Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Tennessee

BEST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY BACHELOR'S IN TENNESSEE
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Tennessee's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Sort by:
  1. Middle Tennessee State University
  2. Lipscomb University
  3. Franklin University
  4. Austin Peay State University
  5. Tennessee Tech
  1. Austin Peay State University 93%
  2. Tennessee Tech 79%
  3. Lipscomb University 74%
  4. Middle Tennessee State University 68%
  1. Tennessee Tech 18 to 1
  2. Middle Tennessee State University 17 to 1
  3. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  4. Lipscomb University 14 to 1
  5. Franklin University 13 to 1
  1. Lipscomb University $35,752
  2. Franklin University $9,577
  3. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  4. Middle Tennessee State University $7,344
  5. Austin Peay State University $6,816
  1. Lipscomb University $17,100
  2. Franklin University $16,080
  3. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  4. Middle Tennessee State University $9,396
  5. Austin Peay State University $8,226
  1. Tennessee Tech
  2. Austin Peay State University
  3. Franklin University
  4. Lipscomb University
  5. Middle Tennessee State University
  1. Middle Tennessee State University 68%
  2. Lipscomb University 74%
  3. Tennessee Tech 79%
  4. Austin Peay State University 93%
  1. Franklin University 13 to 1
  2. Lipscomb University 14 to 1
  3. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  4. Middle Tennessee State University 17 to 1
  5. Tennessee Tech 18 to 1
  1. Austin Peay State University $6,816
  2. Middle Tennessee State University $7,344
  3. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  4. Franklin University $9,577
  5. Lipscomb University $35,752
  1. Austin Peay State University $8,226
  2. Middle Tennessee State University $9,396
  3. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  4. Franklin University $16,080
  5. Lipscomb University $17,100

With a most recent $475 million GDP, Tennessee has become a leader in various sectors, including technology. Tech companies are attracted to Tennessee due to its favorable business environment and lack of state income tax. Amazon is the largest tech company in the state, with a value of $502 billion, followed by Google, the second largest with a value of $282 billion.

The need for knowledgeable cybersecurity experts to safeguard data, systems, and infrastructure grows due to the presence of major tech companies in the state. According to CyberSeek, there are currently 6,991 cyber security jobs available.

The higher education systems in Tennessee, along with the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, are working together to meet the state’s expanding need for cyber security professionals. It’s not uncommon for a state community college or private university to be doing more than others.

For example, some universities have extended their traditional on-campus cyber security degrees and programs online to encourage more working professionals to further their education without interfering with their current obligations.

Featured Programs

Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

The need to secure computer systems and counterattack bad actors is a growing demand worldwide. In 2022, data breaches in the United States alone resulted in a staggering $10.3 billion in damages, reflecting a 49% increase from the losses incurred in 2021. This alarming pattern emphasizes how crucial cyber security is in the digital era.

To combat the rising trend of cyber attacks, businesses and organizations constantly seek graduates with cyber defense education. That’s why we’ve ranked cybersecurity degrees as the best degree for jobs over the next decade.

Information security jobs are expected to grow by 32% over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s much faster than average career growth.

The national average salary for this position is $112,000. Although Tennessee’s average median pay for information security analysts, which is $106,350, is below the national average, pursuing a career in the state would still be a great idea.

Tennessee has a lower overall cost of living than many large cities. Thus, the typical income of $106K can support a comfortable lifestyle. It’s also home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the biggest labs conducting cutting-edge research and development in various fields, including cybersecurity.

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

team of software programmers meeting together
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Tennessee Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

We’ve identified 4 colleges with an online cyber security bachelor’s degree in Tennessee. We’ve also included 1 out-of-state college with a 100% online accessible and affordable online cyber security program.

Online degrees offer students in Tennessee maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And you don’t have to sacrifice quality. For more about Tennessee colleges visit The Best Colleges in Tennessee.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security

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

With an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security program, you’ll learn specific subjects like software development and systems administration while also strengthening your math and computer science and computer engineering skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

  • Cryptography
  • Software Programming
  • Data Analytics
  • Network Security
  • Information Security
  • Systems Administration
  • National Security Policy
  • Digital Forensics

Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s degree in cyber security include:

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

As an online cyber security 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 cyber security profession.
  • Provide both short-term and long-term organizational strategies for managing cyber security challenges.

