Accredited Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Since the world wide web went live in 1991 and the internet fully commercialized in 1995, there has been a rapid increase in the number and sheer variety of cybercrimes committed worldwide. Hackers’ targets have included secure government websites, credit card number databases, university research organizations, popular Twitter accounts, celebrity phones, and city infrastructure, to name a few.

How extensive are cyber threats, and how much damage can they cause? The vast majority of attacks are leveled against companies and institutions across the US, and the damage from these cyber-intrusions can be substantial. By illustration, the security and risk management publication CSO (2022) compiled a list of surprising research-backed facts about cybersecurity.

Currently, the FBI’s most-wanted cyber criminals include a cadre of Iranian hackers working at the behest of the government of Iran whose actions compromised universities, private companies, and government entities; Alexsey Belan, who has been charged in connection with compromising at least 500 million Yahoo accounts; and Viet Quoc Nguyen, who is wanted for hacking into email service providers and stealing confidential information.

So what can be done in response to these threats? A new generation of crime-fighters has emerged to protect the vulnerable security systems of the electronic age. Cybersecurity professionals such as information security analysts perform a wealth of preventive and proactive functions such as monitoring computer networks for security breaches; installing protective software; educating company personnel on best practices for guarding confidential information; and keeping abreast of the latest trends in the industry.

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) indicates that in addition to information security analysts, there are several high-growth career paths open to cybersecurity specialists, such as becoming a security engineer; vulnerability assessor; computer crime investigator; forensics expert; cryptanalyst; web penetration tester; cryptographer; disaster recovery expert; or for the leadership-inclined, a chief information security officer (CISO).

Read on to discover the range of cybersecurity degree and certificate programs, both on-campus and web-based, and learn about professional certification and program accreditation.

Meet the Expert. Veo Taylor, PhD

Dr. Veo Taylor is an assistant professor of cybersecurity at Aurora University in Illinois. His focus at Aurora is on information and cybersecurity. His courses emphasize the skill sets and knowledge base that are necessary to attain for his students to enter a career in cybersecurity or computer science successfully.

Dr. Taylor completed his PhD in information assurance at the University of Fairfax. He holds bachelor of science degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics and a master’s degree in information security from Lewis University.

ForensicsColleges.com: Cybersecurity is a field that was largely non-existent a few decades ago, but growing at a breakneck speed today. Can you share any advice with individuals looking for an academic program in a field that is changing at such a rapid pace?

Dr. Taylor: For individuals looking to get into the rapidly changing field of cybersecurity:

• Be willing to learn – The field is always changing. Continuous learning is a must.
• Be ready to pivot – Markets can change quickly, so one needs to be prepared to change jobs in case the need arises.
• Be a team player – Cyber issues are not solved by a single person. It takes a team effort.
• Find programs that will fit your life – search for programs that will offer the flexibility and delivery format that best suits your lifestyle.
• Review program curriculum – Be certain the curriculum covers essential topics like cryptography, network security, risk assessment, etc.
• Consider specializations – Some programs offer specializations in areas like incident response or penetration testing. Choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
• Search for co-ops and Internships – Search for programs that promote or necessitate co-op or internship opportunities with industry partners.
• Think about research opportunities – If you are interested in research, look for programs where faculty members are actively involved in cybersecurity research and offer opportunities for student involvement.

ForensicsColleges.com: Beyond making sure their passwords are secure, it seems as though cybersecurity is not a pressing issue for many average people. Do you believe that there needs to be a greater push to educate non-experts on cyberthreats?

Dr. Taylor: I absolutely believe that there needs to be a greater push to educate non-experts on cyberthreats. As cyberthreats increase, attacks on those with lesser cyber knowledge will increase because those will be the ones viewed as easier targets. Small businesses with less cyber expertise are already being targeted for attacks.

People need to know that there are some straightforward things that they can do right now to protect their data. Numerous cybercriminals utilize techniques such as phishing to lure persons into turning over money or sensitive data. By educating non-experts, they can acquire the knowledge to identify and evade those scams. They need to know about strong password importance, two-factor authentication usage, and the dangers of sharing personal data online to greatly reduce data breach probability.

They also need to understand how to keep their financial data safe. Educating them on secure connection usage and distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent banking communications can avert financial losses. Educating them can encourage responsible cyber behavior, such as updating software regularly and cautious usage of public Wi-Fi, which can vastly improve digital ecosystem security.

