In this guide we take a deep dive into online bachelor’s programs available to surface key insights and commonalities across all programs, with a specific emphasis on the kinds of courses that make up an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. An online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a more flexible option than its traditional on-campus equivalent. Most cybersecurity online bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credit hours. According to our research that looks at 53 online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs, 58 percent of programs require some kind of hands-on learning, either through a capstone project or an internship. Like other kinds of academic programs, online cybersecurity degree programs are increasing in popularity and availability. Currently, there are 57 bachelor’s programs with dedicated online cybersecurity degrees
With a focus on the kind of courses that make up an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, we explore all of the bachelor’s programmes that are currently offered to find important details and similarities. A bachelor’s in cybersecurity earned online offers more flexibility than an on-campus degree. The majority of online bachelor’s degree programmes in cybersecurity need 120 credits. Our study of 53 online bachelor’s degree programmes in cybersecurity found that 58% of them required some kind of practical experience, such as a capstone project or an internship. Online cybersecurity degree programmes are becoming more popular as well as affordable, much like other types of academic programmes. There are 57 bachelor’s programmes offering specialised online cybersecurity degrees as of right now.
Demand for cyber security professionals:
The is at a record-high level. Cybercrimes affect a large number of people, and both individuals and organisations are at danger. Choosing an accelerated cybersecurity degree is the solution for individuals who wish to advance their careers in the area quickly. Many degree programmes include an accelerated option so that students may complete their studies sooner than at a typical four-year university.
Fast Track
It is possible to complete an online cybersecurity degree programme in less than two years in a few different methods. Transfer credits are a means of doing it. Transfer credits are an excellent approach to provide students the tools they need to continue in their cyber security degree, sometimes completing in half the time. Experience is another method. Certain courses in the cybersecurity degree programme may also accept students who have earned credit for work-related experiences or cybersecurity training. As a consequence, the student may not be required to take a specific course for the bachelor’s degree programme. All of these methods assist working people in obtaining the qualifications they need to grow more quickly and effectively. How to choose the best online cybersecurity degree in five easy stages
Cybersecurity as Career
There are many advantages to selecting cybersecurity as a career. As was previously indicated, the Bureau of Labour Statistics and others expect that throughout the next years, In reality, the sector is already having trouble keeping organisations and companies stocked with young, qualified personnel. This is seen from the many professional associations and organisations that provide certificates, all of which have different hiring, training, and scholarship programmes. However, earning a degree in cybersecurity should be more than simply a matter of employment security. The field of work is also intriguing. It is a discipline that combines computer programming’s technical and quantitative aspects with those of law, policy, education, and training. There are several career opportunities and pathways to take in the subject of cybersecurity.
Finding an online program
Every day, new online degree programmes in cybersecurity are being introduced.Students now have more freedom and options, but this also increases the need for study and an in-depth knowledge of all available possibilities. Making a list of restrictions, such as your budget, exam results, requirements, etc., and then looking for programmes that fall inside those restrictions is a smart place to start. The quality of the career services, counselling, and help for locating reputable cybersecurity internship opportunities is another important factor to consider while studying online cybersecurity bachelor’s programmes. As was already said, a lot of online cybersecurity degree programmes now strongly encourage and/or demand that their students pursue practical learning opportunities like a cybersecurity final assignment or an internship in the field.
Research admission requirements
The entrance standards for online cybersecurity degree programmes usually follow the same structure as those for regular on-campus degree programmes. Students will also need application essays, transcripts (from high school, a community college, or an associate’s programme), applicable test results (such the ACT and SAT), and letters of reference. Another crucial component of school research is being aware of and noting crucial dates throughout the application process.
Advantage and Disadvantage of an online cybersecurity degree
There are advantages and disadvantages to obtaining an online cybersecurity degree versus a more traditional campus-based degree.
Advantages
The fact that most universities that provide online and on-campus degree programmes award the same degree to both forms of degree offers is one of the largest benefits. In other words, the final diploma that students get is the same.
The degree of flexibility that online education and cybersecurity degree programmes provide students is another significant benefit. Online learning needs a different degree of dedication than being physically present someplace, whether attempting to study remotely or balancing college courses with other family or professional obligations.
Additionally, some students find that online learning is more comfortable for them since lectures are often provided by video and exercises and assignments are tailored for online learning. For certain students, the opportunity to speed up or slow down lectures or to go over material many times is more effective.
A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree earned online can be more affordable than one earned on a regular campus, depending on your living and employment circumstances.
Disadvantages
One of the main benefits of enrolling in a campus-based degree programme is that it encourages the formation of a professional network since it allows students to communicate in person with lecturers and colleagues.
A professional network is of the utmost importance later on in a person’s career, not only when they are seeking for their first job in the cybersecurity sector straight out of college. As coworkers advance in their professions, they become useful sources for employment leads and prospects, and soon they could even work in recruiting management.
This is not to argue that the only method to build a professional network is via face-to-face interactions. Today, there are a growing number of non-traditional ways to build a strong network.
Another trend is the rise in popularity of remote work across several sectors, particularly in the IT sector. Digital and social networking in a business setting is becoming more and more acceptable as remote work gets more and more prevalent. In order to compensate for the absence of direct contact or face-to-face interaction with cybersecurity peers and experts, there are several possibilities available.
Free Online Cyber Security Courses
#1) Sans Cyber Aces
The top free online CyberSecurity courses are offered by Sans Cyber Aces. You will get free lectures on networking, systems administration, and operating systems along with a test to determine your current level of understanding.
#2) Cybrary
A library for study materials on IT, cybersecurity, and other security-related topics is called Cybrary. With Cybrary, you may sign up for a free account and have access to more than 500 courses, each of which is graded according to its level of difficulty. You may start by selecting the degree of difficulty you like.
#3) US Department of Homeland Security
They are the finest source for knowledge on internet security, so this is a no-brainer. You may take the online course for free, and it has a whole webpage devoted to it. Only individuals who work in the security of industrial control systems have access to it, however.
Conclusion
Entering the cyber security sector now, when employment are numerous and the market is competitive, is a fantastic opportunity. You must grasp the chance while it’s still available since there is an exponential rise in demand for CyberSecurity specialists.
The aforementioned list of online cyber security degree programmes, both free and paid, each has something special to offer. You may start your path to become the top cybersecurity expert by selecting the option that best fits you.
Due to their reputation and price, we would recommend Purdue, Bellevue, and Utica institutions as the top suppliers of online cyber security degrees based on our study.