Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Degrees

What Degree Does Cyber Security Fall Under?
What Degree Does Cyber Security Fall Under?

Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Degrees- Nearly all positions in cybersecurity will require the completion of a Bachelor’s degree. Professionals need core expertise in computer science and information technology to analyse potential network vulnerabilities, execute penetration testing to uncover problems, or actively thwart illegal invasions.

A Quick Overview of the Bachelors in Cybersecurity Degree

A full-time student can typically complete a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security in four years. Although some people join this field with an associate’s degree or work toward a master’s degree for several years, bachelor’s degrees are the most prevalent. Completing general education or required courses takes the first year or two.

School Level Program Admissions
Utica College Bachelor Online BS in Cybersecurity Website
Aurora University Bachelor Online BS in Cybersecurity Website
Norwich University Bachelor Online BS in Cyber Security Website
St. Ambrose University Bachelor Bachelor of Business Administration – Cybersecurity Management  Website
Bethel University Bachelor Online B.S. Cyber Security Website

Recent high school graduates, as well as students who have achieved certification or an associate’s degree, should consider pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in cyber security. With more concentrations to select from and double the amount of academic work necessary, this education is a step up from an associate’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree in cyber security can lead to a variety of jobs in the industry, including digital forensics, penetration testing, network application development, and information technology consulting. Cyber security can be studied as a separate subject or as part of the Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Network Security and Forensics concentrations.

Are There Online Bachelor of Cyber Security Programs?

Numerous Bachelor’s degrees with a direct cybersecurity discipline or a concentration within a related field are offered entirely online. Information systems, information technology, information assurance, computer science, computer engineering, and other fields may contain cybersecurity topics. Other areas, such as business administration and health informatics, offer concentrations and electives.

Gaining a Bachelor’s degree online allows students to study at their own pace without having to commute to campus full-time. In some situations, students will need to come to campus to complete cybersecurity projects, group assignments, or fulfil curriculum requirements for on-campus residencies. There may also be a hybrid version of the programme that includes both on-campus and online courses.

Because a Bachelor’s degree normally takes four years to complete, completing an online programme may necessitate the usage of a hybrid model due to restricted university resources. There is an advantage to employing those tools, such as a cybersecurity centre, because students may put what they’ve learned into practise in a real-world setting.

Types of Program Accreditation

Reviewing accreditation for online programmes is significant since it certifies the educational experience that students receive from the school and may improve their candidacy for a variety of cybersecurity jobs. Regional accreditation, such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, vary depending on where the institution is located in the United States.

Students interested in cybersecurity should check to see if the programme has been designated as a National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE), which is a joint endeavour between the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (DHS). This certifies that a university has met cyber defence and/or cyber operations criteria.

What Are the Steps to Getting This Degree?

To finish the degree, students will need roughly 120 credit hours, which will include university-mandated general education, the major chosen, and any electives or minors required within the curriculum. In the second half of the programme, students usually pursue more advanced topics and courses that are closely relevant to their major.

Math, arts and humanities, social sciences, history, writing and communication, and other liberal arts subjects will be included in general education. Taking introductory-level training in criminal justice or criminology, statistics, technical writing, and college-level algebra and calculus are all common cybersecurity possibilities.

The final two years are spent learning about computers and computer science, with a strong emphasis on network and cybersecurity, which is the process of safeguarding computer networks against intrusions like hacking and fraud. Internships are frequently a large element of the programme and may be a graduation requirement.

Some Bachelor’s degrees will require you to complete an internship, which can be done during one of the program’s final semesters or during the summer. Students should maintain a 2.0 GPA or above throughout the programme to avoid academic probation or warning. Students who do not improve their grades in these areas risk being dropped from the programme.

Courses to Expect for a BS in Cyber Security

You can anticipate to take classes like digital forensics analysis, network security, ethical hacking, and information technology as a student in a cybersecurity bachelor programme.

You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot computers and become acquainted with computer programming. Cybercrime law, ethics, criminal investigations, and information security are some of the other courses available. Students will learn how to identify security risks, analyse user security needs, and create a security solution that will keep the network safe from intrusion.

Research Undergraduate Options at the Bachelor of Cyber Security Level: Multiple Online and On Campus Options.

