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Choosing the Right Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
When it comes to online BS programs in cyber security , it pays to choose wisely. Distance learning is progressing, but there are still a number of bachelor’s degrees with mediocre teaching and outdated technologies. Before you sign on the dotted line:
- Make sure there is rigorous training in foundation skills. This means technical, hands-on work with real relevance to what’s happening in the private sector. Employers want to see BS candidates who know IT from the ground up.
- Discover who your teachers will be. This is especially important in an online setting, since you may need extra support and encouragement on the technical side. Do your professors have experience in the private sector or government (e.g. FBI, CIA, etc.)? Have they received education awards? How much time have they spent in online teaching?
- Ask to view a course demo. Look for programs that give you constant access to your professors and the chance to work with other students. Cyber security is built on business communication.
- Examine rankings & reviews. You might consider schools that do well in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and/or Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs, or our own rankings of the best online Cyber Security Bachelor’s degrees. Or you can try searching Quora for reviews or contacting alumni through LinkedIn for their opinions. Alumni can also tell you what kinds of jobs they found after graduation.
- Learn whether your school is designated CAE IA/CD. You don’t have to go to a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity school—many strong programs have opted out of the process—but it’s a useful benchmark of quality.
Things to Look For
Once you have a few finalists, you can start to compare their strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Labs: Does the BS include virtual labs where you can work on real-world projects (e.g. hack attacks)?
- Certifications: What early-career professional certifications (e.g. Security+) does the program prepare you for?
- Portfolio: Is there a capstone project in your senior year? Can you build an online portfolio to show employers?
- Networking: Does the school arrange internships in your local area? Do they help you attend conferences & meetings? Do they give you a chance to visit campus and meet your fellow students?
- Employment: What is the job placement rate for online students? How does the program connect you to employers?
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
All Online Bachelor in Cyber Security Programs
Below are all the matching online programs we found in our directory, from 66 US schools.
School Name | Programs | NSA |
---|---|---|
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security American Military University offers two online Bachelor of Science programs for students interested in cybersecurity. The B.S. in Information Systems Security provides theory and hands-on technical experience that prepares students for jobs in business, government, or the military. Students can concentrate in application security, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital forensics, or enterprise security. The B.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students for careers such as cybersecurity investigator, or to work as consultants or analysts in the cybersecurity field. No specific concentrations are offered for the B.S. in Cybersecurity. Both programs are offered through the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and both require students to complete 122 credit hours. The programs meet Department of Defense topical requirements for certain job categories. | |
Baker College | Allen Park, Michigan Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security – Concentration in Information Assurance Baker College offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security. Students in the program take 71 quarter hours in IT class requirements and are also required to pursue a more specialized major that involves another 52 or more quarter hours. Majors available are information assurance, internetworking administration, Cisco network professional, and Microsoft system administration. Including general studies requirements, students must complete at least 187 quarter hours to earn the degree. Online classes are offered in six-week sessions. Baker College has an employer/industry advisory board that reviews the program annually to make sure that is up-to-date on industry trends and needs. | |
Bellevue University | Bellevue, Nebraska Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that can be completed entirely online. The program covers both technical and non-technical security skills and teaches students to apply those skills in a variety of cybersecurity environments. Cybersecurity students complete 36 credits in the major, and they must earn 127 credits, including general education requirements, to complete the degree. Bellevue has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Bellevue maintains a Center for Cybersecurity Education to offer student resources, such as a virtual lab. The center also offers community outreach programs and provides a wide range of interdisciplinary degree programs. | NSA CAE |
Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland Bachelor of Science in Management of Cyber and Information Technology | NSA CAE |
Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Charter Oak State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that prepares students for a career in information assurance, IT security, cybersecurity or information systems security. Students are required to come to the campus in Connecticut for a cornerstone seminar in their first term and for a capstone at the end of their studies. All other courses can be taken online. Applicants to the program should have some computer experience and have an aptitude for IT. The curriculum for the cybersecurity major includes coursework in both computer science and information technology. Students must earn at least 36 credits in the major and 120 credits overall to earn the degree. Charter Oak offers generous transfer credit and awards credit for prior learning. | |
City University of Seattle | Seattle, Washington Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Cyber Forensic Investigation Emphasis Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Emphasis in Information Security City University of Seattle has an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that allows students to specialize in information security or networking. The program requires students to complete 180 credits, including general studies requirements. IT majors take classes in topics such as human-computer interaction, information management, operating systems, information security, systems analysis, and IT ethics. Students in the information security emphasis track also take classes such as policy and audits, IT compliance, network security, and cybercrime. For their capstone, students form an interdisciplinary team to apply their skills to a real-world problem. Some students can complete the program in as little as two and a half years. | NSA CAE |
Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs, Colorado Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Cybercrime and Security The online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at Colorado Technical allows student to specialize in computer systems security or information assurance, or to pursue a general degree. All students who complete the B.S. can take either the CompTIA Security + or Network+ certification exam to boost their credentials for a career in cybersecurity. Overall, the degree requires 186 credits, including 70 general education credits. The core curriculum for the cybersecurity major has 13 courses, including a capstone class. Another 64 credits are dedicated to the concentration area. Colorado Technical University has educational alliances with dozens of organizations around the U.S. and offers tuition grants to employees of these organizations. CTU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense. | NSA CAE |
Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, Alabama Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cyber Security | |
Dakota State University | Madison, South Dakota Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration Cyber Operations, B.S. Students in the online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations program at Dakota State University spend a lot of time looking into the mentality, motivations and techniques of cyber attackers. They also learn to analyze malware, and to reverse engineer and exploit software. The 120-credit curriculum includes a heavy emphasis on programming, math and networking. DSU has a 100 percent placement rate for cyber operations graduates, with grads hired by the National Security Agency, Sandia National Lab and other organizations. Cyber operations students may be eligible for the DSU Cyber Scholarship, which provides a full-ride scholarship and a stipend of $20,000 per year. DSU’s program is one of only 13 to receive NSA designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. | NSA CAE |
Davenport University | Grand Rapids, Michigan BS in Cyber Defense Students in the online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense program at Davenport University have a choice of specialties: health care information and assurance, or information assurance. Classwork covers protecting information assets from both the business and technology perspectives, and students gain skills through hands-on tools and case studies. Students must complete 120 credits for the B.S., including 30 credits in general education courses, 15 credits in the foundations of cyber defense, 45 credits in the cyber defense major, and 12 credits in the specialty area. Student can earn an additional specialty in mathematical modeling by taking three more math classes. The NSA and Department of Homeland Security have named Davenport University a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
DeVry University | New York, New York Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems – Computer Forensics Bachelor’s in Justice Administration – Digital Forensics Bachelors of Computer Information Systems – Cyber Security Programming | |
Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology | NSA CAE |
ECPI University | Virginia Beach, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science – Cyber and Network Security Major Students in the program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science at ECPI University can choose a concentration in cyber and network security. Students can complete the degree in a 100 percent online environment with no requirements to visit campus. The bachelor’s degree is a 120-credit program, including 28 credits in computing classes, 37 credits in required cybersecurity courses, and 15 credits in computing electives. Students in this major must complete either a capstone project or an externship. ECPI’s online classes are delivered in five-week terms and include hands-on experience with technology currently used in the security industry. Students may be able to complete the degree in as few as 30 months. | |
Excelsior College | Albany, New York Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with dual degree option for MS (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with dual degree option for MS (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology with dual degree option for MBA (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology with dual degree option for MBA (Cybersecurity) Excelsior College offers an online program leading to dual degrees in two in-demand fields. Students who complete the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology plus an MBA with a concentration in cybersecurity. After earning the bachelor’s degree, students must take a six-credit bridge component to prepare for MBA coursework. The MBA requires 30 credits, including nine credits in the cybersecurity concentration and a capstone project. Classes are delivered online and students can access the material at a time that fits their schedule. Excelsior specializes in adult education and grants transfer credit for courses taken at other colleges, in the military, or through industry training programs. | NSA CAE |
Ferris State University | Big Rapids, Michigan Information Security and Intelligence – 5 Year BS and MS | NSA CAE |
Fountainhead College of Technology | Knoxville, Tennessee Bachelor of Applied Science in Network Security & Forensics Students who already have an associate degree in a technical area can complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Network Security & Forensics in four semesters of full-time online study through Fountainhead College of Technology. The degree completion program includes 34 credits in security courses and 32 credits in general education requirements. Applicants with a non-technical degree at the associate level or higher must be able to demonstrate they are proficient in computer operation and repair and in network administration and configuration. Proficiency can be proved by certifications or special exams. Fountainhead’s IT instructors all have practical experience working for government agencies, the military, and major corporations. Fountainhead College has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
