Online Cyber Security Degree Programs and Industry Salary 2024/2025

An online degree in cyber security teaches foundational computing skills and knowledge with an emphasis on information security issues.

Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security.
Online Cyber Security degree

Cybersecurity professionals are needed with some urgency in today’s job market because so many business operations are online and quickly becoming cloud-based. This can pose a threat to companies and organizations that are vulnerable to hacking.

Online Cyber Security Degrees

Cyber security has quickly become an extremely relevant issue in every sector. nearly every organization or company has a need for cybersecurity professionals.

Organizations that accept transactions, have a website, utilize a back-end system, or store data (let alone producing apps), will have a need to keep their information secure from the threats posed by hackers.

Larger companies may have cybersecurity professionals on staff in their IT departments, while smaller companies may contract that work out to IT companies. Unfortunately, organizations that do not address their security needs may face the consequences of a data breach, which can be devastating.

To meet this need, many colleges and universities now offer various degrees and credentials in cyber security. Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity prgrams can help give you the credential, knowledge, and skills that are needed to succeed in this complex field.

While a cyber security major can give you the qualification to work in this field, this is an ever-changing domain, constantly mutating and gaining complexity.

To keep up, all IT professionals, especially those specializing in cyber security, need to engage in a constant process of continuing education in order to keep their knowledge and skills relevant and effective against cyber threats.

Cyber Security Careers & Salaries

Qualified and competent IT technicians and managers are in demand, but IT professionals with specialized knowledge in cyber security are becoming highly sought after in many industries.

According to the Bureau of labor statistics, these are median salaries that people holding a bachelor’s degree in cyber security may be qualified for.

Careers	Annual Median Salaries
Computer and Information Systems Manager	$151,150
Computer Network Architect	$116,780
Software Developer	$110,140
Information Security Analyst	$103,590
Database Administrator	$98,860
Computer Systems Analyst	$93,730
Computer Programmer	$89,190
Network and Computer Systems Administrator	$84,810
Web Developer	$77,200
Computer Support Specialist	$55,510

As you can see, there is high earning potential in the IT and cyber security field. While high income often comes with experience, even those just starting out in their careers may find that their qualifications and skills are highly valued.

Choosing an Online Cyber Security Degree

There are many factors to consider when choosing your online cyber security bachelor’s degree. Some of these may include:

Cost: Make sure the tuition and fee rates are affordable for you, or consider your financial aid options.
Internships: Hands-on work can amplify your resume, so consider if your chosen program offers experiential learning opportunities.
Accreditation: Make sure your school has the stamp of approval by a regional accrediting organization.
Prior Learning Assessment: If you already have IT certifications, some colleges and universities may consider awarding you transfer credits, saving you time and money.

Ultimately, there are many reasons why one cybersecurity program may work for you, but not for someone else. Keeping your own educational needs top of mind when choosing your program is critical.

Cyber Security Curriculum & Courses

With cybersecurity degrees online, you can take fascinating and challenging courses to prepare you for work in the cyber security and IT field.

Here are some examples of classes you might take.

Introduction to Computer Networks:Indispensable to cyber security students, the basic knowledge of building a secure computer network are explored in this introductory course.
Cybersecurity Foundations: A basic cybersecurity course can give you a good overview of the concepts that will inform your degree program studies and your career, exploring the different types of cybersecurity threats and the appropriate responses.
Network Security: Learning about cyber attacks on networks and the defenses against them will be invaluable knowledge.
Cyber Defense: Cryptography and other defenses that cybersecurity professionals utilize to protect computer networks and data are explored in this course.
Incident Response and Investigation: This course can help prepare you for real-world security problems by examining the strategies that cyber security professionals utilize when investigating and responding to a security threat.
Security Risk Management: Strategies for foreseeing and mitigating the risk of security threats are taught in this type of course and are a major aspect of working in cyber security.
Enterprise Security: This course explores methods for keeping organizations secure, which often involve managing projects, pooling resources, and collaborating with company stakeholders.
Legal and Human Factors of Cyber Security: Looking at the human side of IT, this course gives an overview how we interact with IT systems, highlighting the importance and ethics of secure systems, as well as the legalities associated with privacy and acceptable use policies.
Security Assessment and Auditing: This course covers the work that cyber security professionals often engage in: auditing IT systems for security gaps and vulnerabilities and making recommendations for a more secure system.
Application Security: New applications are developed every day, and this course can teach you about the essential work of finding and resolving vulnerabilities in software.

These kinds of courses have value for someone aspiring to work in cyber security. They provide real world examples of the threats a cyber security professional will encounter and prepare students to think creatively and use their technical skills to solve and prevent security problems.

Admissions Requirements

Most cybersecurity programs do not have particularly specialized admissions criteria, but you can expect the following components to your admissions application.

Statement of Goals: Colleges and universities usually require an essay on what you hope to achieve with your degree.
Recommendations: Letters of recommendation are often required. These recommendations usually can be academic, professional, or personal.
Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores may be required, but many schools are moving away from this requirement.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from your high school (or equivalent credential) or any colleges or universities you may have attended previously are almost always requested.

