Best Cyber Security colleges in the U.S.

Cyber security refers to the various ways organizations protect things like networks and data, and cyber security schools teach students the skills they need to implement such protection. As the world becomes exponentially more reliant on computers and the internet, the more we'll need competent cyber security professionals to protect from cyberattacks and cybercrime.

Without adequate cyber defense, organizations face significant risks. Banks, hospitals, and critical infrastructure are perpetually at risk from malware to hackers. Cyber security professionals reside on the frontlines of digital aggression and strive to implement effective network security plans and precautions to combat these risks.

As the need for effective cyber security continues to grow, the best cyber security schools prepare students for high-demand entry-level positions. These programs offer advanced coursework that continuously evolves to mirror the changes within the cyber security landscape. The section below highlights two types of cyber security degrees, what you'll study, and what you need to gain admission.

Cybersecurity degrees exist at every academic level, making it easy for novices and experts alike to receive the training they need to thrive in this field. With cyberattacks increasing significantly over the last year, the need for qualified and experienced professionals will only continue to expand.

Prospective students who want to learn more about what they can expect when pursuing one of these in-demand degrees can find answers to all their questions and more in this guide. Learn about commonly offered classes, standard graduation timelines, available post-graduation jobs, and how to pick the best possible program.

Courses in Online Cybersecurity Programs

Courses in an online cybersecurity degree vary based on individual programs, but learners can anticipate some overlap in class offerings. Some common classes include:

• Fundamentals of Cloud Security: With so many individuals and companies relying on cloud storage these days, understanding how to adequately protect them is becoming a more significant responsibility each day. This course looks at cloud computing architecture and the threats it faces.
• Systems Security Management: With so many different methodologies and frameworks for mitigating security risks, students must be at least familiar with each. This class looks at the issues and techniques commonly encountered with operating systems and networks, with a focus on the best practices for safeguarding.
• Cyber Threat Intelligence: Hands-on in nature, this course teaches students how to identify cyber threats throughout their life cycles and use various types of cyber intelligence to handle threats. Students consider both theoretical and practical applications.
• Engineering Secure Systems: This course provides an overview of commonly used security frameworks and techniques, with emphasis on how to design and deploy each. The entire course is structured around the Department of Homeland Security’s 16 Critical Infrastructure Elements.

Cybersecurity Degree vs. Certificate

Both degrees and certificates are popular in cybersecurity, making some prospective students question which one best suits their needs. Generally speaking, certificates take less time to complete and therefore provide less intensive study.

A cybersecurity degree covers both foundational and advanced topics in a comprehensive manner, providing learners with expansive knowledge of the discipline. Certificates, conversely, take less time and usually cover either only introductory topics or focus on one topic specifically.

Individuals who want to enter the field quickly may opt for a certificate. In contrast, those considering long-term career opportunities usually go with a degree.

People looking to quickly enter cybersecurity jobs like the speed at which one can earn an associate degree. These cybersecurity degree programs generally involve two years of full-time study (longer if only enrolling part-time). Many associate degree seekers choose to pursue a cybersecurity degree online. Earning a cybersecurity degree online provides greater flexibility for students looking to combine studies with other personal and professional obligations.

Employers often look for job candidates holding an associate degree to fill entry-level roles. Common cybersecurity jobs open to graduates include systems administrator, cybersecurity analyst, and information security engineer. Aligning with the general trend for impressive cybersecurity salaries, people with an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity make an average yearly salary of $52,000.

As prospective students research their options, they will likely come across two different types of cybersecurity degrees. While more and more schools are starting to offer Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity options as standalone programs, many departments also provide a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a cybersecurity concentration. These types of programs provide a more solid grounding in general computing topics before moving into 2-3 classes focused on cybersecurity.

Individuals who earn an undergraduate cyber security degree gain the practical, theoretical, and technical expertise to begin a career in a rapidly growing field. Cyber security students often gain real-world experience through labs and a degree-culminating capstone project, whether they pursue an on-campus or online cyber security degree.

Alongside general education and core requirements, cyber security students complete classes such as cloud security, ethical hacking, cyber law and privacy, and risk assessment and prevention. Additionally, some programs offer academic concentrations in topics like cloud security, digital forensics, and security management. As a general note, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity typically requires at least 120 credit hours, and many bachelor’s degree programs also culminate with a capstone project. 

If you're a prospective cyber security student, you must hold a high school diploma or GED to gain admission. Applicants must submit a completed application along with other admission materials like a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and a resume highlighting extracurricular activities and achievements.

Applying to an online cybersecurity degree requires individuals to complete several steps. When applying for a bachelor’s degree, many schools now accept the Common App. Students who plan to apply to several different programs often go with this option, as it allows them to submit one standardized application to multiple schools.

Admission Requirements for Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Admission requirements vary by individual school, but learners can expect some overlap in the types of materials they are asked to provide. Here are some common components.