School Level Program Admissions
Lindenwood University Bachelor Online BA Cybersecurity Website
Point University Bachelor Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Information Systems Security Website
Thomas Jefferson University Bachelor B.S. Information Technology Management Website
Utica College Bachelor BS in Cybersecurity – Cyber Operations Website
Utica College Bachelor BS in Cybersecurity – Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation Website

The student will be eligible for various industry certifications in computers, networking, and cybersecurity while completing the program’s academic requirements. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM), and CompTIA Security+ are just a few of the certifications available to graduates.

What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees for Cyber Security?

A Bachelor’s degree in cyber security may be available online, depending on the university. With CAE accreditation, this is an option that is becoming more common. Because a Bachelor’s degree will take four years to complete, many programmes will use a hybrid approach that includes online instruction for core courses and on-campus sessions for more specialised electives.

Students interested in advancing their careers in information technology and cyber security can consider combining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the discipline. Many colleges provide dual credit opportunities for advanced courses, allowing students to complete both programmes in less time.

Both online and on-campus programmes have similar scheduling, with courses divided into seasonal terms. Another option is to take one course at a time in an accelerated format, which can result in shorter graduation times provided the student is able to commit to full-time participation. With an online education, you may attain this potential without having to commit to a physical location.

List of some of the Top Bachelors in Cybersecurity Degrees

University of Maryland – Global Campus

There are several Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, network systems, and software development to consider. UMGC has been designated as a Cyber Defense Education Center of Excellence, and all of its programmes have been validated to match the requirements. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy is one of the degrees available, and it focuses on risk management and the strategy involved in implementing policy within an organisation.

Students learn how to integrate new technologies into a current information security system while also developing a thorough awareness of industry ethics and standards. The curriculum requires at least 120 credit hours, which can be done in either a hybrid or totally online style. A total of 33 courses are required for the major, with 46 credit hours set aside for electives and a possible minor.

Cybersecurity for Leaders and Managers, Fundamentals of Networking, and Cybersecurity in Business and Industry are just a few of the major’s courses. With this study, students can achieve vendor certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional, EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer, and CompTIA Network+ or Security+.

The Bachelor’s degree in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, as well as Software Development and Security, are the other two significant online degrees. These courses focus on the architecture and applications of information technology, and they teach students how to assess and improve security in computer networks, as well as how to integrate security in software. Both of these programmes can be completed online.

Syracuse University

The Bachelor of Professional Studies with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Administration is a one-of-a-kind part-time programme that is entirely online. The university’s BPS programme combines traditional arts and science degrees with professional abilities, making it perfect for those who are already working professionals or who want to transfer in and finish their undergraduate degree.

Students that focus on cybersecurity in this programme will gain the capacity to construct and run an organization’s network, comprehending many components of the system regardless of industry. They can detect any flaws in the system that could affect performance or compromise critical data. Finance and accountancy, retail, and health care are some of the fields where graduates have gone on to work.

Students can study one or two courses at a time since courses are divided into eight-week modules. This allows students to focus on one or two courses at a time. There are no requirements for entry and up to 90 credit hours can be transferred into the programme. There are no on-campus residencies required as part of the curriculum, however there is the option to participate in one if desired.

To complete the programme successfully in a virtual context, there are special technical needs. To access the learning management system, you’ll need a Windows or Mac computer with high-speed internet connectivity. A webcam and microphone or headset are required hardware, while software such as Microsoft Office and a compatible web browser (such as Google Chrome) are required software.

Old Dominion University

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is offered entirely online by the College of Arts and Letters and the Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research. To graduate, students must finish at least 30 credit hours out of a total of 120. This programme is a Cyber Operations CAE, and it concentrates on curriculum from computer science and technical areas of the field.

Basic Cybersecurity Programming and Networking, Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy, and Cryptography for Cybersecurity are some of the program’s core courses. Prerequisites in general education and the basic core curriculum are required for many advanced principles and applications courses. The Blackboard learning management system is used to keep track of students’ coursework in this programme.

The format of the course will vary, with students having the option of watching lectures on demand or attending live classes through video webconferencing. Some might combine the two, albeit live lectures would be limited in this case. Any needs for hands-on training can be fulfilled at a local facility near the student’s location, or if the student is near the institution, they can still use these resources even if they are an online student.

