Students who get bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity learn how to keep computer systems safe from bad people. With cloud computing becoming more and more critical to any business, cybersecurity has become a big part of many companies. Cybersecurity degree holders can show that they have the basic skills to keep up with a rapidly changing field.
With a cybersecurity degree, people can work in an exciting field that can be flexible and profitable. People who work in computer and information technology make an average of $88,240 a year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says.
This page lists the best online cybersecurity degrees, making it an excellent place to start when looking for programs. Readers can learn more about cybersecurity degrees and careers, including how much education is needed and how much money they make.
When it comes to cybersecurity, what does it mean?
During the 1970s, Bob Thomas made the first virus that could move between computers. Then in 1988, Robert Morris did the same thing as Thomas. He came up with a worm that caused enough damage to stop the early internet from working.
Cybersecurity professionals now work in almost every business to protect their organizations’ computer systems from being hacked. Cybersecurity is an integral part of any business because companies rely on cloud computing. Attackers try to steal important information and stop corporations from working.
Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity can work as consultants, information security analysts, and computer and information systems managers in the business world. People who work as information security analysts work in computer systems design, management of businesses and organizations, and credit intermediation, and other activities.
Because you want to learn about cybersecurity
Higher education is a significant investment of time, energy, and money. Cybersecurity degree holders can expect to find jobs that pay well in many different fields of work. Technology fans who have strong problem-solving skills can find a lot of work in this challenging and rewarding field. Consider these reasons why you should get a cybersecurity degree:
Opportunity
With cybersecurity becoming an essential part of most businesses, degree-holders can work in many industries and places.
Challenge
As technology grows and changes, cyber attackers, come up with new ways to get into computer systems. Cybersecurity professionals must stay updated on the latest technology and develop new ways to solve problems, making their job exciting and challenging.
Earning Power
According to knowledge from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who work as information security analysts made the median wage of $103,590 in 2020. People who have a cybersecurity degree can also work as IT managers, who earned a median annual salary of $151,150 in 2020.
What to Expect from a Degree in Cybersecurity
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity teaches students to defend and attack digital assets. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on projects to help students improve their skills in critical thinking, analysis, communication, and research, among other things. Students can also work with businesses in their area.
Most people need to finish 120 credits, including any credits they earn from other schools to get a cybersecurity degree. Some programs let students use work experience, such as industry credentials, to help them finish their degrees. How long it takes to complete a program depends on the type of program, how many credits are transferred, and what each student needs. The length of a program can be anywhere from 18 months to six years.
Many cybersecurity degree programs have a lot of different tracks or concentrations. It’s essential to take foundational courses to learn about network administration, information security, and computer programming. Some programs also talk about business environments, like running an organization. The tuition price alters from school to school, but many offer lower rates.
Degree and Concentration Options for a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
There are many cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs that offer BS degrees. People who want to combine business and technology can also get bachelor’s degrees in business administration focusing on cybersecurity. Common options:
Computer Forensics: Computer Forensics is about investigating and testing for flaws, with courses focusing on network and malware forensics. Network intrusions are something that students learn about. If you want to learn about money laundering, credit card fraud, and fraud prevention in the computer and online worlds, this is the specialization for you!
Information Assurance: This concentration focuses on preventing data-driven cybercrime, and it teaches students how to run safe cyber operations and keep an eye on system flaws.
Information Warfare and Security Management: An information warfare concentration focuses on national security issues and looks at cyber intelligence from an offensive and defensive point of view.
Choose a College for a Cybersecurity Degree
Our rankings are a great starting point for people looking for a cybersecurity degree. On the other hand, prospective students should consider their own goals and preferences before signing up for a program. Getting a degree program that is accredited is very important when you look for one.
Regional and national accreditation refers to the whole school, while programmatic accreditation refers to specific degrees at a school. Many schools don’t accept transfer credits or degrees that the regional accrediting body hasn’t approved. People who like to bring a cybersecurity degree might also want to look for programs that the National Centers have approved of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense or Operations.
Prospective students should think about what extracurricular activities and university resources are available. They may want to know what kind of community-building opportunities the program has, like club memberships and online events. Career services and alumni networks, library help, disability services, and tutoring are essential resources.
Many people who want to get a degree also think about how much it costs. If you’re going to go to a school, ask about scholarships and other ways to pay for it when you speak with them. Cost and earning potential should also be taken into account by students. Many schools give information about how quickly graduates found jobs, how much they made, and what kind of jobs they did.
For the reasons why you should get your Cybersecurity degree on the internet
Each year, more and more high-ranking schools start to see the value of online education. However, before deciding to get an online cybersecurity degree, people who want to get a degree should consider their preferences and habits. Distance education is just as challenging as in-person classes, and students must be very self-motivated to do well.
Some people may want to be part of a busy on-campus environment, while others are better at studying alone. Cybersecurity college students should think about which program structure best fits their situation and personality.
Some online courses are held in real-time web meetings, which means that students have to come to the classes at certain times. Others give students materials that they can work on at their own pace. Some people who want to get a degree might also prefer a hybrid approach, including regular or occasional face-to-face meetings.
