Cybersecurity is among the top-paying and fastest-growing segments of the IT workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a whopping 32% job growth for cybersecurity analysts from 2022 to 2032, with a median salary of $112,000. To put this into perspective, the average growth forecast for all computer jobs is 14%, and the rate for all jobs in the nation is 3%, while the median pay for all computer jobs and all jobs total is $100,530 and $46,310, respectively.
Earning a respected cybersecurity bachelor’s degree provides the skills and certifications to land a job in this proliferating field.
This guide will highlight the best accredited online bachelor's in cybersecurity. We’ll also outline a top-notch cybersecurity curriculum, including marketable skills and certifications and the jobs and salaries you can pursue after graduation.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most degree rankings online rely primarily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring school-wide rates for graduation, retention, class size, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond institutional stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and certifications you’ll gain. We also list programs' actual tuition fees and delve deeper into value and flexibility to consider accelerated learning and certificate options.
| The Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degrees | ||
| Rank | School | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Potomac | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity |
| 2 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity |
| 3 | University of Charleston | Cybersecurity Bachelor's Completion Program |
| 4 | Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense |
| 5 | Colorado Technical University | B.S. in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Engineering |
Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
All factors determining the best cybersecurity degrees are vital, but chief among these are the skills you will learn during the program, a.k.a. the curriculum; this is why curricula relevance is prominent in our ranking. To better equip you to judge additional training programs on your own, here are some key subjects and courses you should look for in a cybersecurity bachelor's in 2024:
- Application Development Security
- Network and Communications Security
- Cybersecurity in the Cloud
- Identity and Access Management
- Mobile Device Security
- Information Risk Management
- Cybersecurity Incident Response
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Privacy Laws and Information Ethics
- Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation
- Soft Skills: Problem-Solving & Interpersonal Communication
Some online cybersecurity programs include exam preparation and testing vouchers for sought-after certifications or a curriculum that aligns with cybersecurity credentials so you can take the exam independently. Marketable IT certifications to look for in a cyber-sec bachelor's degree include:
| Vendor | Cybersecurity Certification |
|---|---|
| CompTIA | Security+ |
| CompTIA | CySA+ |
| EC-Council | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) |
| (ISC)2 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) |
| ISACA | Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) |
| ISACA | Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) |
| GIAC | Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) |
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Cybersecurity
We selected the top five online cybersecurity bachelors based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, program features, school reputation, flexibility, and overall value.
Here are the best cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees you can earn online in 2024:
University of the Potomac
Based out of Washington, DC, UOTP has a unique perspective on the information security marketplace reflected in its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This online program provides a solid background in hands-on cyber skills such as wireless network engineering and security management, as well as crucial policy topics like cyber law, organizational ethics, and privacy rights. These skills will be in high demand in the private and public sectors for years to come.
Students in this cybersecurity bachelor's degree choose one of five concentrations, each delving deep into a sought-after vertical of the info-sec workforce: government contract management, healthcare management, information management, international business, or management. We found each major to have coursework in relevant skills and platforms, with preparation for valuable IT certifications from CompTIA and Microsoft.
Cybersecurity bachelor's students can transfer up to 84 credits, a generous transfer policy. Additionally, at $240 per credit, this program is the year's most affordable online cybersecurity degree.
- Format: Online or On-Campus (DC, VA)
- Tuition Cost: $28,800 (120 credits @ $240 per credit)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Maryville University has a distinct and valuable B.S. in Cybersecurity where students choose one of three tracks: offensive, defensive, and general cybersecurity. Each major helps students prepare for a specific segment of the workforce with a career-focused skill set.
Building on a solid foundation of IT and business courses, Maryville’s online cybersecurity bachelor's program features relevant, cutting-edge courses like virtualization and cloud security, advanced ethical hacking, mobile device security, information security policy, and digital forensics.
Another standout is the breadth and quality of cyber security programs available besides the three bachelor's, including both an undergraduate certificate and a master's degree in cybersecurity for those who want to expand their education.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $79,616 (128 credits @ $622 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Charleston
University of Charleston’s Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity is the only degree completion program in our top five this year. Degree completion programs are designed for aspiring cyber security professionals with a relevant associate degree or equivalent work experience; this also means this program can be completed in as little as two years.
This cybersecurity bachelor's degree scored high marks for its relevant curriculum, including courses like ethical hacking and countermeasures, security analysis, and advanced information security trends, as well as exam prep for hot IT certifications, including CompTIA’s A+ & Network+, EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and ISC2’s CISSP. We also liked their focus on soft skills training in areas like effective interpersonal communication and leadership.
As a degree completion program requiring only 60 additional credits (for qualified students) at $380 per credit, this entry is one of this year’s most inexpensive bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $22,800 (60 credits @ $380 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Davenport University
Davenport’s Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Defense scored high relevancy marks for its coursework in hot cybersecurity domains like wireless network security, disaster recovery, and digital forensics, as well as the secure administration of popular technology platforms from Cisco, Microsoft, and Unix.
We like the wide range of marketable IT and business electives that students can take to bolster this program, as well as the specialized majors - notably those in information assurance and health care information assurance - two desirable cybersecurity subgenres. Courses in this program also align with (ISC)2's CISSP certification, a valuable cyber security management credential.
Davenport University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), adding clout to their cyber defense bachelor’s program.
- Format: Online, Hybrid, On-Campus (MI)
- Tuition Cost: $75,240 (120 credits @ $627 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Colorado Technical University
CTU’s Online BSCS in Cybersecurity Engineering delves deep into the software side of information security, a fast-growing and lucrative niche. This degree starts with a solid computer science foundation and builds into marketable programming and scripting languages like Python, SQL, Java, C++, and Linux. In addition to designing software, students will learn valuable cyber-sec concepts like software assurance, cloud security, mobile security, ethical hacking, and security compliance.
The deep selection of electives in this online program stood out to our analysts, who noted optional courses like machine learning, data visualization, business continuity, and disaster recovery as extremely valuable in the infosec workforce.
We also like CTU’s “Fast Track” exams. This program lets students test their knowledge of key course objectives and provides opportunities to earn college credit for skills they already possess. Fast Track students can save up to 30% in degree completion time and tuition.
- Format: Online or On-Campus (CO)
- Tuition Cost: $62,220
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in cybersecurity?
While no degree program can guarantee employment, here are some popular positions you can pursue with an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree and the salary for each role:
| Cybersecurity Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Forensics Investigator | $86,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $101,000 |
| Cyber Threat Analyst | $108,000 |
| Cybersecurity Auditor | $109,000 |
| Network Penetration Tester | $111,000 |
| Network Security Engineer | $117,000 |
| Information Security Consultant | $121,000 |
| IT Security Architect | $150,000 |
Source: Analysis of Online Job Boards
