Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey

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

New Jersey's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

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  1. Thomas Edison State University
  2. Kean University
  3. William Paterson University
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  5. Felician University
  1. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  2. Kean University
  3. William Paterson University
  4. Thomas Edison State University
  5. Felician University
  1. William Paterson University 92%
  2. Felician University 89%
  3. Kean University 83%
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  1. Kean University 16 to 1
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  3. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  4. William Paterson University 15 to 1
  5. Felician University 13 to 1
  1. Felician University $36,410
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
  3. William Paterson University $14,192
  4. Kean University $10,758
  5. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  1. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
  2. Felician University $19,890
  3. Kean University $16,225
  4. William Paterson University $15,411
  5. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  1. Felician University
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  3. William Paterson University
  4. Kean University
  5. Thomas Edison State University
  1. Felician University
  2. Thomas Edison State University
  3. William Paterson University
  4. Kean University
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  1. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  2. Kean University 83%
  3. Felician University 89%
  4. William Paterson University 92%
  1. Felician University 13 to 1
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  3. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  4. William Paterson University 15 to 1
  5. Kean University 16 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  2. Kean University $10,758
  3. William Paterson University $14,192
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
  5. Felician University $36,410
  1. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  2. William Paterson University $15,411
  3. Kean University $16,225
  4. Felician University $19,890
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey’s best cyber security school maintains a curriculum that strikes a balance between theory and application, as well as technical and soft skills.
  • Establishments in New Jersey prefer college-educated cyber security professionals who have earned industry certifications, underscoring the need for students or graduates to enrich their credentials.
  • The best online bachelor’s in cyber security program in New Jersey features courses in related disciplines, including computer science and information technology.

Due to the complexity or frequency of cyber threats, there has been a steady increase in the demand for cyber security experts. If you quickly search on Google for “cyber security jobs,” you’ll see hundreds of results, most of which are very high-paying.

Businesses in New Jersey are creating more positions in cyber security than can be filled.

Featured Programs

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Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

According to world-leading cyber security expert Isaac Ben-Israel, everyone nowadays depends on computers, from government agencies and big organizations to simple citizens. Everyone needs protection.

In 2011, cyber security degrees were unheard-of programs. There was not even one university in the world, neither in Israel nor in the States, in which you could go and study cyber security. Today, you can learn cyber security in several universities. That’s why we’ve ranked cyber security degrees as the best degrees for jobs over the next decade.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cybersecurity professionals, such as Information Security Analysts, is expected to grow 32% over the next ten years. This growth is much higher than the national average for all jobs, which is 2.8%.

Moreover, the national average for information security analysts is $112,000. These figures ought to be enough to attract many professionals to join the field. However, this is not the case at all.

Data from Cyber Ventures indicates there are 3.5 million vacant cyber security positions worldwide, 750,000 of which are in the United States. This demand is expected to continue to grow by 2025.

Although the industry has a demand for millions of professionals, cyber security is very competitive. Given the importance of cyber security to businesses and government agencies like Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA), cyber security employers have high expectations for the candidates they recruit.

Those who work in the cyber security field must identify risks, solve cyber attacks, strengthen computer security, and plan for incident response.

If you are still wondering if a cyber security bachelor’s is worth it, we answer that, and we can give you the playbook for how to become a cyber security analyst.

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Colleges in New Jersey Answering the Demand for Cyber Security Degrees Online

New Jersey’s higher education system is increasing its efforts to provide cyber security education to its residents and meet the state’s cyber security demands. New Jersey offers cyber security degree programs, from associate degrees at Hudson County Community College to Rutger University’s technical cyber security graduate programs.

We’ve identified 5 New Jersey colleges with an online cybersecurity-related bachelor’s program. Online degrees offer students and working professionals in New Jersey maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working, without sacrificing the quality of their degree program. For more about New Jersey colleges, visit The Best Colleges in New Jersey.

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cybersecurity professional sitting on a desk holding a laptop
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Exploring the Best New Jersey Online Cyber Security Programs

Students pursuing online bachelor’s in cyber security in New Jersey will find thousands of cyber security job openings in The Garden State. Information security analysts, network engineers, and penetration and vulnerability testers are among the job openings that entry-level cybersecurity professionals can apply for.

Many of these job openings, however, require cybersecurity professionals with industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Security+. Many also prefer graduates of cyber security master’s programs, particularly for management-level and research-heavy positions.