Virtual office hours, instant messaging, discussion forums, and email contact are all options for students to meet with academics and other advisors. This is also true when interacting with other programme participants to ask questions or collaborate on group projects. Exams are taken using the course management system in focus-only mode or with the assistance of a proctor.

University of Arizona

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations is offered by the College of Applied Science and Technology. Students can personalise the curriculum by choosing a specialisation in Cyber Law and Policy, Defense and Forensics, or Engineering to match the needs of the type of cybersecurity employment they want to pursue. Students will learn how to use analytical and critical thinking to solve organisational problems, with a focus on cloud-based network security.

Regardless of the emphasis chosen, 120 credit hours are required to achieve this Bachelor’s degree. If a hybrid method of online and on-campus courses is preferred by students who live inside the state, there are several options to consider. How to assess intelligence, the process of escalating serious crises, and American security policy are all discussed in Cyber Law and Policy.

Students will apply what they’ve learned in class to CyberApolis, the school’s virtual and unstructured real-world situation. Artificial intelligence algorithms are used to run over 15,000 simulated humans, providing the potential to protect sensitive information and discover any major issues as many daily banking transactions, email distribution, and other tasks are accomplished.

This programme is for students who want to finish their undergraduate degree in the second half, and it accepts up to 60 credit hours of courses. Transferring students must be pursuing a degree from a recognised institution and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Other requirements for admittance include an updated CV and a statement of career aspirations in cybersecurity.

Norwich University

Computer Forensics and Vulnerability Management and Information Warfare and Security Management are two concentration options for the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security that can be completed entirely online. This programme provides numerous start dates throughout the year to accommodate students who want to start at any time during the year. Graduates have gone on to work in health care, banking, and the United States military.

The programme is designed for students who are transferring from an associate programme or who have completed at least 30 credit hours of college-level coursework. This is a requirement of the admissions process, and it allows students to graduate from the programme more quickly. A total of 90 credit hours can be transferred into the programme, with at least 30 of those hours coming from this university.

In terms of the overall curriculum, students must finish general education, cybersecurity foundations, a concentration focus if chosen, and a capstone project that ties everything the student has learned in the programme together. The majority of the student’s transfer credits will be used to fulfil general education and foundational course requirements.

Windows Server Administration, Relational Database Management with SQL, and Management of Information Assurance are examples of core cybersecurity courses that students can study. Students can investigate advanced themes in cyber investigations or national security in both specialisations, which require 18 credit hours to finish their specialist courses.

University of Illinois at Springfield

Students can learn about computer systems and the security infrastructure that surrounds them through a few online programmes offered by the Department of Computer Science. Information Systems Security is one of the most straightforward fields, requiring 120 credit hours to complete the curriculum requirements. This curriculum is accredited by a reputable CAE in the field of information assurance education.

Students will learn about information security architecture and how to spot suspicious activity and vulnerabilities on a network. They may also comprehend numerous organisational procedures, as well as the legal and ethical implications of cybersecurity. Foundations of Network Security and Information Assurance, Systems Programming Languages, and Windows Network Administration are examples of fundamental courses in this programme.

There are 48 credit hours at the 300 to 400 level, which are more advanced computer science courses, that must be completed as part of the 120 credit hours required to finish the degree. At the university, 30 of the 48 credit hours must be completed. This means that 18 credit hours moved over will count toward this criteria if they match advanced courses offered at the university.

Java programming, calculus, statistics, and discrete or finite mathematics are required for admission to the programme. If an applicant does not meet these criteria in the programme, the department offers related courses. Applicants must also have a least 2.0 cumulative GPA from high school or be transferring from another college programme.

George Mason University

The Volgenau School of Engineering offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science programme that focuses on completing undergraduate courses for students who have earned an associate degree. There is a Cybersecurity emphasis that is only offered to people who have prior education in a related profession.

Admission to the programme is subject to certain conditions, such as having completed a degree in this field in a specific place. Students who meet these standards, however, have the ability to study anywhere in the country. All courses are offered in an asynchronous style, and availability varies depending on the term, which students should consider if advanced course prerequisites are required.

The degree requires 120 to 126 total credit hours to accomplish, including 33 credit hours in core courses and the focus itself. There will be a total of 95 credit hours required in preparatory coursework and the Mason Core, which includes general electives and additional technical writing requirements for the degree. In technical elective options, at least 15 credit hours are required.