Franklin University | Columbus, Ohio Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Franklin University has an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. Students gain real-world experience by working with a local business or non-profit, providing the organization with a risk assessment, security plan, and other cybersecurity services. The program requires students to complete 40 credits in the major area as well as 18 credits in professional core classes. Franklin also offers a subsequent bachelor’s program in cybersecurity for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and want to change careers. Franklin specializes in teaching adult learners and offers flexible schedules with classes in six-, 12-, or 15-week modules. The school accepts up to 94 transfer credits to enable students to complete their degree faster. | |
George Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia BAS Concentration in Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
Johnson & Wales University | Providence, Rhode Island Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Organizational Risk and Cyber Security Management | |
Keiser University | Fort Lauderdale, Florida BS in Cybersecurity Students who already have an associate of science degree in a computer-related subject from an accredited college can receive a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics/Information Security though an online degree-completion program that Keiser University offers. The bachelor’s degree prepares students with the skills needed to enter a career focused on preventing and detecting cybercrimes. Keiser’s program requires student to complete 60 upper division credits, including 51 credits in the cyber forensics/information security major. Required courses cover topics such as database management systems, digital media forensics, network defense and countermeasures, ethics, criminal evidence and procedures, and security policies and disaster preparedness. | |
Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) concentration on Information Security and Assurance (ISA) Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Security & Assurance Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Students interested in information assurance from either a technical or business perspective can pursue an appropriate online bachelor’s degree through Kennesaw State University. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology can concentrate in information assurance and security. Students complete 41 credits in upper division IT classes, with topics such as database systems, operating system concepts, and Unix/Linux. Majors also take three or four technical electives in the concentration area, such as ethical hacking, computer forensics, and wireless security. The Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Security and Assurance combines coursework in cybersecurity, information security management, programming and networks with traditional business classes such as accounting, finance and marketing. Kennesaw State has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance. | NSA CAE |
Lewis University | Romeoville, Illinois BS in Information Security and Risk Management Lewis University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Risk Management degree program is available 100 percent online. The program, offered by the College of Business, combines technical knowledge and business theory, with students studying information security, risk management, security management, data communications, computer forensics, and IT operations. Students who complete the degree are prepared to take certification tests for recognized designations such as Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker. Online students have 24/7 access to a virtual lab where they can do hands-on programming, hacking and other assignments. Lewis also offers an internship program where students work at Chicago area organizations. Because Lewis is a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, program students have access to specialized federal scholarships. | NSA CAE |
Liberty University | Lynchburg, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Data Networking and Security Online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems – Information Assurance | |
Limestone College | Gaffney, South Carolina Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Computer and Information Systems Security Limestone College has an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in computer and information systems security. Graduates of the program are prepared to take certification exams for several in-demand professional certifications, such as the CISSP and CompTIA Security. Courses in the major cover topics such as operating systems and networking fundamentals, cryptography and access control, compliance and regulations, information security and risk management, and disaster recovery planning. At the end of their studies, students plan, research and develop a capstone project and pass comprehensive examinations. Limestone requires students to complete 123 credits, including general education requirements and electives, to earn their bachelor’s degree. | |
Maryville University | Saint Louis, Missouri Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security at Maryville University is housed within the John E. Simon School of Business and gives students business literacy as well as the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity. Program instructors include experts from the FBI and Fortune 500 companies as well as the business faculty. Coursework can be completed 100 percent online, and students can graduate within two and a half years after completing all their general education requirements. Cybersecurity majors take 36 to 39 credits in business core classes and 30 credits in cybersecurity classes, where they can choose a defensive, offensive, or general track. Graduates of the program are prepared to prove their security skills by taking certification exams such as Certified Ethical Hacker or Comp TIA Security+. | |
Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, New York Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Mercy College has a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that can be taken completely online. Graduates of the program are ready for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity. To further their career prospects, graduates are also ready to take professional certification exams for designations such as Security+. The curriculum requires students to take at least 48 credits in cybersecurity-related courses. Foundational courses cover topics such as computing, database applications, and computer networks. Courses in the major cover topics such as database management systems, cryptography, computer forensics, and disaster recovery. Degree-seeking students must complete 60 credits in general education classes and a total of 120 credits. Mercy also offers an accelerated BS+MS dual degree in cybersecurity. | NSA CAE |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, Colorado Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | |
Middle Georgia State University | Cochran, Georgia Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cyber Forensics Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cyber Forensics Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
Montreat College | Montreat, North Carolina Bachelors of Science in Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
National American University | Albuquerque, New Mexico BS Information Technology – Computer Security and Forensics North American University has an online degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an emphasis on computer security and forensics. Key courses in the emphasis area cover topics such as internet security, cybercrime and information systems, forensic methods, network security and computer forensics. Online classes last for either eight weeks or 11 weeks, with a new term starting every 11 weeks. Adult students may be eligible for academic credit for prior training or work experience. NAU’s faculty has real-world experience in the field. | |
Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program at Norwich University can choose from two concentrations: computer forensics and vulnerability management or information warfare and security management. Norwich’s program is a degree-completion program designed for working adults who already have experience in the IT field and who want to increase their job skills and earning potential. Applicants must have already earned at least 30 college credits, and the university accepts up to 90 transfer credits. It also grants credit for prior learning and military training. All classes are offered online in eight-week sessions. The academic calendar has three trimesters each year, and two eight-week sessions are offered each trimester, so students can take classes year round. | NSA CAE |
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee | Okmulgee, Oklahoma Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies – Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee has a program leading to a Bachelor of Technology in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. Students who enter this program are required to earn 121 credits, including 70 credits in technical classes and 50 credits in general education requirements. Students must keep their GPA above 2.5 and earn a grade of C or higher in all major courses. Students are required to complete an internship. Students can apply to the BT program after completing an associate of applied science or higher degree. All classes needed for the degree are available online, and courses are delivered in an asynchronous format so students can access the material at a time they choose. Technical concepts are taught through Virtual Machine and simulations. | |
Old Dominion University | Norfolk, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Minor in Cybersecurity | |
Pace University-New York | New York, New York Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies – Computer Forensics Concentration The Seidenberg School of Computer Sciences and Information Systems at Pace University offers a 100 percent online degree-completion program that results in a Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies with a Computer Forensics Concentration. The program prepares students for a job in law enforcement, government, or a private corporation. Students are expected to transfer in at least 56 credits. Classes required for the major include 20 credits in IT foundation classes and 20 credits in the computer forensics focus area. Some required classes include computer file systems forensics, cyber law and evidence admissibility, and crime and public policy. The degree requires 120 credits, and students may be able to finish the program in less than 2.5 years by taking two courses per semester. | NSA CAE |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science Degree in Security And Risk Analysis (SRA) Bachelor of Science Degree in Security And Risk Analysis (SRA): Intelligence Analysis and Modeling The College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State offers an online Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis with a concentration in information and cybersecurity. The 120-credit degree gives students skills in designing security systems, evaluating risk, and maintaining proper levels of privacy for users. To earn the degree, students must complete 94 credits within the major, including 21 credits in the information and cybersecurity option. Cybersecurity classes cover topics such as computer forensics, information security management, and network security. Students must also meet the university’s requirements for general education courses to receive their degree. Penn State is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense and a Center of Academic Excellence for the Intelligence Community. | NSA CAE |
Post University | Waterbury, Connecticut Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity | |
Purdue University Global | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | |
Regent University | Virginia Beach, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Cyber & Digital Forensics Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Regent University has a fully online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Graduates will be prepared for careers in technology and network security in fields such as government, manufacturing, and private industry. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credits, including general education requirements. Cybersecurity majors take 24 credits in information systems and 24 credits in cybersecurity. Regent is a Christian university and the cybersecurity program includes a strong ethical foundation. Classes are taught from a biblical perspective. Regent offers a scholarship award to entering oline students who transfer from a state community college in Virginia or North Carolina with an associate degree. | |
Robert Morris University | Moon Township, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics and Information Security | |
Roger Williams University | Bristol, Rhode Island Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Networking | |
Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, Florida Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
