What will I learn in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program–

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.

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota

Badge for BEST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY BACHELOR'S IN NORTH DAKOTA

By Dr. James Barham

Updated: Nov 22, 2023

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

North Dakota's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Bismarck State College

University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Bismarck State College

Minot State University 93%
University of North Dakota 83%

University of North Dakota 17 to 1
Bismarck State College 14 to 1
Minot State University 10 to 1

University of North Dakota $9,237
Minot State University $8,508
Bismarck State College $4,167

University of North Dakota $11,963
Minot State University $9,352

Bismarck State College
Minot State University
University of North Dakota

Bismarck State College
Minot State University
University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota 83%
Minot State University 93%

Minot State University 10 to 1
Bismarck State College 14 to 1
University of North Dakota 17 to 1

Bismarck State College $4,167
Minot State University $8,508
University of North Dakota $9,237

Minot State University $9,352
University of North Dakota $11,963

Key Takeaways

North Dakota takes pride in its world-class cybersecurity programs, with a strong emphasis on computer science and information technology.
North Dakota integrates the state’s unified cybersecurity approach to the cybersecurity programs offered in the state.
The state’s cybersecurity programs are aligned with the policies established by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota. 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.

North Dakota Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

We’ve identified 3 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in North Dakota. Online degrees offer students in North Dakota 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 North Dakota’s top ranked colleges like University of North Dakota and Minot State University. For more about North Dakota colleges visit The Best Colleges in North Dakota.

Jump to Ranking

Online Undergraduate Programs in Cybersecurity: What North Dakota Can Offer

The best programs offering online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in North Dakota can be considered as continuations of the world-class cybersecurity education in The Peace Garden State. The State’s computer science and cybersecurity education standards start from kindergarten until high school. The strong emphasis on early cybersecurity education is in recognition of the ubiquitousness of information technology in contemporary society.

Aside from the K-12 curriculum standards, North Dakota has also adopted a unified approach in cybersecurity measures through Senate Bill 2110. The unified cybersecurity approach will strengthen the State’s capacity for protection and defense from cyber threats, intrusions, and attacks.

These concerted actions in cybersecurity have contributed to the increased popularity of online cybersecurity degree programs in North Dakota. And even better, cybersecurity jobs in North Dakota are among the highest-paying occupations.

The average salary for entry-level cybersecurity jobs in North Dakota is $65,269 per year—higher than the average yearly pay for all occupations ($56,310). Career advancement through work experience, professional certifications, and a graduate degree will result in higher compensation.

Professionals with online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in North Dakota can choose from several job titles, too. Of course, their career paths will differ based on their professional certifications and personal interests. Popular job titles include:

Systems Administrator
Information Security Analyst
Security Software Developer
Cryptographer

Cybersecurity programs in North Dakota must be offered by regional or national accreditation agencies, specifically by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programmatic accreditation comes from two sources:

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or
National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The best cybersecurity education comes from these accredited programs. Cybersecurity employers also prefer graduates from NSA and DHS-recognized programs with these designations:

CAE-CDE or National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
CAE-CO or National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations
CAE-R National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research

These designations are indicators of the world-class quality of instruction, academic rigor and scope, and compliance with NSA and DHS cybersecurity program standards.

North Dakota State University along with the University of North Dakota, through the Institute for Cyber Security Education and Research, are among the institutions with the distinction. Their undergraduate cybersecurity programs are considered among the best in North Dakota and the US. Be sure to consider the cybersecurity programs at Bismarck State College and Minot State University as well.

Cybersecurity programs can offer two types of cybersecurity degrees:

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Concentration

Both types, nonetheless, equip students with vital knowledge and skills to become successful cybersecurity professionals in and out of North Dakota. Students develop both technical and transferable skill sets that contribute to their job competitiveness after earning the bachelor’s degrees.

Bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree programs usually have a 120-credit hour curriculum featuring sequential courses. General education, required major, and elective courses contribute to a well-rounded education. Time-to-completion is four years, on average, but it can range between two and five years.

Major courses reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the field of cybersecurity. Information technology, software engineering, and computer science overlap, thus, students must possess strong STEM skills.

Programs from school to school vary, but typical courses include:

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Network Architectures
Computer Networks Communications
Digital Forensics
Introduction to Cryptography

Capstone projects, seminars and workshops, and research projects (e.g., senior thesis) may also be required. These academic activities are typically senior year requirements.

While on-campus visits aren’t required for online students, face-to-face interactions in workplace settings are a must during internships and practicum. These hands-on learning opportunities allow students to translate theory into practice, broaden their network, and get a headstart in the job market.

Graduates who earned online cybersecurity degrees receive the same education and training as on-campus students. Their diplomas are also the same—no “online” terms on the diploma and transcripts.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do we determine the best online bachelor's in cybersecurity in North Dakota?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

How We Rank the Outstanding Online Cybersecurity Undergraduate Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota is a goldmine of cybersecurity undergraduate programs, and some of them are delivered online by the most reputable colleges in the state! They are excellent prospects for cybersecurity professional hopefuls because of, among other things, academic coursework rigor.

The online courses include computer science, information technology, digital forensics, and similar others that prepare students for the next step in their career goals. They earn the right qualifications for cybersecurity jobs or become eligible for a master’s degree in this area of study.

What’s first-rate coursework without the most qualified instructors to teach it? The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs in North Dakota are taught by security administrator experts and other cybersecurity specialists. This way, students learn what they must to perform excellently in the workplace.

The online degree programs are fully accredited by academic groups that have set the standards for high-quality instruction.