The Best Online
Cyber Security Undergraduate Programs of 2021
Cyber security is becoming more important each year as more of our personal information is stored online. This trend has led to many opportunities for those interested in working in cyber security. One way to get started in cyber security is to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security.
To make this process easier, there are plenty of online options for those who can’t attend classes in person. Many online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs are 100 percent remote and have flexible schedules so that you can carry on with your daily life as you study.
Top 20 Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees of 2021 at a Glance
Many universities and colleges offer online cyber security bachelor’s degrees. Some programs are shorter than others, but they all cover the same material as the on-campus versions of the program. Keep in mind that the courses that are taught live online will have a less flexible schedule than those that are asynchronous.
Below are some of the best online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs. The information in the table below was sourced from the respective university websites.
School and Degree | Price | Notes |
---|---|---|
Baker College Information Technology and Security – Concentration in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity |
$425 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Bellevue University Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree |
$430 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Champlain College Cybersecurity |
$318 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Dakota State University BS degree in Cyber Operations |
$351 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Drexel University Bachelor of Science in Computing & Security Technology |
$435 Per Credit Hour |
All Students |
Kennesaw State University Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security |
$199 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Maryville University Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$622 per credit | All Students |
Metropolitan State University of Denver Cybersecurity Major, Bachelor of Science |
$4,040.48 $11,032.88 |
In-State Out-of-State |
Norwich University Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity |
$10,950 | All Students |
Old Dominion University Cybercrime – Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science |
$360 $1,032 |
In-State Out-of-State |
Post University Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems |
$570 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Purdue University Global Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity |
$280 Per Credit Hour | In-State |
Salem International University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology |
$16,700 | All Students |
University of Maine at Augusta Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity |
$245 Per Credit Hour $592 Per Credit Hour |
In-State Out-of-State |
University of Maryland-University College Online Bachelor’s Degree – Cybersecurity Management and Policy |
$300 Per Credit $499 Per Credit |
All Students |
University of the Potomac Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Program |
$33,300 | All Students |
Walden University Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Cyber Security for Information Systems |
$61,385 | All Students |
Valley College Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree |
$21,500 | All Students |
Western Governors University Cybersecurity Degree and Information Assurance Programs |
$3,845 Per Term | All Students |
William Woods University Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity |
$235 Per Credit Hour | All Students |
Benefits of an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree
Completing your degree online will allow you the flexibility you need to continue to work while you study. Most of the online programs listed below are self-paced.
The demand for qualified cyber security experts is higher than ever, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. In an online cyber security program, you will learn how to defend computer systems from cyber attacks.
Below are a few of the benefits of getting a cyber security degree online.
- Flexibility to study when you have time
- Curriculum is the same regardless of the teaching format
- Cyber security skills will allow you to thrive in many industries
What Are the Requirements for an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
The requirements to get into a bachelor’s program in cyber security will differ by school. Most will require that you have a high school diploma, a GED, or at least a 2.0 GPA. More specifically, some schools will also require students to have completed three units of math, two units of science, four units of English, and two units of social sciences.
Choosing the Right Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Program
There is a lot to consider when you’re searching for an online cyber security bachelor’s degree program. The most important factor is flexibility. You should have a good understanding of the course schedule to make sure it fits in with your other commitments. Besides the schedule, below are a few other factors you should take into consideration.
Accreditation
Whether or not the school is accredited could affect your job search in the future. Make sure the school’s curriculums are up to state and federal standards.
Reputation
Brand recognition is an important factor when searching for an online cyber security program. Choose a school that is well-known in the field.
Student Services
Online learning should not mean that you have to miss out on student services and career support. Make sure that the higher education institution you’re applying to extends all of its support services to its online students.
Best Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees in 2021
Many schools have online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs, but this guide will cover 20 of the best ones. Some of these programs are self-paced, and several contain courses outside of cyber security to give students a more well-rounded tech education.
Baker College | Information Technology and Security (Concentration in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity)
This bachelor’s degree program includes general education courses, as well as classes in security, information technology, and cyber security. Some other courses cover computer forensics, ethical hacking, and network intrusion.
These classes are taught asynchronously, and quarters last eight weeks. Students can also choose to attend hybrid training, with some classes taught on campus in Flint, Michigan. All classes come with support services and academic resources.
Bellevue University | Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree
Courses in this program last nine weeks, but it’s possible to complete them faster with the school’s accelerated option. The classes cover topics such as cyber investigations and forensics, assessments and audits, commerce, and application security.
Champlain College | Cybersecurity
This nationally recognized program takes a hands-on, problem-solving approach to learn cyber security. These classes run asynchronously throughout the year, and you can enroll at the start of any term.
Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
This online program will teach you how to discover and investigate attacks. Topics covered include data breaches, software vulnerabilities, malware infections, and how to think like a hacker.
The courses also cover programming and networking fundamentals. The program also has an option where students can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Computing & Security Technology
The program will prepare you for a cyber security role in government, corporate, or not-for-profit organizations. The courses are project-heavy, and also provide students with work experience.
Kennesaw State University | Online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security
This program is highly technical and teaches students the technological, managerial, and administrative aspects of cyber security. The curriculum also includes awareness training on cybercrime issues. Students who complete this cyber security degree will earn a minor in information technology.
