cybersecurity schools – Before We Get Into The Topic , let’s Learn Some Basic Of This Topic
Information technology (IT), computers, and information security theory and techniques are all included in a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Information security analyst, chief information security officer, and security engineer are just a few of the jobs available after graduating from cybersecurity school.
As businesses and other organizations move more operations online, demand for computer and IT workers continues to rise. Information security analysts are expected to rise by 31% between 2019 and 2029, substantially faster than the average for all jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Organizations will continue to require trained personnel to strengthen information security as cyberattacks become more common.
A list of the greatest cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs can be found on this page. We also go over what to expect from a standard cybersecurity curriculum, what positions grads might be able to get, and how to pick the correct institution.
What Is The Cybersecurity Field Like?
Cybersecurity is a fascinating, lucrative, and in-demand sector concerned with defending valuable and sensitive data against cyberattacks by hackers and other bad actors. Cybersecurity experts were originally primarily employed in specialized fields such as defense and government, but their expertise is now required across industries such as finance, retail, insurance, and healthcare.
Information security analysts, security engineers, and penetration testers are all popular cybersecurity occupations. Security administrators and chief information security officers are two positions that cybersecurity professionals have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 131,000 information security analysts employed in the United States in 2019, with that number predicted to rise by 40,900 by 2029.
Those concerned about injustice, privacy, and information security are drawn to the cybersecurity industry. These people are more likely to have a computer, math, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help students gain the technical skills and theoretical background they need to apply for several computers and IT careers, as well as graduate school in cybersecurity and related subjects.
Many employers prefer or require bachelor’s degree holders. Specializing in cybersecurity can help you differentiate out from other applicants with backgrounds in IT or computer science. Employers may also require a bachelor’s degree for several technical industry certifications.
Why Apply for a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity equip students for well-paying employment in computers and information technology. Earning a BS in cybersecurity involves time, money, and effort, but it can pay dividends. We’ll go through some of the advantages of having a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, such as the opportunity to gain technical skills, earn a good wage, and have job security.
- Acquire Technical Knowledge
Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity offer students the opportunity to learn in-demand technological skills for mitigating and responding to cyberattacks. They are taught programming languages, risk management tactics, and how to recognize security threats.
- High-Paying Industry
Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity often pay well. According to the BLS, information security analysts earn a median annual pay of $99,730 in 2019, which is much higher than the $39,810 median annual wage for all workers.
- Job Stability
Computer and IT workers in general, and cybersecurity specialists in particular, are in high demand. Organizations need information security experts to help protect their data as they perform more of their operations online.
2021’s Top Bachelor Degree Programs in Cybersecurity Schools
Our top-ranked cybersecurity schools graduate with some of the best salaries in the industry. According to our unique rating system, the following institutions will offer the 15 best cybersecurity degrees in 2021.
1.Messiah University
Messiah College, founded in 1909, provides almost 200 Christian graduate and undergraduate programs. Nearly 3,400 students attend the university in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and online.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Messiah’s Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Physics provides a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Information assurance, ethical hacking, and safe software are all topics included in the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. To achieve the degree, each student must also complete an experiential learning requirement.
To achieve degree requirements, Messiah’s experiential learning initiative allows students to do an internship or service-learning projects, assume student leadership positions, or undertake undergraduate research projects. Internships with companies such as Comcast, Ford Motor Company, and General Electric are available to cybersecurity students. The program prepares degree candidates to apply Christian values to the field of cybersecurity.
Making an application to Messiah
A $50 application fee is required to apply to Messiah. With their completed admission application, each applicant must submit official high school transcripts, a personal statement, and SAT, ACT, or CLT results.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- MSCHE accreditation
- $36,340 per year intuition
- 123 credits are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus delivery format
2.Drexel University
Drexel University enrolls about 24,000 students and provides over 200 majors across numerous campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With the start of its online program in 1996, Drexel was a pioneer in remote education.
Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology
Drexel’s bachelor’s in cybersecurity is available as a full-time on-campus program or as a part-time online degree completion program for transfer students with two years of experience. Students must select either a computing technology or a computing security concentration. Drexel University has been designated as a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity by the National Security Agency.
