11 Best Colleges for a Cyber Security Engineer Degree Online
Online courses offer convenience and flexibility for parents who work or can’t manage the structure and schedule of in-person classes. However, many institutions have been forced to offer classes online by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has led to more schools – technical colleges and regional colleges, and military colleges – offering cybersecurity degrees without taking away their time.
The gap between cybersecurity skills and unfilled jobs in government and business has grown in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” there were 270,000 opportunities for information security analysts between October 2018 and September 2019.
These positions are well-paid. According to the CIA’s Career Opportunities site, cybersecurity graduates can make around $100,000 as information security analysts or cybersecurity officers.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is designed for students who wish to work in the software industry. This program uses algorithmic programming to solve problems. The curriculum will cover a broad range of theory and practical skills, methods, techniques, procedures, and skills to help students design and develop computer programs that meet domain-specific needs.
Best online cybersecurity degree programs for 2022
Cybersecurity Guide lists the top online cybersecurity degree programs for 2022.
This technique was used for determining the rankings of online cybersecurity degrees:
- Only colleges that offer both an online cybersecurity bachelor’s and Master’s degree were eligible.
- Every program must be classified as an Academic Cybersecurity Excellence Center.
- Graduation rates
- Retention rates
- Admission rates
Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity require tuition.
These are the top online cybersecurity degrees for 2022
1. AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Bachelor’s Degree: $34,200, or $285/credit
Master’s Degree: $13,320/master or $370/credit
Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Details:Â The American Public University System’s online cybersecurity degree program teaches students cybersecurity theory and the tools needed to execute strategic cybersecurity defence tactics. The curriculum covers all aspects of cybersecurity education, including cyber operations, cybercrime law, and forensics and investigations. It also includes network security architecture, network penetration skills, and communication and administration skills. In addition, the Master’s program is intended to help students understand large-scale cyber threats and cyber attack prevention techniques.
Link: Master’s degree program
2. KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor’s Degree: $22,000 for Bachelors or $185/credit
Master’s Degree: $11,490/credit or $383/credit
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Details:Â This Degree is technical-oriented and draws on the curriculum of several other degrees at the university, such as a business degree and a bachelor’s in information security. The major program at KSU offers it. You can earn the 30-credit Master’s requirements in one calendar year.
Link:Â Master’s degree program
3. DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition: $55,200 / $351/credit
Program – Bachelor of Science Cyber Leadership and Intelligence, Master of Science Cyber Defense
Location: Madison, South Dakota
Details: Dakota State’s Cyber Leadership and Intelligence degree program focus on cybersecurity skills like investigating security breaches or intrusions, computer forensics, and privacy and legal implications of cyberattacks. The degree program also teaches students important skills like understanding global geopolitics and studying diverse cultures and religions. Cyber operations are often multidisciplinary and require teamwork and management skills. The cyber defense master’s program prepares students for cyber attacks by focusing on vulnerability testing and risk management.
Link: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
4. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Bachelor’s Degree: $46,800, or $390/credit
Master’s Degree: $30,340/credit or $565/credit
Program – Online Bachelor of Science Information Systems — Information Assurance & Master’s in Cybersecurity
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Details: The eight-week course schedule for the Liberty University bachelor’s degree program in information assurance is here. The classes are asynchronous, so there are no set times for class meetings. This is a benefit to working professionals and those with other commitments. The curriculum includes a capstone project, courses in cybersecurity, digital forensics, network security, and business courses. It is intended to prepare students for employment. The Degree also serves as a preparation for several cybersecurity-related certification exams. The Master’s program focuses on developing skills that can detect and prevent cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an organization’s infrastructure.
Link: Master’s degree program
5. LEWIS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor’s Degree: $119,520 / $996 per Credit
Master’s Degree: $24,300/credit or $810/credit
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Romeoville, Illinois
Details: No new students will be admitted to the bachelor’s program in the fall of 2022. To provide an exceptional learning experience, the Master’s degree program combines computer science theory and hands-on cybersecurity experience.
Link: Master’s degree program
6. UNIVERSITY of ARIZONA
Bachelor’s Degree: $60,000 or 500/credit
Master’s Degree: $35,100/credit or $650/credit
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
Location:Â Tucson, Arizona
Details:Â This Degree is available only to students who have completed the prerequisites. The cyber operations degree program is intended as upper-division coursework. You can complete the preparatory coursework at any university, community college, or other academic or military learning institution. The online curriculum for cyber operations is delivered in real-time and delivered in a live format. Classes can also be recorded for later viewing. The Degree requires hands-on, interactive coursework. The online cybersecurity master’s program takes 33 hours. It is designed to help professionals advance in their careers.
