Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Virginia

Badge for BEST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY BACHELOR'S IN VIRGINIA

By Dr. James Barham

Published: Jun 20, 2022
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Key Takeaways

An online bachelor’s degree in cyber security can lead to a career as an information security analyst, a field that is expected to grow by 32% over the next decade.
The field of cyber security can lead to a position with a higher than average salary.
The best online bachelor’s in cyber security program in Virginia features courses in related disciplines, including computer science and information technology.

Virginia's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Old Dominion University
Regent University
Liberty University
Averett University
George Mason University
University of Virginia
Bluefield University
Strayer University
ECPI University
Norfolk State University

University of Virginia
George Mason University
Old Dominion University
Liberty University
Regent University
Norfolk State University
Strayer University
ECPI University
Averett University
Bluefield University

Liberty University 99%
Old Dominion University 95%
George Mason University 90%
Norfolk State University 89%
ECPI University 83%
Averett University 76%
Bluefield University 63%
Regent University 32%
University of Virginia 19%

Regent University 21 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1
Norfolk State University 18 to 1
Old Dominion University 16 to 1
George Mason University 16 to 1
University of Virginia 15 to 1
Bluefield University 15 to 1
Averett University 12 to 1
ECPI University 12 to 1

Averett University $37,790
Bluefield University $29,420
Liberty University $22,511
Regent University $19,680
ECPI University $18,484
University of Virginia $18,059
George Mason University $9,795
Old Dominion University $7,239
Norfolk State University $5,752

University of Virginia $18,382
Regent University $16,028
George Mason University $13,426
ECPI University $12,960
Averett University $11,790
Old Dominion University $10,519
Bluefield University $8,910
Norfolk State University $8,820
Liberty University $7,893

Norfolk State University
ECPI University
Strayer University
Bluefield University
University of Virginia
George Mason University
Averett University
Liberty University
Regent University
Old Dominion University

Bluefield University
Averett University
ECPI University
Strayer University
Norfolk State University
Regent University
Liberty University
Old Dominion University
George Mason University
University of Virginia

University of Virginia 19%
Regent University 32%
Bluefield University 63%
Averett University 76%
ECPI University 83%
Norfolk State University 89%
George Mason University 90%
Old Dominion University 95%
Liberty University 99%

Averett University 12 to 1
ECPI University 12 to 1
University of Virginia 15 to 1
Bluefield University 15 to 1
Old Dominion University 16 to 1
George Mason University 16 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1
Norfolk State University 18 to 1
Regent University 21 to 1

Norfolk State University $5,752
Old Dominion University $7,239
George Mason University $9,795
University of Virginia $18,059
ECPI University $18,484
Regent University $19,680
Liberty University $22,511
Bluefield University $29,420
Averett University $37,790

Liberty University $7,893
Norfolk State University $8,820
Bluefield University $8,910
Old Dominion University $10,519
Averett University $11,790
ECPI University $12,960
George Mason University $13,426
Regent University $16,028
University of Virginia $18,382

Table of Contents

Homeland Security, the National Security Agency, the CIA, and other federal agencies, which house some of the most sensitive data in the world, are among the most important targets for technology hacking on the planet, and they are all located in Virginia. Additionally, Virginia is among the top states with the highest number of tech companies in the US. As a result, it’s one of the major targets of hackers.

US experts in cyber security and government organizations have noted a sharp rise in cyberattacks in 2020 that have links to the Chinese government. In addition to Virginia, organizations involved in crucial COVID-19 vaccine research and development were the focus of these attacks nationwide.

The Virginia state government, in particular, had to enhance its cyber security measures. An increase in cyber security jobs and programs in Virginia help safeguard sensitive information and respond to these cyber threats effectively. Virginia actively prepares for such threats through initiatives like the INNOVATE Cyber Challenge, involving students from various colleges.

Featured Programs

Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Cyber security is definitely growing in demand in Virginia, just as it is around the world. 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.

With current median salaries around $100,000 a year, it’s a good time to prepare yourself to compete in the cyber security job market in Virginia. That’s why we’ve ranked cyber security degrees as the best degree for jobs over the next decade.

Cyber security is a relatively new field, but the need for cyber security professionals is already very widespread. In our interview with world-leading cyber security expert Isaac Ben-Israel, Ben-Israel reminds us that even ten years ago, cyber security degrees were unheard of. Today, you can learn cyber security in nearly 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.

Virginia Colleges Answering the Demand for Cyber Security Degrees Online

We’ve identified 10 colleges with online cyber security bachelor’s degrees in Virginia. Online degrees offer students in Virginia 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 Virginia’s top ranked colleges like Old Dominion University and Regent University. For more about Virginia colleges visit The Best Colleges in Virginia.

Jump to Ranking

cyber security student walking in Washington DC

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

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.

college student working on an online course

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Programs in Virginia

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: Virginia (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,266
Avg. Expenses*: $16,464
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
Job Growth: 11.36%
Number of Jobs: 1,573,500
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Database Architects	10.00%	No data
Computer and Information Systems Managers	15.41%	$172,760
Managers, All Other	3.35%	$143,060
Computer Network Architects	3.55%	$130,350
Information Security Analysts	31.56%	$130,130
Computer Occupations, All Other	9.72%	$120,330
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	2.44%	$103,860
Project Management Specialists	6.21%	$102,800
Web Developers	16.90%	$101,060
Database Administrators	7.04%	$99,220

