Fastest Online Cybersecurity Programs
How Long Are Cybersecurity Programs?
Associate's Degree
The time it takes to complete an associate degree in cybersecurity is about two years for a full time student at a community college or technical school.
Over the course of the last two years you will be learning the essentials: network security, ethical hacking and information assurance. Some programs offer part time schedules to help students who have other responsibilities, such as a job, or other commitments.
You may even graduate early if you already have some credits or experience. In any case, this degree offers a great starting point, serving as a springboard to entry level positions in the cybersecurity industry or further academic pursuit at the bachelor’s degree level. It’s a great step into an exciting industry that will forever be in need. Our world is becoming more and more digital.
Bachelor's Degree
It usually takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. This timeframe is typical for a full time student in a traditional college or university. Over the years you will be exposed to a detailed curriculum that covers network security, cryptography and risk management and other such topics.
Many programs also include hands on labs and projects that are designed to replicate real life situations and hence help in achieving practical experience. It may take longer to finish if you are studying part time or if you have transferred from another institution. Some schools offer accelerated programs that enable motivated students to graduate in as few as three years. In the end, this degree both for its depth of content and its breadth of opportunity, prepares you for many challenging and interesting career opportunities in the ever growing field of cybersecurity.
Master's Degree
The time it takes to complete a master’s degree in cybersecurity is about one to two years, depending on whether you are a full time or part time student. In general, a full time student will be able to complete the program in one year, or less if it is an accelerated program. This year, you will learn more depth on threat intelligence, incident response and cybersecurity policy, and other such topics.
Most of the programs also include hands on experience through labs and real life projects hence you are able to apply what you have learned in life. If you are juggling work or other responsibilities, then you might have to take the part time option which may extend your learning period to two years or more. All in all, it will help you to improve your skills and employment opportunities and to get ready for the management positions in the field of cybersecurity which is rapidly developing.
Doctorate's Degree
The time it takes to complete a doctorate degree in cybersecurity is about three to five years, and this time may vary depending on your previous education and the program you choose. This advanced degree is for those wishing to undertake original research or take on senior academic or industry positions.
Over the years, you will be required to take rigorous courses, be involved in research activities and at the end, work on your dissertation, which will be on a specific aspect of cybersecurity. If you start with a master’s degree, you will probably finish faster than if you began with a bachelor’s. The timing of this intense study can also be influenced by balancing it with professional responsibilities. However, earning a doctorate contributes significantly to the growth and innovation of the field, and it opens up leadership positions.
5 Quick Online Cybersecurity Programs
#1
Florida State University
MS in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Major
- 30 semester hours
- Undergraduate prerequisites
- GRE required
#2
North Carolina A & T State University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Flexible scheduling
- 30 credit hours
- No GRE or GMAT required
#3
Texas A & M University-College Station
Doctor of Philosophy - Computer Science
- 30 credit hours coursework
- Research and breadth courses
- GRE required
#4
George Washington University
Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
- 45 credit program
- Cohort format, Saturday classes
- GRE or GMAT not mentioned
#5
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
BS in Computer Science - Cybersecurity focus
- 120 credit hours
- CAE-CD accredited
- ACT/SAT required
Want to know how we came up with our rankings? Take a look at our methodology!