We live in an information age. The amount of information handled by companies on a daily basis is mind-boggling, and its important to keep that information secure. Companies can be held liable for breeches if their customers’ credit card and other sensitive information gets out. Cyber security degrees are about keeping that information safe. With a cyber security degree, you can help your company keep its data safe from hackers and thieves.
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How Much Money Can I Make with a Cyber Security Degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median salary of $99,730. Not only is it a well-paying job, but the demand is growing like crazy. The number of information security analysts is expected to increase by 31% from 2019 to 2029.
Should I Get an Online Cyber Security Degree?
An online cyber security degree is a great choice if you work well independently and have work or other obligations that limit your availability. Most online cyber security degrees are asynchronous, meaning you can login whenever it’s convenient and work at your own pace. Be sure to check before you register though, because some programs do require specific login times.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Palm Beach State College (93 points) | Lake Worth, Florida |
2 | Utah Valley University (77 points) | Orem, Utah |
3 | University of Maryland Global Campus (75 points) | Adelphi, Maryland |
4 | Florida Atlantic University (74 points) | Boca Raton, Florida |
5 | Kennesaw State University (68 points) | Kennesaw, Georgia |
The Top 50 Cyber Security Degrees
We started off with a list of around 150 cyber security programs, then narrowed it down to 50 and evaluated them based on tuition cost (lowest is best) and enrollment (highest is best). Here is our list of the top 50 cyber security bachelor’s degree programs.
Palm Beach State College (93 points)
Palm Beach State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Management with a concentration in security and network assurance (IT forensics). The program requires 120 credit hours and covers business writing, finance, business law, system design and programming, and project management. Students must have an associate degree to enroll.
School Overview
Utah Valley University (77 points)
Utah Valley University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an emphasis in computer forensics and security. Students learn how to preserve and extract data from smart phones and computers. They also learn how to install and maintain the infrastructure on which computing systems run.
School Overview
University of Maryland Global Campus (75 points)
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers three bachelor’s degrees in cyber security. They are Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Management and Policy, and Software Development and Security. All of these programs are online cyber security degrees. UMGC has been named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
School Overview
Florida Atlantic University (74 points)
The College of Business at Florida Atlantic University offers a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems with a concentration in cybersecurity. The program gives students the skills they need to help keep their companies’ information secure.
School Overview
Kennesaw State University (68 points)
The Department of Information Systems and Security at Kennesaw State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Information Security and Assurance. Students gain an understanding of how technology contributes to business and are prepared with the right tools to protect the critical computing infrastructure and information resources at organizations of all sizes. KSU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity.
School Overview
The University of Texas at San Antonio (67 points)
The College of Business at the University of Texas at San Antonio offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in cyber security. The program is offered both on campus and online. Students learn to defend and protect information while improving their teamwork, analytical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.
School Overview
Georgia Southern University (67 points)
Then Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing at Georgia Southern University offers a Bachelor of Information Technology with a specialization in cyber security through the Center for Applied Cyber Education (CACE). CACE provides expertise in data analytics, healthcare informatics, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, cyber policy, and cyber warfare.
School Overview
Marshall University (60 points)
The Department of Forensic Science at Marshall University offers a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Forensics and Security. The program prepares students to combat threats against critical infrastructure, personal information, and intellectual property. Students learn how to combat criminal activities and terrorist operations that leave digital trails.
School Overview
University of North Texas (59 points)
The College of Engineering at the University of North Texas offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that trains cybersecurity professionals in offensive and defensive cybersecurity. Students learn how to design and develop systems that keep information safe. They learn to use problem solving, innovation, creativity, and critical thinking to fight cybersecurity threats.
School Overview
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (58 points)
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity. This program is designed to get students ready for employment in the field of cybersecurity or to pursue a graduate degree in computer science or a related field.
School Overview
Arizona State University (57 points)
The School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering at Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Systems Engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity. This program covers computer forensics, applied cryptography, data and information security, software security, and computer and network security.
School Overview
University of Maryland-College Park (56 points)
The Maryland Cybersecurity Center at the University of Maryland-College Park offers degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a specialization in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity specialization helps fill the demand for cybersecurity experts in the state of Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metro area. The program includes hands-on experience.
School Overview
Columbia Basin College (55 points)
Columbia Basin College has a Cyber Security program that opens up opportunities for its students. The school has connections with local employers looking for workers in the field of cyber security. This program is great for creative students who enjoy solving complicated problems and enjoy competing against their peers.
School Overview
Ohio State University-Main Campus (54 points)
The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a specialization in Information and Computation Assurance. Students must take Computer Networking and Internet Technologies and Information Security and either Information Security Projects or Network Security.
School Overview
California State Polytechnic University (54 points)
California State Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a cyber security/cyber operations career focus. In addition to the computer science core, students with the cyber security focus take intro to cyber security and forensics, computer networks, cryptography and information security, network and web security, software security and reverse engineering, and more.
