Cybersecurity Analytics Degree Programs

Written by Wendy Wittmer
Wendy Wittmer, MBA. Specializes in cybersecurity planning and strategy for small businesses. Training from the Department of Homeland Security, CISA, NIST, FTC, FCC, SBA, more.
Last reviewed February 23, 2023
School Program Admissions
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Science in Intelligence and Data Analytics
Website
i sponsored

Click to see sponsored 100% online cybersecurity programs currently taking applicants for 2024.

A cybersecurity analytics degree centers around data and digital security. Big data, statistical learning methodologies and data analytics are all a large part of these programs. Security analytics programs will often teach students to discover weaknesses, dependencies and risks. They will also learn to create effective solutions. Most programs will combine threat intelligence with data science to best prepare graduates. These approaches are necessary to prevent and protect against both internal and external attacks.

Are There Online Cybersecurity Analytics Programs?

Yes, it is possible to find online Cybersecurity Analytics programs. Similar to the online Bachelor of Cybersecurity degree, it is often easier to find graduate programs online than bachelor's degrees. It is important to note that at some higher learning institutions, there is a cross-over with other subjects. This might include data science, information assurance, operations, business and others.

The title of the degree might also vary. And some programs may offer cyber security analytics as a major, minor, concentration or specialization track. Each program will vary. However, the foundation is often the same, which will include the tools and education necessary to succeed.

Some of the Top Online Cybersecurity Analytics Bachelor's Programs

A bachelor's degree in Cyber Security Analytics is a minimum or preferred requirement for many employers. Some bachelor's programs will have courses in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare. Any number of alternative specializations are also available. The following are a few potential degree examples:

Each college and university will have a unique curriculum, focus and set of requirements.

In Depth Review of some of the best Cybersecurity Analytics Degrees

Penn State University, Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

Penn State University features an online Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations bachelor's degree. It is available from the College of Information Sciences and Technology. The focus of this program is on cyber defense through risk and analytical management. Students will learn the best cyber methodologies for safely securing online information throughout various infrastructures. Individuals will learn to work in any type of complex working environment, such as business, military and government.

The curriculum helps students excel in the many necessary areas of cybersecurity. This includes management science, data science, statistics, law and policy, human behavior and information science. Courses cover a nice range of topics, such as:

  • Cyber Analytics Studio
  • Malware Analytics
  • Integration of Privacy and Security

    This program also offers focus areas of choice, including:

    • Application Development
    • Economics
    • Geopolitics
    • Healthcare
    • Law and Policy

    PSU will also allow students to create their own area of focus based on career aspirations. All students will have to complete a minimum of one internship prior to graduation. The school has connections with a large network of potential employers and a dedicated team for career solutions. Graduates have gone on to work as cybersecurity analysts, cyberthreat advisors, forensic analysts, infrastructure analysts, pen testers and more.

    Application requirements vary on the type of application. First-year students must have a GED, home school certification or equivalent. International students likely require a visa. Transfer students might have to meet specific academic requirements. Returning students and non-degree students have their own set of admission details. And working adult or military and veteran applicants have their own set of requirements.

    Middle Georgia State University, BS in IT with a Data Analytics concentration

    At Middle Georgia State University (MGA), students can pursue both a BS and MS in IT with a Data Analytics concentration. The bachelor's degree is entirely online. It also features program accreditation by the ABET. To be able to graduate with the degree, students must accomplish at least a C letter grade in each ITEC course. Such courses might include:

    • Python Scripting
    • Data Exploration and Visualization
    • Analytics and Organizational Intelligence
    • Database Programming
    • Data Mining
    • Applied Probability
    • Applied Statistics I

    MGA offers a unique opportunity that most schools do not. Students have the option to test out of courses. Many students take advantage of this policy as a way to lower tuition rates and reduce the time it takes to complete the degree. It is possible to test out of 40 credits hours in total. This is done by completing DSST and CLEP exams. Transfer credits are also accepted by Middle Georgia State University. And the school will provide prior learning credits. This might include work experience, training, military time, community work, family life, personal education and travel.

    To apply, submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. First-year students no longer require SAT or ACT scores. All students must provide documentation to verify their lawful presence to be in the country as well as an immunization certificate. Students can also apply for financial aid at the same time as applying for the data analytics bachelor's degree. The status of an application can be checked online.

    It is also possible to attend the school while still in high school for college credit and to participate as a non-degree seeker.

    Some Top Online Master's Programs in Cybersecurity Analytics

    A master's degree in cyber analytics prepares students for long-term careers. These careers might be in risk management, pen testing or leadership. The best programs should provide students with a well-rounded education in both technical and management skills. Graduates will go on to work for businesses, government, community and more. Each program will be unique. And each program may offer a specialization in an industry or field niche.

