maryland?

When you pursue an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Maryland, you’re getting your foot in the door of its thriving cybersecurity industry! The State of Maryland calls itself the cyber capital of America because of its army of state-trained cybersecurity workforce - and it’s the world’s largest, too.

Maryland also has Centers of Academic Excellence designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA), among others.

The Old Line State is one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity hubs, thanks to the ease of business for cybersecurity-related companies. Many cybersecurity companies started in Maryland, too, such as Gemalto, Tenable and ForcePoint! 

Maryland’s government agencies are among the best sources for cyber security job postings, too, thanks to the state government’s initiatives. The Maryland Department of Information Technology and Maryland Department of Emergency Management are a few examples.

There’s also the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act that contributes to the steady employment of cybersecurity professionals in the state. With the ever-expanding demanding demands of the profession, the standards of cyber defense education must keep pace.

Earning an Online Cybersecurity Degree in Maryland

Cybersecurity manager instructing employee

The best online programs offering cyber security degrees in Maryland are designed with academic excellence and experiential learning in mind.

Guidance and feedback on these programs were gathered from cyber security and information technology experts during curriculum development. And curricula and courses act in accordance with NSA and DHS guidelines.

So students can enjoy the confidence that they’re earning one of the best degrees available

The typical bachelor’s in cyber security degree program features a 120-credit curriculum or its equivalent. As such, full-time freshman students typically complete the program requirements in four years. Transfer students can complete it in less time while part-time students usually have a longer time-to-completion.

Some programs however, offer credits for real-world professional experience or previous academic experience. So be sure to read the program’s credit policy carefully.

Curriculum and Courses

Every cybersecurity degree program has its unique curriculum and courses. But the most common courses cover topics in:

  • Principles of Cybersecurity, a course that equips students with the skills in the implementation and evaluation of cybersecurity operations. 
  • Introduction to Programming, an introductory course on algorithms and programming languages with an emphasis on problem-solving skills. 
  • Virtualization and Cloud Security,  a course that covers visualization technologies from their planning to implementation.
  • Digital Forensics, a course that focuses on the principles and practices related to the collection and analysis of electronic evidence. Specific discussions will also focus on their use in criminal and civil lawsuits.

    • Skills Built in Undegraduate Cybersecurity Programs

    Cybersecurity students build technical skills to leverage in their education, profesional training, and work experience.

    The most sought-after hard skills include:

    • Networking and system administration skills
    • Virtual machines and operating systems skills
    • Network security skills
    • Coding skills (e.g., C and C++, JavaScript, SQL and HTML)
    • Cloud security skills (e.g., Google Cloud Platform, AWS and Microsoft Azure)

    But hard skills are best complemented by the development of soft skills, too. Transferable soft skills allow cybersecurity professionals to work in diverse settings and with other professionals.

    The most valuable soft skills are:

    • Analytical skills are crucial when designing, implementing and evaluating computer systems, networks and programs for security risks.
    • Communication skills are a must since information security analysts and other cybersecurity professionals must communicate with diverse populations. Both verbal and written communication skills are essential in getting messages across to non-technical and technical audiences, too.
    • Problem-solving skills are required because cybersecurity threats and attacks can be complicated in nature. Finding solutions is part of the job.

    Certifications

    If you want to get a leg up on your cybersecurity career, you should look for programs with built-in professional certifications. You will not only earn a bachelor’s degree but industry certifications that demonstrate your edge. Examples include A+, Network+ and CySA+ certifications.

    Admissions

    Admission to the best online bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs is usually selective due to the STEM-heavy curriculum. Aside from a high school diploma, letters of recommendation, a current resume and personal statements are required. Interviews and placement tests are common.

    Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

    Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Maryland, 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 Maryland. 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.

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    Maryland Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

    We’ve identified 2 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Maryland. Online degrees offer students in Maryland 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 Maryland’s top ranked colleges like Stevenson University and Capitol Technology University. For more about Maryland colleges visit The Best Colleges in Maryland.

    Jump to Ranking

    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.
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    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

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    You 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.

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    It 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.

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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. 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.

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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.

    Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Maryland
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    Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland

    2. #2

      Capitol Technology University

      Laurel , MD
      #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #9 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
      Other Rankings

      Tuition + fees

      $27K

      Acceptance

      64%

      Graduation

      55%

      Student body

      1K

      Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Capitol Technology University

      Cost of Degree: $27,318
      Expenses: $18,476
      Starting Salary: $83,472
      Salary after 4 years: $92,521
      Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
      Paid back at 15% of annual salary

      Online Cybersecurity Degrees

      BS in Cybersecurity
      • Required Credits: 120
      • Completion time: 4-6 years
      • Format: Online
      BS in Construction Information Technology and Cybersecurity
      • Required Credits: 120
      • Completion time: 4-6 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: Maryland (Private Schools)
    • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $8,069
    • Avg. Expenses*: $17,058
    • Avg. Starting Salary*: $57,110
    • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $77,146
    • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 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.

    Maryland is just one of the many states that have wonderful online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity programs. States such as Michigan, Washington DC, and New York 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.

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