Online Cybersecurity Degrees & Certificate Programs

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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.

List of Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

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DEGREE :
School City State Website Undergrad Graduate Grads
University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi

MD www.umgc.edu 1620
Wilmington University

New Castle

DE www.wilmu.edu 1045
Western Governors University

Salt Lake City

UT www.wgu.edu 980
University of Phoenix-Arizona

Tempe

AZ www.phoenix.edu 536
University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg

KY www.ucumberlands.edu 511
American Public University System

Charles Town

WV www.apus.edu 397
ECPI University

Virginia Beach

VA www.ecpi.edu 386
Champlain College

Burlington

VT www.champlain.edu 206
Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold

MD www.aacc.edu 197
Naval Postgraduate School

Monterey

CA www.nps.edu 181
Capella University

Minneapolis

MN www.capella.edu 180
Bellevue University

Bellevue

NE www.bellevue.edu 149
St Petersburg College

Clearwater

FL www.spcollege.edu 116
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs

CO www.coloradotech.edu 98
College of Southern Maryland

La Plata

MD www.csmd.edu 95
The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio

TX www.utsa.edu 93
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore

MD www.jhu.edu 88
Capitol Technology University

Laurel

MD www.captechu.edu 86
Baker College

Flint

MI www.baker.edu 85
National University

La Jolla

CA www.nu.edu 77
Hinds Community College

Raymond

MS www.hindscc.edu 75
DePaul University

Chicago

IL www.depaul.edu 71
Community College of Baltimore County

Baltimore

MD www.ccbcmd.edu 67
George Washington University

Washington

DC www.gwu.edu 66
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park

PA worldcampus.psu.edu 65
Syracuse University

Syracuse

NY www.syracuse.edu 63
New England College

Henniker

NH www.nec.edu 63
Harford Community College

Bel Air

MD www.harford.edu 59
Lewis University

Romeoville

IL www.lewisu.edu 59
Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester

NY www.rit.edu 58
Dakota State University

Madison

SD dsu.edu 57
Central Washington University

Ellensburg

WA www.cwu.edu 53
Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw

GA www.kennesaw.edu 51
Davenport University

Grand Rapids

MI www.davenport.edu 48
Community College of Allegheny County

Pittsburgh

PA www.ccac.edu 47
MyComputerCareer.edu-Columbus

Westerville

OH www.mycomputercareer.edu 46
Saint Leo University

Saint Leo

FL www.saintleo.edu 43
Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry

NY www.mercy.edu 40
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Okmulgee

OK www.osuit.edu 37
Grantham University

Lenexa

KS www.grantham.edu 36
SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica

NY www.sunypoly.edu 33
Purdue University Global-Davenport

Davenport

IA www.purdueglobal.edu 33
St Philip's College

San Antonio

TX www.alamo.edu/spc 32
Regis University

Denver

CO www.regis.edu 31
University of Rhode Island

Kingston

RI web.uri.edu 30
Stratford University

Fairfax

VA www.stratford.edu 29
New York University

New York

NY www.nyu.edu 28
College of Central Florida

Ocala

FL www.cf.edu 26
William T McFatter Technical College

Davie

FL www.mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu 26
Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul

MN www.metrostate.edu 24
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha

NE www.unomaha.edu 24
Norfolk State University

Norfolk

VA www.nsu.edu 22
Drexel University

Philadelphia

PA www.drexel.edu 22
Sam Houston State University

Huntsville

TX www.shsu.edu 21
University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell

