In today’s tech-driven world, those with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity are highly sought-after for their ability to protect sensitive data and combat cyberattacks. Cybersecurity has emerged as a frontline defense against a wide variety of sophisticated online threats in today’s technology-reliant environment. This article reviews the best bachelor’s cyber security programs and how to earn a cybersecurity top degree.
Overview
The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree is to train students to be knowledgeable and experienced in both defensive and offensive cybersecurity, beginning with the secure design and development of systems. The program was designed with the ABET accreditation criteria in mind for cybersecurity, so it emphasizes a core competency skill set that includes critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It also uses an open, active learning environment with both individual and group project-based activities for secure computing that are both valuable and relevant to students.
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security is designed to give students a firm grounding in the fundamentals and in-depth understanding of information security, software security, system security, organizational security, and societal security, as well as the legislation, policy, and ethics of these topics. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze, evaluate, and manage operational systems in the face of cyber risks and threats using the security principles and practices they have learned.
Cybersecurity specialists and information security analysts are in demand, and those with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity can expect to work in fields such as those mentioned above. Cybercrime investigators who have earned a BSCyS can help with law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts. The NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (2017) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017) both indicate that those with a BSCyS degree can find work as cybersecurity specialists in a wide variety of private and public sectors, including government.
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand across almost the entire economy, from manufacturing to healthcare to education to national security. Most undergraduate cybersecurity programs have similar entry requirements to those of other bachelor’s degree programs.
More Information
Due to the computer-centric nature of cybersecurity, demonstrating the requisite skills and aptitude may require familiarity with the fundamentals of computing infrastructure and programming. You can get ready for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity by learning to write code or by gaining experience in the design of computer software and hardware.
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information security is not always required for an entry-level job in the field. Some students major in fields like mathematics, computer science, or engineering but later narrow their focus to security through additional study, work experience, or certification. Recent research indicates that there are 178 unique bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity in the United States. The colleges and universities in the United States that offer bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity are on the following list:
- On average, a student needs 123 credits to graduate. The minimum number of credits needed to graduate from 111 of these 178 schools is 120.
- The field of cybersecurity has 113 degree programs, 113 of which are considered “Centers of Academic Excellence.”
- The price per credit can vary from $105 to $1,976 depending on some criteria, such as whether you attend a public or private university.
- Total degree costs range from $12,600 to $250,952, with significant disparities between public and private institutions and between in-state and out-of-state tuition prices.
Requirements
The good news is that more and more bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity are becoming available every year. However, coursework and degree programs in cybersecurity, including certifications and other professional degrees, are becoming available at colleges and universities. Also, the online degree programs they provide are ideal for students who are already in the workforce or who have other responsibilities that prevent them from attending classes on campus.
Courses offered on a university campus may connect students with internship and mentoring opportunities, as well as student and professional clubs.
With the rise of distance learning, some schools now offer “hybrid” degrees that combine traditional classroom instruction with online learning. These options provide students with the best of both worlds, allowing them to make use of on-campus resources while still having the convenience of taking classes online.
Factors to Think About When Picking a Bachelor’s Degree Program
The steps to take when deciding on a bachelor’s degree program are as follows:
#1. Research
Likely, you’re here because you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and want to learn more about your options. There are more opportunities than ever for students to earn a bachelor’s degree for a successful career in cybersecurity as the industry develops and expands. While there are many excellent cybersecurity degree programs accessible on college campuses, there are also many excellent online options.
#2. Training for Entry
After deciding which colleges and programs to apply to, it’s time to start researching their admissions processes and learning what you can do to get ready. Examine the necessary grades, entry-level requirements, prior experience, and other preparatory variables. Make it a point to build positive relationships with your instructors and other potential references. There is further information about entrance requirements in the next section.
#3. Apply
Understanding the particular timetables and deadlines in advance can help make the application process for college or university programs feel more doable. Keep a running tally of scholarship opportunities and due dates, and keep an eye out for schools and programs that share applications (where a single application can be used for numerous schools).
#4. Budget
Making (and keeping to) a realistic budget is a major obstacle on the path to earning a bachelor’s degree. One important step is figuring out how much money you’ll need to spend on your degree altogether (annual credit fees, housing expenses, and more). It’s also important to know what kinds of student loans and funding opportunities exist.
