To prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, many universities are offering bachelor’s degrees in the field that may be completed entirely online. Online cybersecurity programs typically require students to study a core curriculum of general education and major-specific courses, including calculus, statistics, and computer science. Many programs begin with an introduction to computer science, networking, and information systems. In later years, these programs will cover more advanced courses in issues like network security, digital forensics, and fraud investigations and include the completion of a capstone project. This article talks about the best cheap and accredited online cyber security degree programs in Florida.
Overview
Privacy and safety in cyberspace The minimum number of semester hours required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree is 120. Because of the shorter semesters and summer terms available through some online programs, it is possible to graduate from them in a shorter amount of time. Programs might also give students the chance to transfer credits from other colleges. Part-time online study is an option offered by many schools, allowing students to balance other responsibilities (such as work or family) with their education.
The cost of attending an online bachelor’s degree program varies by institution and may be lower for in-state students. Many online programs are much more cost-effective than their on-campus counterparts. The total cost of attending Utica University in person for four years can exceed $97,000. In contrast, its online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity costs $57,000 a year to attend.
This isn’t always the case, though, obviously. When deciding which degree program to enroll in, it is vital to weigh the whole cost of attendance, which includes not just tuition but also fees and living expenses like transportation and rent.
Online Cyber Security Degree Programs
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. We offer online, asynchronous courses that will prepare you for one of the estimated 200,000 vacant positions in the rapidly growing field of cyber security in the United States. Due to the annual $400–$500 billion that cyber-attacks cost enterprises, the global cybersecurity market has expanded from $77 billion in 2015 to an expected $170 billion in 2020.
However, there are likely many more cyberattacks that aren’t being reported here. In 2014, for instance, the Heartbleed security flaw had disastrous effects on numerous businesses. You can enroll in an online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree or Cyber Security Master’s Degree to protect the planet from brutal cyber attacks.
Many of the prerequisites for online cybersecurity degree programs are the same as those for other bachelor’s degree programs, whether they are taken entirely online or in a traditional classroom setting. Applicants are expected to have completed high school or acquired a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) before applying. Not everyone can get into a program with a low GPA or low test scores.
Because of the heavy reliance on mathematics in cybersecurity studies, students transferring from other disciplines may need to take additional algebra, geometry, or calculus. To secure digital systems, students in an online cybersecurity curriculum study risk analysis, networking foundations, network security, and the ethical and practical implications of implementing this knowledge.
More Information
The coursework for this degree will contain general education requirements similar to those for other bachelor’s degrees in computer science. Courses in mathematics, computer basics, and more complex areas like cybercrime, data privacy, and viruses will also be mandated.
It is possible to pursue a subfield of cybersecurity through some degree programs. For example, Utica University’s online cybersecurity program provides a cybercrime and fraud investigation specialization. Undergraduates at the University of Maryland Global Campus can study with an emphasis on cybersecurity management and policy, gaining insight into the efforts of private companies and public agencies to safeguard sensitive information.
Students often need to take these classes and finish a senior thesis or capstone project to earn their degrees. A wide range of tasks, including the design, development, and maintenance of data storage and security systems, the creation of data communication networks like intranets, and the prevention of cyberattacks, fall under the purview of these positions. Certain cyber security program graduates go on to instruct at the university level.
A student interested in cybersecurity might choose to focus on either cybersecurity management and policy, which offers a business-oriented introduction to the area, or digital forensics and incident response, which teaches students how to investigate computer-related crimes. Cybersecurity experts are needed by institutions of all sizes, from governments and enterprises to nonprofits and educational institutions. For people who have studied cybersecurity, potential careers include:
- Information security analyst.
- System and network administrator.
- Developers of database systems.
- Software developer.
- Computer systems analyst.
Best Online Cyber Security Degree
Somebody interested in computers who values privacy and has a strong grasp of complex mathematical and logical ideas might do well in a cyber security degree program that can be completed entirely online. Students who are self-motivated and can effectively manage their time may fare well in online degree programs, as there isn’t the same level of oversight as there is in traditional classrooms. While students interested in cybersecurity can attend an online program from anywhere, they may find it more convenient to attend a school with a campus in their state to take advantage of in-state tuition rates (if available) and build relationships with their professors and classmates in person.
An average of 120 credits is needed to graduate from an online bachelor’s degree program in cyber security. Based on the analysis of 53 online cyber security bachelor’s degree programs, it can be concluded that the majority of these programs (58%) require students to gain practical experience through either an internship or a capstone project. A standard credit hour will set you back $539. Online cyber security degree programs at the bachelor’s level are growing in popularity.
Students who earn their bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity online may find better job prospects, including higher starting pay and faster promotion potential. A graduate of these programs will have the education and experience to pursue a variety of professions. Here are some of the top accredited cybersecurity degree programs available online:
#1. North Dakota University
Online cyber security bachelor’s degrees from UND’s College of Engineering and Mines emphasize transdisciplinary courses and creative research. “Circuit Analysis,” “Signals and Systems,” and “Computer-Aided Measurement and Control” allow online electrical engineering students to start. They can study physics, astronomy, cognitive psychology, cybersecurity law and investigations, and more.