Small businesses need to know about network segmentation, firewall usage to control traffic, and implementing IDS/IPS devices to yield alerts and block threats when unusual activity occurs. Instantiating best cyber practices will put their businesses in a better position to reduce cyber threats.

Increasing efforts on educating non-experts about cyberthreats are complex initiatives with wide-ranging benefits. They enhance financial and personal security, fortify business operations, foster a culture of digital literacy and critical thinking, and encourage economic stability. By empowering persons with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their communities, we can build a more informed, resilient, and secure digital society.

ForensicsColleges.com: Are there particular skill sets or qualities that prospective cybersecurity students should work on in preparing for academic success? Have you found any commonalities between the students that excel in your courses and go on to fruitful careers?

Dr. Taylor: Skill sets that prospective cybersecurity students should work on in preparation for academic success are as follows:

• Programming knowledge – C++, Java, Python.
• Networking fundamentals – OSI Model, TCP/IP, Network Segmentation.
• Operating systems – Linux Distros, Mac OS, Windows.
• Critical thinking – Analyze situations, identify issues, develop solutions
• Attention to detail – Scrutinizing systems for vulnerabilities and ensuring configurations
• Technical writing – Document findings, write reports, and create security policies
• Collaboration – Working well with IT professionals, management, and others
• Integrity and ethics – Adherence to ethical rules to protect sensitive data and uphold trust
• Hands-on practice – Practical experience through labs, internships, or personal projects
• Continual learning – Staying informed about the latest tech threats.

Commonalities between the students who excel in cyber courses and go on to fruitful careers are as follows:

• Technically knowledgeable – One needs to be technically competent to be able to participate in the exercises that progress towards the organization’s cybersecurity goals.
• Detail-oriented – One has to be detailed and methodical to be able to investigate incidents and in making sure that said incidents don’t occur again.
• Good communication skills – One must be able to converse succinctly and write effectively when communicating and documenting details about cyber issues and solutions.
• Good collaborative efforts – One is required to function well when working in a group setting; each person will have to be effective at one’s portion of the task so that the group will be successful at achieving its cybersecurity goals.

Cybersecurity Career & Salary Outlook

Computer specialists are well-compensated. The BLS (2024) reports that information security analysts—one possible subfield of cybersecurity—make an annual median salary of $120,360, double the average salary of all U.S. occupations. Finally, openings for this career are projected to swell 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average estimated growth for all jobs (4 percent).

Degree & Certificate Programs in Cybersecurity

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), information security analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the profession. Still, there are exceptions to this dynamic field, particularly for those with extensive experience. Read on to learn more about featured bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity.

Aurora University offers a bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity. This program features courses such as an introduction to computer programming, foundations in cybersecurity management, operating systems administration, data structures and algorithms, networks and security, discrete mathematics, and general statistics, among others.

• Location: Aurora, IL
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Colorado Technical University (CTU) offers an online bachelor of science (BS) with a concentration in cybercrime and security at all the CTU campuses except for Colorado Springs and Aurora. Recognized by the US National Security Agency (NSA) and certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), students in this program take courses such as introduction to computer security, security risk management, ethical hacking, and computer forensics.

• Location: Denver, CO
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in information assurance, research, and cyber operations, provides a variety of master’s degrees related to information technology and computer forensics.

One standout option is the three-semester master of science in information security (MSIS) degree program, which features a technical focus on security and computer systems. With a heavy emphasis on research, the MSIS curriculum consists of core courses, program electives, and a required summer internship. A cyber-ops certificate is also an available option for MSIS students. In addition, the MSIS program meets the requirements for the NSF-funded CyberCorps scholarship for service program, which provides a full scholarship and academic stipend for two years.

Other programs at CMU include a master’s of science in information networking (MSIN), a bicoastal master’s of science in mobile and IoT engineering (MSMITE) with students taking courses at Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley campuses, and a master’s of science in information security (MSIT-IS).

• Location: Pittsburg, PA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

George Washington University (GWU) in Washington DC, has a master of science (MS) in cybersecurity in computer science program. Boasting world-class faculty and located in the nation’s capital—a prominent target of cyberattacks—GWU’s 30-credit program instructs in areas such as design & analysis of algorithms, advanced software paradigms, computer system architecture, and management of information & systems security. GWU also offers a PhD program in this discipline and a graduate certificate in cybersecurity and information assurance.