Students can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Cyber Security Engineering, or a focus in Information Security with the Information Technology discipline as part of their cybersecurity education. These are full-time programmes that need a similar number of credit hours and can be completed in four years for students enrolled full-time.

Purdue University

The university’s worldwide campus offers a thorough experience in the area without any on-campus requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Students will obtain expertise in information system security design and analysis, as well as the capacity to manage others within an organisation. The programme is recognised as a CAE within Cyber Defense and has numerous start dates throughout the year.

The programme requires a total of 180 quarter credit hours to finish. In the early years of education, the curriculum will primarily consist of general education, before transitioning to discipline-specific courses in the later years. Certified Ethical Hacking, Routing and Switching, and Digital Forensics are some of the cybersecurity courses that students will study.

Each course is done in a 10-week module, with recommended time estimates of 15 to 18 hours per week for each subject. In most cases, students can complete the degree in three to four years. If both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in cybersecurity are earned at the same time, the process can be hastened.

Direct prior education at other institutions or completing standardised exams that demonstrate competency in the topics can be used to transfer credit. If the coursework is similar to what is studied at Purdue, community college credit may be granted. If authorised, up to 75% of the curriculum can be transferred in using credit hours from other sources.

City University of Seattle

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance can be completed entirely online, making higher education in this sector more flexible. Students will learn how to use network security tools, as well as general information system vocabulary, processes, and networking protocol. C++ and Python will be used to complete the programming.

The programme is structured into 180 total quarter credit hours and can be finished in as little as two years thanks to an accelerated style. In college-level mathematics, humanities, and social sciences, various general education credits are required. Cybersecurity Technology, Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance are all core competencies in the subject (85 total credit hours).

Students will take 20 credit hours of preparation courses, 10 credit hours of electives, and a bureaupathology capstone course to complete the degree. Graduates of this school have gone on to work in risk analysis, information assurance, and corporate investigations.

The summer quarter begins on July 1st, and the academic year is divided into seasonal quarters throughout the year. Admissions must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the quarter in order to be considered. The Prior Learning Assessment programme will analyse prior work, and students who have the necessary expertise may be allowed to test out of particular courses.

Dakota State University

A Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations is offered by the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Students will learn about data structures, networking, and information security management in addition to regular computer science courses. This curriculum can be combined with a Master’s degree in Computer Science, allowing you to graduate in less than five years.

Students in the Bachelor’s degree programme will learn how to assess an organization’s information systems in order to identify any vulnerabilities. They’ll be able to take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate dangers, such as software and other tools. The curriculum will teach you how to deal with a variety of programming languages and devices (mobile phones, computers, etc.).

The online degree requires 120 credit hours, which are divided into 78 mandatory courses for the basic programme, 30 general education credit hours, and 12 elective credit hours. Students may be able to pass Introduction to Discrete Mathematics without taking an additional elective, but they will need to make up the three credit hours.

After earning this degree, graduates have gone on to work as cyber security analysts and information systems security managers. The National Security Agency, the Pacific Northwest National Library, and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab are just a few of the institutions that have hired graduates from this school. The BS in Network and Security Administration is another online degree at DSU to explore.

Penn State University

The DHS and NSA acknowledge the Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis offered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Students will learn how to analyse and handle security concerns, convey these scenarios to others in the business, and apply analytical tools like ArcGIS. The BS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations is another degree to explore.

Both of these programmes are available through Penn State World Campus and can be completed entirely online. The major in Security and Risk Analysis requires between 77 and 85 credit hours, including 15 credit hours for general education. Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis, Decision Theory and Analysis, and Threat of Terrorism and Crime are some of the courses offered in this major.

An internship is required to meet the college’s requirements. This is worth one credit hour toward the programme and requires teacher approval. Students can seek extra assistance from the World Campus Student Affairs office, which can also help them interact with other students, prepare for interviews, and manage any anxiety they may be experiencing during the educational process.

Students will be able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real-world setting as a result of their internship experiences. This can include disaster recovery operations following a major assault or the creation of security regulations. Graduates have gone on to work as application security specialists, information security associates, and counter-terrorism analysts, among other professions.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is available from the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies, with five different academic tracks to choose from. One of them falls under the category of cybersecurity, with topics such as network protocol and information assurance. Network and System Administration is another related concentration to consider.

