The 10 Best Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Programs of 2021
Financial institutions, schools, and even governments need cyber security experts. Cyber security is a lucrative line of work, and it won’t falter anytime soon. The first step to becoming a cyber security expert is to get a degree in cyber security, computer science, or information technology.
If you want to get a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, you have the option to study from home with a top online college. Read below to learn more about the 10 best online cyber security degrees of 2021.
At a Glance: The Top 10 Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees of 2021
Our picks for the best cyber security degrees have been selected based on curriculum, tuition, financing options, and school reputation.
Check out the table below to learn the basics about these top online cyber security degrees. Note that all tuition information comes straight from the schools’ websites.
School and Degree | Tuition | Notes |
---|---|---|
Baker College Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security |
$10,160 per year | All students |
Champlain College Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$9,540 per year | All students |
Dakota State University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations |
$5,578 per 12 credits | All students |
Drexel University Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology |
$435 per credit | All students |
Davenport University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense |
$8,154 per nine credits | All students |
Kennesaw State University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$185.40 per credit | All students |
Maryville University of Saint Louis Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$622 per credit | All students |
Pennsylvania State University, World Campus Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis |
$617 per credit | All students |
Regent University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$395 per credit | All students |
Saint Leo University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
$380 per credit | All students |
Why You Should Pursue a Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should pursue your bachelor’s degree online because it offers you more flexibility. You will save money and open your schedule to take care of other commitments. With online school, it can also be easier to pursue two degree programs at the same, especially when you choose a self-paced option.
An online bachelor’s degree in cyber security will pave the way for unlimited career growth across industries. As with a traditional degree, you will be able to work at companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and more.
- You can work as you study or focus on your family.
- You can avoid commuting times.
- You can save money on tuition and other costs.
- You can pursue more than one major with your extra time.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
The requirements for an online cyber security degree are the same as the requirements for a traditional degree. You will need a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate. Some schools also ask you to complete an assessment test.
Depending on the program, you might also need to have a certain GPA. Since every online bachelor’s degree is different, you should learn more about the requirements before applying.
Top 10 Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degrees: 2021 List
You can find the best online cyber security bachelor’s degrees at some of the most renowned schools in the United States. They offer high-quality curriculums and career services to help you land your dream job.
Below are the top 10 options you should consider when choosing an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security.
Baker College | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security
Baker College is one of the most popular online schools in the United States. It was founded in 1994 with only a few programs, but it now offers 40 different options. Baker College is a fantastic online school that will look great on your resume.
Baker College offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security, one of the best online information sciences degrees out there. It’s a great option if you want to focus on information technology, cyber security, and information assurance. According to the school’s website, over 80 percent of students in this program have access to financial aid.
Champlain College | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Champlain College is a physical and online school with blended learning options. The school was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1878, and it now offers more than 80 online programs. These programs are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Champlain College hosts the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation and Cybersecurity, which means it offers in-depth cyber security specializations. The bachelor’s program covers ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, and more. Tuition is about $37,000 for the full program, and you can pay by the semester.
Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
Dakota State University offers 45 different online degree and certificate programs. The online school is an extension of the physical campus that was built in 1881. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations can teach you everything you need to know about cyber security. This is a good option because, with DSU’s dual degree program, you can get both your bachelor’s and your master’s in only five years. Tuition for the bachelor’s program is about $5,578 for 12 credits, and you need at least 120 to graduate.
Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology
Drexel University is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but its online degrees are accessible worldwide. This school has been around since 1891 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its computing and security technology program offers a co-op option so you can get experience in the field.
This program is unique because you can enroll for four years or only two years. The two-year option is available for people who already have two years of college experience. This makes Drexel the perfect option if you want to change majors. Tuition is about $435 per credit, and you can pay for all your credits at the beginning of each term.
Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense
The main campus of Davenport University is located in Michigan, but it also offers 30 different online programs. With the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense, you can learn computer programming, digital forensics, and more. You can also choose between online and hybrid programs.
The NSA and Department of Homeland Security both recognize this program as a leader in the field. Davenport University also offers an employment guarantee once you graduate. Tuition costs $8,154 per nine credits, and you need to complete 120 credits to finish the program.
Kennesaw State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Kennesaw State University is one of the largest schools in Georgia, and it also has about 400 online programs. According to CyberDegrees.org, Kennesaw State University offers the best online cyber security bachelor’s degree in the country. It is one of the school’s newer online degrees, but it has quickly gained traction in the industry.
Tuition costs about $185.40 per credit, and you need 120 credits to graduate. The curriculum focuses on hands-on skills and real-world problems. You can learn about current cyber security issues as well as the business side of the industry.