If the online bachelor’s degree in cyber security 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 cyber security online, check out these 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education

cybersecurity professional sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor

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

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 and computer systems for your organization. It includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?

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.

Is it cheaper to get a cyber security degree online or through a traditional degree?

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.

cyber security experts meeting together
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Tennessee

  1. #1

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1053/21

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Austin Peay State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,431
    Expenses: $21,676
    Starting Salary: $48,930
    Salary after 4 years: $63,491
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Austin Peay State University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems is one of the few Tennessee universities where students can study cyber security by pursuing an Information Assurance and Security concentration. This program is offered by one of Tennessee’s largest computer science departments, which ensures that online students will receive various hands-on learning and networking opportunities to succeed.

    Students in the Information Assurance and Security concentration will delve into advanced topics like Cloud Computing, Cryptography, System Analysis and Design, and Computer Languages. Graduates can pursue roles like security architect, penetration tester, and computer forensic specialist.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Computer Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • General Information Systems
    • Information Assurance and Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  2. #2

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $9,802
    Expenses: $15,530
    Starting Salary: $58,892
    Salary after 4 years: $76,418
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Tennessee Technological University is one of the leading engineering, technology, and computer science schools. Students seeking to earn a degree in cybersecurity can pursue Tennessee Tech’s online Bachelor’s in Computer Science in Cybersecurity, designated as a Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Defense by NSA and DHS.

    In addition to excelling in cybersecurity education at all levels, Tennessee Tech also ranked high in engineering schools, founded the Women in Cybersecurity conference, and earned various cybersecurity designations. The program’s curriculum explores Computer Networks, Software Engineering, Cyber Law, Operating Systems, and more.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    Bachelor’s in Computer Science in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    3. software programmer sitting at his desk working on code
  3. #3

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    #19 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Lipscomb University

    Cost of Degree: $35,752
    Expenses: $19,476
    Starting Salary: $58,128
    Salary after 4 years: $69,349
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Although not a cybersecurity-specific degree, Lipscomb University’s Bachelor’s in Technology Management is a great program to gain the foundational knowledge required for the field. The program’s curriculum covers the theoretical frameworks, policies, ethics, and practical skills valuable in the cybersecurity industry. Students will explore various topics, including Information Security, Networking, and Decision Support Systems.

    Various degree options suit educational needs and career goals, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Professional Studies. Students who want to participate in business courses usually opt for the BPS coursework.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    Bachelor’s in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #4

    Middle Tennessee State University

    Murfreesboro , TN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Middle Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,232
    Expenses: $15,322
    Starting Salary: $55,992
    Salary after 4 years: $72,654
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Students seeking to land roles that involve managing and utilizing technology to solve business problems can pursue the Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems at Middle Tennessee State University. Students can study several crucial topics in the present business information technology environment in depth. Its main goal is to equip students with the ability to manage information technology.

    The program’s coursework explores Security Assurance for Information Systems Audit, Management Information Systems, Business Data Communications, Database Design and Development, and more. Graduates are encouraged to pursue master’s degree programs in business administration (MBA) or information systems (MIS).

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Franklin University

    Columbus , OH
    #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs #4 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024 #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science #6 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Franklin University

    Cost of Degree: $9,577
    Starting Salary: $60,724
    Salary after 4 years: $72,446

    Students in Tennessee looking for online cybersecurity degree programs can look into institutions outside the state, including Franklin University. Franklin is among the most accessible online institutions for students nationwide.

    Franklin offers one of the best cyber security programs that can be completed 100% online, thus not requiring Tennessee students to leave their hometowns. The National Security Agency (NSA) recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity as a Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Defense Education. The curriculum covers a number of the ISC2′s main knowledge areas. Courses include Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Security Engineering and Assessment, Information Assurance, and Security Risk Management.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

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

Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

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Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: Tennessee (Private Schools)
  • Job Growth: 12.20%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,510,100

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers16.19%$124,530
Database Architects10.25%$112,540
Computer Network Architects4.29%$98,790
Database Administrators8.06%$94,110
Information Security Analysts34.66%$82,650

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$49,613$81,179$129,275

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#23 Tennessee14% higher than average$81,179
#2 Virginia5% higher than average$112,646
#3 Georgia13% higher than average$99,493
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$99,977
#5 New York5% higher than average$117,545
#6 Washington7% higher than average$119,384
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.
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