Online Cyber Security Degrees

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Online Cyber Security Degree

Many online schools offer cyber security degrees to meet industry demand. Data breaches are on the rise. Yet there is an acute shortage of skilled staff to fill over 1.8 million new jobs. If you enjoy computers, now may be an ideal time to earn a cyber security degree online.  

A cyber security degree aims to arm you with the knowledge and skills to defend systems, networks and data. As you learn theory and also learn about cyber attacks of all kinds, it is a technical degree. Most cyber security degrees are sub sets of comp sci. You may find them listed under other names too. Of them, Information Assurance and Information Security (Info Sec) are the most common.

One may find cyber security degrees at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD. Many schools and private sources also offer cyber security scholarships to offset costs. At each level, you may study tools, techniques and protocols. Like how to prevent attacks, lessen their effects and design strong lines of defense.

Cyber security bachelor’s degrees are entry level. They often provide intense training in foundation skills. You tend to learn about policy and audits, IT compliance, network security, and cyber crime. Master’s in cyber security are often for a person midway in their career. And who now want to shift into a manager based role. As such, they cover ways to make data driven decisions, budget and lead. PhD in cyber security are research focused. They often appeal to people who want to direct defense strategy. And those who want to teach, consult and craft policies.

When researching schools, you may find ones that are national centers. These have the approval of two gov’t agencies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS). And the National Security Agency (NSA).

Bachelor’s in Cyber Security

There are two forms of online bachelor’s programs. Bachelor of Arts (BA) where you study liberal arts. And Bachelor of Science (BS) where you take more comp sci and math courses. Most programs cover a wide range of topics in 120 credit hours or more. These often take a full time student four years to complete.

Online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees at this level is to prep you to enter the cyber work force. As such, they cover a wide range of basics. Things like how to spot risks, design secure systems and write safe computer codes. You assess and investigate the misuse of data and info systems too. This may help you hone skills as a problem solver.  

To get into an online cyber bachelor’s, you need to have a high school diploma or its equal. Plus meet any other standards set by the school. This may mean having a certain GPA. Or a background in comp sci. Tuition varies from one school to the next. If you study at a public school and in state, the average cost is $6,600. For out of state private schools, it is about $27,930.

Master’s Degree in Cyber Security

Most online schools award a Master of Science (MS) in cyber security. There are MBA programs too. These focus more on business skills and how they relate to info sec. The MS and MBA are grad degrees. They presume you have a basic knowledge of computer security. And want to go deeper. To do this, they often cover from 30 to 36 credits. This may take from one to three years depending on your course load.

These courses often include topics for manager based roles. Things like how to oversee people, IT projects and tactics. Along with this, you may take a slew of computer courses. Networks, intrusion detection, ethical hacking, etc. These courses help you refine technical security skills. And learn to manage complex systems. Many employers today look for these skills to fill advanced roles.

Aside from a bachelor’s, each school sets the bar for admission. You may need to meet a GPA or GRE range. And, have a few solid years in the work force. Tuition varies for online cyber security master’s too. Per recent data the average cost is $11,617 . That’s if you study at a public college.  

PhD in Cyber Security

An online PhD in cyber security is a research degree. Some online schools also offer a Doctor of Computer Science which is more technical. These are the highest degrees you can earn in info sec. They may prep you to form policies for internet and homeland security. Or innovate in AI.

Most programs cover 60 credits or more. And there may be two ways to enter. One is with a bachelor’s. The other, with a MS or MBA. As such the time it takes to complete your PhD may range from three to eight years. Beyond the degree, there are other things you need to get into a program. A statement of research goals for instance. Some programs include student teaching or mentoring as well. This may entail a few brief visits to campus. Called residencies, they provide the potential for hands on learning. And may involve work shops and a chance to network with your peers.

What can I do with an Online Cyber Security Degree?

This degree may be a gateway to a broad range of niche areas and work roles. Many of them have high growth and salary potential. As careers in this field are changing, there may be jobs for all levels of education. Entry ones usually call for an undergraduate degree. More manager based and research positions call for a master’s or PhD.

1. Information Security Analyst 

Info sec analysts plan and put into use security measures. Things like being able to install firewalls which protect networks from breaches. Or being able to encrypt data so it stays secure. Most info sec analysts enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. Often, it’s in an area like comp sci or info sec. To shift into the role of leader, many info sec analysts pursue more education. This can be an MBA, a master’s or if you’ve taken certification exams. Like CISSP, CISCO, LINUX.

