Online cybersecurity programs train enrollees for careers preventing, detecting, and prosecuting online crimes. Common cybercrimes include identity theft, fraud, money laundering, and hacking.
Like on-campus programs, online cybersecurity degree programs can lead to high-paying positions such as information security analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these analysts earn a median annual salary of $99,730 per year. Top-ranking professionals such as chief information security officers boast an average salary of nearly $165,000, according to PayScale.
Companies and organizations increasingly rely on electronic records and online communication, contributing to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. The BLS projects a 32% growth rate in information security analyst positions from 2019-2029. Cybersecurity professionals can work for government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individual clients.
Applicants to cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs at regionally accredited schools often list minimum GPA and coursework requirements in computer science. The following sections detail program requirements, career options, and scholarship opportunities for students earning a cybersecurity degree.
FAQ on Online Cyber Security Degree
What kind of degree do you need for cybersecurity?
Many cybersecurity jobs require an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science. Employers often prefer candidates with relevant professional experience and certifications.
Is cybersecurity well paid?
According to PayScale, cybersecurity analysts and cybersecurity engineers earn average annual salaries of $76,520 and $96,640, respectively.
Is cybersecurity a good career?
Many cybersecurity careers feature positive growth rates. The BLS projects information security analyst positions to increase 32% from 2019-2029, a rate significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
What does a career in cybersecurity look like?
Cybersecurity professionals use technology to protect information and money from theft and tampering. Positions in the field include security systems administrator, security engineer, security architect, and security analyst.
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What Are the Goals of a Cybersecurity Degree?
Schools may offer cybersecurity as a concentration within another major, such as computer science, information technology, information systems, or criminal justice. However, some schools offer BA or BS degrees in information assurance, cybersecurity, computer forensics, and information security.
Cybersecurity bachelor's programs include general education requirements and major-specific coursework. Curricula vary based on specialization, such as network security, computer-forensic engineering technology, or cyberoperations.
Enrollees typically complete core coursework in information systems, information technology, and data communications and networking. Core coursework explores topics such as cyberdefense, digital forensics, and security systems. Learners also complete elective courses aligned with their career interests and goals.
Why Get a Cybersecurity Degree?
Earning a cybersecurity degree can lead to many professional and personal benefits. Degree-seekers obtain valuable skills, and graduates often qualify for career advancement and increased salaries. The list below highlights a few common benefits of completing a cybersecurity program.
- Salary Advancement:
Advanced education often leads to increased earning potential. According to PayScale data, individuals with a BS in information security earn an average salary of $76,190 per year.
- Promotion:
Entry-level professionals, such as technical support staff, often pursue a cybersecurity bachelor's degree to qualify for more advanced positions. Many computer and information technology jobs require a bachelor's degree.
- In-Demand Skills:
Cybersecurity programs help learners cultivate specialized skills. Companies, governments, and organizations need employees with these abilities to protect information.
- Diverse Career Options:
Graduates of cybersecurity degree programs can work in most industries and sectors. Nearly every organization needs to protect electronic and online data.
Networking: Many cybersecurity programs feature internships and project-based courses that encourage collaboration. Learners can use these opportunities to form lasting professional connections. Students can also network with professors and guest speakers.
What Are the Requirements for a Cybersecurity Degree?
Applicants to bachelor's programs must typically submit official transcripts. Candidates usually need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and a high school diploma. Many schools also require minimum ACT or SAT scores, recommendation letters, and an essay. To enter the cybersecurity major, students often need to demonstrate successful academic performance in relevant prerequisites.
Most cybersecurity bachelor's programs require roughly 120 credits, including about 60 credits of general education coursework. Most online cybersecurity programs also require a capstone project or internship during which students gain practical experience working with cybersecurity professionals. Online learners usually complete internships at an approved local site, often their current place of employment. The focus of a learner's capstone project depends on their specialization area.
Professional Organizations for Cybersecurity Students
Many professional organizations support students and professionals by providing networking opportunities, continuing education, advocacy, and publications. Student members often benefit from access to student chapters, exclusive scholarships, mentorship programs, and discounted membership rates. The following professional organizations serve cybersecurity students and professionals.
Information Systems Security Association International
This international nonprofit organization supports information security professionals. ISSA helps members network and share information. The association maintains a job board, runs web conferences and online forums, and publishes the ISSA Journal. ISSA also provides various awards and fellowships.
Global Information Assurance Certification
GIAC offers vendor-neutral computer security examinations and certifications. Candidates for GIAC certifications must have completed information security training through the Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies. GIAC also maintains a blog, podcasts, and a directory of certified professionals.
Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students
Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for a variety of scholarships from institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Scholarship programs often require applicants to boast a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, or belong to an underrepresented group. Many scholarships support learners in a certain field, such as cybersecurity.
(ISC)² Women's Cybersecurity Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Center for Cyber Safety and Education administers these scholarships for women applying to or enrolled in a program related to cybersecurity or information assurance. Full-time and part-time high school seniors and college students from any country can apply. Applicants submit one recommendation letter, a resume, essays, and unofficial transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.3 GPA.
Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Central Intelligence Agency Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This need-based scholarship supports learners at accredited universities. Recipients work for the CIA for 90 days during at least one summer while enrolled in school. Upon graduation, recipients work at the CIA for 1.5 years per year of scholarship funding. Applicants need a strong academic record.
Amount: Up to $25,000 tuition remission annually
Stokes Educational Scholarship
Who Can Apply: High school seniors who plan to major in computer science or electrical engineering can apply for this award. Applicants must demonstrate leadership ability and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and SAT or ACT scores of at least 1200 or 25, respectively. Recipients work for the NSA for 1.5 times the length of the scholarship period.
Amount: Up to $30,000 tuition remission per year, a salary, local housing for summer jobs at NSA, and benefits