Course offerings in cybersecurity programs might vary by style and format, but some of the topics you can anticipate studying include the following:
- Programming.
- Computer networks.
- Cryptography.
- Threat testing.
- Digital forensics.
- Information law and ethics.
- Computer science.
- Discrete mathematics.
- Operating systems.
- System vulnerability assessment.
- Cybercrime investigations.
- Cybersecurity operations.
- System defense.
- Ethical hacking.
- Cybersecurity policy.
Top Cyber Security Bachelors Degree Programs
The goal of the cyber security degree program is to prevent unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, and the information they contain. Learn more about the best bachelor’s degree programs in computer science and cybersecurity below.
#1. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1900 and is a private research university. There are 7,509 first-year students there, and the campus spans 157 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Carnegie Mellon University is listed as one of the national universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Total annual expenses amount to $63,829. Carnegie Mellon offers undergraduates the chance to conduct research in their chosen fields and, in certain cases, even provides funding in the form of grants or summer fellowships.
#2. Stanford University
The year 1885 marked the beginning of Stanford University’s private existence. It is located in a suburban area and spans over 8,180 acres, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,049. The school year is divided into three-month increments. In the Best Colleges guidebook for the year 2024, Stanford University is classified among the National Universities. Total annual expenses amount to $62,484.
#3. Arizona State University
The public Arizona State University (ASU) opened its doors in 1885. There will be 65,492 freshmen enrolled in the fall of 2022, and the campus will span 2,006 acres in an urban setting. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. In the Best Colleges guidebook for the year 2024, Arizona State University is placed among the National Universities. The total cost of attendance for residents is $12,051, whereas it is $32,193 for non-residents.
How To Earn A Cybersecurity Bachelors Degree
Earning the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree normally takes four years of full-time study and the completion of 120 credits. Accelerated degree programs in cybersecurity are available at some institutions and can be completed in significantly less time. Students and workers in lower-level cybersecurity positions can benefit from a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity by launching or advancing their careers in the field. Students enrolled in this program will gain a thorough grounding in the ideas and practices of IT and information security. The following steps to earn a bachelor’s degree in cyber security are as follows.
#1. Cybersecurity Coursework for a Bachelor’s Degree
Students in a bachelor’s program in cybersecurity study the fundamentals of computers, information security, and information technology. Learners will get a firm grounding in IT fundamentals as well as an advanced understanding of data analytics, risk management, and information security. General education, core curriculum, and electives are the usual course breakdowns. Capstone projects, internships, and practicums are often required components of degree programs. The following examples of typical course material include:
- Cloud-based security.
- Computer or digital forensics.
- Cyber Defense.
- Data networking and communications.
- Ethics, law, and policy.
- Information technology and systems.
- Programming.
- Security systems.
#2. Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Programs
A range of bachelor’s programs and degree types are offered to individuals who desire to study cybersecurity. Options could involve:
- Degree of less than a bachelor’s in cyber security.
- Bachelor of Science in IT with a focus on computer security.
- Bachelor of Science in Computing; Cybersecurity Track.
- A cybersecurity-focused bachelor’s degree in computer science.
It’s crucial to find out which courses and universities have learning formats that work for you. Most universities and colleges now have cybersecurity majors in either an online, on-campus, or blended model.
Best Degree for Cyber Security
Cybersecurity refers to the study and practice of keeping information technology infrastructures safe. All hardware, software, and data are safeguarded against tampering, theft, and destruction. Cybersecurity is an important and expanding industry. Businesses all around the world are pouring resources into R&D and digital transformation. Innovative company operations are either driven by or aided by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular.
Today, more than ever, having access to a computer system or network is crucial. To guarantee their continued success, businesses must have stringent cybersecurity procedures. These days, businesses and customers alike rely on their computers more than ever before. If you want a career in cybersecurity, one of the greatest degrees you can have is:
#1. Computer Science
In your search for a degree that would prepare you for a career in cybersecurity, you will inevitably come across computer science. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is the most typical route into the field. Finding a school that offers it is not hard at all.