2. Computer and Information Systems Manager 

Information Systems (IT) Managers are also project managers. Their task is to take care of a business’ computer needs. And any things that relate such as upgrades. For entry roles, you need at least a bachelor’s in comp sci or info sec. To climb the ladder, you often need an MBA. Then you may shift into a C Suite job. 

3. Database Administrator  

DBA’s use software to organize, store and guard data. Some use their skills to install upgrades or debug systems. Others work in app design. Many DBA’s start their career with a bachelor’s in comp sci or info sec. Then might move into an IT manager role. With job skills and possibly a master’s or MBA.

4. Computer Networking Administrator

Network managers take care of the day to day tasks of computer networks. This includes local area (LAN’s), wide area (WANs), intranet and more. Much of this work means keeping up to date with the latest technology. You also need a bachelor’s in a related field. An industry certification does not hurt either.  

5. Computer Information Research Scientist 

Most computer and information research scientists need a master’s degree. In computer science, computer engineering or a related field. These pros are innovators. They work to design new ways to defend systems, networks and data. And strive to solve problems along the way.

6. Software Developer 

Software developers have a creative mind. They have to bring this to the table to create programs that allow people to perform tasks on hardware and devices. These skills help them build the systems that run the devices. Or that control networks. This means keeping a finger on the pulse of tools and programming languages.

Is an Online Degree in Cyber Security worth it?

A degree in cyber security may help you secure a bright future. High value cyber security skills may lead to many potential careers in areas with higher earning potential. One reason is that without trained  cyber security professionals, companies face more attacks than ever. And the loss of billions of dollars in revenue.

Yet there is a short supply of people who can do three vital tasks. Identify threats, design safe software and lessen risk. As such, info sec jobs are some of the fastest growing in the states. And world wide. You may wonder if these jobs will exist later on. Once you have a cyber security degree. Well, no degree is a guarantee. So, let’s look at some data. Companies are eager to hire experts to guard against risks. Reports say there are 2.93 million open roles in the world today. And they predict more of these to come.

1.97 Million People Work in Information Systems Security  

Many of these roles are for info sec analysts. In fact, those who work in system security design face 55% more jobs to 2028. And last year earned an average of $102,620 working in this sector. If you prefer to research and innovate, there are other paths. Info research scientists look for ways to prevent digital attacks. This field expects 16% growth to 2028. And many earn about $118,370 per year.  

Some jobs entail past work experience. They may appeal to law enforcement officers who want to focus on cyber. There are other options for managers too. These often appeal to current pros who want to “get ahead”. Some are corporate roles. These often call for a master’s degree or MBA. And include IT directors, chief technology officers (CTOs) and chief information officers (CIOs). These pros work to ensure security measures meet with company goals. They lead teams and security defense projects.

As more businesses strengthen their defenses, the need for people at this level will rise by 11%. That’s above average growth. And may come with yearly salaries of up to $208,000 plus per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Cyber Security Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as an Information Sec Analysts 

What classes will I take with an Online Cyber Security Degree?

As cyber security is a pretty new field, programs change with trends, tools and tech. Many current study plans feature a menu of IT security and info assurance topics. These classes often help you learn the CIA triad.  

• Confidentiality: Ways to cipher and encrypt data so it stays private 
• Integrity: Methods that keep data intact so no one can tamper with it or destroy it 
• Availability: Frame works that ensure only authorized users have access to data 

Some schools favor classes in programming and probability. Others play up digital forensics and security policy. Then there are programs that follow NSA’s CAE IA / CD criteria. These schools are Centers of Academic Excellence in Info Assurance/Cyber Defense. And may zoom in on defense, data analysis, scripting and more. As such, you are likely to find a lot of variety between cyber security programs. And will need to find an approach that meets your goals and interests while you fulfill other college credits. Here are some sample classes you may find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.  

Bachelor’s Degree Courses

Undergraduate programs share a common goal. To help you detect risks, threats and weak areas. And serve on the front lines of defense. As such, the study plan often melds governance, risk assessment, and compliance (GRC) skills. These look at how digital systems link and work with data. Your courses may cover many comp sci courses as well. Things like operating systems and databases. These areas often bolster critical thinking skills along the way. Below are a few other sample topics that online students may find.