These are the requirements that make up most undergraduate admissions applications. International students usually have additional requirements, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Accreditation

Accreditation should always be considered when selecting a college or university, so make sure your chosen institution is accredited by a regional accrediting organization..

Colleges and universities undergo a rigorous process of self-evaluation and improvement in order to achieve and maintain their accreditation status, so accreditation often speaks to the quality of the institution.

Whether your college or university is accredited is also important after you graduate. If you ever need to transfer your credits to another college, or if you want to pursue a graduate degree, other institutions may not accept your credits if the college you attended was not accredited.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

How to fund your education will be a priority when making decisions about college. If you are paying out of pocket, make sure that the tuition is affordable, but also consider what financial aid opportunities will be available to you.

Financial aid comes in a few different forms, and may come from the state or federal government. The main types include student loans (which you will need to pay back, usually starting after you graduate) and grants (which do not need to be paid back).

To be considered, you will need to complete theFree application for federal students aids. Another form of aid that is often overlooked by students is scholarships.

Many colleges and universities have scholarships available, but they can also come from community organizations. Inquire about a scholarship application when choosing a program.

What Can You Do With a Cyber Security Degree?

There are a variety of organizations that seek cybersecurity professionals, from educational institutions to large companies, from banks to charities and foundations.

So many organizations have a need for knowledgeable and highly skilled IT professionals with expertise in cyber security that you may find that your career could go in many directions.

These employers will value not only a degree specialized in computer science or cyber security, but also experience and a proven track record of positive security outcomes.

How Much Does an Online Cyber Security Degree Cost?

Tuition and fee rates will vary across colleges and universities, but you can expect to pay between $320 to $530 per credit hour, in addition to fees, when pursuing a cybersecurity degree.

If that doesn’t seem affordable to you, keep in mind that you may qualify for financial aid, including grants or student loans, and there may be scholarship opportunities you could pursue.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

If you follow a traditional, 16 week semester and attend full-time, it typically takes four years for a bachelor’s degree. If you follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you can likely finish in less time.

That’s why one factor you may want to consider when choosing your program is the academic calendar of the school. If you have the time and want to earn your degree as quickly as possible, it may be beneficial to look for colleges that offer summer and winter sessions.

Taking courses outside the traditional fall and spring semesters can speed up your degree program considerably.

Are There Any Affordable Online Cyber Security Degrees?

While the range of online tuition and fee rates among colleges and universities is wide, there are affordable programs. You could expect to pay around $320 per credit, plus fees, but some colleges and universities may charge by term rather than by credit.

While funding your education may seem daunting, many people are able to make it work through financial aid, loans, and scholarships.

What is the Best Online School for Cyber Security?

The best school is unique to you. Each college and university has different pros and cons, different qualities that you’ll need to consider.

The best options will vary depending on your goals and interests, but some criteria to consider are accreditation, student to faculty ratio, affordability, availability of scholarships, flexibility of the program, and opportunities for career preparation.

Choosing a degree program is not always an easy decision. It’s important to take a hard look at your own aspirations and educational needs in order to make the choice that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your school a lot of questions about the program before making your decision.

What Degree is Best for Cyber Security?

While a bachelor’s degree in cyber security is excellent preparation for working in the field, you can also pursue a traditional or online masters degree in online security or an online Phd in Cyber security which can prepare you for higher level management roles. If you’re just starting out, you could even consider a traditional or online associate in cyber security to build up your credentials before continuing on with a bachelor’s degree.

Some schools will even consider students without a background in technology for a master’s degree program if they already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Another option to consider is starting your educational journey with an associate’s degree from a community college in computer science or a related technology major.

Many community colleges have agreements with four year colleges and universities, which allow your credits to transfer seamlessly. Even without such an agreement, many students gear their community college courses toward the requirements of the bachelor’s degree program they intend to transfer to and have excellent results.

This can save you a lot of money, since community colleges are typically much more affordable than four year institutions.

How Difficult is a Cyber Security Degree?

Along with the general education requirements, you’ll find in most bachelor’s degree programs that focus on critical thinking and communication skills, cybersecurity degrees will require study in advanced math and computer science along with the program courses in cybersecurity.

Yes, a cyber security degree can be difficult, but all bachelor’s degree programs are challenging in different ways.

The difficulty level will depend on your own aptitudes, interest in the coursework, and foundational knowledge of computer science and math (which many programs will help you prepare for).

Is a Cyber Security Degree Worth it?

Yes, a cyber security degree is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Common cyber security careers in this field include Information security analyst, computer network architect, database administrator, network and computer systems administrator, and computer systems analyst.

There are so many benefits to working in a field that’s growing and experiencing high demand for qualified workers. With the variety in organizations you can work for, and the need for cyber security professionals, you could have a very fulfilling and exciting career in this field.

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