Information Security Degree Programs

Written by Laurie VanderWal
Laurie VanderWal, Master’s of Arts in Management (Bellevue University); Cybersecurity insurance consultant educating clients on cyber issues, cyber compromise solutions, cyber education, and cybersecurity standards.
Last reviewed September 15, 2022
School Program Admissions
Michigan State University Online MS in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation
In as few as two years, you can complete your online master’s degree and graduate as you benefit from MSU’s partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security, the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, the MSU Police and more.
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Methodist University Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Focus on courses for certifications in Certified Ethical Hacker, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, Cyber Security, and Cloud Security.
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University of Saint Mary Online B.S. in Cybersecurity
IACBE Accredited. Gain cybersecurity skills combined with essential business skills to help you communicate effectively with stakeholders and think strategically about core business functions.
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Tufts University Online MS in Computer Science
GRE not required, 10 courses, 100% online. Tufts University attracts students with academic or professional programming experience (or CS experience) who are inquisitive, futuristic thinkers interested in developing innovative solutions for today’s digital challenges.
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Southern New Hampshire University AS in Cybersecurity
Participate in National Cyber League competitions.
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The vulnerability of personal and business information today should be a concern for everyone. Prospective students considering an academic path in information security should be applauded. Information security can be very broadly defined. Students will find information security degrees offer a concentration in one area of study as an option. Those who earn bachelor's degrees in information security can fight, detect and keep digital crime from occurring in the first place. This is done after a student takes classes that combine instruction in cutting-edge technology with forensics, investigative methods and critical thinking.

An information security job after graduation may be a computer systems analyst or as an IT professional designing and maintaining software architecture.
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology will find the job market trending positive. A Computer Systems Analyst may earn an average of $88,270 while a Computer Network Architect may earn an average of $120,520 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (source).

Everyone from consumers to leaders in the business community to government employees have an interest in keeping our personal and professional data protected. Those who have earned degrees in information security are leading the charge against hackers who plan to steal information from shoppers, businesses and governments.

Are there online information security degrees?

Yes, there are information security degree programs available online. However, most degrees will need to be a Bachelor of Information Technology or a Bachelor of Cybersecurity with a concentration in information security. We have reviewed multiple programs that fit this criteria.

In depth review of some of the best online Information Security degree programs

Penn State University - Multiple information security degrees

This university offers 3 levels of the Information Security degree-associate, bachelor's and Master of Professional Studies. Students can have a seamless experience with their academic learning degree all at one university. Information security explores many facets of cybersecurity. Students can focus on the integration and application component of the industry. Design and development of information systems for students with an aptitude for technical knowledge is a concentration. \

The transformation of information security is moving at the speed of light. The impact is global. Penn State University is a top university with multiple cyber degree programs. Prospective students will find a full course portfolio on cyber topics at this university. Students looking for a seamless academic experience can move through the academic curricula from start to finish encased in cybersecurity coursework. Online programs options are included for all three programs-associate, bachelor's, and Masters. Students interested in a career at the Department of Homeland Security can enhance a resume with the expertise and skills learned under this degree program.

Bachelor's program courses

Bachelor's degree programs on average will consist of 120 to 130 credit hours. This program requires 125 total credits The cost per credit hour between $620 and $664. Curricula for the course major is 84 credits. General credit education requires a total of 45 of which twelve are included in the course major credit count of 84. Students are then allowed eight credits of electives. The university offers a set of recommended electives and other optional credits on Integration and Application or Design and Development of cyber components.

Effective communication is critical in every business sector. The general education coursework includes required technical and business writing courses. IT language is unique to the sector and can be challenging for professionals who do not understand the technical terms. Students will learn the IT language and skills on effective communication of department goals. In the workforce, IT professionals become the bridge, sharing industry protocol with leadership. IT department leaders are tasked with packaging industry protocols and cyber language into business terms for CEO's and CFO's review, approval, and deployment.

Sample course titles

The bachelor's degree program is geared towards students who have beginning knowledge in IT or the cybersecurity field. Previous experience is not required but will likely reduce the study time commitment. Information security degree programs have several courses involving mathematics. Students should consider their academic coursework goals and prior aptitude for mathematics prior to pursuing. Math courses taken integrate the discipline of mathematics and cybersecurity topics.

Concentrations:

Bellevue University's undergraduate and graduate degree programs

The university offers both a bachelor and master's degree in information technology. Beyond the excellent set of curricula, students can build relationships with professors, local industry leaders and other international students. Collaboration with both government and corporations are strong in this institution. STRATCOM Air Force Base creates networking opportunities for students with high quality cybersecurity and IT professionals. The local business community is strong in with defense sector as well.

The streamline academic path can be very smooth if students are looking to complete both a bachelors and masters with the same academic institution. Students will find both a bachelor and master's in information technology at Bellevue University. Learning information technology requires mastering the essentials of network systems. The university offers a base of foundational knowledge and real-world experience. An IT project requirement highlights the last semester. The project may be designed as research study to master IT concepts or an internship to improve communication skills and gain leadership skills.

Coursework is available in an online platform. Students have the flexibility to complete courses within day or evening timeframes. Elective courses offer content and exam preparation needed for testing on certifications. Certifications enhance a resume and increase the opportunity for immediate placement in an organization.