MA www.uml.edu 21
Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach

AL www.columbiasouthern.edu 21
Strayer University-Virginia

Arlington

VA www.strayer.edu 20
University of Southern California

Los Angeles

CA www.usc.edu 20
Excelsior College

Albany

NY www.excelsior.edu 20
Concordia University-Saint Paul

Saint Paul

MN www.csp.edu 19
Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Melbourne

FL www.fit.edu 19
Towson University

Towson

MD www.towson.edu 19
The University of Montana

Missoula

MT www.umt.edu 19
University of Dallas

Irving

TX www.udallas.edu 18
Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale

FL www.nova.edu 15
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach

FL worldwide.erau.edu 15
Fountainhead College of Technology

Knoxville

TN www.fountainheadcollege.edu 15
MyComputerCareer.edu-Raleigh

Raleigh

NC www.mycomputercareer.edu 15
Valley College-Martinsburg

Martinsburg

WV www.valley.edu 15
Sullivan University

Louisville

KY www.sullivan.edu 15
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

San Juan

PR www.metro.inter.edu 14
Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio

TX www.ollusa.edu 13
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

Washington

DC www.potomac.edu 13
Westmoreland County Community College

Youngwood

PA westmoreland.edu 13
Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield

MO www.missouristate.edu 12
Charter Oak State College

New Britain

CT www.charteroak.edu 12
University of Delaware

Newark

DE www.udel.edu 11
Franklin University

Columbus

OH www.franklin.edu 11
Rasmussen College-Minnesota

St. Cloud

MN rasmussen.edu 11
Central Texas College

Killeen

TX www.ctcd.edu 11
Roger Williams University

Bristol

RI www.rwu.edu 10
Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken

NJ www.stevens.edu 10
Broward College

Fort Lauderdale

FL www.broward.edu 10
Brandeis University

Waltham

MA www.brandeis.edu 9
Hodges University

Naples

FL www.hodges.edu 9
Limestone College

Gaffney

SC www.limestone.edu 9
Robert Morris University

Moon Township

PA www.rmu.edu 9
University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield

IL www.uis.edu 9
EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc-San Juan

San Juan

PR www.edpuniversity.edu 8
University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville

VA www.virginia.edu 8
Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis

IN www.ivytech.edu 8
Niagara University

Niagara University

NY www.niagara.edu 7
Friends University

Wichita

KS www.friends.edu 6
University of Louisville

Louisville

KY www.louisville.edu 6
Allegany College of Maryland

Cumberland

MD www.allegany.edu 6
Rasmussen College-Florida

Ocala

FL rasmussen.edu 6
University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta

ME www.uma.edu 6
Old Dominion University

Norfolk

VA www.odu.edu 5
Southern Utah University

Cedar City

UT www.suu.edu 5
Strayer University-District of Columbia

Washington

DC www.strayer.edu 5
Strayer University-Florida

Tampa

FL www.strayer.edu 5
University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit

MI www.udmercy.edu 5
Bryant & Stratton College-Online

Orchard Park

NY www.bryantstratton.edu 5
Garrett College

McHenry

MD www.garrettcollege.edu 5
Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College

Ruidoso

NM www.ruidoso.enmu.edu 5
California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos

CA www.csusm.edu 4
Strayer University-Georgia

Atlanta

GA www.strayer.edu 4
Strayer University-Global Region

Washington

DC www.strayer.edu 4
Hallmark University

San Antonio

TX www.hallmarkuniversity.edu 4
Coastal Carolina University

Conway

SC www.coastal.edu 3
Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne

FL www.fit.edu 3
La Salle University

Philadelphia

PA www.lasalle.edu 3
Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester

NH www.snhu.edu 3
University of Arizona

Tucson

AZ www.arizona.edu 3
University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne

MD www.umes.edu 3
City University of Seattle

Seattle

WA www.cityu.edu 3
East Mississippi Community College

Scooba

MS www.eastms.edu 3
Liberty University

Lynchburg

VA www.liberty.edu 3
Rasmussen College-Illinois

Rockford

IL rasmussen.edu 3
Valley College-Beckley

Beckley

WV www.valley.edu 3
Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls

MN www.mnwest.edu 3
National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City

