Are Online Cybersecurity Degrees Legitimate?

A degree in cybersecurity can lead to a variety of lucrative career options. Thinking about getting your degree online? You may have questions. Specifically, you'd like to know if online cybersecurity degrees are legitimate and respected.

Many U.S. colleges and universities offer legitimate online cybersecurity degrees including online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and online master's degree in cybersecurity. These programs come with many benefits, including increased flexibility and accessibility.

Interested in finding out more? Keep reading as we take a closer look at this topic.

Do Employers Respect Online Cybersecurity Degrees?

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, online degrees are becoming more and more popular. But many online students face concerns over whether their degree will be acceptable and respected when it's time to find a job.

It's worth noting that many schools don't distinguish between their online and traditional degrees. So, it's possible you won't even have to disclose the fact that you received your degree online to potential employers.

But even if an employer knows you got your degree online, this probably won't negatively impact your chance of getting the job. Most employers recognize that many people are getting their degrees online these days, and they recognize these candidates are just as well-qualified for the job as people who got their degrees in person.

What To Look For in an Online Cybersecurity Degree Program

When you're looking for an online degree program, there are things you'll want to keep in mind to ensure you choose a legitimate, reputable school.

Accreditation

One of the most important factors is accreditation. Any school you are thinking about attending should be accredited by a regional or national accrediting body.

Examples include the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Reputation

A school's reputation can have a lot to do with whether your degree is respected. Those holding degrees from highly reputable schools often have better success when looking for a job.

Choose a well-known school with a reputation for academic excellence. Consider factors such as graduation rate, GPA, and research activity.

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Degrees

Nonprofit schools are public and private schools that put all of their funding back into the school to improve academic programs. These are generally more reputable than for-profit schools.

For-profit institutions spend a lot of money on advertising with the ultimate goal of earning money. Though they are not always as respected as nonprofit schools, they do provide legitimate, affordable online cybersecurity degrees.

Graduation Rates

Consider a school's graduation rate when deciding where to enroll. Schools with higher graduation rates are typically more supportive of students on their journey and may provide a better curriculum.

Look for a school with a graduation rate of 70% or more. You can also investigate a school's average GPA to get an idea of how most students perform academically at the school.

Differences Between Online Cybersecurity Degrees and Traditional Cybersecurity Degrees

Traditional cybersecurity degrees are completed on campus. Students attend regular class periods at set times, completing assignments and homework in between.

Online cybersecurity degrees are completed online. Students may or may not have set class periods; many programs consist of asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.

With this in mind, online programs are typically more flexible than campus-based programs. They are also less hands-on and provide fewer opportunities for interacting with other students.

Benefits of Earning Your Cybersecurity Degree at an Online School

Online degrees require students who can motivate themselves and who do well working alone. Many online students thrive in this unique academic environment.

Busy students who have a lot of family, work, or other commitments enjoy the flexibility of online programs. These programs allow them to find a balance between all of the important priorities in their lives.

Finally, you have options to obtain an affordable online cybersecurity degree. Many online schools provide affordable online tuition rates, and students who study online also have fewer fees and other college-related expenses (such as boarding and transportation).

Featured Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Let's take a closer look at some top colleges and universities offering different levels of online cybersecurity degrees.

1. Boise State University

Boise State University is a large public school in Idaho that provides several of its degree programs online. This reputable school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The school offers the following cybersecurity degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in cyber operations and resilience
• Bachelor of Applied Science in cyber operations and resilience
• Master of Science in cyber operations and resilience

2. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is another public school with an array of online degree program options. It receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Two cybersecurity degree programs are available:

• Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Master of Science in cybersecurity

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University enrolls most of its students in flexible online programs. This private school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Students can pursue the following online cybersecurity degrees:

• Associate of Science in cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity (two concentrations available)
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (one concentration available)

4. Regent University

Regent University is a private Christian school that provides more than 400 online and campus-based degrees. Its accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Consider pursuing one of these online cybersecurity degrees at this school:

• Bachelor of Science in cyber and digital forensics
• Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (three concentrations available)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University is a very large Christian school headquartered in Virginia. It enrolls around 100,000 students in more than 600 online and in-person degree programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

This school offers the following online cybersecurity degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in computer science cybersecurity
• Master of Science in cybersecurity