Key takeaways
- Studying a cybersecurity degree online offers students flexibility, convenience, and affordability.
- Students can pursue either a synchronous or an asynchronous online degree at an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level.
- After graduating with a cybersecurity bachelors, students will be eligible for high-paying jobs such as penetration tester, information systems analyst, and security engineer.
- The demand for cybersecurity professionals is high because of rising cybercrime such as malware and ransomware attacks.
- Ransomware attacks rose by 18% in the first half of 2024 and on average one ransomware attack costs companies $4.9 billion.
- Experts at Reuters predict a decrease in demand for cyber insurance as companies increase investment in strengthening internal information security systems.
- The University of Arizona, Maryville University at Saint Louise, and North Dakota State University are just some of the best online colleges for cybersecurity.
Almost all colleges now offer an online or at least a hybrid learning format. However, there are different types of online degrees and learning formats even in the online variant. Thus, careful consideration is a must before choosing a cybersecurity degree online.
In this article, we discuss what you need to know about the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program, guide how to choose an online program, and list a few of the best online colleges for cybersecurity.
Highlighted list of colleges offering a cybersecurity degree online
Choosing the right degree is not a piece of cake. Even if you have selected a degree program, there is significant research to be done before selecting a college.
Shall I look at cybersecurity colleges near me? Should I explore alternate computer science degrees? Is studying a cybersecurity degree online a good idea? Are online cybersecurity degrees the same as online computer science degrees? Which are the best online colleges for cybersecurity?
While we can’t answer all these questions for you, as they are relative. The one we can help you with is finding acclaimed colleges with excellent cybersecurity programs. Here is a list of some that offer a cybersecurity degree online.
Davenport University
Davenport University offers an online Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, specifically Cyber Defense, a program designed to equip students with the skills needed to combat cyber threats. The university is dubbed the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and provides students with a rigorous curriculum taught by industry professionals.
Students can choose to complete the program fully online, on-campus, or through a combination of both. The cybersecurity degree focuses on preventing data breaches and attacks while incorporating business knowledge to understand the broader organizational impact.
Moreover, the program includes courses in computer security, network security, and digital forensics. Students can specialize in healthcare information and assurance or information security. Davenport also offers full-tuition scholarships through the Cyber Service Academy and an Employment Guarantee.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Grand Rapids, Michigan | 2.0 | 98.9% | $22,244 |
Maryville University of Saint Louise
Maryville University, a tech-forward institution with over 150 years of experience, offers an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Through a comprehensive four-year curriculum, students build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. Moreover, they have the option to choose from three specialized tracks to build further expertise in an area of their choosing. These include offensive, defensive, or general cybersecurity courses.
With a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter a high-paying and in-demand field. Maryville’s state-of-the-art training center and expert faculty ensure students receive the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers.
More than 10,000 students have enrolled in the program and many more applications are filing in. Mayville University’s tech-forward approach makes it an ideal institute for cybersecurity education. If you want an online program that focuses on building real-world applicable skills, consider Maryville University’s online cybersecurity bachelor program.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Saint Louise, Missouri | 3.52 | 88% | $24,766 |
North Dakota State University
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at North Dakota State University offers a number of cyber and computer science degrees. Students interested in cyber defense can pursue either a BS in cyber operations, a BS in cyber leadership and intelligence, or a BS in network and security administration.
The wide range of options provides students the opportunity to choose a career trajectory of their choice and build specialized skills instead of pursuing a general cybersecurity degree. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with other students enrolled in computer science degrees allows for a holistic learning environment.
Beacom Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive cybersecurity education. Students learn from top faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on projects.
The institute has strong partnerships with organizations like the NSA and DHS, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world cyber projects. Additionally, DSU offers credit transfer for NSA employees, allowing them to leverage their existing knowledge and accelerate their degree program.
The North Dakota State University’s cybersecurity programs prepare students for successful careers in the cybersecurity field.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Fargo, North Dakota | 2.75 | 96% | $10,992 (in-state)
$15,646 (out-of-state) |
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity. The program curriculum is designed keeping in mind the rising rate of cybercrime. Thus, the curriculum features a strong emphasis on building real-world transferable skills that graduates can use to meet the demands of the cybersecurity field.
The Cyber Operations degree at the University of Arizona offers comprehensive training in offensive and defensive cybersecurity, including hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art virtual environment. Moreover, the program offers three specialized emphases namely Cyber Law & Policy, Engineering, and Defense and Forensics.
The National Security Agency (NSA) recognizes the University of Arizona as a Center of Academic Excellence, because of the thoroughness of its cybersecurity programs. It features a meticulously designed curriculum that sets the bar for education standards in the cybersecurity field.
Moreover, students wishing to pursue further education can also explore the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) which will enable them to complete their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and master’s degree in cyber security in three years.
However, there are certain terms and conditions to be met, so make sure to view them before you apply.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Tucson, Arizona | 3.53 | 86.8% | $13,275 (in-state)
$39,577 (Out-of-state) |
All you need to know about earning a cyber security degree online
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity builds a strong IT and information security foundation. Students gain in-depth knowledge of information security theories and develop practical skills through a comprehensive 4-year curriculum.
