10 Best Online Cybercrime Bachelor's Degrees in Texas 2026

Texas has become one of the country's biggest cybersecurity job markets, with major hubs in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston all competing for skilled graduates who can investigate and defend against digital crime. A bachelor’s degree in cybercrime is still hard to find, so most students build this expertise through a cybersecurity bachelor's degree with a digital forensics component or through a criminal justice program with dedicated cybercrime coursework.

Below are 10 accredited cybercrime programs that give you a genuine path into this field, spanning research universities, ABET-accredited public schools, and community college bachelor's degrees that keep costs low. Each entry covers what the coursework looks like, how the program is delivered, and what makes it stand out, so you can weigh which one lines up with your goals and budget.

What Is an Online Cybercrime Degree?

An online cybercrime degree trains you to detect, investigate, and respond to crimes committed through computers and networks, including data breaches, ransomware, and identity theft. Since few schools offer a bachelor's degree with "cybercrime" in the title, most students pursue this focus through a cybersecurity degree with a digital forensics track or through a criminal justice degree that folds in dedicated coursework on computer crime and digital evidence.

Typical coursework spans network security, operating systems, cryptography, and digital forensics, along with the legal and ethical frameworks that govern how cybercrime cases are investigated and prosecuted. Programs on the more technical end lean into penetration testing and system defense, while programs rooted in criminal justice pair technology coursework with criminal law, investigative procedure, and case studies. Some schools also offer graduate-level cybercrime or digital forensics concentrations for students who want to specialize further after finishing their bachelor's.

Best Online Cybercrime Degree Programs

The schools below combine solid accreditation, curriculum built around cybercrime-relevant skills, and flexible delivery formats for students juggling work or family commitments. All 10 are based in Texas and range from fully online programs to hybrid formats with minimal campus time.

1. University of Texas at San Antonio

University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Cybersecurity is delivered 100% online and draws on faculty with academic expertise in digital forensics, secure design, and threat detection. The curriculum blends business fundamentals with technical security training, a combination that suits students aiming for roles that require both cybersecurity know-how and organizational context.

UTSA holds all three National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence designations, CAE-CD, CAE-Operations, and CAE-Research, putting it among a small group of schools nationwide with that level of federal recognition. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its online delivery format keeps the program accessible to students anywhere in the state.

2. University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity runs fully online and covers a notably wide range for an undergraduate program, with coursework stretching from digital forensics to cybercrime law. Students also study programming, network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking, giving them a well-rounded foundation that touches both the technical and legal sides of the field.

The program is designed to meet ABET accreditation standards, and UHD carries regional accreditation through SACSCOC as well. As the university with the lowest tuition rate among Houston's public institutions, UHD gives students a comparatively affordable route into a specialized degree that many private schools price much higher.

3. Angelo State University

Angelo State's BS in Cybersecurity is offered in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with limited in-person components, and it covers a broad span of topics from network and database security to cryptography and digital forensics. Students can also stack an additional certificate onto their degree plan and gain hands-on experience through paid internships or on-campus jobs tied to the program.

The university holds the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation from the NSA, a recognition earned after its computer science curriculum was validated against federal cybersecurity education standards. Angelo State is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, and its hybrid format makes it a solid option for students who want some in-person instruction without a fully residential commitment.

4. Austin Community College

Austin Community College's (ACC) Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity is built as a degree-completion program, letting students with an associate degree or equivalent credit finish their bachelor's in roughly two additional years. Coursework covers network security, cloud security, penetration testing, and cyber defense strategy, along with the legal and ethical dimensions of the field, all taught at community college tuition rates.

ACC is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, and the program is offered through a mix of in-person, hybrid, and distance-learning formats depending on which ACC campus a student attends. The degree was designed with accessibility in mind, aiming to bring students from diverse backgrounds into a field that's seen steady local demand across the Austin metro area.

5. Lone Star College

Lone Star College's Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity is one of a small number of applied bachelor's degrees offered through the Texas community college system, and it's built specifically for students who already hold an associate degree. Classes run on an eight-week schedule that blends online coursework with in-person sessions, a hybrid format designed around the realities of working students balancing school with a job.

The program carries regional accreditation through SACSCOC, and students pay the same tuition rate they would for an associate degree, which keeps the total cost of the bachelor's well below what a traditional four-year university charges. Because admission requires an associate degree or near-equivalent credit, this path works best for students who've already completed lower-division coursework elsewhere.

6. Texas State University

Texas State's online BS in Criminal Justice takes the investigative route into this field, with a curriculum that includes a dedicated course in forensic evidence covering physical, biological, and digital evidence collection. A current-issues course rounds out the technology side of the program, examining how emerging forms of crime, including cybercrime, are reshaping policing, courts, and correctional practice.

