Cybersecurity is today among the fast-growing professions in the world and an online degree in this field is one of the best degrees in the IT field.
In the next few years, cybersecurity jobs will still be one of the most in-demand jobs worldwide. Statistic for job growth is looking promising for those with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
There are flexible opportunities online where you can earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity offers a more flexible schedule than attending classes on campus.
Let’s talk about how to choose the best online bachelor’s program in cybersecurity.
How to Choose the Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
As a prospective student who wants to earn an online degree in cybersecurity, here are a few factors to consider.
Accreditation
Before you apply to an online degree program, make sure you look at programmatic and institutional accreditation. Do thorough research to know the online program and institution you are applying to.
Your institution of choice should hold regional accreditation by recognized agencies. Attending an unaccredited institution is unwise and it will affect you during your study and after graduation.
According to Bestcolleges.com, cybersecurity programs are usually accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Computing Accreditation Commission and the National Centers for Academic Excellence.
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Program’s Format
Online bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity allow online learners to choose between asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. The latter involves programs that have meeting times.
Asynchronous programs on the other allow online learners to complete lessons at their own pace.
Location
You also need to consider your location before you enrol in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Most online bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity may include campus-based requirements. This is a good reason to consider your location before choosing a program.
What Is the Cost of an Online Degree in Cybersecurity?
The cost to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will vary based on different factors.
Private institutions cost more to attend than public institutions. And you also have to look at state residency as well.
The estimated cost per credit hour for an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity ranges from $300 to $660.
Types of Degrees in Cybersecurity
Below are types of online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Computer Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering in Cybersecurity
List of Institutions Offering the Best Online Degrees in Cybersecurity
Here are the top institutions that offer the best online degree in cybersecurity;
- Pennsylvania State World Campus
- Drexel University
- Southern New Hampshire University Online
- American Public University System
- Syracuse University
- Old Dominion University
- Maryville University
- Kennesaw State University
- Western Governors University
- University of North Dakota
- University of Maryland, Global Campus
- Robert Morris University
- Liberty University
- Norwich University
- Bellevue University
Best Online Degrees in Cybersecurity
Check out the top institutions that provide the best online degree programs in cybersecurity.
#1. Penn State World Campus
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Penn State World Campus is one of America’s finest online campuses. This institution offers an online Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis.
The online program offered at Penn State World Campus helps students acquire basic skills to handle real-world problems. The online program also allows students to work at their own pace to earn an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity.
#2. Drexel University
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Here is another Philadelphia-based university on this list. Drexel University, a private institution offers a BS in computing and security technology.
Through this online bachelor’s degree, Drexel’s faculty educates several online learners in cybersecurity. The online program is designed to prepare students for exciting careers.
The online program also recommends that online learners acquire more work experience through internships and related jobs.
#3. Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Location: Manchester and Hooksett
Southern New Hampshire University provides an online BS in cybersecurity. The online program at SNHU consists of 120 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this SNHU online bachelor’s degree in four years.
The program’s core coursework incorporates computer operating systems, network security, and a foundation in application development.
#4. American Public University System
- Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
American Public University System or APUS for short, is a private online university system headquartered in Charles Town, WV.
The institution offers an online BS in cybersecurity and it allows online learners to complete their coursework using MyClassrom.
Full-time students usually complete the program’s 120 credit hours in four years.
Also Read: 15 Best Online Degrees in Information Technology 2024
#5. Syracuse University
- Location: Syracuse, New York
Established in 1870, Syracuse University is one of New York’s top private research institutions.
Syracuse University offers an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Administration. The online undergraduate program consists of 120 credit hours and its coursework includes independent studies and interactive online sessions.
#6. Old Dominion University
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University in Norfolk is a public research institution that offers an online BS in cybersecurity.
The online cybersecurity degree prepares students with skills to handle cyber threats that may emerge with new advances in technology.
#7. Maryville University of St. Louis
- Location: Town and Country, Missouri
Established in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, Maryville University is a private institution with over 11,000 students attending on campus.
The university’s online cybersecurity degree is available for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Maryville’s online degree in cybersecurity covers important topics like cyber law, database design, digital forensics, etc.
#8. Kennesaw State University
- Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw State University in Georgia provides a wide range of options for online learners. Through Kennesaw’s online program, you will learn the technical skills required in the field of cybersecurity.
Programs offered at Kennesaw include a Bachelor in Business Administration in Information Security and Assurance, a BS in Criminal Justice, and a BS in Information Technology.
Also Read: 15 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#9. Western Governors University
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
If you are looking for an online degree program in cybersecurity with a flexible schedule, Western Governors University got you covered. The university’s online program curriculum is designed for working students.
Western Governors University offers an online MS in cyber security and information assurance. It’s an online program that allows working professionals to acquire more experience for an exciting career in cybersecurity.
#10. University of North Dakota
- Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers one of the best online degrees in cybersecurity. It offers an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity through its College of Engineering and Mines.
Students enrolled in this online program also take courses in circuit analysis, computer-aided measurements and controls, and signals and systems.
#11. University of Maryland, Global Campus
- Location: Adelphi, Maryland
The University of Maryland’s Global Campus offers an online master’s degree program in cybersecurity. The online program combines the traditional college coursework and it also offers real experienced training in cybersecurity.
#12. Robert Morris University
- Location: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA provides an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity. The online program’s curriculum focuses on both business and cyber technology.
Through RMU’s online bachelor’s in cybersecurity, you will about operating systems concepts, database management systems project management, and Python programming language.
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#13. Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University offers an online bachelor’s degree in information assurance. Classes are asynchronous and the program’s curriculum requires a capstone project.
LU’s online master’s degree in cybersecurity is designed to prepare with skills to prevent and identify an organization’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
#14. Norwich University
- Location: Northfield, Vermont
Norwich University is another institution that offers an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity for working professionals.
The university’s online master’s degree allows working professionals to choose from several concentrations available. Students can also choose from several electives.
#15. Bellevue University
- Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Bellevue University completes this list of the best online degrees in cybersecurity. This university offers both an online bachelor’s and master’s degree in cybersecurity.
The online cybersecurity program offered at Bellevue teaches online learners about theories and strategies as well as fundamental cybersecurity concepts.
Conclusion
Whether you are seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in cybersecurity, an online degree in this field is rewarding and has job prospects.
Attending an accredited college or university is essential to getting lucrative jobs.