Graduate Degree Courses

Many MS in cyber security programs cover core topics. Like incident response and reporting. Plus, ways to contain data as well as restore system infrastructure. Aside from the basics, there is usually room to choose a focus. This aims to prep you for a certain industry niche. And may be a perfect way to gain expertise. Apart from some of the sample topics that follow, you may gain soft skills. Leadership, ethics and an ability to make choices based on data are a few.

• Digital Crime Investigations
• National Security 
• Intelligence 

In many online PhD course plans, you will find a few distinct areas. These cover core topics, research classes, strategy. Sometimes, teaching methods too. As a PhD is a research degree, it often asks you to write up a dissertation. For this, you may take writing classes. And learn about research design and methods. Core classes may cover a wide range of theories and their uses. As a result, you may study the IT field in depth while also learning advanced security measures.

Here are a few more to give you an idea.

Popular Cyber Security Areas

If you want to gain a certain skill set and know how, you might tailor your course work to fit your interests. Here are a few themes to look for when scouting online schools.

1. Cyber Intelligence

Explores areas like terrorism and cyber conflicts. Threat intelligence also deals with response and detection programs. As a result, you may learn how to craft tactical plans.

2. Computer Forensics

Also called “digital” forensics. This area puts your technical sleuthing skills to use. You tend to learn how to investigate internet crimes as well as cyber defense tools. Most programs also get into methods used to report findings and present them in a court of law. 

3. Cloud Computing 

Storing data in the cloud makes it easy to access files and info. In this focus, you may learn to set up and manage cloud services. In some schools, the courses line up with cert exams. Like those for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SysOps Administrator.

4. Cyber and Network Defense 

Takes a deep look at malicious codes and ways to lessen their effects. Classes may also cover the ways to test for risks and weak areas. So, you may learn to simulate what hackers do to be able to keep one step ahead. In some schools, this may ready you to take the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam.

5. Information Assurance and Security

 Looks at access controls, networking and malicious code activity. You also tend to study cryptography and set up Microsoft® Windows Servers.

How long does it take to get a Cyber Security Degree online?

A full time student may earn a cyber security degree online at the bachelor’s level in four years. If you have transfer credits from community college, you may have two years less. Beyond the bachelor’s, a MS in cyber security often takes two years. For a PhD, you may need to study three to four more years. And some schools give you up to eight.

Scholarships for Cyber Security Majors

Find out if you qualify for a cyber security scholarship. These may be available from the online colleges you apply to as well as other sources.

(ISC)2 Undergraduate Scholarships

There are about 20 of these $1,000 to $5,000 awards each year. They are available from Center for Cyber Safety and Education. Applicants may be high school seniors or undergraduate students. Needed are a plan to pursue a degree in cyber security/info assurance or a related area and a 3.3 GPA.

Deadline: March 8, 2021

(ISC)2 Graduate Scholarships

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education puts aside 20 awards for grad students too. Also in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and be going for a master’s or PhD in cyber security/info assurance or a related area.

Deadline: March 8, 2021

Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

ESET offers this $5,000 award. It is available for women who are going for an undergraduate or graduate degree in cyber security or a related technology field. Applicants also need a 3.0 GPA or higher. 

Deadline: April 15, 2021

Snort Scholarship

This award of $10,000 is from Snort – an affiliate of Cisco (provider of security software products). There are two selectees. To qualify you must be a graduating high school senior. You must also plan to go for a degree in computer science. Or information technology, computer networking, cyber security, and related fields.

Deadline: May 15, 2021

Cyber Security Scholarship

Education Dynamics offers this $1,000 award. It goes to the person with a winning essay. Applicants must also show they want to get into the cyber field.

15 Online Cyber Security Degrees

We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Western Governors University
2. University of Maryland Global Campus
3. University of the Cumberlands
4. University of Phoenix Arizona
5. American Public University System
6. ECPI University
7. Wilmington University
8. Pennsylvania State University
9. Champlain College
10. University of Texas at San Antonio
11. Capella University
12. Bellevue University
13. Colorado Technical University
14. George Washington University
15. Rochester Institute of Technology

FIND AN ONLINE CYBER SECURITY DEGREE

Here is a closer look at the online cyber security degrees that these 15 schools have to offer.

*Unemployment Earnings. Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.