Texas State is accredited by SACSCOC, and the online format is built for working adults who want a flexible schedule without sacrificing access to faculty in a nationally respected criminal justice program. Graduates leave with a broader view of the justice system than a pure cybersecurity degree offers, which suits students aiming for investigative or law enforcement roles rather than purely technical security positions.

7. St. Philip’s College

St. Philip’s College offers a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity in face-to-face, hybrid, and 100% online formats. The applied curriculum builds on foundational coursework in information security, intrusion detection, incident response, and computer systems forensics, making this one of the more directly relevant Texas options for students interested in investigating cyberattacks and handling digital evidence.

The program works especially well for students who already hold an associate degree in cybersecurity or a closely related technical field, although students with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science may also transfer applicable coursework. St. Philip’s is accredited by SACSCOC, which approved the college to award this bachelor’s degree, and the program’s comparatively low community college tuition gives it a strong affordability advantage.

8. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) BS in Cybersecurity is delivered fully online and includes 57 credit hours of major coursework in programming, information technology, system defense, cloud and network security, and security testing. Students also earn two embedded certificates while completing the degree, including a Certificate in Essential System Forensics and Defense, giving the program an especially relevant connection to digital investigation.

The 120-credit program does not require previous IT experience, and ACU may award up to 15 credits for approved certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner credential. ACU is accredited by SACSCOC, although students should note that the university’s Christian general education requirements include nine to 15 credit hours of Bible courses.

9. McMurry University

McMurry University’s online BS in Cybersecurity can be completed entirely remotely through accelerated seven-week terms. Its 42-credit cybersecurity core includes penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, cybersecurity operations, cloud computing, cyber threats, and the legal, ethical, and compliance dimensions of information security.

McMurry is a CompTIA Academic Partner, EC-Council Academia Partner, and Cisco Networking Academy Partner, and its program includes preparation for credentials such as Digital Forensics Essentials and Certified CyberOps Associate. The university is accredited by SACSCOC, admits online students approximately every eight weeks, and does not require applicants to have previous IT experience. 

10. Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University’s BS in Cybersecurity is offered in a hybrid format, with the university listing online among its available locations. The curriculum combines computer science fundamentals with specialized courses in computer forensics, applied cryptography, software security, network and systems security, and a cybersecurity capstone.

The program is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework and emphasizes hands-on work with secure systems and networks. Tarleton is accredited by SACSCOC, but because the university categorizes the delivery format as hybrid rather than fully online, students should verify whether any campus attendance is required for their particular course sequence.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Admissions and program pages are checked directly to confirm accreditation status, delivery format, and curriculum focus before any school makes this list.

• Accreditation: Regional accreditation is required for every school, and cybersecurity programs are checked against NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence status where it applies.
• Online availability: Fully online programs are prioritized, though hybrid formats with limited in-person requirements are included where fully online options are scarce.
• Career alignment: Curriculum is assessed for direct relevance to cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, or cyber defense rather than general IT coursework.
• Student outcomes: Affordability, transfer-friendliness, and support for working adults all factor into which schools make the final list.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Cybercrime Degree Program?

Cybercrime-focused bachelor's programs typically start with the technical building blocks, network fundamentals, operating systems, and basic programming, before moving into more specialized coursework in digital forensics, incident response, and cryptography. Students learn how attacks unfold, how to trace and document digital evidence, and how to apply that knowledge within the legal frameworks that govern cybercrime investigations.

Depending on whether a program leans technical or investigative, coursework can also include criminal law, evidence handling procedures, and case-based investigative methods, giving graduates a mix of hard technical skills and the procedural knowledge needed to support real cases. Many programs weave in ethics and policy throughout, since cybercrime work often requires professionals to think beyond the technical fix and consider what happens next, legally and organizationally, once an incident is contained.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Cybercrime Degree Online?

Earning a cybercrime or cybersecurity bachelor's degree from scratch typically takes about four years and roughly 120 credits for a full-time student. Several Texas programs, including the community college options on this list, are built specifically for students who already have an associate degree or significant transfer credit, which can shorten that path considerably.

Degree-completion programs like the ones at Austin Community College and Lone Star College are designed for students entering with 60 or more transferable credits, and some students finish in around two years once admitted. Part-time students balancing work or family obligations should plan for a longer timeline, often five to six years depending on course load each term.

How Much Does an Online Cybercrime Degree Cost?

Tuition for these programs varies substantially depending on whether you enroll at a public research university, a regional public school, or a community college offering a bachelor's completion track. Community college bachelor's programs like those at Austin Community College and Lone Star College tend to sit at the lowest end, often charging the same rate as an associate degree, while public research universities generally land in the mid-range once all coursework is factored in.