Link:Â Master’s degree program
7. WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
Bachelor’s Degree: $45,780/credit
Master’s Degree: $17,568
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Details:Â Wilmington University offers certifications such as the CISSP and CISA and Security+ and Linux+ certifications. They also offer a Cybersecurity Certificate of Completion. The program also includes a technical lab component to offer students hands-on learning opportunities. The Master’s Degree can be divided into two specializations, Cyber Terrorism or SCADA Cybersecurity. Both are offered simultaneously.
Link: Master’s degree program
8. ECPI UNIVERSITY
Bachelor Degree: $66,636
Master Degree: $25,920
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Details: Students who receive a degree in cyber and network security from ECPI are prepared to use cybersecurity best practices (including software and hardware) to secure and manage data. Through penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, students will be able to evaluate the health and defense of networks. There are two concentrations in the Master’s program: Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity policy.
Link: Master’s degree program
9. UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND — GLOBAL CAMPUS
Bachelor’s Degree: $59,880/credit
Master’s Degree: $23,724/credit or $480/credit
Master of Science Cybersecurity Technology
Location: Adelphi, Maryland
Details:Â The University of Maryland’s Global Campus online cybersecurity program offers traditional college education but strongly emphasizes cybersecurity. As part of their coursework, students learn how to create, implement, secure, and troubleshoot a corporate network. In addition, it prepares students for certification exams like the CISSP and GIAC.
Link: Bachelor’s degree program | Master’s degree program
11. CITY UNIVERSITY SEATTLE
Bachelor’s Degree: $75,600 or 420/credit
Master’s Degree: $21,060/credit or $540/credit
Master of Science in cybersecurity
Location: Seattle, Washington
Details: The City University of Seattle’s online security degree program offers participants great flexibility. Students can finish the degree program at their own pace and get a bachelor’s in business administration in as little as two years. In addition, the 16 courses in the Master’s degree program in cybersecurity include 16 courses that can be tailored to suit individual interests and professional needs.
Link: Master’s degree program
How to pay for a Cybersecurity Degree or Certificate Online?
Paying for college, no matter what your method of education (online or campus), can be difficult. These are some tips to help you find financial aid that will pay for your cybersecurity bachelor’s Degree online.
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Help. This allows you to apply for financial aid, such as federal grants, student loans, or other assistance from the government. To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled in a recognized program. Federal student loans are an excellent option for paying for college. They allow you to use income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.
Private student loans are another option to pay for your education expenses. Remember that having a good credit rating will help you find affordable loans with an acceptable interest rate. A co-signer is another option to obtain a favourable interest rate. Finally, you should consider a fixed-interest rate loan to ensure your rate doesn’t rise while you pay off your debts after graduation.
Applying for scholarships is also a good idea. Ask your employer about continuing education assistance they might be able to offer you. The Department of Veteran Affairs also offers college tuition assistance programs for military personnel and their families. In addition, there are several educational assistance programs available for veterans, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Six steps are required to select the best online cybersecurity degree
A good reputation is essential.
When it comes time to choose where to pursue your Master’s, your criteria for selecting your undergraduate institution might not apply. You want to make sure that your online Degree is from the best school possible, but it’s not just the school’s overall reputation that matters. The school’s reputation within the area you are interested in is most important. The school’s reputation is not as important as the school’s department or program. The top cybersecurity schools aren’t the Ivy League colleges you might expect.
It is important to focus on schools with a strong reputation for cybersecurity. A strong reputation in cybersecurity will make it easier to get a job or be promoted after graduation. So how do you find the top schools in your field?
These are some tips:
- If you’re currently working in a similar field, it is worth speaking to your coworkers, managers, and peers for recommendations.
- S. News and World Report publish, for instance, research ranking reports.
- Get in touch with former students through LinkedIn to solicit their opinions. If you ask, many colleges will also provide this information.
- Make a recommendation by examining the professors of each department. You should also examine their teaching experience and professional experience.
- Create a list of top companies in your industry and research the places where cybersecurity experts have received their Master’s degrees.
It is important to remember that cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field constantly changing. This is where paying attention to the program’s professors, and affiliates can help you determine its quality and value. While the reputation of a school is important, it should not be considered secondary to its reputation as a program or department. However, a school’s overall ranking can be an indicator of how strong a new program or department is.
