As cyber crimes become a greater risk to individuals, companies, and even countries, cybersecurity is more necessary than ever before. The field is also growing at a tremendous rate, offering diverse opportunities in engineering and management.
If you’re interested in pursuing such a career, a cybersecurity degree can open many doors. Let’s take a look at the best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2023, and how they can help you secure a job.
Champlain College Online
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Bachelor’s Degree: $38,160
Master’s Degree: $26,235
Champlain College offers both an online bachelor’s degree as well as an online master’s degree in Information Security. The bachelor’s degree provides both the technical and critical thinking skills to excel in cybersecurity, whereas the master’s degree teaches students to manage a company’s network operations.
The curriculum also helps students join the workforce by offering a Fast Start Formula Career Course. This course, which follows an intensive four-year program, helps connect graduating students with suitable employers.
Shutterstock: John ArehartWestern Governors University
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Bachelor’s Degree: $25,470
Master’s Degree: $17,180
The cybersecurity programs at Western Governors University are designed for working students and offer flexible scheduling. The bachelor’s degree may be accommodating, but it is no breeze. While 100 percent of applicants are accepted into the program, only 54 percent earn their degrees.
The curriculum promises to boost a student’s theoretical knowledge, with mandatory classes on information security, data management, and legal issues. Students who graduate will be eligible to work as cybersecurity engineers or analysts.
Shutterstock: JHVEPhotoPurdue University Global
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Bachelor’s Degree: $66,780 (or $371 per credit for 180 credits)
This online university has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA). In other words, it offers one of the most thorough cybersecurity degrees in the country.
The program consolidates six different specializations. Students are taught cloud computing, analytics, supply chain, data management, programming, and game development. Purdue also offers an ExcelTrack version of the program, which allows students to complete their degree faster and at a reduced cost.
Shutterstock: Jonathan WeissNorwich University Online
Location: Northfield, Vermont
Bachelor’s Degree: $45,000
Master’s Degree: $30,600
The cyber security degrees at this historic military college are earned through project-based courses. Students will get hands-on experience working on cyber investigation, Malware forensics, and defense information warfare.
The variety of concentrations in the bachelor’s program allows students to broaden their knowledge base. Then, if they choose to pursue a master’s degree, they can select a specialty. Norwich University’s program is considered highly customized, as it adapts to the student’s choice of focus.
Shutterstock: Erika J MitchellAmerican Public University System
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Bachelor’s Degree: $34,200
Master’s Degree: $13,320
American Public University System (APUS) provides a general bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. However, it also offers specialized concentrations in critical infrastructure, wireless and mobile security, digital forensics, or privacy and surveillance.
Online students use the educational platform MyClassroom to learn theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and to complete their assignments. While APUS accepts 100 percent of applicants, only 18 percent of undergraduates complete the program. So, study hard!
Shutterstock: Dusan PetkovicAre Cybersecurity Degrees Necessary?
Cybersecurity degrees qualify students for a range of cyber defense careers in the finance, business, and communications sectors. Prospective analysts and engineers learn how to defend computer operating systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks. The combination of classroom lectures and practical simulations is far more thorough than a self-educated approach.
Despite over 1 million cyber security jobs being available in 2023, less than 400,000 professionals are trained for them. This statistic leaves little doubt that cybersecurity degrees have enormous value amongst employers, and will continue to gather merit over the coming years.
Song_about_summer / ShutterstockA Secure Career Choice
Cybersecurity jobs are already on the rise, and that demand is set to grow further. 76 percent of company boards recognize that they require more cybersecurity personnel. In addition, careers throughout the field are set to expand by 18 percent over the next five years.
Pursuing a career in cyber security can be financially rewarding. Entry level analysts make an average salary of $74,341 per year. For these reasons, cyber security is an excellent path toward a fulfilling career.
ShutterstockThe Best Fit For You
While these institutions are among the best online cybersecurity degree programs, there are many alternative colleges and universities to explore. Most of these degrees take four years to complete, although some offer fast-track options at a reduced tuition.
Speaking of tuition, you’ll notice that these institutions charge wildly different fees for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Research each program to gain a better understanding of why these programs vary in price, and find out what graduates have to say about their experiences. With a little reconnaissance, you’ll determine the best fit for you.
Shutterstock: Den Rise