Drexel’s distinctive cooperative learning model allows actual career preparation. Learners can finish one co-op experience in four years or three co-ops in five years. Network administration, information technology security, and open servers are all required courses. A two-part senior project completes the degree.
Applying to Drexel University
Official high school transcripts, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation are required of each candidate. For standardized test scores, Drexel currently has a testing-optional policy. Official transcripts of all college-level coursework must be submitted by transfer students with at least 24 completed credits. Applicants with fewer than 24 credits are required to provide high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT results may be required.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- MSCHE accreditation
- $17,956 per term (on-campus); $530 per credit (online)
- 188 quarter credit hours are required.
- 4 years (with 3 co-op experiences) or 5 years (with 3 co-op experiences) (with 1 co-op experience)
- Format of delivery: On-campus or entirely online (asynchronous)
3.Maryville University of Saint Louis
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville is the nation’s second-fastest-growing private university, with 16 years of record enrollment. Nearly 11,000 students attend the university, which offers more than 120 academic disciplines.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The BS in cybersecurity program at Maryville University provides offensive, defensive, and general tracks. General education, business core, cybersecurity core, and elective coursework are all part of the program. A capstone requirement for the cybersecurity degree is business policies. Each student receives a free iPad and works with a life coach to personalize their education.
The Cyber Fusion Center was established at Maryville to allow students to provide free cybersecurity services to local groups such as the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club and the American Cancer Society. The university also provides an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Applying to Maryville University
Throughout the year, Maryville accepts applications on a rolling basis. Official high school transcripts confirming a high school GPA of at least 2.5 are required. Students might choose to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- HLC accreditation
- $24,766 per year (on-campus); $622 per credit (online)
- 128 credits are required.
- 4 years (on-campus); 2.5 years (off campus) (online)
- Delivery Format: On-campus or 100% online
4.DePaul University
As the nation’s largest Catholic university, DePaul enrolls roughly 22,000 students. Through hundreds of academic programs spread throughout ten schools and colleges, the institution provides an “urban education” with a “global perspective.”
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
The College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University provides a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. By designing and executing infrastructural pieces, students receive real experience. DePaul has a Cisco-equipped security lab where students can learn about virtual private networks, multi-vendor firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems.
DePaul has been designated as a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Cisco certified network associate certificates are available to those pursuing a degree. The degree culminates in a capstone project in information systems security engineering. For students enrolled in DePaul’s cybersecurity bachelor’s program, several courses, including 100% of lectures, are available online.
Applying to DePaul University
Although all undergraduate programs begin in September, students can apply for early action or regular acceptance notification. Each applicant must submit valid high school transcripts, as well as ACT or SAT scores if desired.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- HLC accreditation
- Tuition is $40,551 per year (12-18 credit hours) and $655 per credit hour (over 18 credit hours)
- 192 credit hours are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus or hybrid delivery options are available.
5.St John’s University
More than 21,000 students attend St. John’s, which has campuses in New York, Italy, France, and Ireland, as well as online. More than 100 academic programs founded in Catholic and Vincentian traditions are available at the university.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Systems
The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies and the Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science at St. John’s offer a BS in cybersecurity systems. The university’s main campus in Queens, New York, is where students can finish their degrees. Students will be prepared for positions in Fortune 500 corporations and law enforcement organizations after completing the program.The underlying math, programming, and computer courses are emphasized in the bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity systems. Perspectives on Christianity, moral theology, and “discover NY” are all unique to St. John’s. In their fourth year of study, students can complete elective internships.
Applying to St. John’s University
For all undergraduate programs, St. John’s provides a free online application. Official high school transcripts, as well as standardized test scores or a personal essay, are required of all applicants. Test-optional applicants should also submit resumes and letters of recommendation, according to St. John’s.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- MSCHE accreditation
- Tuition is $1,439 per credit.
- 120 credits are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus delivery format
6.Seton Hill University
Seton Hill is one of the nation’s most prestigious Catholic universities, having been founded in 1918. On-campus in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and online, students can pick from more than 100 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
Cybersecurity is an important topic (BS)
The BS in cybersecurity program at Seton Hill focuses on computer ethics and society, cybercrime, and network security. Criminal justice, criminalistics, and mobile software systems are among the topics covered in elective courses. Every student is required to complete a three-credit internship. A computer systems research/seminar capstone course is required for the BS in cybersecurity.
