Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs
Cybersecurity is an academic and professional specialization that combines applied computer science proficiencies with knowledge and skills focused on protecting digital networks and infrastructure from malicious attacks. This growing field encompasses the principles and practices that inform the safe and secure design and protection of computer systems, software applications, data storage systems, and all types of hardware and devices. Cybersecurity degree programs are offered online by accredited colleges and universities at every step on the traditional academic ladder. There are online associate and bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs for undergraduate students who have a minimum of a high school diploma. There are also online graduate programs in cybersecurity and various related specializations at the master’s and doctoral levels, as well as graduate certificate programs for post-baccalaureate students who are not ready to commit to a master’s degree program.
Students with a high school diploma or the equivalent can learn the basics of cybersecurity in two-year associate degree programs. These programs are typically offered by junior colleges and community colleges, although they are also offered online by some four-year colleges and universities. Online bachelor’s programs with a cybersecurity major are offered online by many four-year colleges and universities. Bachelor’s programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent, although there are also online bachelor’s completion programs in cybersecurity, which may require an associate degree for admission or require applicants to have one or more years of prior college credits that are eligible for transfer.
At the graduate level, there are general cybersecurity master’s degree programs that provide broad training in cybersecurity skills and their professional application, as well as more narrowly focused programs with specializations in digital forensics, or cyber governance and policy. These programs typically take one to three years to complete and require students to hold a bachelor’s degree. There are also Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs that are offered online that have a cybersecurity concentration or specialization that can lead to the conferral of an MBA in cybersecurity degree. Finally, a smaller number of universities have cybersecurity graduate programs that confer a Doctor or Science (DSc) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in cyberdefense, cybersecurity policy, or another cybersecurity specialization area.
The pages below provide prospective students with detailed information on bachelor’s and master’s programs in cybersecurity and common specializations within the field.
Undergraduate Degree Programs:
Online Associate in Cybersecurity Programs
Online Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs in Cybersecurity provide entry-level preparation for students who wish to enter technical roles in cyber security, digital forensics, information technology, or information systems and network security. These programs feature courses in information systems, computer programming, networking, and foundational cybersecurity concepts.
Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs
Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity programs, including Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) programs, combine undergraduate general education coursework with a major in cybersecurity. Students in these programs cultivate cybersecurity proficiencies and take courses in programming, networking, ethical hacking, penetration testing, malware and viruses, and more.
Graduate Degree Programs:
Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Programs
Online Graduate Certificate Programs in Cybersecurity give college graduates and working professionals the opportunity to gain specialized skills in one or more areas of cybersecurity, such as network security, cybersecurity governance, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and more. Credits earned during graduate certificate programs may be transferable to a full master's program.
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Management Programs
Online Master's in Cybersecurity Management and Governance programs prepare college graduates to engage in cybersecurity risk management, understand cybersecurity laws, and oversee organizational compliance with information security regulations. Students learn about accountability frameworks, risk identification and mitigation, and information security procedures.
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense programs provide academic and professional training in the tools and technologies used to protect information technology systems. Students in these programs cultivate advanced cybersecurity proficiencies by completing courses in defending networks and applications against malicious attacks.
Online Master’s in Digital Forensics Programs
Online Master’s in Digital Forensics programs provide training and instruction in the knowledge and skills needed to investigate cybercrimes and find, analyze, preserve, and present digital evidence in civil and criminal investigations. Students in these programs learn how to navigate cyber systems and use digital forensic software tools to discover and assess evidence stored in computers, databases, and digital devices.
Online MBA Programs with a Concentration in Cybersecurity
Online Master of Business Administrations (MBA) programs with a Cybersecurity Specialization combine cybersecurity principles such as risk management, IT security law and compliance, and network security with business-focused courses to prepare students to integrate information security frameworks and procedures into their business development strategies for a diversity of companies and organizations.