If you want to be on a fast track toward a cyber security career, you may want to consider these types of undergraduate cyber security programs:

  • Bachelor’s programs with embedded professional certifications. Students earn a professional certification upon completion of certain courses in the curriculum.
  • 4+1 bachelor’s + master’s accelerated degree programs. Students earn them both in just five years of full-time studies, but the challenging coursework and pace means these aren’t for everybody.

The typical bachelor’s in cyber security degree programs feature a 120-credit hours or 180-quarter units curriculum, minimum, depending on the academic calendar. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for entry-level cyber security jobs in New Jersey and other states.

The curriculum offers a balance between theory and practice, as well as technical and transferable skills. Graduates can demonstrate industry-specific skill sets including:

  • Describe the major concepts of cyber security and its related disciplines like computer science and information technology
  • Design cyber security solutions for complex issues with an emphasis on security, integrity, and scalability
  • Identify and explain potential cyber threats and the actors behind them
  • Describe cyber defense methods, tools, and technologies to diverse audiences, particularly clients and users
  • Use programming and scripting languages

The major courses that are instrumental in the development of these career-specific skills sets include:

  • Computer and Network Security: Students explore information technology and its security issues in relation to computer and network systems.
  • Concepts of Operating Systems: Students learn about the design and functionality issues of operating systems through topics in process management, interprocess communications, and I/O device management, among others.
  • Introduction to Unix/Linux System Administration and Shell Programming: Students develop skills in system administration for Unix/Linux systems, as well as Hell programming with Shell and Perl commands.
  • Introduction to Cryptography: Students learn about core tools in cryptography like message authentication codes, encryption, and digital signature.
  • Digital Forensics: Students explore the diverse methods in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data retrieved during cybercrime or cyberattack investigations.

Concentrations may also be part of cyber security degrees. These specializations are intended to broaden the student’s knowledge and skills of the specific concentration. Examples include Security Studies, Business Security, and Computer Science.

When a concentration area is offered, the general education and core courses are the same for all students, regardless of their concentration. Their programs of study will differ when it comes to the elective courses that are part of the concentration.

The best cyber defense education goes beyond didactic instruction, although it’s the foundation of success in the cyber security industry. Many online programs offer their students cooperative education and internship opportunities, usually with local companies and organizations.

Seminars and capstone projects strengthen the student’s real-world understanding of cyber security and its emerging trends. Students participate in research projects, too!

These hands-on learning experiences not only increase the student’s knowledge but also their employment opportunities. Networking during these experiences is key to future career success.

When considering cyber security colleges and universities, look for recognition as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). Both designations are granted by the National Security Agency (NSA) in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

These designations are a guarantee that the program’s curriculum, quality of instruction, and learning outcomes are in accordance with guidelines issued by these government agencies.

team of cyber security experts sitting together in an office
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in New Jersey

What will I learn in an online bachelor’s in cyber security program?

With an online bachelor’s in cyber security 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 program in cyber security include:

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

As an online cyber security 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 cyber security challenges.

What courses will I take with an online bachelor’s in cyber security degree in New Jersey?

As an online bachelor’s in cyber security student, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance. Popular online courses in cyber security include:

Cyber Threat Intelligence

Learn to identify cyber security 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 cyber security 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 in cyber security is your first experience with online education, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

For a look at some of the advantages of pursuing your bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree online, check out the 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education.

cyber security expert sitting at a desk in an office

What jobs can I do with an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security in New Jersey?

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. The bachelor’s degree in cyber security 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 for your organization. This includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more. These professionals earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Labor Statistics Bureau projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

If you want to pursue advanced roles or participate in cyber security research, consider pursuing master’s degree programs and graduate certificates.

Is it cheaper to get a cyber security degree online than a traditional degree program?

It can be cheaper to get a cyber security 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 cyber security 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 cyber security 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.

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

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Ranking New Jersey’s Outstanding Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Programs

When it comes to giving students in New Jersey excellent education for cyber security training and education, academic rigor is the name of the game! The leading cyber security degrees in New Jersey rely on the strength of their coursework.

In particular, students in New Jersey are taught the basics of cybersecurity, with courses that focus on developing their proficiency in detecting system vulnerabilities and addressing them. Technically skilled graduates that are prepared for master’s degree studies or entry into the workforce are an expected outcome of each program.

Teachers play a key role in the success of an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity program in New Jersey. As such, the college listed here employs only the most influential cybersecurity instructors who have made contributions to the field!

The quality of web-based New Jersey cyber security degrees hinges on their accreditation status. It shows evidence of a school’s adherence to the rules in running an undergraduate program online, conquering education statistics in terms of quality.