Curriculum and Learning Objectives
The curriculum is an important aspect of choosing an online cybersecurity master’s program. Because cybersecurity is constantly evolving, a master’s program in cybersecurity must teach skills and provide students with the tools they need to continue their education. In addition, cyber experts need to be able to adapt to changing adversarial tactics to stay effective.
A master’s in cybersecurity should help you understand how to defeat adversaries from both tactical and theoretical perspectives. This will also allow you to assess tools that could be used to achieve these goals. This type of thinking is crucial for long-term success. Although everyone has different goals, you should enrol in a multidisciplinary program that focuses on leadership and cybersecurity strategy management to help you achieve them.
It is important to choose a program that works with the wider cybersecurity community and collaborates. Collaboration with national, regional, and local players in the field is a great way for schools to keep their curriculum relevant and up-to-date. In addition, this allows them to better prepare their students for job placements immediately after graduation.
Faculty Reputation is the fifth important factor.
When learning cybersecurity, you will want to learn from experts who have a lot of experience and are extremely qualified. In addition, you can tell if the faculty is dedicated to keeping up with the latest developments and changes in this constantly changing environment.
The majority of cybersecurity-focused colleges and universities will have a list of faculty members who have bios; however, you can request one from them if they do not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the background or program of your professors; they will be happy to meet you in person or speak on the telephone.
Both Total Costs and Financial Assistance Opportunities
Not only is a cybersecurity degree a game-changer in your career, but also a major financial investment. A cybersecurity master’s Degree usually costs between $20,000 to $40,000. A cybersecurity master’s Degree can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. It would help if you took the time to research all scholarships and grants at schools you are interested in, as this financial aid can reduce the cost of attendance.
Flexibility and a sense for work-life balance
Many online degree programs are flexible, as we have discussed before. This flexibility is important to students in their efforts to balance work and life. It is important to understand the extent of the online program before you begin. Some programs can be done 100% online. Others may require you to take classes on campus and some online, depending on which program you are in. You may need to spend longer periods on campus to complete your program requirements. You should assess whether the cybersecurity degree program you select offers the flexibility you need.
Also, consider how many classes are required each semester and if there are any deadlines for program completion (e.g., restrictions on the amount of time it takes to finish the program).
Program Length and Commencement Dates
If you are going at your own pace, it is important to estimate how long it will take to finish your degree. For example, if you only enrol in one semester of classes, how long will it take to finish your degree program? Another consideration is how fast you will be able to complete your degree at your university.
Your decision can also be affected by the start dates. Some schools offer rolling admissions. They allow students to start their degree right away or plan for a later date. However, some schools only admit students once per year. This means that you might have to wait longer before your degree is awarded.
How much does an online cybersecurity degree cost?
Costs for an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity vary depending on which university you choose. Some universities charge the same tuition fees for all students. Others charge different amounts depending on where a student resides. Technology fees are often added as an additional cost. A cybersecurity undergraduate degree costs approximately $19,000. The costs increase as you progress through the program.
After completing an online cybersecurity degree, what are the best places to find employment?
You’ll be well prepared to work in information security after you have earned your online bachelor’s Degree. Although their job titles may vary (information security analyst, network security engineer, and digital forensic engineer, to name a few), the vast majority of these professionals are involved in preventing and mitigating cyberattacks.
Information Security Analyst – Information security analysts plan and implement security measures that protect a company’s computers and networks from cyberattacks. They are also called information security architects. These people are employed in information technology departments within businesses and organizations. While they often work full-time, some work more than 40 hours per week.
Digital forensic engineers are also known as computer-forensic analysts and are responsible for uncovering digital evidence that cybercrime is committed during legal investigations. In some cases, they are also called computer forensic analysts. They are often hired by police departments and other law enforcement agencies.
This group of cybersecurity experts examines weaknesses in an organization’s computer network and creates solutions that can withstand attacks or natural disasters. Network Security Engineers are members of organizations and businesses’ information technology departments.
How long is it to complete an online cybersecurity degree program?
The majority of online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity require 120 credits and take approximately four years to complete.
You may be able to complete your degree faster if you have transferable college credit from another institution or high Advanced Placement scores on your transcript. However, it will take longer to complete your degree if you take less than 15 credits per semester.
Can you work while earning an online cybersecurity degree?
You can work while you study for a bachelor’s in cybersecurity online. The online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree program allows you to work around your schedule and take your tests, but it isn’t always easy. Although it requires a lot of organization and discipline, the result is worth it. Cybersecurity graduates from college are highly in demand. Their average annual wages are close to six figures.