School Overview
The University of West Florida (54 points)
The Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering at the University of West Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that meets the criteria for the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Graduates receive the CAE-CDE certification on their transcripts.
School Overview
California State University-San Bernardino (53 points)
The College of Business and Public Administration at California State University-San Bernardino offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in cyber security. Courses include cybersecurity management, penetration testing and ethical hacking, incident handling and cyber investigation, and seminar in information systems and technology.
School Overview
Kansas State University (52 points)
Kansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity. Required courses include cybersecurity project, introduction to algorithm analysis, database system concepts, introduction to programming languages, software architecture and design, computer architecture and operations, ethics and computing technology, object-oriented design and implementation, and C/C++ programming laboratory.
School Overview
Wichita State University (52 points)
Wichita State University offers a bachelor’s in Engineering Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity. Required courses include topics in computer networking, fundamentals of business application development or introduction to programming, cyber operations, data management systems, ethics and computers, and systems analysis and design.
School Overview
Liberty University (51 points)
Liberty University offers three degrees for students seeking careers in cybersecurity. The Information Systems degree is for students who want to work in security governance, risk management, and compliance. The Information Technology degree is for students who want careers as security engineers, security analysts, or security architects. The Computer Science degree is for students who want to work as secure developers, malware analysts, or threat hunters.
School Overview
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (51 points)
The College of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. This program gives students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful cybersecurity professionals. Students learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity along with cyber-defense concepts.
School Overview
The University of Texas at Austin (51 points)
The College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin offers a Computer Science degree with a concentration in cybersecurity. Students gain an understanding of the weaknesses and threats in cybersecurity in order to be able to defend them.
School Overview
Purdue University (51 points)
Purdue University offers a major in Cybersecurity within the Computer and Information Technology program. This program teaches students how to keep data secure. Students learn to create secure networks, maintain them, and track down hackers. There are plenty of hands-on learning opportunity.
School Overview
Rutgers University (50 points)
The School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University offers a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a track in computer security. The program teaches students the principles behind maintaining, designing, and implementing secure computer systems.
School Overview
Indiana University Bloomington (50 points)
The School of Informatics and Computing at Indiana University Bloomington offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in security. Required classes include introduction to computer networks, introduction to operating systems, computer structures, system programming with C and Unix, introduction to the mathematics of cybersecurity, systems and protocol security and information assurance, and security for networked systems.
School Overview
Fort Hays State University (50 points)
Fort Hays State University offers a BS or BA in Information Networking and Telecommunications with a concentration in networking and telecommunications with an information assurance emphasis. This program prepares students to become Certified Information System Security Professionals (CISSP). Students learn tools and strategies for protecting voice networks, data, servers, and PCs.
School Overview
Columbus State University (50 points)
The Turner College of Business at Columbus State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that provides all of the skills needed for students to become cybersecurity professionals. Graduates are prepared for careers as cybersecurity policy and compliance analyst, information security governance specialist, cybersecurity management consultant, and more.
School Overview
George Mason University (49 points)
The Volgenau School of Engineering at George Mason University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering. This program trains students to block attacks on our lines of communication, utility systems, and financial networks. The program teaches students how to build resilient networks and protect existing systems.
School Overview
Metropolitan State University of Denver (49 points)
The Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an ABET and AACSB-accredited Computer Information Systems degree with a concentration in information systems security. The concentration requires students to take information systems security tools and techniques, information systems security management and information assurance, and either network installation and administration or network installation and administration with UNIX/Linux.
School Overview
Western Washington University (49 points)
The Department of Computer Science at Western Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that prepares students to be able to defend against terrorist attacks and other cyber threats. Courses include cryptographic techniques; cyber privacy, ethics and abuse; penetration testing; and computer forensics.
School Overview
SUNY at Albany (48 points)
The State University of New York University at Albany offers a BA or BS in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity. This program is great for students who dream of thwarting international terrorists or tracking down cyber criminals. Core courses include leadership and ethics in emergency preparedness, homeland security, and cybersecurity; emergency preparedness; homeland security; and cybersecurity.
School Overview
University of Washington-Seattle (47 points)
The Information School at the University of Washington-Seattle offers an Informatics Degree with a concentration in information assurance and cybersecurity. Students learn to create and manage secure networks and systems and keep individual and organizational data safe. Students can take electives at UW Seattle, UW Bothell, or UW Tacoma to fulfill the requirements of the concentration.
School Overview
Boise State University (47 points)
Boise State University offers two online cybersecurity certificates: cyber-physical systems for all and cyber operations. The cyber operations certificate is for cybersecurity professionals who have CompTIA Security+ certification. These certificates help students start or enhance their cybersecurity careers.
