Best Online Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Cybersecurity Programs In Online Cyber Security Degrees

#1

Spring Arbor University

Bachelor of Professional Studies with a Major in Cybersecurity

Hands-on curriculum | 120 credits required | No SAT or ACT required

Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics

45 credit program | Cohort format, Saturday classes | GRE or GMAT not mentioned

#2

University of South Florida

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security

Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Technical-analytic curriculum | Proactive defense strategies | No GRE or GMAT required

MBA

Cybersecurity

Information Security Management | Business Continuity | No GRE or GMAT mentioned

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Technical foundation | Cyber operations | No specific mention

#3

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Cybersecurity, BS

Certificate in Information Security

Comprehensive academic perspective | Information technology policy | No SAT or ACT required

PhD in Computer Science

Science

World-class curriculum | Security research focus | No GRE/GMAT mention

#4

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity

Combines technical and business skills | 30 total credits, 10 courses | No GRE or GMAT required

#5

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Cybersecurity, MS

Cybersecurity Management Graduate Certificate

Global Approach | Risk Management | GRE/GMAT not required

Cybersecurity, MS

Information Security and Cyber Leadership MS

Technical and Social Skills | Flexible Online Format | GRE/GMAT not mentioned

#6

Florida International University

Cybersecurity, MS

MBA in Cybersecurity Risk Management

STEM-designated | 16-month duration | No GRE or GMAT mentioned

Cybersecurity, BS

120 semester credit hours | Multiple Cybersecurity Concentrations | No specific SAT or ACT requirement mentioned

Cybersecurity, BS

Multiple Cybersecurity Concentrations

CAE-CD certification eligible | STEM strategic emphasis | No specific SAT or ACT requirement mentioned

#7

University of San Diego

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

20 months duration | National Center of Excellence | No GRE or GMAT mentioned

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership

Leadership skills | National Center of Excellence | No GRE or GMAT mentioned

#8

Cedarville University

Cybersecurity, MBA

Cybersecurity Management

Accredited by ACBSP | Flexible seven-week terms | No GRE or GMAT required

Cybersecurity, BS

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Cyber Operations specialization

Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations

NSA Center of Excellence | Hands-on lab experiences | No specific mention of SAT or ACT

#9

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Cybersecurity, MS

BS in Computer Science - Cybersecurity focus

Flexible curriculum | 8-week sessions | No GRE or GMAT required

BS in Computer Science - Cybersecurity focus

120 credit hours | CAE-CD accredited | ACT/SAT required

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Cybersecurity focus

High quality research | Significant dissertation | GRE not mentioned

#10

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Cyber Security

Protecting information systems | 30-hour graduate-level | GRE not explicitly required

Want to know how we came up with our rankings? Take a look at our methodology!

Online Cybersecurity Degree Options

Associate's Degree

At a Glance
  • Overview: An associate degree in cybersecurity is the first step towards a rewarding career in a growing and important industry. Associate degree programs can last anywhere from one year to two years and are designed to help students get baseline exposure to the cybersecurity industry and prepare to take industry certification exams.
  • Duration: Typically 1 - 2 Years
  • Requirements: Prospective students need to have obtained a high school diploma, taken the prerequisite math and science courses (the exact prerequisites will depend on the individual program) and be proficient in English.

Bachelor's Degree

At a Glance
  • Overview: A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is often considered a necessity for entry into the cybersecurity profession. Because of the technical nature of cybersecurity, companies, and organizations hiring for cybersecurity positions often (but not always) look for applicants holding a cybersecurity degree, or a degree in a closely related field.
  • Duration: Typically 4 Years
  • Requirements: Like other undergraduate degree programs, most undergraduate cybersecurity schools require a high school diploma or a GED.

Master's Degree

At a Glance
  • Overview: A master’s degree in cybersecurity is a great option for students with a related undergraduate degree (such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics) who are looking to develop specific expertise and connections to take advantage of the massive opportunities unfolding in the cybersecurity space.
  • Duration: A master’s degree in cybersecurity usually requires 60 hours of study and can be tailored to specific interests.
  • Requirements: Some schools use common applications, while others require specialized admission requirements. Most often, students are expected to compile the GRE/GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts showing successful completion of undergraduate work, including any of the prerequisite courses in science, math, or technology.

Doctorate's Degree

At a Glance
  • Overview: Like other cybersecurity degree programs, there has also been an evolution in cybersecurity PhD programs. With increased flexibility and more options to study across disciplines, cybersecurity PhD programs have never been more attractive to students looking to refine their expertise.
  • Duration: Typically 1 - 2 Years
  • Requirements: Specific degree requirements will vary by program. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, A statement of intent, which is like a cover letter outlining interest, Letters of reference, Application fee, Online application, A resume or CV outlining professional and academic accomplishments

Certificates in Cybersecurity

At a Glance
  • Overview: Certification is an important facet of the cybersecurity industry. The kinds of certifications that exist can be broken down into two general categories. There are academic certification programs, which are designed to help professionals who already have degrees or work experience sharpen cybersecurity skills.
  • Duration: Typically 3 - 6 Months
  • Requirements: Specific degree requirements will vary by program. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, A statement of intent, which is like a cover letter outlining interest, Letters of reference, Application fee, Online application, A resume or CV outlining professional and academic accomplishments

Cybersecurity Bootcamps

At a Glance
  • Overview: As cyber threats increase, more trained employees are needed to protect businesses and critical IT infrastructure. Bootcamps are designed to fill the need for qualified employees quickly. While bootcamps provide students with the fundamental skills and knowledge to join the workforce as cybersecurity professionals, they do not include general education or elective courses.
  • Duration: Typically 6 Months - 1 Year
  • Requirements: Specific degree requirements will vary by program. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, A statement of intent, which is like a cover letter outlining interest, Letters of reference, Application fee, Online application, A resume or CV outlining professional and academic accomplishments

Pros vs. Cons of Online Cybersecurity Degrees

When considering an online cybersecurity degree, the pros and cons should be weighed. First of all, flexibility is a major advantage. You can study at your own pace and in your own time and it won’t be a problem if you have a job or other responsibilities that you need to balance. Additionally, online programs provide the ability to access a wider variety of materials and also the chance to network with professionals globally.

But there are cons as well. Online learning requires a lot of motivation and will power since you don’t have a physical class to go to, which can make you more likely to put off the work. You will also miss out on hands on lab work and personal interactions since this is an industry that is more hands on than theory. In addition, all employers do not consider online degrees as equal; therefore, it is important to select a good program. By weighing these factors properly, you will be able to make a decision that suits your purpose for pursuing a career.

Fast & Shortest Online Cybersecurity Degrees

If you are wanting to get fast and affordable online cybersecurity degrees then there are several options that can help you get started in your career without having to spend a lot of money. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are available at many community colleges and online universities and can be completed in as little as one to two years. These programs are often designed for flexibility, allowing you to study while working or handling other responsibilities.

Affordable Degrees

Also important is affordability. Financial aid, scholarships or tuition discounts for online students are what you should look for in schools. Some programs also enable you to transfer credits from previous learning, which will accelerate your graduation. It is also important to verify that the program is accredited and is well perceived in the industry as this will determine how well you will be placed in the job market after graduation. So, picking the right program, you will be able to acquire useful skills and recognition quickly and move towards the growth in the field of cybersecurity.