Regardless of the track chosen, at least 15 credit hours in the concentration are required, with all courses being at the 300 to 400 level. These courses must all be passed with a C or better. The senior project, which brings students together in groups to develop and solve real-world information technology challenges, is one of the final courses.

For both on-campus and online students, a total of 120 credit hours is required. There are 15 electives available in addition to the major electives to further customise the degree. Other credit hours are allotted to general education core university courses in mathematics and social services, as well as Information Technology Major-specific courses.

Students should have a high school diploma and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above to be considered. Other criteria for admission include graduating in the top 10% of your class or receiving a test score of 23 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT. Students transferring from another university should have a minimum of 26 transferable semester credit hours and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity programme. Prospective students have the option of enrolling in the programme many times during the year, with more start times available. As an alternative, the college offers a certificate in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance as an undergraduate degree.

Students earning a bachelor’s degree will obtain the core skills needed to succeed in a cyber security career. They’ll be able to apply what they’ve learned in engineering and science classes to real-life circumstances. The discipline will include a variety of speciality areas, including risk management, computer forensics, and ethical hacking.

Students will take courses in different levels of computer network defence, infrastructure administration, and web and cloud computing and security as part of the 120-credit-hour curriculum. This curriculum will prepare students for certification tests such as the EC Council’s Certified Security Analyst and Chief Information Security Officer, as well as the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst.

The flexibility to forgo classes for which students already have credit is one of the advantages of enrolling in the programme at the University of Phoenix. The curriculum allows for a maximum of 90 credit hours of transfer credits. Students will be given vouchers to use towards the specialist certification examinations they wish to take.

Majors and Minors in the Bachelor’s Degree

Concentrations in cyber security can be pursued as a major or minor component of a Bachelor’s degree. After completing a number of general education requirements and entry-level computer science courses, the major will be the primary emphasis of the degree. Digital forensics, information technology management, and ethics and legal challenges are examples of advanced topics.

As a minor, this must be combined with a major that is not directly related to computer infrastructure and network security, but that can integrate the aspects of elective content within computer infrastructure and network security. Minors normally need four or five courses in addition to the major, and these courses can be in business administration, health care, public policy, and other fields.

Applied Science Bachelor’s Degrees

Some institutions feature a curriculum specifically for people who are transferring from an Associates in Cyber Security degree or who have a specified number of credits from another university’s undergraduate programme. The advantage of these programmes is that they are typically given in an online format, which provides students with additional convenience. These are usually not classified as a Bachelor of Science or Arts programme, but rather as a Bachelor of Applied Science with a cybersecurity specialisation, which matches the associate degrees.

Typical Admission Requirements for a Bachelors

The completion of a high school diploma is required for entrance to a Bachelor’s degree programme with a cybersecurity emphasis. Prerequisites, grade point averages, and standardised test results will vary by programme. While more famous colleges may be more selective with their students, there is a demand for more educated personnel in the field of cybersecurity across a variety of businesses.

College-level mathematics, writing, and public speaking skills are all useful prerequisites. Some high schools may partner with a local community college or nearby institution to offer courses that meet general education requirements at a university, or they may offer courses that meet general education requirements at a university. This allows students to skip some early requirements in the programme and graduate at a faster rate.

While some colleges are phasing away standardised tests such as the SAT and ACT, these are still usually needed in the admissions process or can assist a candidate’s chances. Letters of recommendation from previous teachers or experts who can vouch for work experience or volunteer efforts obtained are also required application elements.

Accelerated Format with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree

Another option for students who are already planning on continuing their education in cybersecurity and information assurance is to enrol in an accelerated programme. This programme combines similar coursework from a Bachelor’s degree major with advanced studies from a Master’s degree.

While pursuing their studies, students will often have a deadline by which they must declare and submit an application for a Master’s degree. To qualify, they must have completed outstanding coursework during their present undergraduate study. This type of format is usually only available at the same institution, which means the student must complete both degrees at the same university.