• Transcripts: All schools require transcripts from high school as well as any post-secondary institutions previously attended.
• Scores/Grades: Many programs set minimum GPA requirements and as well as minimum SAT/ACT scores for admissions consideration.
• Letters of Recommendation: Schools commonly ask for both academic and personal letters of recommendation that speak to a student’s character and suitability for advanced academic study.
• Essay Answers: Essay answers allow learners to go beyond standardized application components and highlight their interest in the school and subject, as well as future career aspirations.

Typically reserved for professionals with a strong background in computer science or related fields, a cyber security master's offers students the skills they need to enhance career options and increase earning potential. Whether online or in-person, this cyber security degree traditionally takes students 1-2 years to complete degree requirements.

A cyber security master's typically requires students to complete around 30-50 credits. Popular cyber security master's classes include computer forensics, cyber security law, and security risk assessment and management. In addition to tech-based coursework, many master's programs also highlight communication and management skills that can lead to leadership positions.

If you're interested in pursuing a cyber security master's, you must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and submit an online application, often with GRE scores. Depending on an applicant's academic and professional experience, they may need to complete prerequisite courses in topics like computer programming.

Also, thanks to the digital nature of the field, some schools offer online cyber security degree programs. These can sometimes be completed faster than on-campus degrees and could come with lower tuition rates.

In order to increase their chances of landing top cybersecurity jobs or receiving promotions, some professionals obtain certifications and other credentials. Employers look at these achievements as displaying particular dedication and knowledge in the industry. 

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), for instance, offers four levels of cybersecurity certifications, ranging from entry-level competencies through expert. Similarly, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, commonly known as (ISC)², awards the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and other marks of distinction.

Graduates with a cyber security degree enter a growing workforce with higher than average salaries. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology jobs should grow by 13% over the next decade, BLS estimates that some cyber security careers will grow at a considerably faster clip. As an online cybersecurity degree graduate, individuals can qualify for several fascinating jobs within computer science and information technology. Some common titles include:

Information Security Analyst

• These professionals utilize the specialized training to plan, manage, and execute plans to maintain the security of an organization's networks and computer systems. Information security analysts keep up with the latest trends in cyber security and often develop best security practices. 
• Median Salary: $103,590
• Projected Growth: 33%

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

• These tech-based professionals oversee the daily operations of an organization's computer networks. In addition to perpetual maintenance of software and hardware, systems administrators maintain system security and work closely with users to ensure safety protocol is followed. 
• Median Salary: $84,810
• Projected Growth: 5%

Computer Systems Analyst

• Computer systems analysts play an essential role in boosting the efficiency, effectiveness, and security of an organization's computer systems. These professionals keep up with industry trends that can benefit their organization while working with management and users in any new tech rollouts. 
• Median Salary: $93,730
• Projected Growth: 7%

We look at a few more careers in the following section.

Online vs. On-Campus Degrees

Given the nature of the coursework, many colleges provide partially or entirely online cybersecurity degrees. These programs often benefit busy students trying to balance personal and professional obligations alongside academic work. With asynchronous courses available and the daily campus commute eliminated, learners who otherwise couldn’t fit the degree into their schedules find a way to make it work.

That said, some students still decide to pursue in-person learning as this style typically provides a more consistent schedule and the opportunity for face-to-face social interactions.

Should I Complete Courses Online?

Completing online cybersecurity courses provides a great option if visiting campus multiple times per week doesn’t work with a student’s schedule. Online classes also open up potential schools to attend, given that learners don’t need to live near their school.

Still, degree seekers should consider whether online courses work with their needs. Taking classes in this format typically requires more discipline and focus since students don’t have the traditional motivation of face-to-face meetings with teachers and classmates.

Regardless of chosen format, students can rest assured knowing that online classes carry with them the same esteem and benefits as campus-based courses. In fact, many schools use the same faculty to teach both types of classes.

How Long do Online Courses Take to Complete?

The time that online students spend completing each course depends on the various types of classes offered by their school. While synchronous classes require live virtual attendance, asynchronous classes allow learners to complete assignments at times that work for their schedules.

Most semesters (and courses) last approximately 16-weeks, while accelerated classes take as few as five weeks to finish. Degree seekers with a set idea of how long they want to spend in each class should speak with prospective schools to learn about options.

Online Cybersecurity Degree Costs

Pursuing an online cybersecurity degree potentially lessens the final cost of a degree, especially for students who take time to find the best rates. For instance, learners who attend state schools as resident students typically pay far lower tuition rates than those attending as non-residents or seeking a degree from a private institution.

Attending online also helps reduce costs associated with in-person learning. Students can typically avoid extra costs such as parking passes, meal plans, and on-campus housing, as well as the cost of traveling to and from school each week.