Seton Hill was named an Apple Distinguished School for the sixth time lately. The Mobile Learning @ The Hill initiative provides a free MacBook Air to all conventional full-time undergraduate students. At least half of the cybersecurity faculty members have earned a Ph.D. in their specialty. The specialized Career and Professional Development Center at Seton Hill helps students find internships and apply for cybersecurity employment.
Applying to Seton Hill University
Official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores are required. Test-optional candidates must submit 200-word essays as well as letters of recommendation.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Type of school: public
- MSCHE accreditation
- $19,259 per semester intuition
- 120 credits are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus delivery format
7.Illinois State University
Nearly 21,000 students from 47 states and 74 countries attend ISU. At ISU, one out of every four students comes from an underrepresented group. More than 160 academic programs are available to students across seven institutions and colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
This cybersecurity bachelor’s degree focuses on cryptography, ethical hacking, and security fundamentals. A foundation in computer hardware and software, networking, and programming languages is also included in the curriculum. Students in ISU’s BS in cybersecurity are also introduced to computer forensics. ISU has been designated as a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
ISU’s School of Information Technology and College of Applied Science and Technology both offer cybersecurity programs. Degree seekers can choose a cybersecurity major or minor, as well as enroll as first-year or transfer students. Transfer applicants to the School of Information Technology must have prior experience with Java programming, data structures, and computer problem-solving.
How to Apply to ISU?
New freshmen are encouraged to apply for the autumn semester at ISU. Applicants must show that they have completed high school education in English, math, science, social science, and a foreign language. For admission to ISU, a student’s GPA is also taken into account. Applicants may also submit SAT or ACT results as well as a personal statement, while it is not needed.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Type of school: public
- HLC accreditation
- Tuition: $404 per credit hour (in-state); $838 per credit hour (out-of-state) (out of state)
- 120 credits are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus delivery format
8.Taylor University
TU, which was founded in 1846, offers Christian liberal arts programs. Nearly 1,800 students from 41 states and 25 countries attend the university, which has a 952-acre campus in Indiana and an online section.
Cybersecurity BS in Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at TU provides a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. The Association for Computing Machinery and the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education created guidelines for the BS in computer science with a major in cybersecurity. The placement rate for graduates of TU’s computer science departments is over 100 percent.
A practicum, senior project, and computer science senior capstone are all required as part of the cybersecurity major. Digital forensics, software reverse engineering and analysis, and computer and network security are all topics covered in these courses. Through grant-funded research for Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Labs and a student-run cybersecurity group, TU provides practical experience.
TU Admissions
Each applicant must submit high school credentials showing completion of English, math, science, social science, and a foreign language or fine arts course. TU prefers SAT or ACT scores, but can also consider placement exams or academic recommendations. A testimony/statement and a Christian character reference are required of all candidates.
A Quick Overview of the Program
- Private school type
- HLC accreditation
- $36,270 per term intuition
- 128 hours of credit are required.
- Duration of the program: 4 years
- On-campus delivery format
What To Expect From Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs?
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs emphasize information security, risk mitigation, and data analytics while teaching essential IT and computer skills. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity normally takes 120 credits, which can be completed in four years by full-time students. Some cybersecurity colleges provide time-saving accelerated programs.
The cost of a cybersecurity degree varies by school, but in-state students at public four-year universities paid an average of $9,212 in tuition and fees in the 2018-19 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
A BS in cybersecurity, a BS in IT with a cybersecurity concentration, a BS in information assurance, and a BS in computer science with an IT concentration are just a few of the degree options available in the cybersecurity profession. Despite their similarities, these degrees frequently emphasize various skills and knowledge areas. Students should select the degree type that best fits their employment objectives.
Concentrations in areas like mobile application development and data analytics are available in some cybersecurity programs. The particular types of courses that cybersecurity majors study varies by degree, but a common curriculum includes coursework on digital forensics, cybersecurity legal concerns, and ethical hacking.
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to a cybersecurity school differ depending on the curriculum. Typically, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, a 2.5-3.0 GPA, and acceptable SAT/ACT scores.
Prospective candidates must complete an online application, pay a nominal fee, and provide high school transcripts and standardized test scores as part of the admission process. Applicants with a relevant associate degree or certificate may have a better chance of being accepted.
