The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity is an increasingly valuable degree that can lead to an excellent career with competitive pay in Michigan. 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.
Students pursuing an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Michigan will find that the Wolverine State is among the best states for a cybersecurity career!
Michigan is a leader in the industries of information technology and cybersecurity.Michigan is ranked in the 2020 CompTIA Cyberstates report as the 11th in the US for net technology employment while Business Facilities magazine ranked it 9th for cybersecurity leaders and tech jobs growth.
This is thanks to Michigan’s innovative initiatives and its leaders whose enterprise-wide approach to cybersecurity strengthens its defense policies. The state government has also established robust partnerships with Michigan’s education sector to boost cyber defense education among its students.
The Merit Network12 (Merit) consortium, for example, led the creation of the Michigan Cyber Range (MCR), a virtual private training platform. Even students in bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree programs can benefit from the training provided by these cyber ranges. The training opportunities include industry-recognized certifications, workshops and exercises.
Every cybersecurity degree program will likely cover the fundamentals of the Michigan Data Security Act, the definitive law on the state’s cybersecurity measures. Their curricula are also designed in accordance with the guidelines set by federal agencies, such as the NSA or National Security Agency and the DHS or Department of Homeland Security.
Typical Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree programs have a 120-credit or 180-quarter unit curriculum depending on the academic calendar used. The average time-to-completion is four years with full-time enrollment. Transfer of credits from an associate degree, placement courses, and military service are often accepted on a program-by-program basis.
The didactic courses are divided into three sections, namely:
Major courses provide a comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity fundamentals.
While each cybersecurity degree program has a specific sequence of courses and prerequisites, common courses include:
Students must possess strong STEM skills to keep up with these cybersecurity courses.
Most cybersecurity degree programs also require students to complete one or all of these graduation requirements:
Depending on the bachelor’s degree program, a cybersecurity major can be a standalone degree or a concentration within computer science. Many programs also offer concentrations in cybersecurity, such as digital forensics.
Graduates of online cybersecurity programs are able to:
With career-specific knowledge and skills, graduates qualify for entry-to-mid-level positions in the information technology and cybersecurity sectors. Popular job titles include digital forensics specialists, information security analysts, and penetration testers. Many of these occupations require professional certifications.
What’s next after earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity? You can also pursue a master’s in information assurance, information technology, or advanced cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Michigan, 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 Michigan. 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.
We’ve identified 6 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Michigan. Online degrees offer students in Michigan 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 Michigan’s top ranked colleges like Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State University. For more about Michigan colleges visit The Best Colleges in Michigan.
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:
Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity include:
As an online cybersecurity bachelor, you’ll learn to:
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:
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.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Information Security Analysts in Michigan.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
48%
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13K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
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85%
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48%
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8K
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1050/22
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98%
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48%
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$31K
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83%
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62%
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1085/22
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63%
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51%
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41%
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21%
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