    The George Washington University, Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Analytics

    This master's in Cybersecurity Analytics is 100% online. It requires 30 credits to complete. Most students take roughly two hours to finish in full. This degree is a master of engineering degree in Cybersecurity Analytics. The program teaches students to think in the mind of a hacker to stop them.

    Students will learn to classify previously unidentified attacks. They will also learn to mitigate damage from successful breaches. Throughout the curriculum, students will use essential analytical and cybersecurity tools. A number of core areas will be covered in the program, such as:

    • Intrusion detection
    • Analysis of open-source intelligence
    • Security risks
    • Network defense
    • Cyber forensics
    • Hardware and software security
    • Cloud computing security
    • Auditing and intrusion detection
    • Security data visualization
    • Applied cyber data analytics

    This degree is designed for both non-technical and technical professionals. All students will have access to GW's expansive network. Each student will meet with an advisor to establish a strategic plan of study. This helps each student meet their education and career goals. Keep in mind that transfer credits are not accepted into this program.

    GW's Cybersecurity Analytics degree prefers students with a STEM undergraduate degree. Those without a STEM degree will be considered. However, these students must be able to demonstrate their interest in STEM-related subject matter or cybersecurity. Applicants must have held a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale during undergrad. Students with lower GPAs will be considered and accepted conditionally.

    It will also be necessary to have secured a C in certain undergraduate courses, such as calculus and statistics. Again, students without such accomplishments might still be accepted with conditions. A resume and statement of purpose will also be necessary along with letters of recommendation.

    University of New Mexico, MS in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics

    The University of New Mexico offers an MS in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics. This is also referred to as the MSCBA program. It is a 33 credit hour program with the ideal combination of business and cybersecurity. The program is designed for individuals on a path to management and leadership or any individual in search of career growth.

    Students will learn in a setting that is application-oriented. This will include hands-on experience through case studies while using various analytics techniques and tools. The program seeks out applicants with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, computer science, computer-related engineering and information systems. Additional STEM majors will also be considered as long as they have some basic understanding of computer science and information systems.

    Program participants will become well-versed in diverse subject matter, including information technology, engineering, accounting and computer science. The following are some course examples:

    • Data Analytics
    • Data Driven Decision Making
    • Managing People in Organizations
    • Business and Society
    • Financial Decision Making
    • Data Mining
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Forensics

    If students have an undergraduate degree in business administration, they may opt-out of the required management courses. In place of these courses, students must take more technical courses. An accelerated online program is also available. Graduates might go on to work for national labs, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, law enforcement and more.

    To apply, students no longer have to complete the GMAT or GRE exam. Prerequisite courses in various areas must be met. Programming skills at a basic level are necessary. English proficiency is essential for non-native English speakers. However, exceptions do exist. A resume, statement of intent and unofficial transcripts are also an admissions requirement.

    University of Findlay, Master's Degree in Applied Security & Analytics

    This master's degree in Applied Security and Analytics is available online and on-campus. It can be completed in two years. The program centers around big data analytics, leadership and cybersecurity. Students will enhance their business skills in a number of ways, including project management, finance, strategic planning and security.

    Courses combine the business and technical components essential to a successful career in security analytics. Some courses might include:

    • Secure Coding
    • Project Management
    • Applied Security Principles
    • Predictive Analysis
    • Accounting and Financial Analysis for Technical Managers
    • Statistical Methods for Business Analytics
    • Management of Information Technology
    • Data Mining for Decision Making
    • Advanced Software Engineering

    This master's in security analytics is in affiliation with the Professional Science Master's program. This means that the curriculum is designed for individuals with a scientific background who wish to improve their business skills. Many graduates fulfill managerial needs within technology companies.

    To apply, students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. The undergraduate degree should be in computer science or a similar discipline. Students will require a 3.0 GPA. However, some exceptions may be made. Transcripts will be required. It will be essential to demonstrate previous programming skills, database experience, mathematics, software design and computer networking comprehension. For students without such a background, they may have to complete prerequisite courses prior to admission into the program.

    Why consider a Cybersecurity Analytics Degree?

    Cybersecurity analytics students and professionals must be ready to examine large quantities of data. Within this data, they must search such data for vulnerabilities, attacks, threats and exploits. These security analytics degrees prepare graduates for a cybersecurity career that is filled with different challenges each and every day. And many top degrees will offer a combination of business, technology and operational coursework to prepare students for a successful career.