Many colleges and universities use the Common App, which allows students to apply to multiple schools at once by filling out a single application. The Common App makes the time-consuming and arduous process of applying to different programs much easier. Some institutions require CommonApp applicants to provide additional resources such as letters of recommendation, resumes, or essays.
Popular Cybersecurity Courses
Although each cybersecurity school offers a different set of curriculum, the majority of them focus on risk management, information systems security, and programming. Core, elective/concentration, and general education courses are required in most bachelor’s programs. A practicum, capstone, or internship may be required in some cases. Courses in cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs are described below.
Jobs for Cybersecurity School Graduates
Graduates of cybersecurity schools are prepared for lucrative computer and information technology occupations that help businesses improve their information security. The majority of bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity pay much more than the national median wage for all occupations.
Many graduates go on to work as information security analysts, which pay $99,730 per year on average. Chief information security officers, on the other hand, receive an average yearly pay of $163,559. Below, we’ve included a range of cybersecurity careers, along with their typical responsibilities, job outlook, required education, and annual wages.
Information Security Analysts
By developing computing solutions, security engineers improve the security of organizations’ networks. They must have a thorough understanding of intrusion detection and prevention tactics. Setting up intrusion detection systems, responding to security breaches, and testing new hardware and software for security threats are all common job responsibilities.
- Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- $91,770 is the average annual salary.
10.Security Engineer
By developing computing solutions, security engineers improve the security of organizations’ networks. They must have a thorough understanding of intrusion detection and prevention tactics. Setting up intrusion detection systems, responding to security breaches, and testing new hardware and software for security threats are all common job responsibilities.
- Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- $91,770 is the average annual salary.
11.Chief Information Security Officer
IT security administrators are in charge of an organization’s information security issues. They create and implement policies and systems aimed at enhancing security and preventing breaches. The majority of security administrators begin their careers in lower-level IT jobs and work their way up.
- Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- $66,870 is the average annual salary.
12.IT Security Administrator
IT security administrators are in charge of an organization’s information security issues. They create and implement policies and systems aimed at enhancing security and preventing breaches. The majority of security administrators begin their careers in lower-level IT jobs and work their way up.
- Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- $66,870 is the average annual salary.
13.Penetration Tester
Penetration testers are typically part of a team of IT and cybersecurity professionals. Conducting penetration testing, identifying security needs, and detecting vulnerabilities are all common job responsibilities. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, penetration testers frequently require applicable qualifications.
- Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- Annual Average Salary: $85,170
Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Program
Our list of the finest cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs is a good place to start, but finding the right program requires some study. For someone with different job aspirations or personal circumstances, the finest cybersecurity degree may not be suited for them. Additional factors to consider when choosing a program are outlined below.
- Accreditation
Attending a regionally accredited university boosts your chances of acquiring financial help, qualifying for graduate school and professional certifications, and transferring credits. Your college’s regional accreditation also indicates that it meets basic quality criteria.
- Size of the School
Do you want to go to a big institution to take advantage of the academic, professional, and cultural opportunities? Or are you looking for a small college where you may form closer bonds?
- Cost
Before you start looking at programs, make a budget and decide how much you want to spend. In-state tuition at a public university is usually the most affordable option for students.
- Services for Career Development
Many universities provide students and alumni with career development services such as resume assistance, mock job interviews, and networking events. Internship and job opportunities are frequently available through the career services office at a school.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
You can learn anywhere and at any time by enrolling in an online cybersecurity school. Students with family responsibilities and full-time jobs benefit most from distance education, but online learning is attracting a growing number of people from all walks of life. Companies increasingly understand that remote learning can deliver the same quality education as on-campus options, so the stigma linked to online degrees no longer causes obstacles for job seekers.
Asynchronous education is available in most online bachelor of cybersecurity programs, allowing students to connect to a virtual classroom at their leisure to participate in conversations, watch lectures, and submit assignments. In some circumstances, online learning may be less expensive than attending a class in person. Tuition discounts, fee exemptions, and free textbooks are sometimes available through online programs. By continuing to work while in school, students may be able to graduate with less debt.
Your study style, schedule, and the value of student services and extracurricular activities to you are all things to consider while contemplating an online cybersecurity degree.