Saint Louis University-Main Campus | Saint Louis, Missouri Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems – Information Security and Assurance Track Online Bachelor of Science in Security and Strategic Intelligence Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies offers an information security and assurance track in its online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. The B.S. degree requires students to complete 120 credit hours, including 48 credits in core curriculum, 33 credits in computer science foundation courses, and 12 credits in courses for the information security and assurance track. Classes for this major are delivered in an eight-week accelerated format. The program is designed for adult learners, and applicants must be at least 22 years old and have at least three years of work experience in addition to a high school diploma or GED. The School for Professional Studies uses a rolling admissions process. | |
Salem International University | Salem, West Virginia Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Students who are earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Salem International University can specialize in cybersecurity. Students with this major must take 10 core courses in information technology and an additional five courses in the cybersecurity specialization. Online courses are delivered in a four-week format and are designed to be flexible so that working students can arrange them around their job. Students may enter the program at any monthly start date. Salem International requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED to enter the program. Applicants must submit official high school transcripts or evidence they have completed GED requirements. Transfer students must submit transcripts from any colleges they have attended. | |
Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, Illinois Bachelors in Information Systems Technologies – Network and Information Security Emphasis Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus offers an online degree completion program for students who want a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technologies with a Network and Information Security emphasis. Applicants should already have completed the 41 credits in university core curriculum requirements and 21 credits in career course requirements, earning a GPA of at least 2.5. Those prerequisites can be met through an associate degree program at a community college. The information systems technology degree requires 58 credits in the major, including 28 credits in required courses and 30 credits in the emphasis area. Network and information security majors take classes in WAN networks, information storage and management, network security, enterprise networks, and ethics and security in information systems. | NSA CAE |
Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, New Hampshire Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies – Cyber Security Southern New Hampshire University has an online program leading to Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies with a concentration in Cyber Security. This 120-credit degree requires students to complete SNHU’s general education program, with 45 credits spread over areas including English, math, fine arts and humanities, social sciences, and history. All students in this major must complete a two-part capstone course where students work with a team of classmates to complete a project. SNHU’s online classes for undergraduates are delivered in eight-week terms, with six terms per year. The university has a rolling admissions policy, and students can enter at the start of any term. Students who enter a bachelor’s degree program can transfer up to 90 credits from accredited schools attended. | |
Strayer University | Arlington, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Cyber Security Technology Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Digital Forensics Technology Students in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program that Strayer University offers online can choose a concentration in cybersecurity technology or in digital forensics technology. IT majors take courses such as computer architecture, human computer interaction, systems analysis and development, and networking security fundamentals. Digital forensics students also take classes in topics such as computer forensic technology and network penetration testing, and students in the cybersecurity concentration take specialized courses such as perimeter defense techniques. IT students complete a senior capstone project where they create information technology solutions to a real-world problem or project. IT majors can also prepare to take recognized certification tests such as CompTIA Network+. | |
Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Sullivan University has an online option for students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Network Security. This program requires students to complete at least 180 credits, and students who attend full time including summers may be able to complete the degree in as few as 36 months. The degree is also open to students who have an associate degree in a related field. Some courses in the curriculum could qualify students to take exams for various professional certifications, such as those offered by CompTIA, that can make the student a more desirable hire for some employers. Sullivan uses a rolling admissions policy. Classes start in January, March, June, and September. Students can access online classwork on their own schedule at any time. | |
SUNY at Albany | Albany, New York BS in Informatics – Cybersecurity Concentration | NSA CAE |
The Sage Colleges | Troy, New York Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity | |
The University of Montana | Missoula, Montana Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, Texas Online Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies | NSA CAE |
University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, Arizona Network Security Bachelor of Science The Bachelor of Science in Network Security that the University of Advancing Technologies offers online has been recognized by the federal government as a cybersecurity degree for ethical hackers. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credits, including general studies requirements. Network security students complete 36 credits in the major and are also required to complete a portfolio, perform an internship, and complete a student innovation project. Courses within the major are divided into conceptual/foundational classes such as reverse engineering, skills development courses such as programming for hackers, and synthesis courses such as network defense and countermeasures. Under the skills category, students can even earn academic credit in a class where they prepare for and participate in collegiate cyber defense competitions. | NSA CAE |