    Accreditation and Centers for Excellence Designations

    The accreditation of a college and university is important. You should seek out regionally accredited higher learning institutions whenever possible. This accreditation informs employers that an individual graduated from a school with superior educational standards. Regional accreditation is also necessary for federal financial aid and to be able to transfer credits. It is also essential to apply for graduate degrees.

    Within cybersecurity, the best programs have a Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation. This designation is provided by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. Additional accreditations can also add credibility to a degree and degree program. These are often awarded by professional organizations, such as the ABET.

    Top Courses to Expect for a Cybersecurity Analytics Degree

    The overall curriculum for this degree should have a balance of business and technical courses. Some programs will focus more on a specific industry or sector in the field. And master’s degree courses will vary from bachelor’s degree courses. However, generally speaking, most programs will have basic foundational courses and core courses, such as:

    • Structured Database Environments
    • Emerging Technologies and Big Data
    • Programming and Computers
    • Advanced Security Analytics
    • Business Analytics
    • Data Validation: Quality and Cleaning
    • Information Assurance
    • Mathematics and Sciences
    • English, Humanities, and Social Science
    • Investigation and Digital Forensics
    • Network Assessment and Defense
    • Incident Detection and Response
    • Cyberlaw and Ethics

    It is also important to note that some programs will also require specific programming skills. And master’s degrees may also have specific prerequisite requirements from undergraduate programs.

    Are there Program Specific Scholarships for Cybersecurity Analytics?

    Most Cybersecurity Analytics scholarships will be available through general technology-related fields of study. This might be in the form of STEM, computer science, IT, IS or other technology-related fields. It will also be possible to find cybersecurity scholarships. These are widely available due to the massive skilled labor shortage.

    Do not forget to seek out scholarships for service. These are provided by various government entities. Degree-level scholarships are also available. Some scholarships are provided by corporations and non-profits. Women and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals will have access to a wide range of dedicated scholarships to help provide more equally distributed representation in cybersecurity and technology.

    Some examples of potential Cybersecurity Analyst scholarships include:

    • Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship
    • Cisco – Snort Scholarship
    • Department of the Navy, Chief Information Officer – Information Assurance Scholarship Program
    • Center for Cyber Safety and Education – (ISC)² Women’s Scholarships
    • Central Intelligence Agency – Undergraduate Scholarship Program
    • National Security Agency – Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

    Related Cyber Security Analytics Certifications

    Most cyber security analytics certificates will be in the areas of analyst, cybersecurity and data science. Each job and employer will have different certificate expectations and requirements, such as:

    • Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP)
    • Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences
    • Certified Analytics Professional
    • Cloudera Data Platform Generalist
    • EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA
    • IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
    • Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate
    • Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate
    • Open Certified Data Scientist
    • SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Using SAS 9
    • SAS Certified Data Scientist
    • CompTIA’s Network+
    • CompTIA’s Security+
    • CompTIACybersecurity Analyst
    • CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
    • CompTIA Security Analytics Expert certification
    • The EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
    • Certified Security Analyst Training
    • The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals
    • The GIAC Security Essentials Certification
    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional
    • C|TIA – Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst
    • GCTI – GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence
    • RCIA – Rocheston Cyberthreat Intelligence Analyst
    • CCTIA by the NICCS – Certified Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
    • The Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst – Cyber Intelligence Tradecraft
    • CREST Certificates
    • CPTIA – CREST Practitioner Threat Intelligence Analyst
    • CRTIA – CREST Registered Threat Intelligence Analyst
    • CCTIM – CREST Certified Threat Intelligence Manager

    Be sure to check with employers to determine which certificate is right for existing roles and career advancement.

    Career Options with a Cyber Security Analytics Degree

    The career prospects for individuals with a cyber analytics degree continue to grow each year. Generally, these careers will be responsible for the analysis of information security. The type of analysis will depend entirely on the position and the employer. The degree type will also influence the type of job, growth opportunities and long-term salary potential. Most employers prefer at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level and mid-level jobs. Leadership roles will often require a master’s degree. Individuals who aspire to management and executive status should be sure to find programs that combine business and analytics.

    These are examples of potential career possibilities with a Cyber Security Analytics degree:

    • Information Security Analyst
    • Digital Risk Officer
    • Cyber Data Scientist
    • Cybersecurity Analyst
    • Cyberthreat Advisor
    • Digital Network Exploitation Analyst
    • Forensic Analyst
    • Incident Responder
    • Infrastructure Analyst
    • Penetration Tester
    • Cyber Security Specialist/Technician
    • Cyber Crime Analyst/Investigator
    • Incident Analyst/Responder
    • IT Auditor
    • Analytics Practice Leaders
    • Chief Digital Officer
    • Chief Growth Officer
    • Chief Information Security Officer