School Overview
Green River College (47 points)
Green River College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Networking. This cyber security bachelor’s degree program is designed to fit the needs of area employers. Students participate in hands-on learning as they practice the latest technologies. There are small class sizes, and online classes are available.
School Overview
Baker College (46 points)
Baker College offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Security with a concentration in information assurance and cybersecurity. The program teaches students to defend against malicious attacks on network security. Students gain a solid foundation in different types of platforms and systems.
School Overview
Metropolitan State University (44 points)
The College of Sciences at Metropolitan State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that prepares students for work securing computer systems against threats. The program is interdisciplinary and covers troubleshooting, investigative techniques, contingency planning, security system design, cryptography, programming and systems analysis, computer architecture, and information technology and assurance.
School Overview
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (43 points)
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an Illinois Cyber Security Scholars Program. The program is open to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the Department of Computer Science. Participants study secure software, cyber-infrastructures, privacy, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and applied cryptography.
School Overview
Cameron University (43 points)
Cameron University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an option in cyber security and information assurance. Required courses for the option include current topics in information assurance and network security, security architecture and design, e-commerce and web security, information assurance networking fundamentals, and computer forensics.
School Overview
Northeastern State University (42 points)
The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at Northeastern State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security that prepares students to investigate, contain, detect, and deter unauthorized use of networks and data. The program is interdisciplinary, combining computer science, information systems, and criminal justice.
School Overview
University of Oregon (41 points)
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon offers a BA or BS in Computer and Information Science with a security track. Students gain a foundation in concepts and topics relating to computer systems and network security. Graduates are qualified to work as security analysts, software administrators, and software engineers.
School Overview
University of Memphis (41 points)
The Department of Computer Science at The University of Memphis offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity. The program prepares students to fill the role of cybersecurity specialists, which is in demand around the country. The Center for Information Assurance at U of M is at the forefront of cybersecurity research.
School Overview
Southeast Missouri State University (40 points)
Southeast Missouri State University offers a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. The university is the only school in Missouri to offer a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. The program prepares students to be protectors of data and information systems. Students learn to protect their organization’s information, implement the best practices in cybersecurity, analyze threats, and implement countermeasures.
School Overview
Purdue University-Northwest (40 points)
Purdue University-Northwest offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity. Students learn database design and implementation, web systems technology, information assurance, operating systems, networking technologies, programming, and computational thinking.
School Overview
Colorado State University Global (38 points)
Colorado State University Global offers a degree specialization in cybersecurity that can be added to your information technology degree. The program is 100% online and allows you to add a cybersecurity specialty to your existing degree. Students learn how to protect information and data from cybersecurity threats, tell the difference between informal security models, analyze vulnerabilities, and understand legal and ethical issues.
School Overview
Brigham Young University-Provo (37 points)
Brigham Young University-Provo offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Courses include cybersecurity and penetration testing, digital forensics, information assurance and security, database principles and applications, computer networks, operating systems, and digital communications.
School Overview
Louisiana Tech University (37 points)
The College of Engineering & Science at Louisiana Tech University offers a Computer Science bachelor’s degree with a concentration in cybersecurity. Courses include database management systems, computer architecture, programming languages, advanced data structures and algorithms, theory of computing, statistical methods, and software design and engineering.
School Overview
Towson University (35 points)
The Department of Computer & Information Sciences at Towson University offers a cybersecurity track that was the first of its kind in Maryland and one of the first in the US. The school has small classes and students can get involved in faculty research. There are internship opportunities available with government agencies and throughout the IT industry.
School Overview
University of Nebraska at Omaha (35 points)
The College of Information Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska Omaha offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that teaches students to implement, develop, and design secure information systems. The program prepares students for cybersecurity positions in research, industry, and government as well as for graduate programs.
School Overview
University of Missouri-St. Louis (34 points)
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This is an interdisciplinary program provided by the department of computer science and the department of information systems and technology. Students gain cybersecurity skills through internships, projects, competitions, workshops, and hands-on labs.
School Overview
Eastern Kentucky University (30 points)
The Department of Computer Science at Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. This program offers the training and education students need to enter the fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students study criminal justice, law, and computer science. They develop the skills they need to be able to defend computer networks and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
School Overview
Still not sure which cyber security degree is best for you? Use our Degree Finder to help you decide.
Our Ranking Methodology
We gathered undergraduate tuition rates from each school’s website and enrollment data from Google. We used the in-state per semester tuition rates where available. Where tuition was listed per credit, we multiplied by 12 credits to get a semester cost. For annual costs, we assumed that the school year is made up of two semesters.
After sorting first by tuition then by enrollment, we assigned points to each school, with a maximum of 50 points for tuition cost and 50 points for enrollment. We added these two scores to get a final score for ranking.
Problems with Your Ranking?
If you work for one of the schools we ranked and you notice an error in the information we used to rank you, please feel free to contact us and let us know so we can make a correction.