SD www.national.edu 3
Zane State College

Zanesville

OH www.zanestate.edu 3
American National University

Salem

VA www.an.edu 2
Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids

MI www.grcc.edu 2
Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona

MN www.southeastmn.edu 2
Montreat College

Montreat

NC www.montreat.edu 2
Purdue University Global-St. Louis

St. Louis

MO www.purdueglobal.edu 2
Rasmussen College-North Dakota

Fargo

ND rasmussen.edu 2
Southeastern Technical College

Vidalia

GA www.southeasterntech.edu 2
University of Maine at Fort Kent

Fort Kent

ME www.umfk.maine.edu 2
Hampton University

Hampton

VA www.hamptonu.edu 1
Johnson & Wales University-Online

Providence

RI online.jwu.edu 1
Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato

MN mankato.mnsu.edu 1
Strayer University-South Carolina

Greenville

SC www.strayer.edu 1
Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis

TN www.strayer.edu 1
Strayer University-Texas

Austin

TX www.strayer.edu 1
Strayer University-West Virginia

Scott Depot

WV www.strayer.edu 1
University of Tulsa

Tulsa

OK utulsa.edu 1
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus

Roswell

NM www.roswell.enmu.edu 1
Marist College

Poughkeepsie

NY www.marist.edu 1
Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fergus Falls

MN www.minnesota.edu 1
Monroe College

Bronx

NY www.monroecollege.edu 1
Purdue University Global-Lincoln

Lincoln

NE www.purdueglobal.edu 1
Purdue University Global-Omaha

Omaha

NE www.purdueglobal.edu 1
Radford University

Radford

VA www.radford.edu 1
Vatterott College-Sunset Hills

Sunset Hills

MO www.vatterott.edu 1
Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne

WY www.lccc.wy.edu 1

Admissions Requirements for Online Cybersecurity Programs (What to Expect)

If you are planning on pursuing an online degree in cybersecurity, it is important that you know what to expect throughout the application process, and how to prepare accordingly.

Of course, the specifics of the application will likely depend on the degree you are pursuing; to be sure, those applying for an undergraduate program will be presented with different criteria than those interested in obtaining a graduate degree. For example, while an individual applying to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity may be asked to submit proof of SAT scores, those applying to graduate master’s or doctoral degree programs may be asked for GRE or GMAT scores instead.

Furthermore, those applying to a master’s or doctoral program may ask for letters of recommendation from previous professors and even employers, while those looking to obtain a bachelor’s degree may only be asked for such letters from high school instructors. In addition, an undergraduate applicant will be asked to show proof of high school transcripts, while a graduate applicant will need to show transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended. Outside of these variances, the applications may appear similar and ask for a personal statement, a resume or CV, and other related information.

In general, most programs require prospective students to apply before a certain date to be considered for acceptance. Many schools have a deadline of January for programs to start in the fall or an early fall deadline for winter-start programs.

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.

Cybersecurity Curriculum & Specialization

Generally, while the specifics of a cybersecurity program will likely vary based on the program, students in this field of study may expect to take a fairly similar course load in pursuit of their degree. For example, undergraduate and graduate students will likely take classes on cyberspace and cybersecurity, ethics in cybersecurity, security policy analysis, cybersecurity management, emerging technologies, and a capstone course or project.

Of course, undergraduate students may also be required to take several electives to meet core requirements, which may not be the same for graduate students.

Furthermore, in some cases, a student in a cybersecurity program may be able to pursue an additional specialty, although this is not a guarantee for each institution. Specialty areas for a cybersecurity student, particularly at the master’s level, may include cybersecurity engineering, operations, management, policy, investigation/forensics, and intelligence.

Very often, schools may present cybersecurity as a specialty itself, housed within a broader degree in information systems or computer science.

1Iowa State University

At Iowa State University, students may pursue an online master’s degree in cybersecurity offered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This is a 100 percent online program that students can complete without ever visiting the campus. Courses in this program will be delivered through pre-recorded videos, offering maximum flexibility.

For admission to the program, students must have graduated with a bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from a recognized foreign institution. Other admission requirements include a minimum grade point average of 3.0, academic records, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (optional), a current resume, and applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced computer networking; computer security; information warfare; cryptography; and steganography; among others.

