Cybersecurity is not just a technical buzzword in today’s highly connected world; it is a key component of national security. The United States of America, which is considered a hub for financial markets, technical giants, and agencies, is a constant target of cyberattacks.
Be it ransomware attacks or funded cyber warfare, hackers and security professionals are constantly at a tug of war. While the former wants to cripple key infrastructure, the latter is resilient to protect it. Suffice to say, that robust cybersecurity is the focal hinge to privacy, military espionage, and the digital economy of the country.
Catering to the gap in the job market, the US universities are offering degrees in cybersecurity for both, at-home and on-campus. Employers look for individuals who have certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security along with their diplomas, as together they tend to facilitate the candidates with hands-on and practical experience.
It can be deduced that with the unfortunate evolution of cybercrime daily, businesses are more than keen to invest billions to counter it. Hence, cybersecurity can be considered as one of the most demanding and stable career paths in the United States that paves the way for a rewarding career progression that not only saves data but the nation from a broader perspective.
Bachelor’s Programs in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity experts are in greater demand due to the heightened dependency on IT for even the mundane tasks, and because of the complexity of online threats. The bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity are tailored to provide students with a solid base of information security along with ethical hacking, network defense, and risk management. Where general IT degrees focus on other core dynamics of the field, the cybersecurity degree focuses on data protection techniques, adherence to industry demands, and cyber defense strategies. All of these are considered integral for pursuing this profession.
Several universities offering this course have online and on-campus classes that ensure that the field of cybersecurity is accessible to all and not bound by the geographical location of the learners. Online classes also allow working individuals to pursue this field without having to compromise on their working commitment or degree.
The syllabus for bachelors in cybersecurity typically includes the following courses:
- Cyber Law
- Network Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Cryptography
- Digital Forensics
For specialization, the following subjects are generally offered:
- Penetration Testing
- Threat Intelligence
- Cloud Security
Other key components of the degree include:
- Cybersecurity Competitions
- Digital Labs
- Internships
These equip students with practical expertise along with theoretical knowledge that facilitates them in the progression of their professional careers.
Some of the degree programs offered may also be accredited and identified by the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS. These programs facilitate students in terms of being prepared to penetrate and meet the requirements of the job market.
Considering that cybersecurity professionals are actively being sought, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity would result in rewarding employment opportunities in security firms, government agencies, and other business entities.
An overview of some cybersecurity programs can be found here:
| University | Program Name | Location | Modality | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | San Antonio, TX | Online/On-campus | ABET (CAC), CAE, SACSCOC | 120 | $525 per credit; For 120 credits – about $63,000 plus other fees. |
| University of New Haven | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | West Haven, CT | On-campus | ABET, CAE-CD | 123 | $760 per credit; For 123 credits – about $91,200 plus other fees. |
| Northeastern Illinois University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Chicago, IL | On-campus | HLC | 120 | $430.95 per credit; For 120 credits – about $51,714 plus other fees. |
| Felician University | Bachelor in Cybersecurity | Rutherford, NJ | Online/On-campus | IACBE | 120 | $795 per credit; For 120 credits – about $95,400 plus other fees. |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer and Cybersecurity Engineering | Chicago, IL | On-campus | ABET | 133-134 | $333 per credit; For 134 credits – about $44,622 plus other fees. |
| Eastern Oregon University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online | Online | NWCCU | 180 | $316 per credit; For 180 credits – about $56,880 plus other fees. |
| Troy University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Troy, AL | Online/On-campus | SACSCOC | 120 | $424 per credit; For 120 credits – about $50,880 plus other fees. |
| University of Arizona | Cyber OperationsBachelor of Applied Science | Tucson, AZ | Online/On-campus | CAE-CO | 120 | $500 per credit; For 120 credits – about $60,000 plus other fees. |
| University of Maryland | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Adelphi, MD | Online/On-campus | MSCHE | 120 | $324 per credit; For 120 credits – about $38,800 plus other fees. |
| Charleston Southern University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Charleston, SC | Online/On-campus | ABET | 125 | $515 per credit; For 125 credits – about $61,800 plus other fees. |
| University of Michigan | Bachelors of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance | Ann Arbor, MI | On-campus | ABET (CAC) | 120 | $580 per credit; For 120 credits – about $69,600 plus other fees. |
| University of Washington | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Seattle, WA | On-campus | NWCCU | 180 | $272 per credit; For 180 credits – about $48,960 plus other fees. |
| University of Colorado Denver | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Denver, CO | Online/On-campus | HLC | 120 | $1,668 per credit; For 120 credits – about $200,160 plus other fees. |
| Utica University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Online | Online | CAE-CD | 120 | $475 per credit; For 120 credits – about $57,000 plus other fees. |
| Tiffin University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Tiffin, OH | Online/On-campus | HLC | 120 | $530 per credit; For 120 credits – about $63,600 plus other fees. |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Denver, CO | Online/On-campus | CAE-CD | 120 | $327 per credit; For 120 credits – about $39,240 plus other fees. |
| University of Missouri – St. Louis | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | St. Louis, MO | Online/On-campus | HLC | 105 | $396 per credit; For 105 credits – about $41,580 plus other fees. |
Affordable Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs
A key deciding factor in terms of opting for a Bachelor in Cybersecurity is the cost. The fee itself is dependent on various factors such as the location, residency status of the students, and the university rank. For public institutes, the fee is comparatively affordable, and in-state candidates can benefit from the low tuition.