The Secure Cyber-Physical Energy Systems and Data Sciences Laboratory at the University of North Dakota lets you study remotely. Online learners can get tutoring at the UND Writing Center and research materials through the Chester Fritz Library.
#2. Immaculata University
The College of Adult Professional Studies at Immaculata University provides a four-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program in Christian-based cybersecurity. Prerequisites are usually met before a student is admitted to the program. The main curriculum includes software engineering, network security, open-source intelligence, Christian ethics in practice, computer hacking, and vulnerability assessment. Immaculata says that 94% of 2020 graduates had jobs or graduate school offers within nine months.
#3. Baker College
Students who finish Baker’s online bachelor’s program in cybersecurity are ready to work as platform security, network administrators, or operating system designers because they do a lot of jobs and practicums. Student internships last 10 weeks and a total of 150 hours. Baker Online allows students to complete tasks at any time. You can attend all your classes online, none, or both. Computer forensics, investigation, ethical hacking, CISCO networking, Linux, and VPN firewall courses are also necessary.
Accredited Online Cyber Security Degree
Those who earn their bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online learn the skills they’ll need to help businesses and other institutions keep their data and networks secure. The course delves into the methodology for threat analysis and steps to take while putting security measures in place to protect sensitive data.
The course material will include discussions on cloud computing, data management, and the ethics of hacking. Since many jobs in the cybersecurity industry include working with others, students may also gain experience in team management and effective communication. Cyber security certifications like the CISSP, EC-Council ISSEP, and ISC2 CISSP are within your reach if you complete the following accredited cyber security online degree program:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
- Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI).
- Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT).
- Certified Network Defender (CND).
- Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT).
- Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE).
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI).
- EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH).
- EC-Council Disaster Recovery Professional (EDRP).
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO).
In response to authorities’ warnings about new cyber risks, more universities than ever are offering distance learning cybersecurity degrees. The goal of these schools is to teach students how to spot threats, come up with good responses, and make good policies.
Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate or graduate student, you may enroll in an online cybersecurity program that provides either a general curriculum or an optional emphasis. Computer and information security degrees have prepared many people for jobs in the private sector, government, and non-profit organizations. In the following, learn more about cyber security with one of these accredited online degrees:
#1. Western Governors University
The 34 courses needed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University (WGU) are worth three to four credits. This online program has a typical completion duration of 21 months for full-time students. WGU has a 100% acceptance rate, and 54% of its students graduate.
#2. Phoenix University
The private University of Phoenix (UOPX) requires 120 credits for its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. The typical time it takes a full-time student to earn this degree is four years. Acceptance into this online school is open to everyone, but only 27% of UOPX students graduate.
#3. Strayer University
Strayer University is a private university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology—Cybersecurity. Students can earn this degree in two years if they study full-time (180 credits). Strayer has a 100% acceptance rate and a 15% graduation rate.
Cheap Online Cyber Security Degree
In the cheap online cyber security degree, only universities and colleges with regional accreditation and a proven track record of academic excellence are included in the Most Affordable Ranking. The Bachelor of Science is the most common degree kind, and it can be earned entirely online. Tuition was the sole factor used to determine the order of the programs.
The stated tuition costs are typically for residents of the state in which the university is located. A lot of colleges let online students pay the same in-state tuition as on-campus students, even though residents of the state may have to pay more. The vast majority of online bachelor’s programs are degree completion tracks, so you’ll need to have completed your freshman and sophomore years of college before enrolling. Make sure you’re comfortable with your decision by getting in touch with the colleges early. The following is the cheap online cyber security degree:
#1. Colorado Tech
The curriculum for Colorado Tech’s BS in Cybersecurity is built around core competencies recognized by CompTIA. They are an impartial organization that awards credentials to IT courses as evidence of mastery of related topics, including network and data security. The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency both name Colorado Technical University as a top school for information security and cyber defense.
Students who complete the requirements for Colorado Tech’s undergraduate cyber security degree program are eligible to take the examinations for the CompTIA Security+ and Network+ badges. Students will learn the fundamentals of network systems and security, as well as the protocols used to safeguard information. They develop a greater grasp of computer forensics, compliance with security, assessing vulnerabilities, and the assurance of software.
#2. Liberty University
One of the top undergraduate cyber security programs in the United States is offered by Liberty University. Liberty’s curriculum is 100% online with eight-week classes, making this program flexible and accessible for students. The average time it takes a student to earn the required 121 credits and graduate is 3.5 years. Students studying cybersecurity at Liberty gain valuable experience that can be applied to future careers in the information sciences. They learn the fundamentals of computer science, information systems, and programming. They’ll be better able to build and implement software systems within the company’s budget. They will understand the benefits of keeping a project on schedule and data safe from attacks and hackers. Students will learn to think more critically and analytically.
