Online Cybersecurity Programs In Florida

There are many options available for those seeking online cybersecurity programs in Florida. Some of the top universities in the state, including the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University offer full-fledged online programs suitable for first-time learners and working executives. These programs offer various topics such as information security, ethical hacking and data protection so that you can get a good understanding of the field.

The best thing about learning online is the convenience it offers. This way you can learn at your own time, which is great if you have other responsibilities to attend to like a job or family. Some of the programs also contain labs and practical projects whereby you get to use the theoretical knowledge that you have learnt in the real world. It is crucial in making you well equipped for the cybersecurity job market.

Florida is also known for having a strong technological growth and this calls for more cybersecurity experts. It is, therefore, important to attend a reputable program to learn new skills that will help you get a job. Most of the times, there are networking opportunities provided by the forums or local meetings where students interact with the professionals. In our quest to begin or enhance our careers, choosing an online cybersecurity program in Florida will open doors for us in this fast-growing and demanding field.

Best Online Cybersecurity Programs In Florida

#1

University of South Florida

Cybersecurity, BS

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Technical foundation | Cyber operations | No specific mention

Cybersecurity, MS

MBA

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

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security

Technical foundation | Cyber operations | No specific mention

#2

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

#3

University of West Florida

Cybersecurity, BS

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

ABET Accredited | 120 Semester Hours | No SAT or ACT Required

Cybersecurity, MS

MBA with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Management

AACSB-accredited curriculum | 16 months duration | No GRE or GMAT required

#4

Florida Institute of Technology

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity

Risk assessment | Security frameworks | No GRE/GMAT required

#5

Florida State University

Cybersecurity, MS

MS in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Major

30 semester hours | Undergraduate prerequisites | GRE required

MS in Cyber Criminology

3 criminology courses | 6 CS courses | GRE required

Cybersecurity, PhD

PhD in Computer Science

Research-intensive | World-class faculty | No GRE/GMAT mention

#6

University of Miami

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Computer Science

24 credits required | Core areas include cybersecurity | GRE or GMAT required

#7

St. Thomas University

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Cyber Security Management

Cutting-edge cybersecurity | Business management insights | No GMAT required

Cybersecurity, BS

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management / Cyber Security Management

Seamless business decisions | Ethical leadership | No SAT or ACT mentioned

Cybersecurity, BS

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management / Cyber Security Management

Defend IT systems | Ethical business decisions | No SAT or ACT mentioned

Cybersecurity, PhD

Doctor of Business Administration in Cyber Security Management

Tailored for executives | Small class sizes | No GRE or GMAT required

#8

Nova Southeastern University

Cybersecurity, BS

B.S. in Cybersecurity Management

30 semester hours | Undergraduate prerequisites | GRE required

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management

30 semester hours | Undergraduate prerequisites | GRE required

Cybersecurity, PhD

Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management

Research-intensive | World-class faculty | No GRE/GMAT mention

#9

Southeastern University

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity

Improves business skills | Deep cybersecurity examination | No GRE or GMAT required

#10

Saint Leo University

Cybersecurity, A.A.S.

Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity

Fastest-growing field | Entry-level careers | No SAT or ACT required

Cybersecurity, MS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Cybersecurity Management

Advanced technical skills | Business acumen | No GRE or GMAT required

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

Comparing Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees in Florida

It is important to consider the online cybersecurity programs in Florida and the differences between an associate and a bachelor’s degree to make the right choice. While an online cybersecurity associate’s degree can be completed within the shortest time possible which is about two years, an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree may take as long as four years to complete. This program is designed to provide students with fundamental skills and understanding of the field and it covers areas such as network security, system administration and basic cybersecurity concepts. This is a good choice for those who are in a hurry to gain employment as the graduates will be able to work as IT technicians or cybersecurity analysts.

However, a bachelor’s degree which takes about four years to complete provides a broader education. Some of the topics that you will learn in this program include ethical hacking, data protection and security policy. This way, you will be able to understand the concepts that are involved in the formation of specialized positions and it will also help you to improve your value and employment opportunities in Florida. Most of the employers in Florida seek for applicants with bachelor’s degree especially when it comes to filling positions that require certain level of management and decision making.

Both the degree programs are offered online to allow for the convenience of the students and the working class. Therefore, the decision you make should be in accordance with what you want to achieve. For instance, if you want to begin working as soon as possible an associate’s degree may be the most appropriate. However, if you have future directions in your career and you want to take higher positions in cybersecurity, then a bachelor’s degree is a good investment.

Associate's Degree

At a Glance
  • AVG. Credits: 60
  • Cost Per Credit In State: $83
  • Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $331

Bachelor's Degree

At a Glance
  • AVG. Credits: 120
  • Cost Per Credit In State: $130 - $147
  • Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $484 - $619

Comparing Graduate Degrees: Master's and Ph.D.

 It is beneficial to compare Cybersecurity online programs in Florida between a master’s degree and a doctorate degree to guide your career path. 

Online cybersecurity Master’s degree programs can be completed within 2 years and cover advanced level of Cybersecurity knowledge. This program prepares you for management positions including cybersecurity analyst or cybersecurity consultant. It is a good choice if you are looking to advance in your career and gain expertise in a certain area. 

On the other hand, an online cybersecurity doctorate degree may take three to five years and is designed for those who want to engage in research or work as a professor. This path moves beyond the fundamentals and engages the student in original research. The doctoral graduates commonly seek employment in the academic field or in the high-level positions in the industry where they can shape the policies and strategies of the organization in regard to Cybersecurity. 

Both of the degrees are offered in the online format which gives a great amount of freedom to the students who have other responsibilities in their lives. When comparing the programs, also consider the faculty specialist and the research projects that are available as well as the support that is provided for dissertation. It is also possible to get useful information from alumni and other professionals in the field. 

Master's Degree

At a Glance
  • AVG. Credits: 30 - 36
  • Cost Per Credit In State: $380 - $550
  • Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $570 - $900

Doctorate's Degree

At a Glance
  • AVG. Credits: 60 - 90
  • Cost Per Credit In State: $500 - $700
  • Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $800 - $1,000

Other Degree Pathways

 If you are interested in pursuing other options for an online Cybersecurity program in Florida, then you have come to the right place. There are many universities and community colleges that offer their courses online and in a flexible manner. When searching for schools, make sure that they are accredited and they offer online cybersecurity certificate programs or an associate degree in Cybersecurity. These can be completed at one’s own convenience and time pace. 

Also, it would help to search for online cybersecurity boot camps or workshops that target on certain skills such as ethical hacking, network security among other areas of interest. Other online learning platforms include Coursera and Udemy which offer cheap courses. You can also get recommendations and tips from professionals in the field by reaching out to them. Additionally, one can also look for local meetups or webinars to attend to and get more information about the existing opportunities.