Cyber Security Degrees
As the world becomes more digital, the cyber security field has become a very in-demand field. Those who study cyber security go on to become computer systems analysts, digital forensics specialists, intelligence investigators, network applications supervisors, information security analysts, and network and systems engineers. A cyber security degree prepares its students to create and execute digital security strategies in order to protect a company's cyber assets.
The Top Bachelor's Programs in Cyber Security
1. Dakota State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9536 | 77% | 43% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
2. New England Institute of Technology
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30841 | 63% | 51% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
3. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5550 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 37% | 98% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
4. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8503 | 69% | 57% | 96% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
5. Robert Morris University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31200 | 84% | 65% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
6. Fontbonne University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27260 | 79% | 54% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
7. Lindenwood University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18100 | 88% | 50% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
8. Saint Cloud State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8656 | 90% | 48% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
9. Green River College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4141 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 38% | 49% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
10. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10958 | 84% | 60% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
11. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18450 | 76% | 71% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
12. Maryville University of Saint Louis
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28470 | 83% | 71% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
13. Thomas College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27720 | 84% | 52% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
14. Davenport University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19338 | 82% | 49% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
15. Limestone College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26300 | 51% | 33% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
16. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7470 | 41% | 52% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
17. Central Washington University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
18. University of Illinois at Springfield
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11928 | 77% | 54% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
19. Metropolitan State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8114 | 56% | 34% | 86% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
20. Indiana Institute of Technology
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27440 | 60% | 37% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
21. Farmingdale State College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8538 | 55% | 52% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
22. The University of Tampa
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29992 | 45% | 58% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
23. Frostburg State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9410 | 80% | 49% | 92% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
24. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11476 | 85% | 52% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
25. SUNY at Albany
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10176 | 54% | 63% | 85% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
26. University of Central Missouri
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8043 | 65% | 51% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
27. Mercy College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19594 | 82% | 44% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
28. Pennsylvania College of Technology
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17160 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 45% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
29. SUNY College at Plattsburgh
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8872 | 58% | 68% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
30. Ferris State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12376 | 87% | 47% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
31. Highline College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4127 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 33% | 49% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
32. Southeast Missouri State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7800 | 86% | 50% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
33. University of Nebraska at Omaha
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7980 | 83% | 50% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
34. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11154 | 77% | 71% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
35. University of Maine at Fort Kent
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8295 | 99% | 36% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
36. Eastern Michigan University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13758 | 74% | 46% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
37. Marshall University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8412 | 87% | 49% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
38. Illinois State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12836 | 82% | 70% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
39. Tiffin University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26110 | 69% | 39% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
40. Florida State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
41. Friends University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29394 | 46% | 48% | 100% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
42. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8852 | 67% | 60% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
43. University of Akron Main Campus
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11636 | 73% | 46% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
44. Western Washington University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
45. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10728 | 87% | 45% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
46. University of the Incarnate Word
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32576 | 94% | 51% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
47. Brigham Young University-Provo
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5790 | 67% | 78% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
48. Northeastern State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6915 | 100% | 33% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
49. University of Southern Maine
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9226 | 81% | 40% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
50. Western Illinois University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12940 | 57% | 51% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
What Kinds of Cyber Security Degrees Are There?
Cyber security degrees are available from the bachelor's level to the doctoral level. The varying degree levels offer a range of career opportunities for students interested in cyber security. While a bachelor's degree is required for many positions in cyber security, an associate degree gets a foot in the door of the IT world. Others go on to pursue their master's in order to help further their career. Some people even choose to pursue a doctoral degree involving cyber security in order to enter the world of academia.
Associate Degrees in Cyber Security
An Associate of Science in Cyber Security typically takes two years to complete, if enrolled as a full-time student, and can lead to entry-level jobs in an IT department. However, many cyber security positions require a bachelor's degree or higher. Associate degrees in cyber security often lay the groundwork of cyber security with basic technology courses, network defense courses, and ethics. If a student wishes to continue studying cyber security, many associate degrees can be transferred to another institution to complete a bachelor's degree in cyber security.
Bachelor's Degrees in Cyber Security
Because cyber security has become an in-demand field, there are many cyber security bachelor's programs available. The majority of programs take four years to complete if enrolled as a full-time student. A Bachelor of Science in Cyber security teaches students to implement cyber security practices, prepares them for security-related exams that help them to further their careers, and shows them the various skills and information needed in the cyber security field. While there are many in-person cyber security programs, many schools also offer online cyber security bachelor's degrees.
Master's Degrees in Cyber Security
Those who pursue a Master of Science in Cyber Security are prepared to take on cyber security challenges that face the world today. These programs teach the skills required to detect and stop cyber security crimes and how to protect businesses. These programs also serve to help individuals gain experience in the cyber security field to help further their careers since there are some careers that require an advanced degree. Most master's programs can be completed within two years.
Doctoral Degrees in Cyber Security
Doctoral degrees in cyber security are less common than their bachelor's degree counterparts but are still available. The programs that do offer doctoral degrees in cyber security often have it as a concentration under a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management or another similarly titled program. These programs are often designed for those who wish to go into academia and take 3 to 7 years to complete.