Nonetheless, multiple programs are not just inexpensive, but they also offer top-notch learning online and even hybrid environments. This facilitates students in terms of gaining knowledge in the luxury of their homes, saving them the hassle of commuting and other housing expenses.
Selected universities also offer scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options to assist search learners who are struggling in terms of their finances. An affordable program allows learners to gain adequate practical training along with being vary of the total budget.
Below is an outline of various educational institutes that offer cybersecurity courses with variable fee structures:
- University of Texas at San Antonio: The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a well-structured program for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This degree is tailored to meet the flexible schedules of working learners, hence it is available in a hybrid format. It is accredited by ABET (CAC), CAE, and SACSCOC and is located in San Antonio, TX. The degree is priced at $525 per credit hour and requires 120 credit hours in total. Hence, this affordable program costs $63,000 in total. This program is ideal for students seeking both flexibility and a robust education in cybersecurity.
- University of Arizona: The University of Arizona offers, both online and on-campus Cyber Operations Bachelor of Applied Science. Students need to complete 120 credit hours to graduate. The program is accredited by CAE-CO and is located in Tucson, AZ. The primary courses for this program are network defense, cyber defense strategies, and cloud security. The tuition fee is $525 per credit hour, which takes the total fee to a higher end (around $60,000). Students who are looking for an affordable but holistic education should opt for this degree.
- Illinois Institute of Technology: The Illinois Institute of Technology offers on-campus Bachelor of Science in Computer and Cybersecurity Engineering. Accredited by ABET, the institute is situated in Chicago, IL. Students need to acquire 133-134 credit hours for graduation. The focal points for this degree are ethical hacking, network security, and practical learning. The fee per credit hour is $33, making it worth a total of $44,622 approximately. This program offers a strong technical foundation, making it ideal for those looking to dive deep into both engineering and cybersecurity fields.
- University of Washington: The University of Washington offers on campus a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The program is aimed to equip students with technicalities along with the administrative facets of cybersecurity. Accredited by NWCCU, the length of this program is 180 credit hours. The main courses include network security, cryptography, risk management, and incident response. The fee for per credit hour is $272. Hence, the total cost is around $48,960. This program prepares students for the growing demand of cybersecurity professionals, offering an education that combines theory with practical application.
Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs
Being accredited is integral in terms of certifying that the cybersecurity program is tailored to meet the rigorous academic standards along with preparing the learners in terms of the highs and lows of the field. Some of the accrediting bodies are as follows:
- ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is renowned for accrediting programs that are technology oriented. These courses tend to meet the superior industry expectations.
- CAE (Centers of Academic Excellence) is backed by National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security. This accredits institutions that have robust cybersecurity programs.
- CAE-CD (Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense is an accreditation that identifies with the program being defense-oriented, that is, it focuses on delivering insight on defensive strategies.
- CAE-CO (Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations) is an accreditation that identifies with the program being training-oriented, that is, it focuses on technical aspects of the degree.
Apart from certifying quality education to international standards, these accreditations ensure that graduates have a competitive edge in the job market, as they are often prioritized by employers.
- Utica University: The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Utica University is offered 100% online, designed for students seeking flexibility in their learning schedule. Accredited by CAE-CD, this program requires 120 credit hours and provides comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity topics such as network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. The tuition is $475 per credit, totaling approximately $57,000 for the program.
- Eastern Oregon University: The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Eastern Oregon University is delivered entirely online, providing students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Accredited by NWCCU, this program requires 180 quarter credits and covers a range of cybersecurity topics, including network defense, incident response, and cyber law. The tuition is $316 per credit, with a total cost of approximately $56,880 for the entire program, making it an affordable option for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Management Bachelor’s Programs
Cybersecurity management bachelor’s programs offer students to gain expertise in terms of procedural cybersecurity services along with managerial aspects. A typical cybersecurity degree emphasizes technical expertise such as ethical hacking, analysis of threats and network defense. On the contrary, cybersecurity management programs have a wider approach.
Cybersecurity Management programs are designed to equip students with leadership skills. The courses include strategic planning, risk management, and compliance. The main focus of these programs is not just on information technology, but they tend to couple technical expertise with the management of teams, making policies for cybersecurity, and ensuring compliance of industry standards within the businesses.
The Cybersecurity Management program curriculum includes introductory courses, such as digital forensics, network security, and cryptography along with business-focused subjects, such as organizational behavior, finance, and project management. Students gain insight in terms of assessing risk, implementing security measures, and effective crisis handling. This program is targeted at individuals who want to pursue administrative roles in the field of cybersecurity as these programs have a holistic approach with a key focus on the development of managerial skills like leading teams, strategic decision-making, and communication of critical cybersecurity problems to stakeholders who do not have technical expertise.
