2023 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is a medium-sized, public university with a fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Cyber Security. (They also offer a similar concentration in Cyber Forensics.) This program centers around innovation and flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace while learning crucial skills in networking, informatics, and application development. The concentration in cybersecurity requires 120 credits and includes core classes in Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, and Software Security. Students generally take four years to complete the program on a full-time schedule, including the senior capstone project that's required prior to graduation. Coursework options also feature internship placement with a relevant employer under the direction of the program coordinator. Beyond graduation, students can explore careers as cryptanalysts, information security analysts, or digital forensics analysts.

Brightspace is the primary learning management system for MGA's distance learners. The school's resources also include academic advising, career and leadership development, and 24/7 counseling services to assist with mental health.

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a large, public institution, and the school's online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary, four-year program that incorporates information technology, business administration, information security and assurance, and criminal justice. The degree requires 120 credits — including general education, major requirements, specialization credits, and electives. Available tracks include cyber crime, systems security, and network security. Students can pursue an approved internship, directed study, or cooperative study that counts toward their elective requirements. Career options for graduates include information security analyst and digital forensics analyst, to name a couple of possibilities.

KSU uses Desire2Learn as their primary learning management system for delivering coursework. While students work at their own pace to complete assignments, deadlines and scheduled exams are structured into the curriculum. So, attendance may be required at set times. Distance learners have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, IT support, and career development tools.

The Bachelor of Information Technology - Cybersecurity from Georgia Southern University (Georgia Southern) — a large, public institution — is a 100% online program requiring 124-credit hours. The coursework is taken asynchronously, allowing students the flexibility of studying on their own schedule. However, most full-time students graduate within four years. The IT portion of this program teaches foundational knowledge in computer networks and databases, while the cybersecurity concentration focuses on the best practices in security, which keep businesses and government organizations safe from infiltration. Classes include Digital and Computer Forensics, Ethical Hacking, and Network Security. An IT-related internship is also required to graduate. Career opportunities upon graduation include database architect, application developer, and systems administrator.

Georgia Southern uses the digital learning platform, Desire2Learn, for all online coursework, classroom discussions, and lectures. Faculty may also decide to use other software, such as Zoom, Turnitin, and YuJa. Additionally, online students have access to career development support for seeking employment post-graduation, including job fairs and career events. They may also receive free online tutoring and a student success coach to assist them with any academic issues they may encounter.

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers a Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management - Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, which is focused on developing real world skills for students looking to join the cyber sector of emergency preparedness organizations. This unique blended program prepares graduates for roles with the Department of Homeland Security, such as a cybersecurity specialist or privacy analyst. Core classes include Cybersecurity Management, Cybersecurity Resilience, and Cybersecurity — Fraud and Law. Students are also required to complete an internship in Emergency Management.

Students can take this 120-credit hour program entirely online or in a hybrid format. Most students complete all required coursework in four years while studying full-time. UAF uses Canvas for their remote-learning initiatives. Online students can also access peer mentoring and tutoring, career and graduation assistance, as well as a laptop loan program.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a medium-sized, private institution offering a fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cyber Security. This 120-credit program helps students learn how to analyze systems securities and develops their skills in intrusion detection and countermeasure operations. Virtual labs are utilized to properly train students in a remote environment, alongside core classes in IT Ethics and Professionalism, Planning and Audits, and IS Disaster Recovery — all of which students complete through the e-learning platform, Blackboard. In order to graduate, students must also develop a corporate IT protection plan as part of their senior capstone project.

CSU offers student support services through academic advising and career assistance. Remote learners can also take advantage of their Remote Proctor Now program, which allows for remote test-taking. Additionally, there are various ways to progress through the program, such as flexible start dates and opportunities for students to pick their own graduation plan and completion timeline. IT and cybersecurity graduates may go on to seek employment as security specialists, penetration testers, or IT security consultants.

University of the Potomac (UOTP) offers two four-year degrees in the field of cybersecurity that are 120 credits each. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity covers the skills needed to design, build, and optimize software with a focus on cybersecurity through core classes, such as Firewalls for Security, Network Security Design, and Computer Networking and Telecommunications. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, however, focuses more on cybercrime and protecting digital resources from hacking and viruses. Core classes for this degree include Cyber Law, Network Security Management, and Computer Systems Technology. Career outcomes may differ slightly, with the bachelor's in cybersecurity allowing for enterprise protection roles, such as cyber analyst or cryptographer, while the computer science bachelor's with a concentration in cybersecurity may broaden career options to include software engineer or database administrator.

UOTP is a small, private institution featuring career development services and student advising through personal counseling. Students can complete either degree 100% online through Blackboard, or they can participate in a hybrid format that requires some on-campus learning.

Purdue University Global (Purdue Global) is a large, public branch of Purdue University that specializes in online programs. Their Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a full-time, 120-credit degree exploring the skills and knowledge needed to protect entities from cyber attacks. There are six concentrations available for this program, such as Supply Chain Management and Logistics or Game Development. Students learn to assess vulnerabilities, design security measures, and develop solutions. While the degree generally takes four years to complete, PU Global offers an accelerated track for students with previous college or career experience. It can be completed in just 10 weeks and includes an internship for students to develop real world experience. Graduates of Purdue Global may seek employment in a variety of fields, but this is mainly dependent on their concentration. Job opportunities may include information security analyst, computer network support specialist, or computer network architect.

PU Global uses Brightspace for their online coursework and offers career services and academic support for remote students. Core classes include Ethical Hacking, Network Security, and Python Programming.

Western Governors University (WGU) is a large, nonprofit institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and a Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security. The first cybersecurity program covers secure systems analysis and design, risk management, and hacking countermeasures, while the network operations degree focus includes leadership management, spreadsheets, and general science content. Industry certifications are also built into the programs at no additional cost. These online programs vary in length, depending on schedules and course loads, but the curricula feature common core courses, such as Network and Security, Web Development, and Managing Cloud Security, as well as a written capstone project.

WGU students use various tools to access their course materials, including the WGU student portal, electronic textbooks, simulations, library resources, and interactive tutorials. Coursework may include projects, essays, exams, research papers, and video lectures. Learning is asynchronous, and students generally take one course at a time and at their own pace. Around 70% of students finish their degree in four years or less. Program mentors are available to assist students throughout their studies before they enter the workforce as a cybersecurity analyst or cybersecurity engineer.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from American National University (ANU) is a comprehensive exploration of modern-day security measures used to protect networks and computers. Students learn about cyber threats and the tactics that prevent them through courses in Mobile Security, Computer Forensics, and Computer Hardware Technology. Overall, 180 credits are required, all of which students can take via the Canvas learning management system in a fully online environment.

ANU is a small, for-profit school where enrolled students can seek support through career and academic services, and they can benefit from the school's personal approach to learning. Students can study asynchronously in the evenings and on weekends, allowing them to maintain a professional life alongside their schoolwork. This program can be completed in four years if students choose to study on a full-time schedule.