Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Ohio
The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity is an increasingly valuable degree that can lead to an excellent career with competitive pay in Ohio. 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.
Ohio's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs
- Notre Dame College 13 to 1
- Notre Dame College $31,350
- Notre Dame College 13 to 1
- Notre Dame College $31,350
Key Takeaways
- Ohio’s undergraduate cybersecurity programs operate under the state’s Data Protection Act and other statutes pertaining to cybersecurity.
- Ohio’s online bachelor’s in cybersecurity program of study blends didactic instruction and experiential learning.
- The online programs also emphasize internships and practical experiences for an enriching cybersecurity education and training.
Featured Programs
Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade
Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Ohio, 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 Ohio. 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.
Ohio Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online
We’ve identified 2 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Ohio. Online degrees offer students in Ohio 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 Ohio’s top ranked colleges like Notre Dame College and Herzing University. For more about Ohio colleges visit The Best Colleges in Ohio.
Ohio’s Undergraduate Programs in Cybersecurity: Superiority Factors
Students in programs offering online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Ohio become familiar with the States Data Protection Act, among other cybersecurity-related statutes.
The program of study, which consists of didactic instruction and experiential learning opportunities, prepares them for lucrative cybersecurity careers. A bachelor’s degree will also pave the way for advanced studies, such as industry certifications or a master’s degree.
The best online cybersecurity programs offered by Ohio colleges and universities have the National Center of Academic Excellence granted by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The designations are a recognition of the world-class cybersecurity-centric curriculum and quality of instruction in these programs.
There are three major designations: Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE); Cyber Operations (CAE-CO); and Cyber Research (CAE-R). Graduates of these programs are preferred by cybersecurity employers for their topnotch knowledge and skills suitable for diverse cybersecurity environments.
The best-known cybersecurity colleges in Ohio are the University of Akron and the University of Cincinnati. These are regionally accredited institutions by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation is crucial in both academic integrity and employer acceptability.
The ideal candidate for online undergraduate cybersecurity degree programs are individuals with strong math and science skills. Cybersecurity as a discipline draws from several fields of study including computer science, information technology, and mathematics. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals must also have a passion for lifelong learning because cybersecurity is an ever-evolving, ever-expanding field.
For these reasons, acceptance into an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity program is on a highly selective basis. Applicants should submit either a high school diploma or an associate degree, minimum. GPA, standardized test scores, and placement exams must satisfy admission criteria, too.
Retention in the program demands effective time management and study habits. Students start their cybersecurity education with general education courses for transferable skills development. Subsequent terms introduce more advanced major and elective courses for career-specific technical skills.
For 120-credit bachelor’s of cybersecurity online programs, the average time-to-completion is 4-5 years including internships. The major courses cover computer science and cybersecurity topics like:
- Computer Information Systems, a course where students examine information systems in businesses and other types of organizations.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention, a course that introduces anomaly detection systems, intrusion detection techniques, and testing of information systems.
- Cybercrime, a course that explores the sociological, criminological, and legal principles behind cybercrimes.
Cybersecurity programs also cover the fundamentals of network infrastructure management, database management, and digital forensics. Be sure to consider the curriculum and its courses before making your decision as these aspects will have a significant impact on your cybersecurity education.
The best cybersecurity degrees have experiential learning components that strengthen the students’ theoretical knowledge. While every online program has specific experiential learning requirements, students benefit from a combination of:
- Internships, which can be paid or unpaid experiences, are conducted in local organizations with cybersecurity systems
- Practicum experiences are with faculty members, usually in research projects
- Laboratory sessions in virtual labs where cyber investigations and vulnerability testing, among other learning activities, are conducted; digital simulations are common techniques
- Capstone projects, seminars, and workshops boost the students’ research skills and networking opportunities
These hands-on learning experiences prepare students for the real-world challenges of cybersecurity careers. Students can also widen their professional network and, thus, boost their employment prospects. Internships and research participation are also excellent boosters on resumes.
Tip: If you want a shortcut to cybersecurity careers, you can look into the Cybersecurity Boot Camp at Ohio State University and the Bachelor’s Certificate in Cyber Security at Wright State University. Be sure to plan for industry certifications, too, which can be embedded in a bachelor’s degree program.
Graduates of online bachelor’s in cybersecurity or information assurance programs can become information security analysts, computer programmers, and network administrators. These are entry-level jobs with excellent career advancement prospects.
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
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.
Our Ranking of Ohio’s Best Online Undergraduate Programs in Cybersecurity
What sets the two online degrees in cybersecurity apart from the other similar programs in Ohio? The online colleges and programs on our list exemplify academic integrity, owing to the comprehensive coursework that emphasizes computer and information science. They provide the same academic rigor as traditional programs, and are recognized by employers just the same!
With rigorous coursework, students obtain proficiency in the technicalities of the discipline. Along with it is the development of their soft skills, enabling them to function effectively as professionals should they choose to work in the industry upon earning the undergraduate online degree.
If cybersecurity majors seek higher-level occupations in the sector, they may also pursue a master’s degree that make them better qualified for such positions.
Because influence is a primary factor in finding the best online cybersecurity undergraduate programs in Ohio, we listed the schools that feature only industry experts as teachers. Students get a solid grasp of the principles and applications involved in cybersecurity with instructors who impress with their industry credentials and experience.
If you think accreditation matters, you are absolutely correct! We list only top-quality bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs in Ohio that are recognized by academic agencies for complying with the standards.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Ohio
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BA in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3-4 years
- Format: Online
Online Cybersecurity Degrees
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Online