- University of Texas at San Antonio: The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at the University of Texas at San Antonio offers a hybrid learning format that blends online and on-campus courses, designed to accommodate working professionals. Accredited by ABET (CAC), CAE, and SACSCOC, this program requires 120 credit hours and focuses on both technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. The tuition is $525 per credit, totaling approximately $63,000 for the entire program.
- University of New Haven: The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at the University of New Haven is an on-campus program accredited by ABET and CAE-CD. With a curriculum that combines cybersecurity theory and hands-on experience, it prepares students for roles that require both technical expertise and leadership skills. The program requires 123 credit hours, with a tuition of $760 per credit, making the total cost approximately $91,200.
- University of Maryland: The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland is available both online and on-campus, providing flexibility for students. Accredited by MSCHE, this program requires 120 credit hours and prepares students for the technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity management. The tuition is $324 per credit, bringing the total cost to around $38,800 for the program.
Cybersecurity Degree Requirements and Tips
Before the application for the cybersecurity degree, there are some prerequisites.
- The majority of the bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity requires the candidates to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must have sound knowledge of subjects like computer science, information technology and mathematics.
- Certain programs also require applicants to submit scores of standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. On the other hand, some educational institutes have opted for non-mandatory testing policies.
- Candidates who are opting for either specialized or technical cybersecurity program, need to have a strong foundation of networking, coding and relevant methodological subjects. This proves to be valuable for the students. If however, the applicants lack in these skills, there are certain institutes that would enroll them in introductory courses in order to build these core concepts.
Apart from these education requirements, the cybersecurity degree requires passionate individuals who are seeking this knowledge with a keen interest in technology and critical thinking. The field of cybersecurity is dynamic, hence the admission team is in search for such applicants who thrive on constant learning and manifest curiosity and determination. Applicants who want to enroll in the degree program that focuses on cybersecurity management must know that prior experience in project management or leadership tends to make them stand out. However, those who lack the expertise can outshine such applicants through the means of emphasized passion for cybersecurity reflected in relevant certifications or individual projects.
To increase their likelihood of getting enrolled, aspiring candidates can obtain relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Cisco’s CCNA. This would posit their obligation and eagerness for cybersecurity. These certifications not only bolster the probability of getting accepted but also provide students with practical knowledge that they can directly apply in their university courses. Other than this, applicants can participate in extracurricular activities like cybersecurity contests like ‘Capture The Flag’ or be members of cybersecurity clubs that indicate concrete interest along with a depiction of a proactive learning approach.
Last but not least, along with the application for a cybersecurity degree program, applicants need to submit either an essay or a compelling statement of purpose. This statement must exhibit the aspirations for aiming for a cybersecurity degree program along with a synopsis of the experience in terms of paving the way for this degree choice and penned long-term goals.
The admission team is appreciative of personal chronicles that highlight technical propensity along with a sound understanding of the wider impact that cybersecurity tends to posit in this digital landscape. To further stand out and outshine other applicants, candidates can also show personal projects, freelance work, or internships in the field of cybersecurity that would give them an upper hand.
It would suffice to say that in order to ensure that one gains the desired outcomes of their application, having a proactive approach in terms of groundwork and understanding of key requirements is fundamental. By having an up-to-date knowledge of the industry trends and manifesting a passion for learning coupled with technical expertise, one can position themselves purposefully in the evolving and thriving field of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity in the United States
Breaches in data have been dramatically on the rise. In 2023, around 800,000 complaints relevant to cybersecurity were registered at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This accounted for a loss greater than $10.3 billion. Such breaches not only result in a leak of private information of the citizens, but attacks on the ransomware posits an even more drastic impact of shutting down hospitals, disrupting the supply chain, and halting the city governments. Hackers and cybercriminals now have access to complex methodologies to surpass conventional security systems, such as AI-powered attacks, zero-day exploits, and deep fake scams.
To counter this, the government of the United States has been initiating constant measures. One such is the establishment of The National Cybersecurity Strategy which intends to increase investment in the infrastructure of cybersecurity along with the adherence to stringent compliance regulations in order to ensure that these progressing threats can be defused.
Nonetheless, the rise in cyberattacks has resulted in a soaring need for cybersecurity experts at all-time highs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the role of information security analysts expects a 35% increase in 2031 from 2021. This trend outpaces almost all other professions.
Furthermore, (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2023 reported that globally, there is a workforce gap in cybersecurity that goes as high as 3.4 million. A key highlight in the reports is that there are around 500,000 positions in the US alone that are vacant.
Hence, this shortage indicates a profitable career opportunity in the field of cybersecurity, where a junior resource can earn around $80,000 per annum and professionals can earn six figures. Organizations are desperately in search of experts in ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cloud security to protect their digital assets.