Students understand IT fundamentals, information security theories, technical skills, data analytics, project management, risk mitigation, and more comprehensively. Graduates with a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree can pursue well-paying jobs in the IT industry such as Information Security Analyst, network administrator, and security engineer.
The major driving force behind the rise in demand for cybersecurity professionals is the increasing cyberattacks. They come in many shapes and forms, but the most common ones are malware and ransomware attacks.
As per a report by Forbes, malware attacks rose by 71% between 2016 to 2021 and ransomware attacks rose by 74% between 2022 to 2023 alone. While these numbers alone are enough to push corporations to invest in cybersecurity, the financial costs of such attacks are an even bigger motivation.
On average, ransomware attacks cost $4.9 million. According to a report by Reuters, ransomware attacks rose by 18% in the first half of 2024, compared to 2023. As a result, the cyber insurance market grew into a billion-dollar industry, valued at $16.6 billion in 2023.
However, experts at Reuters predict a downfall as the demand for cybersecurity professionals grows. Where companies were traditionally investing in cyber insurance as a measure of protection, they are now investing in strengthening systems security.
The career outlook for cybersecurity professionals
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts earn a median wage of $120,360 per year. In fact, the predicted job growth for Information security analysts and others in the cybersecurity industry is much faster than average.
Now is the best time to explore cybersecurity colleges offering online degrees. However, a career in cybersecurity comes with its own challenges and may not be for everyone. Before you enroll in a cybersecurity major, read up on who is a cybersecurity degree ideal for.
If you feel that you are not crafted for a career sitting behind a computer screen, protecting data and strengthening information security systems, explore online colleges for other degrees. Here are some options.
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- Colleges for online human resources degree
How to select a cybersecurity degree online?
There are two main types of online degrees, synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous programs require students to participate in and complete courses in real time. Here, students can benefit from a remote learning opportunity, saving them traveling costs, while ensuring adherence to a disciplined learning schedule.
In an asynchronous format, students enjoy higher flexibility and convenience. They do not need to participate in classes in real time and are free to complete courses whenever possible. It is ideal for students who are employed or who want a free hand with their learning schedules.
College planning can prove to be very difficult. So, here are a few factors to look at when shortlisting colleges for a cybersecurity degree online.
Accreditation
While some universities offer a cybersecurity degree online, there are many online colleges that do so as well. If you are exploring online cybersecurity bachelor’s from colleges with a brick-and-mortar location, the degree will probably be accredited.
However, before selecting an online degree, ensure that it is accredited by the Department of Education. Only those approved by the Department of Education are eligible for federal funding.
Student resources
Available resources have a significant impact on a student’s learning experience. Those who have access to labs, shared resources, external guidance and a chance to collaborate with peers have better learning outcomes.
Additionally, you should look at the financial assistance options an institute offers. Students should also check the availability of labs and technical assistance available. Since cybersecurity is a practical field, the availability of labs and practical learning opportunities is a critical part of the cybersecurity degree online.
Degree level
The degree level has a direct impact on your learning experience. Whether you opt for an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, you will learn a variety of essential and advanced skills. However, those pursuing an associate degree will gain the skills necessary for basic jobs in cybersecurity. These may include maintenance and technical support staff-level positions.
If you aspire to undertake well-paying roles such as Information Security Analyst or Penetration Tester, a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity might be a better option.
What options are available for a cybersecurity degree online?
Students searching for ‘cybersecurity colleges near me’ can explore online cybersecurity programs. There are multiple available options they can explore. These include different entry-level and advanced programs.
However, students must keep in mind that online computer science degrees are not equivalent to cybersecurity bachelors. They are two different fields with different curriculum and learning outcomes.
Here is a brief overview of the types of online cybersecurity degrees.
Associate degree
Associate degrees span over two years and require completion of 60 credit hours. They impart a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge enabling graduates to gain entry-level jobs in the professional field.
Community colleges generally offer a wide array of associate degrees. They are relatively less costly than a bachelor’s degree and focus more on building basic technical skills which are ideal for basic maintenance roles.
Cybersecurity bachelors
Different colleges offer different undergraduate-level programs in cybersecurity. The most common is a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. It features compulsory core natural science subjects such as mathematics and English.
Some universities also offer an applied science variant known as Bachelor of Applied Sciences which focuses on building practically implementable technical and quantitative skills.
A Bachelor of Arts degree has basic core courses from the arts and humanities fields such as communication, and history. However, the general takeout from both degrees, in terms of skills learned and value gained is very similar.
Masters
After completing their bachelor’s, students can also explore an online master’s degree in cybersecurity. It is an ideal option for those who want to build specialized skills in a particular branch of cybersecurity.
Get a cybersecurity degree online for a well-paying career!
Online degrees are so much more beneficial than traditional on-campus degrees while being just as credible. Students enjoy greater flexibility, and convenience while getting the same quality of education, just virtually.
Moreover, pursuing a cybersecurity degree online is a lot more financially feasible than a traditional degree. Online degrees typically have lower tuition, and students save a significant amount of money on transport costs and other expenses.
However, if you are interested in pursuing a traditional cybersecurity degree, refer to our list of colleges with cybersecurity majors.