Cybercriminals are getting smarter and using more advanced tricks to break into systems. The problem is that there aren’t enough trained cybersecurity professionals to stop them. Only 85% of cybersecurity jobs are currently filled, leaving a gap of about 225,200 workers. Nationwide, over 1.2 million people work in cybersecurity, and that number continues to grow.
Fortunately, colleges and universities are stepping up to meet this demand by offering more cybersecurity degree programs—especially online. Online cybersecurity degree programs offer a flexible, affordable path to high-paying tech jobs. You can study on your schedule from anywhere, often at a lower cost than traditional programs.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top accredited online cybersecurity degree programs for 2025 and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your goals.
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Why Choose a Cybersecurity Degree?
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field with strong demand across government, finance, healthcare, and tech. It has an impressive 0% unemployment rate. The demand for information security analysts are will rise by about 33 percent within 2023 and 2033, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
And with starting jobs paying between $60,000 and $85,000 a year on average, cybersecurity offers a solid income right from the beginning. As you gain experience and add certifications, your earning potential grows quickly—many mid-level roles can pay over $100,000, and leadership positions can reach $150,000 or more.
However, to compete in this field, you need to have proper skills, which can be achieved by earning accredited online cybersecurity programs plus certifications. Having a bachelor’s (or at least an associate’s) degree shows employers you have a solid foundation and the discipline to complete a full academic program.
What to Look for in an Online Cybersecurity Program
Not all online cybersecurity degree programs are created equal. Some are legit career launchers, while others are little more than expensive pieces of paper.
Here are the factors you need to consider in choosing a program:
Accreditation
Make sure the school is regionally accredited, which means it meets recognized standards for quality and credibility. Look for online programs designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) by the NSA and DHS. That’s a strong stamp of approval.
Solid Curriculum
The best cybersecurity degrees online programs offer a mix of technical topics and hands-on practice. Common course areas include:
- Network security
- Ethical hacking
- Digital forensics
- Risk analysis
- Cyber law and policy
Virtual labs, simulations, and real-world case studies are a plus.
Flexible Learning Options
Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you can learn at your own pace. Others are synchronous, with set class times. If you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, asynchronous learning might give you more breathing room.
Career Services
A great program doesn’t just teach—it helps you land a job. Look for schools that offer:
- Internships or co-op programs
- Certification exam prep (Security+, CISSP, etc.)
- Resume help and mock interviews
- Employer connections or job placement services
Top 5 Accredited Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs
After digging through dozens of schools, we’ve narrowed it down to five online cybersecurity degree programs that stand out for quality, flexibility, and career readiness.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity Technology
- Why It’s a Top Pick: UMGC’s cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA and DHS, which tells employers you’re coming from a respected program. It also offers affordable in-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of where you live.
- Careers After Graduation: Cyber analyst, security administrator, SOC analyst
- Best For: Students looking for solid training and government-recognized credentials without breaking the bank.
2. Western Governors University (WGU)
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
- Why It’s a Top Pick: WGU’s self-paced, competency-based online cybersecurity degree is ideal for motivated learners. If you already have some IT experience, you might be able to move through the program quickly and save money.
- Certifications Included: CompTIA Security+, Network+, CySA+, EC-Council CEH, Cisco credentials
- Best For: Adult learners and working professionals who want maximum flexibility and industry certs built into the curriculum.
3. Champlain College Online
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Champlain’s program is one of the most highly respected cybersecurity degree programs. It offers hands-on training, with virtual labs and projects based on real-world threats. It’s also an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence.
- Career Options: Penetration tester, digital forensic analyst, security consultant
- Best For: Students who want a more applied, practical approach to cybersecurity education.
4. Arizona State University Online
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology (Concentration: Cybersecurity)
- Why It’s a Top Pick: ASU is a big-name school with a top-ranked online program. As a student in this cybersecurity degree online accredited program, you’ll get access to ASU’s tech partnerships, innovative research, and career support services.
- Career Outlook: Strong alumni network, great job placement rates
- Best For: Students who want a well-rounded degree from a highly recognized university.
5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity
- Why It’s a Top Pick: SNHU is known for being one of the most affordable online cybersecurity degrees. You can transfer a maximum of 90 academic credits, which can save you both time and money.
- Career Paths: InfoSec analyst, IT risk analyst, systems security engineer
- Best For: Budget-conscious students and those with previous college coursework looking to finish their degree online.
Career Opportunities with a Cybersecurity Degree
What happens when you earn a degree from online colleges for cybersecurity?
Entry-Level Roles
These positions are great starting points for recent grads and those new to the field.
- Security Analyst: Monitors networks and systems to prevent security breaches, investigates incidents, and helps implement protections like firewalls and encryption.
- IT Support Specialist: Provides technical support and troubleshooting for hardware, software, and security systems, often serving as the first line of defense.
- Network Security Technician: Assists with setting up and maintaining secure networks, ensuring that data flows safely between systems.
- Salary Range: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
Mid-Level Roles
These jobs typically require a few years of experience and sometimes certifications in specific tools or practices.
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Simulates cyberattacks to find and fix security weaknesses before real hackers can exploit them.
- Security Engineer: Designs and builds secure systems, responds to threats, and maintains protective measures across an organization’s infrastructure.
- Digital Forensic Analyst: Investigates cybercrimes by recovering and analyzing data from computers, networks, and mobile devices.
- Salary Range: $90,000 to $120,000 per year
Senior & Executive Roles
With more experience, leadership skills, and sometimes a graduate degree, you can move into high-level management and strategy roles.
- Cybersecurity Manager: Leads a team of analysts and engineers, manages security projects, and develops company-wide security policies and protocols.
- Cyber Risk Officer: Identifies potential risks, oversees compliance, and ensures that the organization’s cybersecurity practices align with business goals.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Oversees all cybersecurity operations, sets the strategic vision, manages risk, and reports to top executives.
- Salary Range: $150,000 and up per year
Certifications to Boost Your Degree
Earning your degree is a major step, but adding certifications can help you stand out even more. Many top online cybersecurity schools will either prepare you for these exams or include them as part of your coursework.
Here are some of the most valuable ones to consider:
- CompTIA Security+ – Great entry-level cert that proves you understand the basics
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Perfect if you’re interested in penetration testing
- CISSP – A more advanced cert, often required for management roles
- Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops – A strong option if you’re leaning toward network security
Conclusion and Next Steps
Cybersecurity is an exciting and rewarding career in tech today. With threats growing every day, the need for skilled professionals has never been more urgent.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to shift careers, an accredited Cybersecurity Associate degree online can help you build the knowledge and credentials you need—on your own time and often at your own pace.
Programs from schools like UMGC, WGU, and Champlain College can set you up for success, whether you’re aiming for your first cybersecurity job or planning to climb the ladder into leadership roles.
Next Steps
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to get started:
- Explore your options. Check out the websites for the programs that stood out to you.
- Compare tuition and credit transfers. Some students start with a cybersecurity associate degree online with plans to transfer into a bachelor’s program later.
- Request info or apply. Most of these schools have rolling admissions and helpful advisors ready to answer your questions.