Cybersecurity Jobs, Salaries, and Career Outlook

As the table below demonstrates, cybersecurity careers offer generous salaries and are poised to grow in the coming decade. Interested students should review each position to see how it fits within their professional goals.

Online Cybersecurity Career Resources

• Association of Information Security Professionals: AISP supports students and professionals alike by providing job postings, in-person and digital community events, certification and training, and other opportunities for involvement.
• Black Cybersecurity Association: Joining BCA provides access to training programs, mentorship, certifications and open forums, study groups, and boot camps.
• Center for Internet Security: CIS helps make the connected world a safer place by connecting expert cybersecurity professionals to businesses and individuals in need of help.
• International Association of Privacy Professionals: IAPP provides resources for cybersecurity professionals across the span of their careers. Examples include training and certification resources, industry news, opportunities to connect with others, and an annual conference.
• International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals: Becoming a member of ICMCP provides access to chapters throughout the world, scholarships, training and certification programs, professional development, and mentorship.

• Is a cyber security degree worth it?

  • Completing a cybersecurity degree can significantly boost an individual’s career if they want to work in a job focused on maintaining secure computer networks for their employers or clients. Individuals graduating with a cyber security degree are uniquely positioned to enter a rapidly growing workforce that offers relatively high salaries. According to the BLS, information security analyst careers are projected to grow by 33% between 2020-2030. These programs also signal to future employers your dedication to learning. Whether online or on-campus, many colleges and universities offer flexible and affordable cyber security degrees.

• What degree should I get for cyber security?

  • For first-time college students, pursuing an undergraduate cyber security degree is a practical way to gain the skills necessary to begin a career in the field. Alongside general education requirements, cyber security coursework often focuses on the technical proficiencies that employers value.

    For those with a tech-based bachelor's degree, a cyber security master's is a great way to learn new skills while honing the management and communication skills that leadership roles require.

    As the cybersecurity field continues to formalize, more employers expect candidates to possess focused training in relevant topics. While you may be able to enter the field with a generalist computer science degree, most employers expect you to undergo focused cybersecurity training to advance.

• Is cyber security a hard degree?

  • Because the field of cybersecurity is forever evolving, students should expect their curriculum to do so as well. Learners who enjoy the fast-paced world of information security will enjoy this degree. For a student with strengths outside of the STEM world, a cyber security degree could prove challenging. That said, the best cyber security schools offer ample student support. At the best schools, online and in-person students have access to tutoring, library research facilities, and various student organizations. Additionally, many schools offer academic, career, and mental health counseling.

• What are the highest-paying cyber security careers?

  • Professionals working in cybersecurity can earn ample salaries well above the national average for all occupations. According to the BLS, information security analysts earned median annual salaries of $103,590 in 2020. Those in the top 10% of earners brought home more than $163,300.v

Veronica Miller is a cyber security Expert at VPNoverview. She specializes in corporate and enterprise marketing, developing best marketing strategies for cyber security, and business operations protection for partner organizations.

What education is needed for cyber security?

Understand the Fundamentals First

To get to security, you need to know what you're trying to secure and how it operates. Starting with the physical layer, learn how a computer works. Understand what the northbridge is and why it is important, as well as the purpose of TPUs. Continue on to Cat5e and why it is preferred over fiber. Take out a pencil and practice breaking down a /24 CIDR block into its corresponding IPs. Then figure out how to use base2, base8, and base64 encoding. Learn how routers make logs and how networks work. Log in to your router at home. Have some fun with it.

Also, communicate with others. Start following the professionals on Twitter. Find conversations when you're only half-understanding what subTee or SwiftonSecurity is saying and Google it. Talk to other people. Constantly read.

Cyber security is a broad field with several sub-specialties. But all of those specialties begin with a spark of interest and a desire to learn more.

Is cyber security a good career?

It's a developing sector, and you hear a lot about how many unfilled cyber security positions there are, but you should be mindful. These are higher-level positions, not entry-level positions. Cyber security is now severely underfunded.

The majority of those working in cyber security used to work in IT. The new generations who earned a cyber security degree have yet to make an impact.

To stand out, you'll need to obtain certifications. To begin, I recommend getting A+, Sec+, and Net+ certifications. Getting a formal education, such as an associate degree or a bachelor's degree, is an excellent choice.

What else should people know about cyber security?

The field is a lot of fun! It's also lucrative. You'll run into trolls now and then, but that's what occurs when people figure out how to hide their identities and protect their privacy.

In cyber security, you'll spend most of your time Googling and studying. To stay in the field, you must continue to learn. It's not a job that you can learn and expect to do the same thing every day. Every ticket you receive may be brand new.

Try Capture The Flags, talk to other cyber security professionals, and decide whether it's right for you.

• Info Security Magazine
• BLS: Information Security Analysts
• BLS: Chief Technology Officer
• BLS: Computer Systems Analysts
• BLS: Computer Support Specialists
• Computing Accreditation Commission
• National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
• Common App