Online Associate in Cybersecurity Programs - Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs

Cybersecurity training and education have expanded across degree programs to meet the growing demand for professionals prepared to defend and secure computer networks, database systems, cloud computing platforms, and other elements of digital infrastructure. Online associate degree programs in cybersecurity are designed to provide high school graduates with specialized training in the knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue various entry-level and intermediate positions in the field of cybersecurity. Students in these programs learn foundational principles and practices of information security, computer network defense skills, and strategies for implementing modern cybersecurity controls while earning an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Students in online degree programs complete all or most of their coursework through digital learning platforms that deliver live and/or prerecorded lectures, host interactive class sessions, and provide access to labs, exams, readings, and other instructional materials. The use of online learning technologies allows community colleges and other universities that offer associate-level degree programs to expand access to students who do not live near a college or university campus. In addition, most students pursuing associate degree programs work while earning their degree, and online programs provide additional flexibility for working students as they do not require commuting to campus for weekly classes. Online associate degree programs in cybersecurity offer students the same level of academic training as campus-based programs.

Most associate degree programs in cybersecurity are Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs. The credits earned in an associate degree program may be eligible for transfer towards a bachelor’s degree if students are interested in further academic training. However, not all four-year colleges and universities accept transfer credits, so students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future should speak with a program representative at their schools of interest to ensure any credits they earn will be eligible for transfer.

Elements of an Associate in Cybersecurity Program

There are two essential components of an associate degree program in cybersecurity: general education requirements, and cybersecurity coursework specific to their major. Students are required to complete general education coursework, which comprises courses in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical sciences and mathematics, and academic skills development. Common courses include college-level writing/composition, U.S. or world history, statistics, algebra, economics, psychology or sociology, ethics or philosophy, and communication or public speaking. General education requirements and electives typically account for one-third to one-half of the credits required to earn an associate degree. This equates to approximately 20 to 30 credits, depending on the school and program.

A cybersecurity major at the associate degree level may be further broken down into three related and, in some cases, overlapping components: introductory and prerequisite coursework; core requirements and lab work; and electives. Cybersecurity prerequisites may include applied mathematics, applied statistics, introductory computer programming, and IT fundamentals, some or all of which can overlap with computer science major prerequisites. The cybersecurity core, which makes up the largest segment of the major, focuses on domain-specific knowledge and skills, which typically includes courses that cover cybersecurity terminology, cyber threat modes and classifications, network architecture, operating systems, risk management strategies, security tools, incident response protocols, digital forensics, and information security ethics and legal compliance.

Online associate degree programs in cybersecurity also typically incorporate virtual labs, cloud-based simulations, and other hands-on exercises either as part of their curriculum. These labs allow students to apply the principles and skills they learn in classes to concrete projects that reinforce their learning. Some programs also require students to complete an internship or a capstone project prior to earning their degree. Finally, many associate degree programs in cybersecurity are also designed to prepare students for various professional credentials, such as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification and/or CompTIA’s IT Fundamentals, Security+, and PenTest+ certifications.

It is important to note that specific course requirements vary by program, as do the number of general education and cybersecurity major courses. Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs generally have fewer general education requirements than Associate of Arts (AA) programs. Most cybersecurity programs at the associate degree level are either AS or AAS programs. In a two-year, 60-credit program (a common associate degree format), students typically complete seven or eight general education courses, eight to 12 cybersecurity major courses, and a small number of additional electives. Most associate degree programs are designed to be completed in two years, but some programs may allow students to graduate in less time (e.g., 18 months) or take longer to earn their degree (e.g., two to three years).

Note: In some states, like California and Washington, community colleges offer Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T), Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), and/or Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree programs. Typically, the schools that offer these types of degree programs have agreements in place with specific four-year institutions that accept AA-T, AS-T, and/or AAS-T graduates. However, the credits earned during these programs may not transfer to other colleges and universities that do not have agreements with these community colleges. Students exploring these programs who are interested in potentially earning a bachelor’s degree in the future are advised to discuss their transfer options with an admissions advisor at their schools of interest before applying.

Associate in Cybersecurity Courses

The list below offers a representative overview of the courses offered as part of an online associate degree program in cybersecurity. While course names and descriptions vary by program, the list draws on actual online programs offered by accredited community colleges and universities as part of a cybersecurity major. (Note: General education courses are not included in the list below.)