Maryville University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
This degree offers three different tracks related to different aspects of cyber security: offensive, defensive, and general. The offensive track focuses on proactive security measures, like ethical hacking.
In the defensive track, students will examine the reactive tactics used to remove vulnerabilities. The general track is a healthy mix of both and gives students a good overview of cyber security.
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Cybersecurity Major, Bachelor of Science
This degree is offered jointly by the department of computer information systems, criminal justice and criminology, and mathematical and computer sciences. The goal is to prepare students for a career investigating cybercrimes. They will also learn to recover and seize digital evidence, and how to prevent cyber crimes and punish perpetrators.
Norwich University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
This curriculum consists of a range of project-based courses covering the main principles of cyber security. In the process, students will also strengthen their critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.
Within this degree, students can also choose an area of concentration. This can either be in information warfare and security management, or computer forensics and vulnerability management.
Old Dominion University | Cybercrime (Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science)
This degree will leave students prepared for a variety of occupations related to cyber security, such as law enforcement and general information technology. It includes courses in investigating cyber crime, criminal justice, and cyber law. Among the topics covered are programming with C++ and Java, and digital forensics.
Post University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
This online degree covers aspects of computer science, business, and technology and how they’re all related. In these courses, students will learn both mathematics and computing skills.
The curriculum also teaches students how to investigate computer systems and programs, and gets into the legality and ethics of technology.
Purdue University Global | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
This program provides training on cyber security fundamentals, how to identify threats, and how to make sure a network runs safely and smoothly. Those who complete this online program can go straight into a cyber security master’s degree at the school.
Salem International University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
This cyber security training teaches all the foundations of how to manage and operate networks and information systems. Students will learn how to monitor for security threats while establishing appropriate response procedures. The curriculum also covers how to develop, test, and implement data security solutions.
University of Maine at Augusta | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The focus of this online degree program is cyber security for security risk management. Students will find out how to identify and investigate malicious attacks, as well as how to prevent them.
Some of the classes in this program include incident response, system forensics, infosec management, and cyber law.
University of Maryland-University College | Online Bachelor's Degree: Cybersecurity Management and Policy
This program prepares students how to protect data, and also covers how cyber security is related to law, business, and psychology. It covers theories and real-world applications so that students will graduate fully prepared for a job in cyber security.
The curriculum is designed by industry experts, so students can be sure they’re learning relevant skills.
University of the Potomac | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Program
Students who enroll in this bachelor’s degree will learn to protect computer networks from fraud, hackers, and malware. Students can then use their skills to work for the government, or for a private business.
The curriculum includes designing safe networks in line with emerging issues and trends in cyber security.
Valley College | Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree
This online bachelor’s degree takes 31 months to complete. It provides an in-depth view into cyber security, plus elective courses. It includes plenty of practical lab experience so that students can learn how to conduct a real investigation.
Walden University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Cyber Security for Information Systems
This program teaches the core technical concepts of information systems security. It also gets into the social and legal implications of cyber security, including privacy and security issues. The classes include general education, business core courses, and computer information systems courses.
Western Governors University | Cybersecurity Degree and Information Assurance Programs
This program will leave students prepared to outsmart cyber criminals and support businesses and governments as cyber security professionals.
The degree program was designed in partnership with leading IT companies and experts. The curriculum also meets the guidelines of the National Security Agency and Homeland Security.
William Woods University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
In this online bachelor of science program, students will create innovative solutions to prevent cyber security threats and protect data from hackers.
During the program, students will gain a thorough understanding of cyber security through study and hands-on projects. The courses cover topics like systems analysis, cyber security, cybercrime, encryption techniques, and information warfare.
What Can You Do With an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
An online cyber security bachelor’s degree can lead to several cyber security careers. You can work for a private company, the government, or in law enforcement as a systems administrator.
You could also choose a role as a network administrator, security engineer, security analyst, incident responder, or forensic expert.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
These experts earned a median salary of $103,590 in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also predicts that jobs in the cyber security industry will grow by 31 percent through 2029. This translates to more than seven times the national average.
Aside from promising job growth, people with a cyber security degree also receive a higher-than-average salary. Cybersecurity professionals, also known as information security analysts, earn more than experts in other fields.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Careers
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Profession | Average Salary |
---|---|
IT Security Architect | $124,711 |
Chief Information Security Officer | $120,716 |
Penetration tester | $118,932 |
Information Security Manager | $116,825 |
Cyber Security Consultant | $115,767 |
Information Security Engineer | $115,359 |
Cyber security engineer | $96,852 |
Information Security Analyst | $92,257 |
IT Security Consultant | $84,279 |
Information Security Specialist | $76,310 |
Is It Better to Get a BA or BS in Cyber Security?
A BS is a specialized degree that is reserved for technical, science-related fields. For this reason, it makes more sense to get a BS in Cyber Security because it is a technical career. With a BS, you can also be sure that the degree will cover any extra courses you may need to take to meet industry-standard requirements.
Is an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Worth it in 2021?
An online cyber security bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a career in cyber security and other IT jobs. Most of these jobs are expected to have huge potential for growth. Aside from employability, an online cyber security degree will also give you flexibility in your working hours, and a rewarding salary.
It’s also possible to complete any of the degrees listed above while still employed in another job. The best part is that you are getting the same education as students who attend classes on campus. An online cyber security bachelor’s degree is definitely worth it in 2021.