7 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in Alabama

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 33% over the next decade. To land one of these high-demand jobs, you'll usually need a degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

Luckily, there are many low-cost online cybersecurity degrees students can choose from. Keep reading to discover affordable online cybersecurity degrees in Alabama.

Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Alabama

Several of the best online cybersecurity degrees in Alabama offer low tuition rates and financial aid options that make these programs affordable. We've listed some of these low-cost online colleges in Alabama below; all programs listed hold regional accreditation.

1. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public university in Athens, AL. It offers an online bachelor's degree in management of cybersecurity operations and a master's degree in cybersecurity.

In the Bachelor of Science program, students cover topics like management information systems, cyber threats and vulnerabilities, and network security. The tuition rate for online programs is $256 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students and financial aid programs are available.

The graduate degree includes a foundational course in cybersecurity, as well as courses on cryptography, network security, and risk management. The tuition rate is $369 per credit, and like the undergraduate degree, this rate is for all online students and financial aid is available.

2. Columbia College

At Columbia College, students can earn both a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in management information systems with a specialization in cybersecurity online. Though the private, nonprofit school is based in Columbia, MO, it has several campuses throughout the U.S., including one in Redstone Arsenal, AL.

The bachelor's degree program features coursework on computer networks, cybercrime, digital forensics, operating systems, and more. The master's program focuses primarily on business information systems but also includes courses on business systems security.

Tuition for the cybersecurity bachelor's degree is $375 per credit, while tuition for the master's degree is $490 per credit hour. The college offers multiple scholarships for online students and also accepts state and federal financial aid.

3. Herzing University

Herzing University offers an online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. The program includes core topics in computer science and information technology, including ethical hacking, computer forensics, and penetration testing.

Herzing University, though based in Milwaukee, has an additional campus in Birmingham, AL. It charges a tuition rate of $515 for this online degree and offers financial aid to help students pay for their programs.

4. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University is a public university in Jacksonville, AL. Its online offerings include a Master of Science in computer systems and software design with a specialization in information security and assurance.

The online master's degree features topics on information assurance, incident response, and network security. The degree costs $428 per credit hour, and students can access a variety of grants and scholarships through the university's financial aid office.

5. Stillman College

Students at Stillman College can earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in cybersecurity. In this program, students obtain a strong business foundation and then continue on to take courses on cyber defense, information security, risk management, and more.

Stillman College, a private Christian HBCU, is located in Tuscaloosa, AL. It charges $3,336 per semester for a full-time course load and offers several scholarships to students.

6. Troy University

Troy University offers both a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity online. The public university is based in Troy, AL.

In the bachelor's program, students take courses on cyberattacks, ethical hacking, operating systems, and more. The degree costs $424 per credit hour for in-state students, and financial aid options are available.

Students in the online master's degree program gain a primary foundation in computer science and then cover topics like penetration testing and network security. Before financial aid is applied, the tuition rate is $472 per credit hour.

7. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, AL. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity management and a Master of Science in management information systems with a specialization in cybersecurity management online.

The bachelor's degree covers the basics of cybersecurity and information security. The master's program includes more advanced coursework on topics like cyberattacks, digital forensics, and incident response.

Online bachelor's degrees cost $472 per credit, while online graduate programs cost $572 per credit, with no additional fee for out-of-state students. Students can use state or federal grants as well as institutional or private scholarships to help pay for their degree at UAB.

FAQs About Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Below, we've addressed some frequently asked questions about online cybersecurity degrees to help you make an informed decision about purusing a cybersecurity degree online.

What Can I Expect From an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

Most online degree programs are asynchronous, meaning that you have due dates for your coursework, but can complete that work at any point during the week, without set log-in times. You may be asked to read from your textbook, complete projects, and participate in online discussions.

In a bachelor's degree program, you'll first need to complete your general education requirements before you can focus on your cybersecurity education. Master's degree programs do not require general education courses, so a Master of Science in cybersecurity, for example, will focus specifically on courses within the cybersecurity field.

How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost?

The cost of an online cybersecurity program depends on several factors, including:

• what level of degree you're earning
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• if you have transfer credits or an associate degree already
• what financial aid programs you qualify for

Of the programs above, bachelor's degrees range from $250 to $515 per credit hour before financial aid is applied. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they qualify for.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity?

An online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can lead to many cybersecurity career opportunities, such as:

• cybersecurity analyst
• cybersecurity engineer
• cyber operations manager
• ethical hacker or penetration tester
• information security analyst
• network security administrator
• security auditing consultant

Note that some roles may eventually require an advanced degree or industry certification.

Cybersecurity professionals can work in a range of industries, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, and tech. Jobs are also available with organizations like Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA).

Explore Online Programs and Pursue Higher Education Today

Start your path toward a cybersecurity career today by exploring the online degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their cybersecurity programs.