Maryville University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Maryville University is located in St. Louis, and it has been around since 1872. The website has more than 30 online programs, so you can easily switch majors if you decide to pursue something else. Maryville offers three different cyber security tracks: offensive, defensive, and general cyber security.
If you complete your general education requirements, you can get your degree in only 18 months. You will have to pay $622 per credit, and financial aid is available for eligible students. You need to have a GPA of at least 2.0 to enter the program, but you don’t need to have any cyber security experience.
Pennsylvania State University, World Campus | Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis
Penn State is a globally recognized university, and the world campus has over 150 online courses. The security and risk analysis program can teach you everything you need to know about cyber security. You can learn about the role of data in cyber security, how to approach risks in the field, and more.
This program runs for four years with a 120 credit requirement, like many other online cyber security programs. Tuition costs about $617 per credit. If you want to study on campus, you can also major in intelligence analysis and modeling.
Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Regent University is one of the best online universities in the country. It has over 200 online programs, including cyber security. The National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education accredits this program as one of the best. According to the Regent website, only four percent of schools have earned this distinction.
The cyber security bachelor’s degree runs for about four years and costs $395 per credit. About 120 credits would be enough for graduation. You can learn about the real world of cyber security and get ready for a job in the field. Make sure you check to see if you are eligible for financial aid.
Saint Leo University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
This is a private, non-profit school with on-campus and online learning options. This is a Catholic school, so it is a good option if attending a religious institution is important to you. The bachelor of cyber security is one of the 25 online bachelor’s degrees available from Saint Leo University.
In this program, you can learn topics like network defense, network security, penetration testing, and more. Tuition costs about $380 per credit, and you will need 120 credits to graduate. Saint Leo has state-of-the-art technology so you can learn in a real-world environment.
Choosing the Right Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Program
Choosing the right cyber security bachelor’s degree is like selecting any other program. You need to choose one that offers the most value for your time and resources. Some key factors to consider are the curriculum, flexibility, and admissions requirements.
Curriculum Quality
Cyber security is constantly changing, so you need to make sure your program is up to date. Your program should approach the subject from a tactical and theoretical perspective. It should include modern advancements in cyber security like application security, IoT security, cloud technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology.
Program Flexibility
If you have a family, a job, or both, you should go for a flexible program. A full-time course might not be the best option for you. You should consider a self-paced or part-time program that allows you to stay involved in other vital commitments. Part-time programs might take more time to complete, but they offer the most flexibility.
Tuition Cost
The cost of your program’s tuition can make or break your experience. Since online degree programs vary greatly in cost, you should do your research. Make sure you can afford potential additional costs like textbooks or software. You should also check to see if you are eligible for other financing options like scholarships.
What Can You Do With an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
With an online cyber security degree, you can work as a security software developer, IT security analyst, or security administrator. You can secure many other positions, but these are the top three cyber security jobs.
Security Software Developer
Average Salary: $117,060
Security software analysts work as software developers and cyber security analysts at the same time. Your job will involve building and maintaining security software. This is a good option if you are interested in learning Python or another programming language.
IT Security Analyst
Average Salary: $111,052
An information technology security analyst creates plans that ensure the safety of files in a computer. As an IT security analyst, you can prevent disclosure, unauthorized modification, loss, or destruction. You can also develop applications that protect computer systems from malware.
IT Security Administrator
Average Salary: $85,379
As a security administrator, your job is to install, administer, and troubleshoot security solutions when necessary. It includes security tools like anti-virus software, firewalls, patch management systems, and more.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree?
According to PayScale, a bachelor’s degree in a field related to cyber security is worth over $70,000 per year, irrespective of your profession. Your exact salary will be influenced by your job title, company, and location. Your salary might even climb into six figures.
Is It Better to Get a BA or BS in Cyber Security?
A Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security is better. Cyber security is a technical field that covers the core principles of cyber security, cyber ethics, and cyber law. This means that a science-based degree can better teach you everything you need to know. You should apply for this degree if you have problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills.
At this time, there are no specific options for a BA in cyber security. The closest you will get is a BA in Computer Science or Information Systems. However, you can enroll in a bachelor of arts and take a few cyber security electives during your course of study.
Is an Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Worth It in 2021?
Yes, an online cyber security degree is worth it in 2021. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a rising demand for information security analysts. This occupation is expected to grow by 31 percent between 2019 and 2029. This is significantly higher than average.
The world relies more on computer systems in the digital age, and hackers are taking advantage of this. Every organization needs cyber security experts to keep them at bay. There will always be a demand for these experts as long as computers continue to evolve.