Best Online Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts

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

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

Massachusetts' Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. Northeastern University
  3. Bay State College
  4. Fisher College
  5. Elms College
  6. Bay Path University
  7. Assumption University
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. Northeastern University
  3. Fisher College
  4. Bay Path University
  5. Assumption University
  6. Elms College
  7. Bay State College
  1. Elms College 91%
  2. Assumption University 82%
  3. Bay Path University 76%
  4. Fisher College 74%
  5. University of Massachusetts Amherst 64%
  6. Bay State College 48%
  7. Northeastern University 7%
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst 18 to 1
  2. Northeastern University 16 to 1
  3. Fisher College 11 to 1
  4. Bay Path University 11 to 1
  5. Assumption University 11 to 1
  6. Elms College 10 to 1
  7. Bay State College 9 to 1
  1. Northeastern University $60,192
  2. Assumption University $47,508
  3. Elms College $40,635
  4. Bay Path University $35,781
  5. Fisher College $34,150
  6. Bay State College $29,500
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst $16,186
  1. Fisher College $27,090
  2. Northeastern University $26,715
  3. Bay Path University $19,235
  4. Elms College $16,776
  5. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  6. Assumption University $14,130
  1. Assumption University
  2. Bay Path University
  3. Elms College
  4. Fisher College
  5. Bay State College
  6. Northeastern University
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  1. Bay State College
  2. Elms College
  3. Assumption University
  4. Bay Path University
  5. Fisher College
  6. Northeastern University
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  1. Northeastern University 7%
  2. Bay State College 48%
  3. University of Massachusetts Amherst 64%
  4. Fisher College 74%
  5. Bay Path University 76%
  6. Assumption University 82%
  7. Elms College 91%
  1. Bay State College 9 to 1
  2. Elms College 10 to 1
  3. Fisher College 11 to 1
  4. Bay Path University 11 to 1
  5. Assumption University 11 to 1
  6. Northeastern University 16 to 1
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst 18 to 1
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst $16,186
  2. Bay State College $29,500
  3. Fisher College $34,150
  4. Bay Path University $35,781
  5. Elms College $40,635
  6. Assumption University $47,508
  7. Northeastern University $60,192
  1. Assumption University $14,130
  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  3. Elms College $16,776
  4. Bay Path University $19,235
  5. Northeastern University $26,715
  6. Fisher College $27,090

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts’ thriving cybersecurity industry prioritizes innovation and works closely with both private and federal homeland security interests.
  • This thriving job market has spurred growth in the state’s academic offerings, too.
  • By earning one of the top online bachelor’s of cybersecurity in Massachusetts, you will be primed to thrive in the state’s burgeoning job market.

The Bay State is among the most progressive and innovative states when it comes to state policies designed to protect privacy and data security. This is most evident in the comprehensive coverage of its personal data safeguarding measures.

The state’s Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is also at the forefront of cybersecurity initiatives.

The Bottom Line: There’s never been a better time to pursue an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Massachusetts!

Featured Programs

Professional Opportunities

The bachelor’s degree will open doors of opportunities for cybersecurity careers including:

  • Forensic computer analysts are experts at the collection and analysis of digital evidence in the event of cyberattacks and the like.
  • Cryptographers whose main duties include encoding of information as protection against unauthorized users.
  • Cybersecurity consultants whose strong business and technical skills make them valuable in ensuring secure cyber operations for large companies and small businesses.
  • Computer network architects design custom data communication networks and cloud infrastructure for organizations.

The national cybersecurity job market is among the most robust in the US economy, too, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 33% growth rate (2020-2030). Professionals with online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Massachusetts will find plenty of employment opportunities in and out of The Bay State.

Plus, there’s the high median annual wage for cybersecurity professionals! Information security analysts, for example, earned a median annual wage of $102,600 - that’s more than double the median annual wage for all occupations.

Enrolling in an Online Undergraduate Cybersecurity Program

Getting into the best online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Massachusetts, however, isn’t easy. These programs are both reputable and competitive.