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$69,048	$117,193	$160,089

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 Virginia	5% higher than average	$117,193
#2 Georgia	13% higher than average	$108,150
#3 Virginia	5% higher than average	$117,193
#4 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$105,853
#5 Texas	10% higher than average	$105,429
#6 Washington	7% higher than average	$124,389
#7 New York	5% higher than average	$121,625
#8 Delaware	2% higher than average	$118,825
#9 Ohio	14% higher than average	$97,668
#10 Illinois	7% higher than average	$104,714
#11 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$106,067
#12 Colorado	3% higher than average	$113,445
#13 Michigan	15% higher than average	$93,068
#14 Alabama	13% higher than average	$93,644
#15 Missouri	16% higher than average	$90,354
#16 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$120,978
#17 Arizona	5% higher than average	$100,039
#18 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$97,539
#19 Florida	6% higher than average	$98,353
#20 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$88,420
#21 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$97,685
#22 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$94,668
#23 Iowa	9% higher than average	$92,793
#24 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$88,555
#25 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$93,780
#26 Utah	4% higher than average	$97,483
#27 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$94,777
#28 Maryland	18% higher than average	$118,732
#29 California	26% higher than average	$126,026
#30 Kansas	9% higher than average	$90,746
#31 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$85,084
#32 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$86,006
#33 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$119,614
#34 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$113,007
#35 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$78,418
#36 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$106,211
#37 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$112,099
#38 Indiana	11% higher than average	$82,896
#39 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$87,308
#40 Idaho	7% higher than average	$86,194
#41 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$83,197
#42 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$77,359
#43 Oregon	11% higher than average	$100,934
#44 North Dakota	average	$85,440
#45 Nevada	5% higher than average	$87,162
#46 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$80,980
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$122,905
#48 Montana	3% higher than average	$79,120
#49 Maine	9% higher than average	$88,864
#50 Alaska	23% higher than average	$97,396
#51 Vermont	13% higher than average	$88,412
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$96,358

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$172,760
Managers, All Other	$143,060
Computer Network Architects	$130,350
Information Security Analysts	$130,130
Computer Occupations, All Other	$120,330
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$103,860
Project Management Specialists	$102,800
Web Developers	$101,060
Database Administrators	$99,220
Computer Network Support Specialists	$78,010

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.

Student Submitted Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in Virginia

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

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 skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

Cryptography
Software Programming
Data Analytics
Information Security
Systems Administration
National Security Policy

Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s 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.

What courses will I take with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree in Virginia?

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 cyber security 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 nonprofit 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 an 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 cyber security online, check out the 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education.

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

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. The bachelor’s 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.

cyber security expert sitting in an office in front of several computers

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in cyber security in Virginia?

It typically takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s in cyber security. Some online programs may offer accelerated or self-paced options where you can earn your online bachelor’s in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online than a traditional degree?

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.

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.

What’s next after earning an online bachelor’s in cyber security in Virginia?

Depending on your interests and job goals, you can choose from several alternatives for continuing education once you have earned your cyber security bachelor’s degree online. Many cyber security graduates begin their careers in entry-level cyber security positions, while others prioritize earning industry-recognized cyber security certificate programs to enhance qualifications and job prospects.

On the other hand, those who want to expand their specializations and pursue advanced roles consider pursuing cyber security master’s programs. Online master’s degrees provide graduates with opportunities for more senior and specialized cyber security jobs like cyber security manager, security architect, or consultant.

Why pursue cyber security studies in Virginia?

Virginia boasts a wealth of prestigious colleges and universities that have embraced the importance of cyber security education. These institutions provide a wide range of cybersecurity degree and certification programs, accepting both traditional on-campus and online students from Virginia and other countries.

Modern curricula created in partnership with industry experts and governmental organizations are part of the state’s commitment to cyber security education. Virginia’s dedication to this critical field makes it an attractive destination for those pursuing careers in cyber security, fostering a rich educational landscape accessible to both local and distant learners.

Virginia offers a supportive environment for cyber security experts and prospective students through various professional organizations, in addition to a strong job market and competitive compensation. Professional organizations are important in fostering collaboration, networking, and continuous learning within the cybersecurity community.

Three of Virginia’s biggest cyber security professional organizations are Virginia Cyber Security Partnership, CyberVirginia, and ISSA-NOVA. These professional organizations offer access to special job vacancies, mentorship possibilities, and certification options, all of which can help one advance their career.

There are also several financial aid opportunities that are unique to cyber security education students in Virginia. One of its biggest financial assistance is the Virginia Scholarship for Service. Other notable scholarship opportunities include the G3 – Get Skilled, Get a Job, Get Ahead, Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, and Virginia Commonwealth Award.

The Demand for Cyber Security Professionals in Virginia

Virginia is one of the hottest states for professionals seeking job opportunities, competitive compensation, and high job security in cyber security. With almost 58,000 available opportunities, according to recent data from Cyber Seek, the state has a staggering need for cyber security specialists and information security analysts. This astonishing number places Virginia second only to California regarding cyber security job availability.

Moreover, the BLS indicates that Information Security Analysts in Virginia have an average annual pay of $131,340, surpassing the national average of $112,000. This high earning potential reflects the acknowledged importance of cyber security in protecting infrastructure, technology systems, and sensitive data in the state.

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

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Virginia

Key Takeaways

Virginia's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Featured Programs

Cyber Security: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Virginia Colleges Answering the Demand for Cyber Security Degrees Online

Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Programs in Virginia

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Old Dominion University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Regent University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Liberty University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Averett University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at George Mason University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Virginia

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Bluefield University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at ECPI University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Norfolk State University

Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Student Submitted Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in Virginia

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

What courses will I take with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree in Virginia?

Cyber Threat Intelligence

National Security Policy

Enterprise Risk Management

Network Security Administration

Digital Forensics

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

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in cyber security in Virginia?

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online than a traditional degree?

What’s next after earning an online bachelor’s in cyber security in Virginia?

Why pursue cyber security studies in Virginia?

The Demand for Cyber Security Professionals in Virginia