• Location: Washington DC
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Syracuse University (SU) offers a 30-credit master of science (MS) and a 12-credit certificate of advanced study (CAS) in cybersecurity programs. Courses in these programs provide the necessary foundations for the design and development of secure systems and learning to identify and analyze systems vulnerabilities, assess risk, and develop countermeasures through software components.

Designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the NSA and DHS, Syracuse also offers a PhD in computer science that allows students to focus on research in cybersecurity. Students must complete the master’s program in four years and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

• Location: Syracuse, NY
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Hybrid & Online Cybersecurity Programs

In addition to the programs listed on www.forensicscolleges.com’s online computer forensics programs, here are four additional distance-based cybersecurity programs to consider:

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has been recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the US NSA. It provides a 15-credit online undergraduate certificate in security and risk analysis, emphasizing information and cybersecurity.

In addition, Penn State has specialized instruction in information, people & technology; the organization of data; the legal & regulatory environment of information science & technology; and the threat of terrorism & crime. As part of the curriculum, students complete a supervised internship to put their newfound abilities to work on real-world case studies. Penn State also hosts an online BS in information sciences and technology.

• Location: University Park, PA
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides an online bachelor of science (BS) in information technologies with a focus on cybersecurity. SNHU’s affordable program, organized into six, nine-week terms, features a curriculum on protecting sensitive data networks, operating systems (e.g., Linux/Unix), and cybersecurity fundamentals. In addition, the accomplished instructors cut their teeth dealing with real cyberattacks and teach courses such as introduction to software development, fundamentals of information technology, and cyberlaw & ethics.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a 28-unit online master of science (MS) in cyber security engineering, typically taking two years to complete. Ideal for information technology professionals, this advanced degree program involves not only classes such as foundations of information security, secure systems engineering, and applied cryptography but also boasts professionally designed, simulated laboratory experiences to put students’ burgeoning theoretical and technical knowledge to the test.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a wealth of online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in cybersecurity, including one outstanding online graduate certificate in the foundations of cybersecurity comprising 18 semester hours of instruction in cyberspace & cybersecurity and human aspects of cybersecurity (i.e., ethics, legal issues, and psychology).

Other degree options at UMGC include a bachelor of science (BS) in cybersecurity management and policy; a BS in computer networks and cybersecurity; a BS in software development and security; a master of science (MS) in cybersecurity; an MS in cybersecurity policy; an MS in digital forensics and cyber investigation; and an MS in information technology (information assurance).

• Location: College Park, MD
• Duration: One to four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Professional Certification in Cybersecurity

Following the completion of a degree or certificate program, many cybersecurity professionals choose to seek out professional certification. There is a wide variety of options available—including the popular Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, which test candidates’ knowledge of computer forensics and network security, ensuring that they are knowledgeable about techniques and learning in the field.

Many employers prefer job candidates who are professionally certified. Tom’s IT Pro (2024) created a data-driven spread of the most in-demand computer forensics certifications using data from popular job posting sources such as LinkedIn, SimplyHired, and Indeed and found the following to be the most in-demand:

• The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) provides the certified forensic computer examiner (CFCE) certification. To earn this certification, applicants must complete a two-part exam, which consists of a peer review and certification phases. In addition, to qualify for the certification process, candidates must have completed 72 hours of training in the core concepts of computer forensics, and applicants should expect to submit to a background check.
• The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) provides the computer hacking forensic investigator (CHFI) V8 certification. To qualify for the four-hour exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in information security. Please note that the EC-Council also provides the following specialty certifications: certified ethical hacker (CEH), EC-Council certified security analyst (ECSA), EC-Council certified incident handler (ECIH), and licensed penetration tester (LPT).
• The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program has several four-year certifications, including the intermediate GIAC certified forensic examiner (GCFE) and the senior GIAC certified forensic analyst (GCFA).

Applicants should check certification websites for information on maintaining credentials, a process typically involving completing continued education (CE) hours.

Cybersecurity Degree & Certificate Program Accreditation

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals are encouraged to verify their program’s accreditation status. This process evaluates the faculty, curricula, and student outcomes of a program or institution and can serve as an indicator of program quality to prospective employers or graduate admissions committees.

Although no specific body accredits cybersecurity or digital forensics programs, the US Department of Education recognizes six regional accreditation organizations. These agencies include:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)