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.

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