Total cost also hinges heavily on transfer credit, since degree-completion programs can cut the number of courses a student needs to pay for by a significant margin. It's worth requesting a full cost breakdown from each school's financial aid office before comparing tuition rates, since the number posted online rarely reflects what a given student ends up paying after transfer credit, scholarships, and aid are applied.

Financial Aid for Online Cybercrime Degrees

Financial aid for these programs comes from a combination of federal, state, and institutional sources, and most students end up combining more than one type. Here's a look at the most common options available to students pursuing a cybercrime or cybersecurity degree in Texas.

• Federal aid: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Pell Grants (for those who qualify) are available to students who complete the FAFSA and attend an accredited institution.
• State aid: Residents may qualify for Texas state grant programs, including need-based aid administered directly through participating public universities and colleges.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many employers in the tech and security sectors offer partial or full tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing a directly relevant degree.
• Scholarships: Institutional scholarships and third-party awards tied to cybersecurity workforce development can help offset tuition for qualifying students.
• Military and veteran benefits: Programs at schools with strong military-connected populations, including UTSA and Texas State, generally accept GI Bill benefits and offer dedicated support for service members and veterans.

How To Choose the Right Cybercrime Degree

Choosing the right program comes down to matching a school's structure and focus to your own career goals and life circumstances. These are a few of the factors worth weighing before committing to a specific school.

Program Focus

Some programs lean heavily technical, built around network defense and penetration testing, while others take a more investigative approach rooted in criminal justice coursework. Consider whether you picture yourself working inside a security operations center or in an investigative role connected to law enforcement, since that distinction should guide which type of program makes the most sense.

Accreditation and Recognition

Regional accreditation should be a baseline requirement, and it's worth checking whether a cybersecurity program carries the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation, since that credential carries weight with federal employers and defense contractors. A program without this designation isn't automatically weaker, but the recognition can unlock scholarships and hiring pipelines that aren't otherwise available.

Delivery Format and Transfer Credit

Think through how much of the program needs to happen online versus in person, particularly if you're working full time or managing family responsibilities. Degree-completion programs built for transfer students can save significant time and money if you already hold college credit, so it's worth confirming each school's transfer policy before you apply.

Career Outlook With an Online Cybercrime Degree

Graduates of these programs often move into roles as information security analysts, a field with a median annual wage of $124,910 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment for information security analysts projected to grow 33% through 2033. That growth rate reflects the steady climb in cyberattacks targeting businesses, government agencies, and everyday consumers, all of which drive demand for skilled professionals who can investigate and respond.

Texas's dense concentration of tech companies, financial institutions, and defense-related organizations, particularly around San Antonio's "Cyber City" corridor, makes it one of the strongest job markets in the country for this field. Graduates with a cybercrime-focused background are especially well positioned for high-paying cybersecurity roles that combine technical defense work with investigative responsibilities, including digital forensics analyst and cybercrime investigator positions.

FAQs About the Best Online Cybercrime Degree Programs

These are some of the questions students most often ask while researching cybercrime and cybersecurity degree programs in Texas. Working through the answers can help narrow down which program and career track fits your goals.

Is an Online Cybercrime Degree Worth It?

For most students, yes, given the strong job growth and competitive salaries tied to cybersecurity and digital forensics roles. Value depends largely on choosing an accredited program with coursework that matches your career direction, since a well-regarded degree combined with relevant certifications tends to open more doors than the credential alone.

Is an Online Cybercrime Degree Respected by Employers?

Online degrees from accredited, reputable institutions are widely respected in this field, especially when the program carries recognition like the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation. Employers generally weigh accreditation, curriculum rigor, and relevant certifications more heavily than whether a degree was completed online or on campus.

Who Should Consider a Cybercrime Degree Program?

This path suits people who enjoy problem-solving and want to apply that instinct toward protecting organizations and individuals from digital threats. It's also a strong option for career changers coming from IT, law enforcement, or criminal justice backgrounds who want to specialize in a high-demand field with clear room for advancement.

What Certifications Pair Well With a Cybercrime Degree?

Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) tend to complement a cybercrime or cybersecurity degree well. Employers often treat these credentials as proof of hands-on skill, so pairing one or two with your degree can strengthen a resume considerably.

Can I Transfer Credits Into an Online Cybercrime Program?

Most of the programs on this list accept transfer credit, and several, including the community college options, are built specifically around it. Requirements vary by school, so it's worth requesting a transcript evaluation early in the application process to see exactly how many credits will count toward your degree.

Explore Online Cybercrime Degrees

Texas offers a genuinely wide range of paths into cybercrime work, from research university programs with federal cybersecurity recognition to community college degrees that keep costs down, so there's a strong chance one of these fits your goals and budget. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information on admissions, transfer credit, and program requirements.