2023 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private university offering a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance that requires the completion of 34 courses — ranging from three to four credits each. Typically, students complete this online program in around 21 months while studying full time. The acceptance rate at WGU is 100%, and 54% of students earn their degrees.

At WGU, students can complete their coursework entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. The cybersecurity program is designed to improve a student's theoretical understanding of cybersecurity on top of any practical experience they may already possess. Required classes include Legal Issues in Information Security, Fundamentals of Information Security, and Data Management. A capstone project is also required, which means that students need to write a technical work proposal. Graduates with cybersecurity degrees may explore roles as cybersecurity analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and vulnerability assessment analysts.

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a private university that features a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. This online program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which full-time students may complete in around four years. Additionally, there are two concentrations to choose from: (1) Data Analytics Fundamentals and (2) Project Management Fundamentals. SNHU accepts 94% of its applicants, with 30% of enrolled students earning degrees.

At SNHU Online, students use the Brightspace learning management system (LMS) for their remote studies, which are taught completely online. Students can attend class on their own schedule and have 24/7 access to their coursework. The cybersecurity curriculum takes both an adversarial- and systems-based approach to its teaching — discussing the interactions between cybersecurity professionals and hackers. The core coursework includes Foundation in Application Development, Computer Operating Systems, and Network Security. Upon graduation, students are eligible to explore careers as cybersecurity specialists, analysts, or managers.

The University of Phoenix (UOPX) is a private university with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 120 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in a four-year period. This online school accepts all of its applicants, while 27% of UOPX students graduate.

UPOX uses the Blackboard LMS to deliver online coursework for this program, allowing cybersecurity students to finish their degrees completely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. During the core curriculum, students learn about security policies, IT infrastructure, network and information systems security, and programming languages. They also conduct ethical hacking to understand the potential vulnerabilities within these systems. Required classes include Foundations Of Security, Computer Network Defense, and Cyber Domain. A capstone project is also required. Career options include IT systems security analysts, information security specialists, and IT specialists.

Strayer University is a private university with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Cybersecurity. This degree requires 180 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in two years. All students are accepted into Strayer, and it has a 15% graduation rate.

Stryer students use Blackboard as its primary LMS, where students complete courses online and on their own time. The curriculum for the IT program with cybersecurity emphasis teaches students fundamental cybersecurity skills, such as protecting data and networks, completing digital forensics, and various information defense techniques. Among the required classes are Communication at Work, Computer Forensic Technology, and Perimeter Defense Techniques. Students are also required to complete a capstone project from the perspective of a senior IT manager. In general, students who graduate with a cybersecurity degree may seek employment as network administrators, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity engineers.

American Public University System (APUS) is a private set of institutions with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Students must complete 120 credit hours, which typically takes about four years of full-time study. While there is a general degree option, students may also choose from concentrations in wireless and mobile security, critical infrastructure, digital forensics, or privacy and surveillance. APUS accepts 100% of its applicants, with 18% of undergraduates earning degrees.

Online students at APUS use MyClassroom to complete their coursework remotely. Through this LMS, the curriculum delivers lessons that are designed to teach students cybersecurity theory along with the practical skills needed to design and implement security systems in different types of infrastructure. Among the major requirements are courses such as Scripting Languages for the Administrator, Networking Concepts, and Hardening Operating Systems. Students are also required to complete a senior seminar in cybersecurity. Graduates may also find employment in cybersecurity forensics at a law enforcement agency.