Top bachelors and masters cybersecurity degree programs

The strong demand for cybersecurity talent has inspired many of the leading colleges and universities to develop new degree programs in the area. Many are offered online, so anyone seeking to enter the field or take their skills to the next level has access to quality security education.

All of the programs listed here have career services focused on helping graduates find employment. We've also provided links for employers to learn more about how they can recruit from those programs.

Trends in cybersecurity degree curricula

Most of the undergraduate programs listed here cover cybersecurity basics, including pen-testing, network security, risk assessment and forensics. Some are designed to meet the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) requirements set forth by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program funds programs that provide training that the NSA and DHS deems necessary to reduce the vulnerability of the US information infrastructure.

Several programs have concentrations in secure software development, covering state-of-the-art tools and development methodologies. Schools that offer development courses typically have concentrations in security ethics, too.

Many of the graduate programs are designed with the assumption that its graduates could end up in management positions. You see courses and concentrations that have a business focus, teaching, for example, how to estimate costs, communicate with executive management, or plan a budget.

Bachelors Programs American Military University

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides students with both theory and know-how required to strategically assess, plan, design, and implement effective cybersecurity defenses in the public and private sectors. Through this online IT bachelor’s program, students learn research, writing, math, and analytical skills, along with an in-depth understanding of cybercrime.

Notable specialties:Coursework in AMU’s bachelor’s degree aligns to the general objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification and meets the topical requirements for the Department of Defense Directive 8570.1M Information Assurance Management (IAM) Technical I, Technical II, Technical III, Management I, Management II, and Management III categories.

Location:Online

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I want to enroll at AMU Excelsior College

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degrees programs at Excelsior College will prepare you to protect critical information and cyber assets through organizational prevention, detection, countering and recovery methods. Excelsior's cybersecurity degrees are also aligned with the academic requirements for cybersecurity set by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Notable specialties:The program has two tracks to choose from: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (Without Concentration) and Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (Cyber Operations).

Location:Albany, NY

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Liberty University

Liberty University created the Bachelor of Science in Information Technologywith Data Networking and Security Specialization to help develop IT cybersecurity professionals. Liberty offersinformation systems (IS), IT, and computer science (CS) degrees that prepares students for the IT field, specifically related to cybersecurity.

Notable specialties:Liberty offers three cybersecurity career paths:

Security GRC: Get involved in the securitygovernance, risk management and compliance (GRC) of an organization. Security technology: Prepares students to providea security architecture of the enterprise network and systems.The security architecture will be based on a risk assessment. Secure development: Prepares students to solvetomorrow's cybersecurity challenges.

Location:Online

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I want to enroll at Liberty University Regent University

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity , offered online and on campus, prepares students to begin or advance technology and network security careers in government, military, manufacturing, service, education and other private, public and nonprofit sectors. The program’s course work teaches students to create and execute a digital security strategy that supports and defends data resources managed by your employer.

Notable specialties:Students learn how to gather data and evidence employed in prosecuting cybercrimes, and to develop security safeguards and disaster recovery plans; develop ethical, innovative and practical intelligence, and networking solutions based on strategic technology applications and data-driven assessments; and learn how to defend computer networks against attacks by worms, viruses and other criminal acts.

Location:Virginia Beach, VA, and online

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Saint Leo University Online

The BS Cybersecurity program in Saint Leo’s School of Business exposes students to the fundamentals needed for entry-level positions involving cybersecurity. Students will experience and learn security tools and technologies that are used by cybersecurity professionals in their daily work activities. This is done through a virtual lab environment where students have the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a mock IT infrastructure and real-world software tools with realistic security scenarios.

Notable specialties:The program introduces students to the principles of cybersecurity, penetration testing and ethical hack