Curriculum Overview

A total of 127 credits are required 37 of those are integrative general education credits, 36 are major credits and 54 are electives. Bellevue university offers a very broad selection of electives to allow students to expand their major focus or gain perspective about information security's impact in other areas of interest. The cost per credit hour is $440; military do receive a preferred cost per credit.
Students acquire knowledge in fundamental principles surrounding maintenance and cybersecurity of cloud environments, networks, and servers. Admission to the university is relatively simple. Start with an admissions application showing you have finished high school, home school or have a GED. Students transferring from another institution will need to provide transcripts for review and approval. Review the admissions process in detail with the university staff.

Sample course titles

  • Network Management and Infrastructure
  • Cisco Routing Fundamentals
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Microsoft Operating System Management
  • Concentrations

    The Kirkpatrick Signature Series Is a unique undergraduate concentration set of course work. The social and cultural tensions and changes arising throughout the workplace are the focus. The advancement of technology and access to information emphasizes the need for better communication.
    The concentration will focus on active intellectual discussion about the impact of technology. The government role is changing as global cyber-criminals infiltrate federal agencies and business sectors. The entrepreneurial process is threatened by supply chain vulnerability. An onslaught of cyber threats against business and citizens in our country continue a positive outlook for IT employment. Students graduating with this concentration will play a vital role in the ongoing discussion about how to deter cyber criminals and protect data today and in the future.

    Middle State Georgia University's Bachelors in Information Technology

    The university has a Bachelor of Science in information technology. Students will appreciate as our team of accredited experts do, the offering of 10 different concentrations in information technology. Students can define their academic path by choosing a concentration from Cyber Forensics to Health Informatics. Each focus area within the concentrations are all components necessary in cybersecurity problem solving. The degree can generate IT professionals with the expertise to deploy cybersecurity tools against cybercriminals.

    The university offers a unique perspective on information security by offering multiple concentrations to match student academic goals. Every business sector has unique cybersecurity challenges. The financial industry is no different. The BS in Information Technology offers coursework teaching students to implement disruptive technologies that thwart cyber-attacks against business specific to financial services and stock market activity. Industry experts and our SME's agree, data breach and loss of information occurs approximately every 30-40 seconds. Gaining a solid understanding of information security is key in the fight again the loss of data. A degree concentration component offers additional options for graduating students in the workforce. The university is recognized by the NSA & DHS with the National Center Of Academic Excellence In Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) and National Center Of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE).

    The cyber defense education designation is designed to teach students how to reduce the vulnerability in our information infrastructure. The digital forensic academic excellence designation establishes best practices for digital forensics in IT. The best practices framework for cybersecurity is a collaboration between academia, industry sector standards and the US government. Counterintelligence and national defense are topics included in the concentration coursework. Graduates looking to join law enforcement may choose a specific focus like digital forensics. Degree concentrations become assets on a resume highlighting a specified skill set and expertise.

    Curriculum overview

    A grade of at least a "C" is required in all courses to meet the degree requirements. The minimum coursework credit for graduation is 120. Students may find a range from 120 to 130 credit hours required after choosing a specified concentration to follow. 45 credits will focus on general education, 60 hours on core major coursework and the balance is electives chosen by the student for the concentration focus.

    Sample course titles

    Concentrations:

    The university has 10 concentrations for a student to choose. A sample is listed here:

    For example, one concentration offered is critical after a business experiences a loss of data. A cyber forensics analyst Is likely to be deployed after a data breach. IT professionals with expertise in this discipline will carry out a variety of procedures surrounding the breach in general. The evidence collected will be documented and stored in case needed for civil or criminal cases. Students who choose this discipline will learn how to handle digital evidence, preserve the integrity of an investigation, and improve the chance for a conviction against a cyber-criminal in court.

    St. Louis University Online Bachelors in Computer Information Systems

    A Bachelor of Science in computer information systems is available at this university. An information systems degree that includes managerial coursework to improve effective communication with leadership and other vendors requiring IT support. A virtual meeting with an academic coach is a highlight for prospective students. There are two concentrations available. One in data analytics and the other specifically in cybersecurity.

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

    Managing cybersecurity for a company today is not just the responsibility of information technicians (IT). Leadership is always part of the decision-making process when establishing goals, setting deadlines and are ultimately responsible for approving IT deliverables. IT professionals must learn how to function effectively with other departments as cybersecurity is a team effort. At Saint Louis University the bachelor's degree program in Computer Information Systems, with a concentration in Information Security & Assurance ensures graduates have the tools needed for supervisory success. Included in the major is a capstone research project for real world experience.

    Curriculum Overview

    Curriculum is the standard 120 credit hours for graduation and is available in an accelerated format. Along with an admission application students will need to confirm they have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students coming from another institution should request transcripts for approval of any credit transfers. Perspective students must successfully complete a virtual meeting with an academic coach prior to attending courses. The student confirms commitment to the academic path and determines goals for a graduation timeline.

    The undergraduate core group of degree classes is 32 to 35 credit hours, general education electives will range 37 to 52 and the balance of credit hours are student electives or required additional courses for a concentration certificate. The standard tuition cost is $650 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for incoming students. 98% of freshman successfully received financial aid in 2021 according to university information. https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-costs/index.php

    Sample Course Titles