Typical Coursework for a Bachelor’s Degree

College Mathematics One of the most common general education requirements for cybersecurity degrees are college-level mathematics, including linear algebra and business calculus. Concepts involved in these courses help in various security processes, such as cryptography. No advanced mathematical courses are needed for entry-level cybersecurity positions, but can help for positions at a later time.
College Writing and Composition Completing reports on vulnerability testing and recommending new innovations into a cybersecurity solution are requirements when designing or improving the infrastructure. This requires strong writing skills and understanding what type of writing format is necessary in certain situations. Additional courses in speech preparation and presentation can also build on these topics.
Social Sciences Another common general education requirement within Bachelor’s degrees are social sciences. These courses are studies within economics, sociology, and US history. Having these concepts helps build toward improving the cybersecurity infrastructure and where it can be further implemented in society.
Computer Systems Security It is important to understand the operating system being used by the organization to maintain and store information. These computer systems have different features available, and in turn, different vulnerabilities and disaster recovery methods when necessary. Many programs will provide a curriculum with multiple operating systems, with the most popular being Windows and Linux.
Computer Programming Accessing and manipulating information requires competence in computer programming, such as C++, Java, Python, or SQL for database management. Programs that specialize with data analytics will typically focus on the Python language as it is the most popular used in the field. Programming topics are more commonly found in the computer science discipline with specializations in cybersecurity and information assurance.
Data Analytics Data science programs can frequently have components of cybersecurity topics, and the basics include analytical processes and tools needed to gather and organize big data. Courses may include the process of data mining and cleaning information from structured and unstructured data sources. Algorithms are needed to quickly sort information in an automated process, and data visualization makes information easily understandable for others.
Cryptography One of the top techniques used in securing information is encrypting and decrypting sensitive data. It is important to keep private data, such as where a client or employee lives, or their banking information, from being leaked on the internet. Cryptography provides an opportunity to keep this information hidden even if it is intercepted by unauthorized activity, and these courses also look at tools that extract data through decryption.
Digital Forensics These courses explore the investigation process of digital information stored on devices and over networks in order to detect and solve criminal activity. Students gain the ability to recreate information that was attempted to be destroyed or erased. Other topics include rules and regulations set by the federal government online and what exists in the dark web.
National Security For students looking for a career in cybersecurity at the national level, they must take courses that focus on defending American citizens and the economy from cyberterrorism. Cyber attacks frequently take place and must be protected in order to keep attackers from other countries, or domestic cyberterrorists, gaining access to the national infrastructure to create damage and chaos in media and network communications.
Enterprise Security The protection of networks, communication, and access points within a large organization’s computer systems is enterprise security. Courses can look at the differences in these large-scale cybersecurity solutions and tools that are used. While these courses generally tackle advanced topics beyond the Bachelor’s degree level, some programs may provide introductory concepts and looking at the architecture of a large enterprise’s information systems.

Full-Time Versus Part-Time Enrollment for a Bachelor’s Degree

Obtaining a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a related field normally takes three to four years of full-time study. A total of 120 credit hours is required, which may vary slightly depending on the programme and whether the student can test out of graduate-level courses by gaining community college credit.

Some colleges may offer an accelerated programme that speeds up the bachelor’s degree procedure. Certain general education requirements that are required at the start of the programme may be able to be tested out of. If they excelled at past coursework early in their studies, they may be able to add courses during the summer months or take more credit hours than is recommended.

In general, students should enrol full-time in a Bachelor’s degree programme in cybersecurity because it can take up to four years to complete, or around 15 credit hours per typical fall and spring semester. Part-time education will take at least five to six years because courses are stretched out over a longer period of time per term, which can increase tuition prices and fees for students.

Part-Time Enrollment: What to Expect

There are advantages to earning a Bachelor’s degree part-time, especially if it is done online. This sort of education allows students to understand cybersecurity and other areas of computer and network security in the most flexible way possible. There are no requirements to attend classes on campus in this manner, but students may be able to complete certain schoolwork on campus at night or on weekends.

Part-time coursework allows a student to continue working in a professional context or devote time to other responsibilities. Instead of relying solely on loans to pay for school, this flexibility makes it easier to pay for education. They can also use this knowledge to advance their careers within a company where they presently work.

Financial aid may be limited for some students, in addition to the extended time requirement. Scholarships and federal funding may be decreased or eliminated entirely for students who do not complete a certain number of credit hours in a given academic year. Students must also be accountable for completing their coursework, which might be more difficult to do when they have more time to see lectures and complete assignments.