#3. Mercy College
A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is offered fully online by Mercy College. Mercy College’s cyber security undergraduate degree program needs the completion of 120 credit hours to graduate. Security software approaches for protecting enterprises and providing disaster relief are investigated, tested, and implemented by students. Students can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from the institution in a condensed time frame of five years. The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program at Mercy University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence by both the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.
Online Cyber Security Degree Florida
CompTIA estimates that by 2022, about 485,000 Floridians will be working in the technology sector, which will generate $80 billion in revenue. According to the 2023 CyberStates study, Florida added more than 25,000 tech positions in 2022, and the fourth largest group of tech workers in the state are cybersecurity and systems engineers. Cyber security online degree programs in Florida offer excellent preparation for both entry-level and advanced employment.
NCES data from 2021 shows that more than half of Florida’s college students take at least one online course per semester. When it comes to the total number of degree-granting schools, Florida is among the top five nationwide. The following is a list of online degrees from Florida’s colleges and universities that have earned the NSA CAE designation as a Cyber security Academic Excellence Institution.
- Daytona State College.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
- Florida Atlantic University.
- Florida Institute of Technology.
- Florida International University.
- Florida State University.
- Indian River State College.
- Nova Southeastern University.
- Saint Leo University.
- University of Central Florida.
- University of Florida.
Numerous Florida colleges and universities now provide fully online cybersecurity degrees, and programs are available at every academic level. The University of West Florida has a Master’s program in cybersecurity. Saint Leo University has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s program in cybersecurity, and both are performable fully online.
Since the inception of Cyber Florida nearly a decade ago, Florida has taken pride in its position as a national leader in cybersecurity. The group is a collaboration between the business and public sectors, as well as the US military and some Florida institutions, with the goal of better preparing students for careers in cybersecurity. Here are some of the Florida-based cybersecurity programs available online:
#1. Florida Tech MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
The Florida Institute of Technology offers a wide variety of online Master’s degree programs in this field. Students who earn a Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity will be prepared to analyze network vulnerabilities, develop new encryption techniques, and apply concepts from data science to the subject. The 33-credit program is meant to prepare students for jobs as chief information security officers, threat intelligence analysts, and forensics investigators. All of these jobs involve keeping an organization’s network and private data safe.
#2. Concentrations for Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security at the University of South Florida
On the main campus, only a small number of graduate certifications are available in the field of cybersecurity. Master’s programs in cyber intelligence and digital forensics are also available in this field. Prospective students should be competent in technology and security, but they do not need to have a certain school background to apply.
#3. Certificate in Information Assurance and Security from the University of North Florida
The IT security program at Florida State College in Jacksonville includes courses in digital forensics, penetration testing, and vendor certification preparation (such as CompTIA Security+). With the expedited track, students can finish the degree that normally takes four years in less than two years. About a quarter of the curriculum is dedicated to general education, while the other two-thirds are cybersecurity-specific. Students must complete 25% of the required coursework at the college level and maintain a 2.0 GPA overall to graduate from the program.
Is an Online Degree in Cyber Security Worth It?
Yes. There are several lucrative information security professions available to those with a degree in cybersecurity. There is a general requirement for a bachelor’s degree in the field of cybersecurity, with a master’s degree often being desired for more senior positions.
Is Cyber Security a 2 or 4-Year Degree?
This four-year bachelor’s degree program is the standard. However, each institution’s regulations determine the length of time required and the cost of tuition. The time commitment and cost of each school’s cyber security degree program can be determined by doing some online research.
How Long Is a Cybersecurity Degree?
In most countries, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in cyber security in three to four years. Cyber security master’s programs typically last two years to complete.
Is Cyber Security a Hard Degree?
Getting a degree in cyber security isn’t as easy as getting one in a research- or lab-intensive subject like science or engineering, but it is more difficult than getting a degree in a non-research discipline like the humanities or business.
Is It Better to Get a Cybersecurity Degree or Certificate?
Certification is also helpful for those who have no prior expertise in cybersecurity but would like to enter the field in a more specialized capacity. If you’re serious about entering the world of cybersecurity and want a thorough education, a degree program may be the way to go.
Does Cybersecurity Require Math?
Students pursuing a degree in computer science who intend to specialize in cybersecurity should have a solid grounding in mathematics, particularly algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics. On the other hand, information technology degrees that emphasize cybersecurity may have fewer math prerequisites, often even omitting advanced calculus.
How to Start a Career in Cyber Security With No Experience?
The following are:
- Find out how ready you are.
- Figure out which career route most interests you.
- Learn more by consulting additional sources.
- Try out new methods of mastery.
- Become certified.
- Start with entry-level positions.
Conclusion
Everyone, whether they are online or not, is vulnerable to cyberattacks, and professionals in this field perform an essential, daily role in keeping our data safe. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will have the knowledge and skills to assist corporations, governments, and other institutions in detecting and thwarting cyber attacks. Cybersecurity threats, such as hacks, data breaches, and data theft, all have distinct techniques, and degree recipients should be able to demonstrate that they know what those strategies are.
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