Online Cybersecurity Degrees & Certificate Programs

Is an Online Cybersecurity Program Right for Me?

The field of cybersecurity exists to keep private digital information private and to help bring justice to those who would compromise that privacy, misappropriate information, and in some cases, misuse it. The proliferation of information networks—especially the internet—ushered in the need for digital information security, and it seems only fitting that one be able to study it online. The question is: which students tend to thrive in an online learning environment (versus a face-to-face, classroom experience)?

Ultimately, an online degree program is often an excellent choice for students with additional obligations, such as those with current full-time work who wish to pursue a degree during their free time. An online cybersecurity program may also be right for an individual who lives too far from a physical campus, or who otherwise cannot fit classroom attendance into an already busy schedule.

Online degree programs generally allow students some amount of flexibility to complete work on their own time throughout the semester, although most often, they must still adhere to the semester calendar of the institution and, in some cases, attend particular online classes at scheduled times.

That said, those students who require more hands-on experience or who need routine supervision from an instructor may wish to look to a campus-based program for their education. Indeed, an online program demands a certain degree of independence from instructors and peers, which should be an important consideration for anyone interested in this type of degree.

Online Cybersecurity Program Accreditation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence program, which designates specific two- and four-year colleges and universities as centers of academic excellence (CAE) in cyber defense. Schools are presented with this form of accreditation based on several criteria, including the contents of their degree program, as well as their alignment to specific cybersecurity-related knowledge units. As of the time of this writing (November 2023), over 400 top colleges and universities have been awarded this designation.

It is certainly not necessary to attend an institution that has been recognized as a CAE in cyber defense. That being said, doing so will help ensure that the student has access to a top-notch education from some of the leading minds in the field.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees & Certificate Programs in Cybersecurity

2Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals is part of Johns Hopkins University, offering a master of science degree and a post-master’s certificate in cybersecurity. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills they need for protecting and defending information systems. Offered entirely online, students in this cybersecurity program become adept at safeguarding data availability, integrity, and confidentiality. They learn to preserve and restore systems and manage risks.

The program's faculty includes knowledgeable instructors who are active in the cybersecurity space and help students find meaningful career paths.

Admission requirements for the master’s program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a grade point average of at least 3.0, transcripts from all college studies, a completed online application, a detailed resume, and all international applicants must submit proof of their proficiency in English via the TOEFL or the IELTS.

Students for the post-master's certificate require a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline along with college transcripts and a completed application. GRE scores are not required for admission but will be considered if submitted.

The master of science program consists of ten courses, while the post-master’s certificate consists of five courses. The curriculum includes courses such as cryptology; cyber-physical systems security; digital forensics technologies and techniques; foundations of information assurance; information assurance analysis; introduction to ethical hacking; intrusion detection; and network security, among others.

At the end of the program, graduates will be able to analyze enterprise security risks and make software and hardware recommendations, as well as develop a high level of proficiency in hash functions, encryption, authentication, and signature schemes.

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: MS (two to five years); post-master’s certificate (one to three years)
• Estimated Tuition: $6,920 per course

4University of Delaware

Students can pursue a fully online master of science degree in cybersecurity at the University of Delaware. The University of Delaware has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA (National Security Agency) and DHS (Department of Homeland Security). The program provides students with hands-on training and the foundational theory required for defending infrastructure. The program's faculty includes active researchers and practitioners with experience in military and corporate systems.

The major admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year university, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores (GRE waivers available), and TOEFL scores for international students.

This online master of science in cybersecurity requires 30 credit hours. It is targeted at professionals with knowledge in information systems, computer science, engineering, or related fields. Courses include an introduction to cybersecurity; advanced cybersecurity; system hardening and protection; digital forensics; secure software design; computer networks; and applied cryptography.

Students are prepared to execute solutions protecting global systems and infrastructure. They will gain knowledge and skills for designing secure networks, systems, and software using a holistic approach.

• Location: Newark, Delaware
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $979 per credit

6Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online master of science in cybersecurity program providing graduates with detailed technical training for understanding, adapting, and developing new techniques to confront emerging threats in cybersecurity.

The program is ideal for students who have a background in computer science, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, electrical engineering, and any other closely-related technical fields. Courses in the program are taught by acclaimed Drexel faculty.

To apply for admission, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and submit a completed application, transcripts from all universities attended, letters of recommendation, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students. GRE scores are not a requirement but are preferred.

Made up of 45 credits, the program includes core courses such as principles of cybersecurity; information policy and ethics; and security engineering. Additional cybersecurity track technical electives are selected in consultation with an academic advisor.

After completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as cryptanalyst, cryptographer, security administrator, security analyst, security architect, security consultant, and security engineer.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $1,342 per credit

8University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California offers an online master of science in cyber security engineering to professional engineers through its DEN@Viterbi online platform. Students will learn how to navigate challenges with operating systems, secure applications, use of cryptography, key management, and secure networking.

Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline, transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume, a personal statement, and English language proficiency for international students.

The program comprises 28 credits and includes courses such as security systems; the foundations and policy for information security; computer systems assurance; security and privacy; applied cryptography; and computer forensics.

Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue opportunities in areas such as homeland security, computer software engineering, computer engineering, computer systems, information security, computer architecture, intelligence analysis, software development, and network administration.

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (1.5 to two years); part-time (2.5 to three years)
• Estimated Tuition: $2,309 per credit

10Regent University

Regent University offers an online master of science in cybersecurity, preparing students to develop holistic cybersecurity measures for their organization.

Students will develop expertise in identity management, network security, disaster recovery, strategic planning, and more. The program is ideal for those with strong ethical and analytical aptitudes and for military members transitioning into a new career.

For admission, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, a minimum grade point average of 2.5, a completed online application, official college transcripts, a personal goal statement, and English language proficiency for international students.

The program consists of 30 credits and has three concentration options to choose from: cybersecurity practitioner, cybersecurity management, and cybersecurity policy. As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as cybersecurity ethics; information systems security and assurance; internet and network security; digital systems design and forensics; information security management; business continuity & disaster recovery; and cybersecurity compliance.

The program teaches students how to assess computer systems and networks, build technological and organizational structures for protecting digital assets, and develop recovery plans for information (IT DRP). Graduates of the program have career opportunities in areas such as digital forensics engineering, computer programming, cyber intelligence, digital security project management, network or systems administration, and more.

Regent University also offers a 120-credit bachelor of science program in cybersecurity.

• Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: MS (two years); BS (four years)
• Estimated Tuition: MS ($695 per credit); BS ($450 per credit)

Campus Visitation Requirements for Online Cybersecurity Programs

In some cases, students pursuing an online degree in cybersecurity may be required to visit the campus once or twice throughout the calendar year. That being said, this is not the norm; instead, many programs, such as the one offered by Iowa State University, may be completed without ever stepping foot on the campus. This should certainly be considered by those whose schedule prevents them from physically attending courses, or who do not live near a quality institution.

Since campus visitation requirements are not published in a standard manner across universities, please be sure to research specific requirements for your programs of interest. It is not uncommon, even for primarily online programs, to require a campus visit for orientation, for instance, or for the presentation of a capstone project.

Influential Cybersecurity Professors

Some individuals are concerned that the quality of the education offered in an online program may not be as high as that found in a traditional, campus-based, face-to-face program. In reality, however, many experienced and skilled professors successfully teach cybersecurity classes online, including the five listed below.