Tuition Costs for a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security

Bachelor’s degree tuition varies depending on where the university is located, whether the programme is offered on campus or online, and if the student is a resident of the state where the university is located. Smaller colleges may have lower tuition than larger colleges, but students should consider all fees and other costs, such as housing and board, when calculating the total cost of their education.

A Bachelor’s degree programme might cost anywhere from $6,000 to $30,000 each academic year, depending on the programme. When looking at Bachelor’s degrees around the country, this usually falls around the $10,000 mark. When extra fees, books, and room and board charges are added together for a four-year programme, total costs can reach $50,000 to $70,000.

Students who enrol at a university in a state other than their own are one of the most common causes of tuition rate increases. If a student resides in one state but commutes or does not have residency in the state where the university is situated, out-of-state tuition fees can roughly double or triple the standard rate. In certain circumstances, the impact is less severe, such as when the University of North Dakota charges in-state residents $9,493.92 and out-of-state citizens $15,977.28 per year.

Ways to Save on Tuition Rates

Colleges frequently charge per credit hour, allowing students to reduce their tuition costs by transferring in other credits. Getting college-level classes in high school, if accessible, or completing an associate degree at a community college and transferring the credits is a typical approach. Students must check with the university where they will pursue their Bachelor’s degree to see if these credits will be approved.

The costs of online programmes that are identical to on-campus programmes are normally the same, but out-of-state tuition may be waived. When pursuing an online degree, students may be able to discover a lower tuition rate per credit hour. This is owing to the lower requirements for using on-campus student resources and instead relying on capabilities provided by the learning management system.

Scholarship Options for a Bachelor’s Degree

Scholarships provide students with the opportunity to reduce their tuition fees. Sponsors may make these chances available through the institution, from vendors trying to help students satisfy particular standards, or from associations looking to recruit more people into the cybersecurity field. Scholarships may pay for part of or all of a term or academic year’s tuition, or they may cover the entire cost.

Students must complete the standards set forth by the organisation or university that is distributing the scholarship in order to be considered for the award. Typically, the requirements are based on previous academic performance or financial hardship. Students who can demonstrate a solid academic background with a high GPA, or who come from a family who may not be able to finance higher education, may be eligible.

Individuals applying for scholarships are frequently required to submit an essay explaining why they want to pursue a cybersecurity degree or to respond to questions about why they qualify for the scholarship above others. Scholarships may also be geared to a specific group, such as minorities or women, who are underrepresented in the IT industry as a whole.

Examples of Cyber Security Scholarships

  • The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)2, gives a $1,000 to $5,000 cybersecurity award to undergraduate students. To be eligible, students must have a 3.3 GPA and be a senior in high school or starting an undergraduate programme in the fall semester.
  • The Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship is offered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education in collaboration with (ISC)2, and it has comparable application standards to the ordinary scholarship, however it is only open to women. A letter of recommendation that verifies the individual’s skills, a resume that shows employment or volunteer background, and various essay questions are also part of the application process.
  • Harmony Tech awards a $1,000 grant each year to individuals who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or information assurance. Students must be citizens of the United States, have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better, and attend a regionally accredited university to be eligible for this scholarship. Students can enrol in full-time or part-time online or on-campus programmes.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security?

For cybersecurity specialists, a bachelor’s degree is required. In order to build and analyse security solutions, many professions demand sophisticated expertise in understanding various computer and network systems, as well as the operating systems that are employed in this process. This necessitates the completion of a bachelor’s degree with a cybersecurity major or minor.

When pursuing a cybersecurity minor, students should think about what fits well with their main focus area. With a major in business administration or health informatics, for example, learning a few ideas in cybersecurity, such as cryptography, can be advantageous. If sensitive patient data or private business transactions are compromised as a result of an unlawful intrusion, the information must be encrypted.

Many job postings state that a Bachelor’s degree is required for the role of cybersecurity analyst. Individuals with little or no computer science or information technology expertise, as well as those without a Bachelor’s degree, should consider finishing this undergraduate curriculum to obtain a thorough understanding of all cybersecurity topics. For people who already have this degree of education, a certification may suffice.

Other variables, such as previous work experience and the completion of at least an associate’s degree, may still open the door to these positions. Future graduates should go over all employment requirements to see how they can best emphasise their resume and present themselves in an interview to be considered for the position.