Students will be able to enhance and impart knowledge about information infrastructure security, engineer complex systems, develop social awareness, understand policy and strategic issues, and build a sense of ethics.

  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $782 per credit

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

3University of Dallas

At the University of Dallas, students have the opportunity to pursue a master’s of science in cybersecurity. Notably, the institution has been designated a center of academic excellence. Additionally, students also have the option of pursuing a 42-credit MBA with a cybersecurity concentration. The MS in cybersecurity program provides students with a real-world perspective on cybersecurity and is taught by experienced professionals.

To apply for admission, students need to have a U.S. bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 from a regionally accredited college or university, a completed online application, a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, and English language proficiency for international applicants.

Comprising 30 credits, the MS in cybersecurity program includes courses such as programming & scripting languages; the effective leader; business & society; data protection; compliance & legal; operational cybersecurity management; network security; and digital forensics.

The MBA with a cybersecurity concentration consists of 42 credits. It includes courses such as managerial finance; data protection; compliance and legal issues; operational cybersecurity management; and foundations of cybersecurity, among others.

Upon successful completion, graduates can pursue careers in areas such as cyber defense, threat analysis, network security, digital forensics, and penetration testing. They can take up roles such as security architects, engineers, consultants, software developers, cryptographers, and cryptanalysts.

  • Location: Irving, Texas
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,275 per credit

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

5Utica College

Utica College offers an online master of science (MS) in cybersecurity to equip students with the knowledge and skills to lead cybersecurity units in government agencies, investigative units, or businesses. Students in this program will also participate in a two-day online virtual residency during which they'll interact with their classmates and professors.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, a completed online application, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a current resume. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit their test scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS.

Comprising 30 credits, the program includes six core courses: principles of cybersecurity; cyber intelligence; critical national infrastructures and national security; principles of cybercrime investigations; and two capstone projects. Students will then go on to complete the remaining four courses within each advising specialization. The specializations include computer forensics, cyber-operations, and electronic crime.

Upon successful completion, graduates can take up roles such as information security analysts, chief security offices, security architects, IT risk managers, cyber operations analysts, principal consultants of cybersecurity, and supplier security compliance managers.

Apart from the MS in cybersecurity, Utica College also offers an online bachelor of science in cybersecurity (120 credits), an online BBA in cybersecurity operations management (120 credits), and an online master of science in cybersecurity operations management (30 credits).

  • Location: Utica, New York State
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: MS (two years); BS (four years)
  • Estimated Tuition: MS ($895 per credit); BS ($475 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

7Syracuse University

The Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online master of science program in cybersecurity. It prepares students to spot, prevent, and fight cybercrime using curricular innovations, multidisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research. The program faculty has won top awards from numerous security organizations. They have also received funding from the NSA (National Security Agency) for developing their cybersecurity program.

The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or any other related field from an accredited institution, and an average grade point average of 3.0 or better. Core competencies in data structures, basic systems knowledge, high-level programming, and discrete mathematics are recommended.

The curriculum of this online cybersecurity program includes 15 credits of core courses and 15 credits of electives. Some of the courses in the curriculum include computer security; design and analysis of algorithms; internet security; principles of operating systems; and assurance foundations.

Students learn how to design new information and computer systems, protect web, mobile, and other information platform systems, and analyze and detect data breaches, malware, and other cyberattacks. Upon completion of the program, graduates can find opportunities in industries such as finance, education, oil and gas, entertainment, national defense, and health care.

  • Location: Syracuse, New York
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,872 per credit, plus a one-time $100 program technology fee

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

9University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a fully online master of science (MS) program in cybersecurity. It provides working professionals with mastery in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. This challenging online program allows students to assess, manage, and prevent information security-related risks. The interactive and hands-on courses are taught by the University of Arizona’s excellent faculty members.

The program allows students the option of two different tracks: information systems and physical systems. The program comprises 33 credits, out of which 12 credits comprise common core courses, while the remaining 21 credits are of the selected track. The curriculum includes instruction in information security in public and private sectors; business data communications and networking; systems cybersecurity engineering; and engineering of trustworthy secure systems.