Cybersecurity education emphasizes strong STEM skills and, thus, prospective students must be well-prepared in these areas. High school students must develop their math and science skills, as well as earn higher-than-average grades in STEM courses.

Many online cybersecurity degree programs also require prospective students to pass placement tests and interviews to determine their suitability. These requirements are in addition to standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and a current resume with any relevant professional experience.

Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity usually have a 120-credit curriculum consisting of general education, major and elective courses. Many online programs also have an internship, practicum and/or capstone components for experiential learning purposes.

Coursework in an Undergraduate Cybersecurity Program

The coursework in cybersecurity degrees differs but there are commonalities like courses in:

  • Ethical Hacking, a course that equips students with technical skills in penetration testing and other hacking methods.
  • Network and Security, a course that examines wired and wireless security issues.
  • Digital Forensics, a course with a specific focus on the collection and evaluation of electronic evidence in data breaches and other forms of cyber attacks.
  • Incident Response and Malware Analysis, a course that explores the tools and techniques in malware analysis and the appropriate response to attacks.

Students in online bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Massachusetts learn both specialized technical and transferable skills that prepare them for successful careers.

Skill Building in a Cybersecurity Program

During their studies, they develop the skills necessary to carry out typical duties like:

  • Design, implement and evaluate cybersecurity systems including their processes and protocols in organizations
  • Monitor the organization’s computer systems, networks and programs for possible security threats and breaches
  • Recommend the best possible defense and offense strategies against cyberattacks
  • Provide technical assistance to non-technical users
  • Work with other professionals collaboratively to boost performance of duties related to security

There are plenty of cybersecurity positions in various industryies to choose from, too. These include computer systems design organizations, finance and insurance companies, and information technology businesses. Both the public and private sectors are in need of cybersecurity professionals.

With that being said, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from the best online programs in Massachusetts is worthy of consideration. Start with our guide to the best in The Bay State.

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

Cybersecurity is definitely growing in demand in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts. 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.

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Massachusetts Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

We’ve identified 7 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Massachusetts. Online degrees offer students in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts’s top ranked colleges like University of Massachusetts Amherst and Northeastern University. For more about Massachusetts colleges visit The Best Colleges in Massachusetts.

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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.
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Massachusetts
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Massachusetts

  1. #1

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Amherst , MA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $16,952
    Expenses: $16,523
    Starting Salary: $72,729
    Salary after 4 years: $94,373
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Applications Development
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: Varies by transferable credits
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Bay State College

    Boston , MA
    #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Bay State College

    Cost of Degree: $29,500
    Expenses: $23,842
    Starting Salary: $38,439
    Salary after 4 years: $45,859
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Management

    Concentrations

    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
    • Domestic and International Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Fisher College

    Boston , MA
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Game Design Degree Programs for 2024 #12 Best Online Associate in Psychology #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Fisher College

    Cost of Degree: $34,150
    Expenses: $22,540
    Starting Salary: $44,770
    Salary after 4 years: $53,412
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Game Development
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3 years 4 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Elms College

    Chicopee , MA
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #19 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Elms College

    Cost of Degree: $40,635
    Expenses: $18,746
    Starting Salary: $56,076
    Salary after 4 years: $66,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BA in Computer Information Technology and Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Assumption University

    Worcester , MA
    #13 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #19 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Assumption University

    Cost of Degree: $47,508
    Expenses: $17,362
    Starting Salary: $69,303
    Salary after 4 years: $82,681
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 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: Massachusetts (Private Schools)
  • Job Growth: 11.36%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,573,500

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$167,950
Computer Network Architects3.55%$163,850
Managers, All Other3.35%$158,140
Database Architects10.00%$141,360
Information Security Analysts31.56%$113,610

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$70,968$119,614$153,594

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#32 Massachusetts24% higher than average$119,614
#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$167,950
Computer Network Architects$163,850
Managers, All Other$158,140
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? Massachusetts isn’t the only state that has excellent degrees! Look into online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity in Arizona, Alaska, Connecticut and more!

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