Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN CYBERSECURITY
By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Top cybersecurity programs offer specialized tracks in areas like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cloud security, allowing students to tailor their education to career goals. Many programs also integrate preparation for industry-recognized certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CEH, enhancing career prospects.
  • The best online master’s in cybersecurity programs maintain strong connections with cybersecurity firms and government agencies, offering students internship opportunities, career networking events, and access to a wide range of professional resources, ensuring they are well-positioned for roles in the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector.
  • Leading programs provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools for threat detection, network security, and penetration testing, preparing them for real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Top 10 Online Master's in Cybersecurity in 2025

  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Arizona
    +1
  3. Syracuse University
    +3
  4. Arizona State University
  5. Southern Methodist University
    +4
  6. Baylor University
    –1
  7. University of Delaware
    +5
  8. Saint Louis University
    +6
  9. DePaul University
    +12
  10. Florida International University
    –2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the University of Arizona and Syracuse University moved up in our ranking. The University of Southern California and Arizona State University maintained their previous ranking positions.

Featured Programs

25 Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $148,329
    Salary after 4 years: $169,196
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cyber Security Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,389
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $101,075
    Salary after 4 years: $145,610
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS, in Cyberseccurity

    Online Cybersecurity Program at University of Arizona | Interview with Jason Denno

    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $46,318
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $115,590
    Salary after 4 years: $131,851
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,389
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $100,172
    Salary after 4 years: $144,310
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Big Data Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Southern Methodist University

    Dallas , TX
    #9 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Southern Methodist University

    Cost of Degree: $37,062
    Expenses: $21,630
    Starting Salary: $130,122
    Salary after 4 years: $148,428
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Baylor University

    Waco , TX
    #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Baylor University

    Cost of Degree: $41,130
    Expenses: $19,425
    Starting Salary: $97,550
    Salary after 4 years: $111,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 48-60
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #4 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #16 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Saint Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $24,494
    Expenses: $20,640
    Starting Salary: $108,407
    Salary after 4 years: $123,658
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Analytics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Evidence-Based Decision Making
    • Information Systems
    • Organizational Development
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 27-33
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #19 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $22,525
    Expenses: $22,338
    Starting Salary: $100,557
    Salary after 4 years: $114,703
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity

    Concentrations

    • Computer Security
    • Governance
    • Risk Management and Compliance
    • Networking And Infrastructure
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $93,855
    Salary after 4 years: $135,209
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Global Affairs

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity And Technology Policy
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Texas at Dallas

    Richardson , TX
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Texas at Dallas

    Cost of Degree: $15,088
    Expenses: $18,812
    Starting Salary: $110,821
    Salary after 4 years: $159,651
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Information Technology and Management

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $9,160
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $75,265
    Salary after 4 years: $108,428
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $92,873
    Salary after 4 years: $105,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Information Assurance And Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Information Assurance And Cybersecurity Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Disaster And Emergency Management

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Education Law

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Health Law

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    LLM in Law

    Concentrations

    • Ip
    • Cybersecurity
    • And Technology Law (Online)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Law And Policy

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,050
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $103,241
    Salary after 4 years: $148,730
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Security Studies

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Quinnipiac University

    Hamden , CT
    #3 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $18,217
    Expenses: $20,230
    Starting Salary: $113,084
    Salary after 4 years: $128,993
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS
    #12 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $13,596
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $75,000
    Salary after 4 years: $85,551
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Southern Maine

    Portland , ME
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1109/22

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Southern Maine

    Cost of Degree: $9,594
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $80,138
    Salary after 4 years: $115,448
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Roger Williams University

    Bristol , RI
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/28

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Roger Williams University

    Cost of Degree: $22,694
    Expenses: $20,940
    Starting Salary: $93,541
    Salary after 4 years: $106,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $14,736
    Expenses: $20,666
    Starting Salary: $88,802
    Salary after 4 years: $127,929
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Flex

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $15,912
    Starting Salary: $98,552
    Salary after 4 years: $112,416

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler , TX
    #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity 2025 #14 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs #14 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #15 Best Online Master's in English 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Texas at Tyler

    Cost of Degree: $8,444
    Expenses: $16,662
    Starting Salary: $91,148
    Salary after 4 years: $131,309
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $14,854
    Expenses: $22,318
    Starting Salary: $83,026
    Salary after 4 years: $119,608
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in National Security Studies

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity/Information Assurance
    • National Security
    • Corporate Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024 #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity #8 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $18,960
    Expenses: $20,332
    Starting Salary: $74,499
    Salary after 4 years: $84,979
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 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: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,592
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,591
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $92,654
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 3 years
  • Job Growth: 12.77%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,616,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Database Architects10.75%$134,700
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Computer Network Architects13.44%$129,840
Information Security Analysts32.71%$120,360

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Database Architects$134,700
Managers, All Other$133,560
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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

The master’s in cybersecurity offers specialized studies in computer and network security, including computer engineering, digital forensics, systems engineering, information security, and cyber-physical systems.

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Students can study online or on campus, taking courses like Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Psychology, Offensive and Defensive Strategies, and Practical Applications in Security.

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Most programs are about 30 credit hours, though some universities also provide opportunities for accelerated degrees.

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Upon graduation, students can hold supervisory positions, such as chief information security officer, computer information systems manager, IT auditor, and cybercrime investigator.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in computer science.

We recently interviewed one of the world’s most influential cyber security experts, Dr. Isaac Ben-Israel. Dr. Ben-Israel says that cyber security is one of the most important fields of study today, and one of the newest. In 2011 cyber security programs in colleges and universities were scarce. Today, they are offered at colleges and universities around the world, and in some cases cyber security is making its way into core curriculum. Why? Dr. Ben-Israel’s answer is simple: As long as computers are the dominant technology of our time, this is the anticipation, the need for cyber security will only grow.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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