Building on a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can lead to work opportunities, but there are other ways to put your education to good use. One option is to return to university after a few years of work experience gained during their undergraduate studies. This can lead to more advanced cybersecurity employment, such as designing and inventing information system architecture to improve security, or executive positions in the information technology industry.

Students can extend their study by one year to earn a Master’s degree in cybersecurity. If students display high academic merit through their junior year, they can enter advanced positions straight following college. This arrangement combines related courses in the major and within the core coursework of the Master’s degree programme, requiring only five years of full-time study instead of six.

Career Opportunities

One of the most sought-after jobs for graduates with a cybersecurity degree is that of an information security analyst. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, average incomes in the finance and insurance industries, as well as being involved in the development of information systems, are near $100,000. The greatest salaries, which exceed the $108,000 estimate, are found in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, where many federal government jobs are available.

Security analysts have a variety of responsibilities, but in general, they monitor an organization’s information systems to ensure that operations operate smoothly and vulnerabilities are minimised. They may be able to identify upgrades that are required to increase security, as well as assist employees in understanding the security protocols that they must pass in order to access apps.

Security analysts are predicted to expand by 31% between 2019 and 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Improved security measures are needed to keep up with this increase and advanced threats from cyber incursions as consumers upload more personal information and use cloud computing, and enterprises rely more on data-driven decision making.

Penetration testing is one of the specialised actions that security analysts can do. Bachelor’s degrees can cover the fundamentals of this process, and they are recommended for these responsibilities. This activity identifies any network vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, allowing the company to identify potential concerns without having to deal with them in a live environment.

Penetration testing enables specialists to report on specific flaws and the consequences they may have on their network and computer systems. They can also put their disaster mitigation efforts to the test to see if they have capable processes in place to reduce or prevent data breaches, such as firewalls and backup recovery.

These degrees can lead to chances in database management outside of strictly security-related employment. This position entails storing and preserving data sources that may need to be identified, as well as ensuring that procedures and activities execute smoothly. To avoid unwanted access from employees, clients, or rogue programmes, it’s critical to ensure that data in a database is safe.

Updating the database management systems that an organisation utilises is another requirement for administrators in these positions. Sensitive can increase security measures by updating platforms and applications, since system updates or the use of more inventive software and hardware solutions will progressively secure this information.

Many entry-level positions in the information technology area are available to those with a bachelor’s degree in cyber security as a subject or emphasis. A degree will give students with theory and notions about the specific career they are interested in, as well as help them prepare for a test certification. Some programmes will lead to certification from industry leaders including CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft.

Risk assurance associates will be responsible for analysing risk inside a company and collaborating with other team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page. They must have a solid understanding of how to organise and complete various duties, as well as the ability to accurately analyse customer data. Professionals must be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels of employment and/or potential clients.

A business intelligence analyst examines an organization’s data flow and verifies its validity. This is critical for higher-level personnel to make significant business decisions that will help the company progress and improve. They assist in the mining and cleansing of raw data, as well as the protection of information kept on the network and in multiple locations.

Counter-terrorism specialists keep a close eye on the threat of enemy activity in other nations and look for any prospective assaults on the US. Analysts will frequently create comprehensive actions and convey their results to other members of their team and higher-level management. These positions are frequently offered through government organisations and when military service members organise foreign travel.

Salary Information

Information security analysts earn an average of $99,730 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cyber security specialists are part of the information security field since they keep an eye on their company’s networks to make sure there are no unwanted incursions or data breaches. Penetration testing, cryptography, software development, and field innovation are some of the other categories within information security.

When looking for work in this field, the BLS suggests that job candidates have a Bachelor’s degree. With a projected 32 percent job increase between 2018 and 2028, there is plenty of potential in information security. Not only in the top regions of Virginia and Washington, DC, but also in New York, California, Texas, and many parts of the Southeast, employment levels are high.

In general, the highest salaries for information security analysts are located in the Northeastern United States. The average yearly wage in the New York City metropolitan region is $127,850, with over 8,850 people employed in the area. The biggest concentration of information security jobs is in Washington, DC, where the average wage is around $117,810.

Database administration positions are predicted to grow by 10% between 2019 and 2019, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to the increased use of cloud computing and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse large amounts of data. When looking at the United States as a whole, average pay for administration and architecture positions are estimated to be $93,750 per year.