Most Affordable Online Cyber Security Degrees 2021

Maryville's bachelor of science in cybersecurity teaches how security breaches occur and how to prevent them. Graduates from the Saint Louis-based school qualify for careers in information technology, information security, and analysis.

Taught through the university's Simon School of Business, studies consist of general business courses and database design, cybersecurity principles, and information technology classes. Students pursue one of three tracks: cybersecurity defense, cybersecurity offense, or cybersecurity general. Real-world case studies, taught by field-experienced faculty, support the curriculum's foundation.

Maryville's Virtual Lab offers a safe environment where students develop technical, hacking, and analytical cybersecurity skills. Students may also access Maryville's Cyber Fusion Center, which provides real-time information security services for charities, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

First-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript with a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from previous colleges or universities, along with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Maryville University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UMFK's bachelor of science in cybersecurity trains students to protect technical infrastructures and preserve cybersecurity and information assurance. Graduates may qualify for forensic computer analyst, vulnerability analyst, system engineer, or network architect.

The curriculum focuses on network and operating systems security, cyber defense, and database protection. Students benefit from hands-on applications in information security analysis, prevention, deterrence, and global countermeasures.

First-year applicants must submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students must submit transcripts from prior colleges/universities and official high school transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

University of Maine at Fort Kent is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Drexel's bachelor of science in computing and security technology educates professionals for roles in computer system administration and cybersecurity. Emphasizing hands-on education and fundamental concepts supplemented by work experience, the degree-completion program trains those currently working in information technology areas, as well as employed adults with an associate degree or college credits.

Core studies focus on information technology security, network administration, computer informatics, and web systems. Students may pursue computing technology or computing security concentrations. Up to 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) may transfer from any accredited institution of higher learning with a grade of C or higher. One semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits.

Applicants interested in this private, Philadelphia-based university must submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities, and other postsecondary educational institutions attended.

Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

UC offers a bachelor of science in cybersecurity that supplies students with experiential knowledge and skills aligning with The National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. The two-year degree-completion program prepares working adults to provide the full spectrum of defense, from operations and maintenance to investigations, data management, and oversight.

Through the West Virginia-based School of Business and Leadership, graduates qualify for careers such as information security analyst, computer crime investigator, cyber trainer, and intrusion detection system technician. Program studies include cybersecurity strategy, security analysis, incident handler, and advanced security trends, along with a cybersecurity capstone. Students may pair minor degrees in organizational leadership or business administration with the BSCS degree.

Applicants with a 2.0 or higher cumulative college GPA may apply for UC general admission and gain entry into the program. Transcripts from each previously attended college or university are required. Those with workforce technology-related experience can opt to test out of three prerequisites.

University of Charleston is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The bachelor of science in cybersecurity eMajor at KSU in Georgia trains students for careers in the fast-growing tech-protection sector. The degree-completion program taught through KSU's Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development focuses on the technical creation, operation, analysis, and testing of secure computer systems.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designate KSU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Classes include principles of cybersecurity, perimeter defense, incident response and contingency planning, and a capstone requirement. Students must also complete a systems security, network security, or cybercrime track. Students completing general education and lower-division major requirements with a C or better, either at KSU or an accredited college or university, may apply to the program.

Kennesaw State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Madison, South Dakota, DSU's bachelor of science in cyber leadership and intelligence degree teaches leadership concepts and practices built on a professional ethics foundation. One of only a few in the country, the program trains students to understand and investigate security breaches while learning about global geopolitical issues and different cultural values.

The 120-credit curriculum focuses on cyber ethics, cyber leadership, and information security fundamentals. Participants select an internship or undergraduate research project plus a specialization in digital forensics or world affairs and human behavior. Students may also add a minor in cyber operations, foreign language, history, or sociology.

First-year applicants must be high school graduates and meet at least one of three requirements: minimum 2.6 GPA, an 18 ACT composite score / 950 SAT minimum, or be in the top 60% of graduating high school class. Transfer students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 from a regionally accredited college or university.

Dakota State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Part of The Pennsylvania State University system, Penn State's bachelor of science in cybersecurity analytics and operations trains participants to identify threats, articulate impacts to stakeholders, and ensure digital information safety. The 126-credit program, taught through the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), equips students with the necessary technical tools to eliminate risks related to multiple threats.

Studies focus on cyber incident handling and response, malware analytics, network security, and information security management — as well as general education courses and a capstone. Students must also study application areas such as law and policy, economics, healthcare, and additional writing courses.

Applicants must be high school graduates; higher math courses are required for College of IST admission. First-year applicants must submit self-reported academic records. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from previous colleges or universities attended.

Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

OSUIT offers a bachelor of technology in information technologies — cybersecurity and digital forensics. Taught by industry experts, graduates from the Okmulgee-based program develop the tools to protect technology from hackers, cyberterrorists, viruses, and worms.

Besides lower-division program requirements, general education requirements, and an interdepartmental requirement, degree-specific courses focus on programming, digital forensics, network and computer security, and secure system administration.

First-time applicants must be high school graduates and submit ACT or SAT scores, official transcripts, and immunization records. Undergraduate transfers must submit official transcripts from each college attended and ACT or SAT scores.

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior's bachelor of science in cybersecurity prepares students for systems protection-related jobs in the U.S. Cyber Command, the FBI, law enforcement agencies, and corporate environments. Aligned with academic requirements for cybersecurity set by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, the 120-credit program prepares graduates to respond to cyber incidents. Excelsior is also a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

The curriculum covers general education and cybersecurity plus a free elective component. Cybersecurity studies include computer security, computer forensics, introduction to microprocessors, and risk management. Students must also complete a capstone and a concentration in general cybersecurity or cyber operations.

Transfer up to 117 credits from college, military training, IT certifications, and criminal justice training. Applicants must submit official transcripts and are encouraged to contact admission counselors for additional details.

Excelsior College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Mercy, located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, offers a bachelor of science in cybersecurity that teaches students how to test, implement, and configure security software and/or technologies. Students also learn how to provide protection and disaster recovery to companies' business systems. Earned skills include security system monitoring, security policy implementation, compliance audits, and disaster plan recovery.

Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, Mercy's program studies include disaster recovery, programming, computer security, and operating systems. The degree requires a capstone.

First-time applicants must be high-school graduates and submit an official, final transcript. Standardized tests are optional. Transfer students must submit official high school and college transcripts from all colleges attended. Credits with a 2.0 grade or higher might be transferable.

Mercy College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.