Learning the fundamentals of computing is the focus of a computer science degree program. It covers not only the fundamentals of computing but also more advanced topics like programming. The students will learn a wide range of information technology concepts.
Devices, systems and architecture, networks, databases, programming languages, and more are just some of the topics covered in a computer science degree program.
#2. Computer Programmers
Learning to code, or engage in software development or software engineering, is a valuable talent in today’s job market. Check out this course if you want to learn more about the software side of cybersecurity. There will also be instructions on code creation, testing, and compilation. Your programs will be collections of detailed directives for the machine to carry out specified operations. Moreover, there will be an emphasis on algorithms and problem-solving techniques. You will develop skills in both individual and group bug fixing and teamwork.
#3. Forensics
Students can learn the skills they need to diagnose intrusions, track down the source of a security breach, and trace the steps an attacker took by taking a forensics course.
#4. Security for Wireless Networks
Students can learn the skills they need to secure mobile and wireless systems, which are in great demand.
Bachelor’s Degree Benefits in Cybersecurity
It’s not easy to commit four years and tens of thousands of dollars to higher education. Before digging in, it makes sense to be sure that pursuing a bachelor’s cyber security degree is a suitable fit for you. Some of the most compelling arguments in favor of studying computer security are as follows:
#1. The Need for Skilled Cybersecurity Workers Is Growing
As a result, employment prospects for cybersecurity specialists are better than in many other fields, and the pay is competitive.
#2. Professionals in Cyber Security Make a Difference
Cybersecurity experts aren’t like the people who sit in a factory and repeatedly make the same widget. Cybersecurity experts, on the other hand, employ their knowledge and abilities to safeguard vital computer networks and services.
#3. The Need for Cyber Security Professionals Will Only Increase Over Time
Several job boards report that the annual rate of growth in the demand for cybersecurity professionals is close to seven percent. The increasing digital connectivity of the world suggests that this expansion will continue for some time.
#4. Working In Cybersecurity Is Exciting and Never Routine
There are never any dull moments in the field of cybersecurity due to the ever-evolving nature of new threats and technical advancements.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security Worth It?
A degree in cyber security may not guarantee employment, but it will put you in a better position to find one. CareerOneStop reports that seventy-seven percent of the information security workforce has a two-year college degree or higher. Also, 67% have earned a bachelor’s degree or above, and 25% have earned an advanced degree.
Is Cyber Security a 2 or 4-Year Degree?
In most countries, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in cyber security in three to four years. The duration of most cyber security master’s degree programs is two years.
Which Degree Is Better for Cyber Security?
Bachelor’s degrees in computer science are common, and they’re highly sought-after. Training in areas such as programming, systems engineering, networking, and security is typically covered in such programs.
Will a Cyber Security Degree Get You a Job?
Yes. A cybersecurity degree can open the door to several lucrative information security careers for those who are interested in pursuing them. In the field of cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree is often required, with a master’s degree being desirable for some more senior positions.
Is There a Lot of Math in Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity analysts and other entry-level and mid-level jobs require little mathematical training. There are several charts and analyses of the data, but only basic mathematics is needed. Success is within reach if you have even rudimentary programming and problem-solving skills.
What Branch of Cyber Security Pays the Most?
In the field of cybersecurity, the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) often commands the highest salary. The chief information security officer (CISO) is the company’s highest-ranking security official, in charge of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the business is secure as a whole.
What Major Gets You Into Cyber Security?
General qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related discipline (with additional training and certification in the field preferred, such as CISSP, CISA, or CISM). Pay rate approximation: PayScale reports that the typical annual income of a security consultant is $87,190.
How Many Years Does It Take To Be a Cyber Security?
Four years and 120–125 credits are required to earn a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees, including those in cybersecurity, usually take two years and 30-36 credits to complete.
Conclusion
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity (BSCyS) program is designed to prepare students to employ technology, people, information, systems, and procedures to enable cyber operations with confidence in the face of adversaries. This major is grounded in the technical aspects of computing and IT. Information, software, systems, users, and organizations are only some of the topics covered in this major. Policy, human factors, risk management, ethics, and societal impact are also covered in depth.
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