Certificates in Cyber Security
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies there are currently more open positions in the cyber security field than qualified candidates. Many schools are beginning to offer graduate certificates in cyber security in order to meet the field's needs. These certificate programs often are designed to teach the students invaluable skills that are needed within today's cyber workforce. These programs can often be completed in less than a year and can often be applied to a master's degree.
Cyber Security Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
The vast majority of schools do not offer a concentration or specialization for a cyber security degree. This is because cyber security is already fairly specialized. Individual programs may offer concentrations specific to the institution, but there are no concentrations that are standard for the industry.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security
The curriculum and coursework for a cyber security degree vary by institution, however many have classes that overlap. The majority of bachelor's degree programs in cyber security require general education courses including courses in English, science, and history before transitioning into their major requirements. Some schools may offer courses to prepare students for certificates in cyber security which helps students further down the line when they are applying to jobs.
Some of the courses that students may take in a cyber security degree program are:
- Foundations of Cyber Security
- Information Policy and Ethics
- Legal Issues in Cyber Security
- Network Security, Firewalls, and VPNs
- Cyberwarfare
- Data Structures
- Human Aspects of Cyber Security
How to Choose a Cyber Security School & Program
Because of the rise in cyber security jobs, there are many different programs available for prospective cyber security students. Here are a few things to consider making it easier to choose the right cyber security school.
Does the school offer the ability to do internships? Internships are extremely valuable for students who wish to pursue a career in cyber security. While they aren't always required, they provide students with experience which employers value.
Does the school offer the ability to earn certificates? Certificates aren't required for a career in cyber security, but they can strongly improve job prospects. Some schools offer classes that specifically prepare students for certain certificates.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Cyber Security?
Traditionally, a bachelor's degree in cyber security takes 4 years, or 120 credit hours, to complete when enrolled as a full-time student. If a student chooses to enroll part-time, it may take longer to complete. Some programs offer the ability to choose an accelerated program that allows students to operate on their own schedules. This can lead to a degree being completed quicker than four years.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Cyber Security Degrees
Accreditation is extremely important when it comes to universities and colleges. An accredited university means that at the regional, national, or program level there is an oversight and that these institutions are held to quality standards. If an institution is not accredited at a regional or national level, this may harm student's potential job opportunities and may impact their ability to receive financial aid.
The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET is the accrediting agency for cyber security programs. It oversees a wide range of programs including natural science, engineering, engineering technology, and computing. It accredits programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.
Cyber Security Licensure & Certification
While licenses and certifications are not required for a career in cyber security, they do help with job prospects. Many employers are looking to hire those who have gone the extra mile to become certified in a specific area of cyber security. It shows employers a person's dedication, knowledge, and commitment. Some degree programs include certification within their program and other times a person must take an exam or another form of assessment to apply for certification.
Some of the top certifications for those in the cyber security field are:
- CISA: Certified Information Security Auditor
- CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
- CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
- CompTIA Security+
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security?
The cyber security industry is growing exponentially with nearly every sector of industry needing help to combat cybercrime. According to a cyber security study, since 2013 there has been a 94% growth in the number of cyber security job postings. Those who study cyber security can go on to become a chief information security officer, ethical hacker, security architect, and a security software developer. A computer forensics analyst, computer security expert, cybersecurity expert, and a cybercrime agent are also popular careers.
How to Become a Cybercrime Agent
Many who pursue a degree in cyber security wish to become a cybercrime agent. Cybercrime agents typically work for federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, and use their unique skills in order to investigate cybercrime. These agents usually have their bachelor's as well as a few years of experience working with cybercrime.
How to Become a Computer Security Expert
Some people with an interest in cyber security become a computer security expert. These experts typically start out in entry-level cyber or computer security positions before working their way to expert-level positions. The vast majority of computer security experts earn certifications in order to advance their careers. By 2029, the job market for information security analysts (which is what computer security experts fall under) is projected to grow by 31% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth rate is much faster than the average growth rate. The median pay for information security analysts, according to the BLS, was $99,730 in 2019.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Cyber Security Degrees
Before each school year, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans. The university or college the student is applying to, as well as their state, uses FAFSA data in order to award aid. Once the aid is accepted by the student, the financial aid office for the school will apply the amount owed to the school and send the student the remaining balance. This remaining balance can be used to cover other college costs.
There are a number of different types of financial aid. These include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Grants are awarded on a financial need basis while scholarships can be applied for. These types of financial aid do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs are when a student works part-time in order to pay for parts of their tuition. Loans must be repaid including any interest accrued.
Professional Organizations in Cyber Security
Professional organizations in cyber security are on the rise. These professional organizations allow for networking opportunities and opportunities to further education. They also appeal to employers as it shows the person is active in their field. Here are a few professional organizations in the field relating to cyber security:
- Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) - ASIS&T works to link science practice and research. Its vision is to advance the fields related to information science and technology. Members of ASIS&T represent a wide variety of fields including information science, computer science, management, engineering, law, and education.
- Information Systems Security Association International (ISSA) - ISSA works to develop and connect those in cyber security on a global level. It is dedicated to managing technology risk, protecting critical information and protecting critical infrastructure, and advancing individual growth. Its core purpose is to promote a secure digital world.
- Association for Women in Computing (AWC) - AWC was created to promote the advancement of women in the various computing professions. AWC has various networking opportunities and programs. It also has nationwide chapters as well as independent members who may not be able to attend chapter meetings.