University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona BAS in Cyber Operations The University of Arizona South offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations that prepares students for cyber-related jobs in industries such as law enforcement, defense, or private corporations. The program requires a separate application after a student is admitted to the University of Arizona. Applicants should have an Associate of Applied Science or a work background in cybersecurity or IT. The university has transfer pathway agreements for students who earned the A.A.S. at an Arizona community college to allow a seamless transfer. Students who don’t have the A.A.S. or employment background are advised to take some computer information science classes before applying to the degree program. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 2.5. | NSA CAE |
University of Illinois at Springfield | Springfield, Illinois Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security The Computer Science Department and the Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance at the University of Illinois at Springfield offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security that is available to online students. Applicants to the upper-division program must have completed two semesters of Java programming, at least one calculus class, and a class in statistics. Coursework in the program covers topics such as designing and implementing secure systems, security assessment, and the ethics of computer security. Many of the learning activities are hands-on and involve cutting-edge technologies. Graduates are prepared for a career in computer security or for graduate school. The University of Illinois at Springfield has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta, Maine Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity The University of Maine at Augusta offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that takes a multidisciplinary approach to the subject. Along with courses in computer science and technology, students can take related classes from the humanities and social sciences, such as classes in crisis communication and philosophy of social media. Students will prepare for careers in fields such as security analysis, information assurance, or digital forensics. Required courses for the degree are offered completely online. The cybersecurity program is a joint program offered through a partnership that includes the University of Maine at Augusta and several other Maine universities. UMA has a rolling admissions policy, allowing students to apply when they are ready and to start courses in the spring, fall, or summer semester. | NSA CAE |
University of Maine at Fort Kent | Fort Kent, Maine Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity The University of Maine at Fort Kent has an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. New students who have not attended college previously and who attend full time can complete the program in eight semesters. Students in this major must take at least 37 credits in cybersecurity courses, including the option for a cybersecurity internship. Cybersecurity majors also complete a cyber defense capstone project or a cybersecurity portfolio. Applicants must submit a personal essay and writing sample, official transcripts from their high school or GED score, and college transcripts if they have completed any college courses. Applicants who are in high school or are a recent graduate must also submit a recommendation from a counselor or teacher. | NSA CAE |
University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy BS in Computer Networks and Security BS in Software Development and Security The University of Maryland’s University College has three online options for undergraduates interested in cybersecurity. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy is designed for students who want a leadership role in protecting data assets. The B.S. in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity is for students who are interested in computer networking and who want to design, implement, administer and secure corporate networks. The Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Security gives students the knowledge needed to maintain the security of software-related components. All these bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits, including general studies requirements. Students who earn any of the cybersecurity degrees will have the background necessary to take industry-recognized certification exams, such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Computer Examiner. | NSA CAE |
University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | |
University of the Potomac | Vienna, Virginia Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Policy | |
Walden University | Minneapolis, Minnesota Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Cyber Security For Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Cyber Security For Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Cyber Security And Forensics Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Cyber Security And Forensics | NSA CAE |
Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, Utah Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Online Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security Students in the online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Security program at Western Governors University earn eight industry-recognized certifications as part of their degree, including CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, Linux+, and Project+, and two Cisco Certified Network Associate certificates. The program is designed for IT workers who want to advance their careers or move into cybersecurity. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to prove they have adequate IT experience by submitting evidence such as an associate degree in a related field, proof of completing high-level technical courses, a high-level IT certification, or having at least three years of IT work experience. Students are required to complete a capstone project solving a real-world issue in their workplace. | |
Wilmington University | New Castle, Delaware Computer and Network Security (BS Completion Program) Students who have an associate degree can complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Network Security in an online program offered through Wilmington University. Wilmington accepts up to 75 transfer credits. Students gain skills in digital information security, computer forensics, and information assurance. Required courses include seven “support core” classes covering math, criminal justice, and ethics. The “security core” includes 14 courses in topics such as data integrity, web and data security, network management, and firewall and perimeter security. Students have the option of working a co-op for academic credit. Graduates of the program will have knowledge necessary to take exams for industry recognized certifications such as CISSP, Security+ and CompTIA Network+. Wilmington is a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity. | NSA CAE |
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