The information systems track includes courses in Information security risk management; systems security management; data mining for business intelligence; cyber threat intelligence; and penetration testing: ethical hacking and social engineering. Courses in the physical systems track include cyber security: concepts, theory, practice; machine learning and data analytics; fundamentals of cloud security; engineering statistics; digital communications systems; and systems engineering process.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an undergraduate degree grade point average of 3.0 or higher, three years of technical work experience, and TOEFL scores for international students.

The program teaches students to prevent, assess, and manage security-related risks, successfully perform vulnerability testing, forensic investigation, and system hardening, and develop threat intelligence.

  • Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,332 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.

Other Considerations for Selecting the Right Program

Finally, there are a few other considerations to remember during the program selection process. For starters, you may wish to inquire about each institution’s career placement assistance or the career success statistics of its graduates.

While neither is synonymous with a job guarantee or long-term career advancement or success, it can help you better understand a program’s post-degree support system. In addition, you may wish to get in contact with the school’s academic advising programs to learn about the advising services offered to online students. Ultimately, remaining diligent by taking these actions can help ensure success during the program and beyond.

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 those listed below.

Sandra Blanke University of Dallas

Dr. Sandra Blanke is an associate professor in cybersecurity at the University of Dallas. She holds a PhD in computer and information systems from Nova Southeastern University. Professor Blanke also holds the information systems security professional (CISSP) credential. Her research explores rapidly changing and developing areas of cybersecurity and emerging technologies. She teaches classes on technology, business, and cybersecurity.

Before joining academia, Dr. Blanke acquired over 20 years of work experience in enterprise technology and network operations, including a stint at Verizon. She completed her BBA from The University of Texas at Arlington and her MBA from the University of Dallas.

Shiu-Kai Chin Syracuse University

Dr. Shiu-Kai Chin is an electrical engineering and computer science professor at Syracuse University. His research explores computer or cybersecurity, formal verification, and systems assurance.

Dr. Shui-Kai Chin has taught courses in hardware design, secure computer architecture, access control, and certified security by design. He also has won several honors, such as the Crouse-Hinds Award for Excellence in Education, a Syracuse University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, and the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence. He completed his PhD at Syracuse University.

Hsinchun Chen University of Arizona

Dr. Hsinchun Chen is a distinguished figure in the realm of information systems and cybersecurity. Serving as a Regents' Professor at the University of Arizona, he also occupies the esteemed Thomas R. Brown Chair Professorship in Management and Technology. His exceptional contributions in his field have earned him fellowships at renowned organizations like ACM, IEEE, and AAAS. Dr. Chen's academic prowess is reflected in his vast body of work, which includes over 600 papers and more than 20 books. Notably, he established the Artificial Intelligence Lab at The University of Arizona and has managed to secure over $60 million in research grants.

He also holds notable editorial positions in several major journals in his field. Beyond academia, Dr. Chen is a successful IT entrepreneur, with his COPLINK/i2 system being incorporated by IBM and globally utilized in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Currently, he is leading the UA AZSecure Cybersecurity Program as its director, garnering substantial funding and recognition. Dr. Hsinchun Chen's career is a testament to his profound influence and success in the fields of information systems and cybersecurity. 

Lanier Watkins Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Lanier Watkins is the JHU chairman of the Engineering for Professional (EP) cybersecurity and computer science master’s program. Currently, his research focuses on network security, IoT security, vulnerability monitoring and analysis, data analytics, malware monitoring and analysis, and assured AI.

Dr. Watkins has published in journals such as the Journal of Information Warfare and the International Journal of Security and Networks. He has won prominent awards such as the Special Achievement Award, Lump Sum Merit Award, and Modern-Day Technology Leader Award. He completed his PhD from Georgia State University and an MS in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, as well as an MS in computer science, MS in physics, and a BS in physics, all from Clark Atlanta University.

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