On this list is Thomas Edison State University, a regionally accredited school and program that is popular in the industry for educating the most skilled cybersecurity analysts, engineers, and other professionals.

online college student working on a cyber security course
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey

  1. #1

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #12 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,372
    Starting Salary: $72,225
    Salary after 4 years: $93,718

    TESU offers a flexible online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program that prepares students for the demanding cybersecurity industry. As one of the top cybersecurity bachelor’s programs in New Jersey, online students will study complicated topics, such as Defensive Security, Linux, Firewalls and Perimeter Security, and Critical Infrastructure Security. Moreover, the program’s innovative curriculum prepares students for professional certification exams to land advanced positions in the field.

    Students can tailor their degrees by choosing a concentration. They can concentrate on Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, Cloud Security, or Homeland Security.

    As part of their electives, students will pursue courses from other undergraduate programs, including Accounting, Computer Science Technology, Applied Science and Technology, Art, Criminal Justice, and Data Science, among others.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    #6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/20

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Kean University

    Cost of Degree: $12,972
    Expenses: $18,539
    Starting Salary: $61,007
    Salary after 4 years: $79,162
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Kean University is a highly designated CAE-CD institution by the National Security Agency, assuring undergraduate and graduate students that their degrees meet the standards. Kean’s BS in Information Technology provides a cybersecurity option that equips students with knowledge of the necessary tools and methods to maintain the security of a computer network and identify and resolve breaches.

    Students must complete major core requirements, including IT Foundations, Digital Circuits And Systems, and Network Technology. The major concentration of the program explores IT Computer Security, Web Client-Side Programming, UNIX/LINUX, IT Database Management Systems, and IT Project Management.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    William Paterson University

    Wayne , NJ
    #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $14,624
    Expenses: $17,900
    Starting Salary: $61,889
    Salary after 4 years: $80,307
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Prospective undergraduate students seeking to study with a broader curriculum can pursue William Paterson University’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. This program offers a curriculum that allows students to create IT infrastructures that support business objectives and includes practical experience with technological platforms, including Python, cloud computing, and JavaScript.

    Graduates acquire skills necessary for the cybersecurity workforce, such as computing solutions, programming, analysis, network security, database management, risk assessment, cryptography, ethical hacking, project management, and more.

    Students will talk with an academic advisor about selecting minor courses to help them have a better online education experience. This degree is an excellent foundation for master’s degree programs in cybersecurity.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $18,512
    Expenses: $21,650
    Starting Salary: $88,611
    Salary after 4 years: $114,981
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Jersey Institute of Technology is a top-ranking school in the Northeast. NJIT’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology has a curriculum that equips students with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, global awareness, and a commitment to professional growth. Students can pursue a Network and Information Security Specialization in which they’ll study several cyber research and cybersecurity management courses, such as Digital Crime, Ethical Hacking for System Administrators, Network Security, Computer Forensics, Privacy and Information Technology, among others.

    BSIT in Network and Information Security graduates can pursue various cybersecurity careers or pursue online master’s degrees to land advanced positions.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  5. #5

    Felician University

    Lodi , NJ
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/21

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Felician University

    Cost of Degree: $36,410
    Expenses: $18,070
    Starting Salary: $59,693
    Salary after 4 years: $71,216
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Felician University is among the best choices for students seeking a more personalized education as they pursue the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science. This online program can be completed in as little as a year by transferring credits and enrolling full-time with accelerated courses. Students will study technical areas that bridge the way to cybersecurity careers.

    Core coursework of the programs includes Operating Systems, Networks and Telecommunications, Python I, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management Systems, and Senior Project Development Practicum/Cybersecurity. These are essential to understanding how computers operate and the flaws that hackers can exploit.

    Online students can further expand their knowledge and gain more specific skills by choosing between the Software Development Track and the Data Analytics Track.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 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: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,117
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,240
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $59,164
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $76,771
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
  • Job Growth: 11.36%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,573,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$134,192
Database Architects10.00%$120,910
Computer Network Architects3.55%$111,162
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Information Security Analysts31.55%$102,130

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$61,034$98,954$146,290

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Georgia13% higher than average$108,150
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$117,193
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$105,853
#5 Texas10% higher than average$105,429
#6 Washington7% higher than average$124,389

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$134,192
Database Architects$120,910
Computer Network Architects$111,162
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.

Interested in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity but not sure where to study? New Jersey isn’t the only state that has excellent degrees! Look into online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity in Iowa, Oregon, Missouri and Colorado!

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