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: An introductory course for the cybersecurity professional that covers common security frameworks, terminology, and career pathways. Students learn about the role cybersecurity professionals play in protecting information technology systems, as well as common threats, vulnerabilities, and defense strategies.
• IT Systems Support: Cybersecurity is an IT support function that organizations must integrate into day-to-day IT management and oversight. Students in this course develop familiarity with operating systems, computer networks, and other hardware components that form the backbone of an organization’s IT assets. They also learn how to maintain and secure these assets as well as establish, maintain, and improve common cyber defense frameworks.
• Network Security: Students examine various network architectures with a focus on security network design, and cultivate practical experience performing common network administration and security tasks.
• Operating Systems (OS) Security: An overview of the three most common computer operating systems, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as the Android and iOS mobile device operating systems. Students learn to identify and address OS security vulnerabilities.
• Scripting for the Cybersecurity Professional: Students learn to use Python to deploy and create automation scripts to automate cyber defense measures and deter common exploits. The course also examines how Python coding is used by both malicious and ethical hackers in offensive and defensive operations.
• Information Security Principles and Practices: An examination of the state of the cybersecurity industry, including the latest security strategies and best practices. Students learn about data privacy legislation, IT security products, secure computer configurations and internet browser settings, and other topics relevant to the cybersecurity professional.
• Ethical Hacking: Students learn how to use cyberattack modalities to identify and remediate potential attack vectors. The course covers procedures for performing penetration testing on operating systems, hacking web servers and wireless networks, and deploying social engineering and phishing attacks in order to help organizations mount defenses against these types of attacks.
• Incident Response and Investigation: This course examines common cyber incident response protocols, strategies for mitigating attacks in progress, and computer forensic techniques for investigating cyberattacks and identifying the culprits. Students learn how to respond to various types of malware, viruses, distributed denial of service attacks, phishing scams, and other cyber attacks.
• Data Security: An overview of common database systems and security data storage strategies, access control measures to protect sensitive data, and common mistakes that can expose sensitive data. As part of this course, students learn the basics of structured query language (SQL) and database querying.
• Cloud Security: An overview of cloud computing and a shared responsibility framework for clearly delineating security tasks for cloud service providers and end-users. Students learn how to configure cloud security features and identify gaps in cloud security.

Earning an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity Online

The process of earning an associate degree in cybersecurity online varies by school and by program. For example, there are schools that offer fully online programs that do not require students to attend any campus visits, and there are schools that combine online courses with limited on-campus instruction. It is also not uncommon for schools to offer the same course both on-campus and online, and while some schools may offer both forms of instruction each term, others may only offer online courses during specific terms each year. Therefore, students who want to earn their degree completely online should always consult with a program advisor or admissions officer to confirm it is possible before enrolling.

Schools offering online cybersecurity associate degrees may hold in-person labs and workshops that provide local online students with opportunities to work with various computer systems. These in-person workshops and activities also give students the opportunity to engage in professional networking by interacting with instructors and classmates. However, many schools are able to use online simulations and virtual meetings to achieve the same goals without requiring students to travel to a physical campus location. On CyberSecurityDegree.com, programs that require three or fewer campus visits per year are classified as online programs. Programs that require four or more campus visits per year are considered hybrid programs and are not included on the site.

Students who are considering an online associate degree in cybersecurity should be aware that there are two main forms of online instruction methods: asynchronous instruction and synchronous instruction. Asynchronous instruction does not have a real-time component and encompasses pre-recorded lectures and learning modules that students can access at their own convenience, 24-7. Other examples of asynchronous online instruction include reading and writing assignments, completing class projects, posting to online discussion boards, and taking unproctored exams. In contrast, synchronous instruction includes live-streamed lectures and class meetings that take place in real-time using video conferencing software, and which thus require students to be logged on to a program’s learning management system at scheduled times. Synchronous instruction more closely resembles traditional in-person, on-campus learning; however, it may not be ideal for working students who do not have set hours that allow them to attend scheduled classes each week.

The majority of associate degree programs use asynchronous instruction. While asynchronous instruction provides students with increased flexibility as they are not required to commute to campus or be online at specific times, it can also pose challenges for students new to online learning. Online degree programs, and particularly programs that use asynchronous instruction, require students to be self-disciplined and self-motivated to keep up with course materials and assignments in the absence of traditional in-person weekly classes. Also, because asynchronous instruction allows students to complete assignments and review course materials on their own time, it may take additional time to get questions answered as students and instructors typically communicate through email or online discussion boards. This is different from traditional face-to-face classes where students can ask questions in real-time or approach instructors after class when they need additional help. Some instructors may hold online office hours that students can attend if they have questions they would like to discuss in real-time.

While not as common as asynchronous or synchronous instruction, some schools may also stream on-campus classes that online students can attend using video-conferencing software. This is a third type of online instruction that some schools utilize in order to teach on-campus and online students at the same time. Prospective applicants should contact a program representative for the most up-to-date information on the types of online instruction methods a program uses before applying.

Online Associate’s Degree in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

The process of gaining admission to an online associate degree program begins with students submitting a formal application and arranging for the delivery of their high school transcript. Associate degree programs are designed for high school graduates and thus require applicants to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent (i.e., GED) as a baseline for admissions. It is important to note that some colleges that offer associate degree programs have open enrollment policies, while others have selective admissions. Many community colleges have open enrollment policies, which means as long as a student has earned their high school diploma and meets residency requirements, they are admitted to the program. Conversely, schools with selective admissions do not accept all students who meet eligibility requirements; these schools often have additional minimum requirements a student must meet in order to be considered for admission. (Note: Applicants should also include transcripts from any colleges where they have already earned college credits, if applicable.)

Other factors that schools may rely on to determine an applicant’s eligibility include high school grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores. Programs may require applicants to have achieved a high school GPA of 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 on a four-point scale. Additionally, programs may ask applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores, although this is not as common for students applying to associate degree programs. Applicants may also be asked to pass reading, writing, and math placement tests to demonstrate academic readiness for college-level coursework, and/or provide a written response to one or more essay prompts. Finally, programs may also have a computer literacy requirement for online students and typically offer tutorials for applicants.