Self-Paced Cybersecurity Training Online for 2025

As our world becomes increasingly digital, there is a corresponding need for cybersecurity professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), new openings for information security analysts and other cybersecurity jobs are expected to increase 32% each year over the next decade.

If you're interested in joining this in-demand profession, you may be curious about self-paced online cybersecurity training options. Keep reading to learn how self-paced online courses can support your cybersecurity career goals.

Can I Learn Cybersecurity at Home?

Yes, you can learn cybersecurity fundamentals at home. Cybersecurity training courses are available through various online platforms.

Many colleges and universities offer programs in cybersecurity, some of which are available as online degree programs, others as certification courses. Online education platforms, like Coursera and Khan University, offer cybersecurity certifications and one-off self-paced training courses.

How long it takes to get a cybersecurity degree depends on your prior education and career goals. For example, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in cybersecurity with no transfer credits typically takes four years to complete. On the other hand, you can complete a simple introductory security course in one day.

How Does Online Cybersecurity Training Work?

After you find an online training course that suits your professional goals, you enroll in your chosen course. Asynchronous courses allow you to take your learning modules and coursework at your own pace.

Some courses prepare students to take industry-recognized certification exams, like the CompTIA Security+ exam. Exam prep can include tutoring, mock exams, and targeted reviews.

Best Self-Paced Online Cybersecurity Courses

The following list highlights some of the best self-paced online cybersecurity courses. All of the schools listed here are accredited institutions.

1. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University's online learning platform, CSU Global, offers an undergraduate certificate course designed for information technology (IT) students and working professionals. The course covers the different types of threats to digital systems (e.g., malware and cyberattacks), how to identify common IT network security attacks, and penetration testing.

The course is 18 credits and costs $375 per credit hour. The program starts 12 times throughout the calendar year.

2. University of Maryland Global Campus

Offered through the University of Maryland Global Campus, this online graduate certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills to protect cyber infrastructure and assets. Students learn theoretical concepts and real-world applications in a series of four courses, including an introduction to cybersecurity and attack prevention strategies.

This 12-credit program is fully online and self-paced. The cost is $694 per credit hour; military members are eligible for a reduced rate of $336 per credit hour.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a cybersecurity bootcamp program for individuals interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Students learn fundamentals like Linux, Python, digital forensics, penetration testing, and other IT professional tools. After completing the program, you will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in threat detection, risk assessment, and vulnerability management.

The program is 100% and can be completed in three to six months. The total cost for ASU's cybersecurity bootcamp program is $10,950.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an undergraduate certificate in information assurance. This course provides an introduction to cybersecurity, with topics such as risk management, cyber attacks, and data security awareness. The program is designed for learners pursuing a career in information technology.

The 18-hour program consists of six online courses, including network security, information security planning, and cybersecurity. The cost is $390 per credit for full-time students.

5. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University runs a cybersecurity bootcamp program that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. This self-paced cybersecurity training course includes learning modules, virtual hands-on lab experiences, and student support services like mentoring sessions. Students also receive dedicated certification preparations (e.g., practice exams and targeted reviews) in advance of taking the CompTIA Security exam.

Georgia Southern University's cybersecurity bootcamp ranges between 10 and 18 weeks in length. The total program cost is $8,900.

6. University of Arizona Online

The University of Arizona's online platform (A Online) offers a graduate certificate in cyber operations. Coursework blends introductory cybersecurity principles with more advanced concepts in offensive and defensive digital operations. The program prepares learners to become professionals like cybersecurity analysts and security engineers.

The course is fully online, totals 18 credit hours, and can be taken at your own pace. The cost is $750 per credit hour.

7. Penn State

The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA) have recently designated Penn State as a center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Penn State's World Campus platform has a 15-credit graduate certificate program that is wholly online and self-paced.

The certificate program covers digital forensics, risk management, and web security and privacy. The course costs $1,037 per credit hour.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an 18-credit undergraduate certificate program that prepares students for an entry-level position in cybersecurity. You can also apply the credits earned in this program to an associate or bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.

The program consists of six courses that cover topics such as IT roles and software basics, cyber threats, network designs, and operating system fundamentals. All courses are conducted online and can be taken at your own pace. The cost per credit hour is $342.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Cybersecurity Courses

The following section addresses commonly asked questions about online cybersecurity courses, from program timelines to job opportunities.

What Skills Can I Learn From Self-Paced Cybersecurity Training?

Cybersecurity training courses cover a broad range of skills. Introductory courses teach foundational theories and principles, like software and programming basics (e.g., Linux and Python), network security, and cryptography.

More advanced training courses build on the knowledge earned either through professional experience or introductory cybersecurity courses. This includes concepts like threat hunting and incident response, cloud security, and ethical hacking.

Is 30 Too Old To Learn Cybersecurity?

Thirty years old is not too old to learn cybersecurity. According to United States Cybersecurity Magazine, the average age of cybersecurity workers is 42.

There is no real age limit to learning cybersecurity skills; as long as you feel comfortable working in a digital landscape and enjoy keeping up with technical developments, you can pursue a career in this field.

Are These Courses Suitable for Beginners With No IT Background?

There are many courses suitable for beginning learners with no IT background. If you do not have educational or professional experience with information technology, it's best to look for an introductory program.

Many programs, like the bootcamps listed in this article, offer student support services. These services include one-on-one tutoring, 24/7 artificial intelligence resources, and other online resources.

Can I Earn Industry Certifications Through These Online Programs?

There are multiple cybersecurity certifications sought after in the IT industry. These include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Some, but not all, online programs are designed for industry certification. The programs that do will outline which certifications they are designed for, and what sort of exam preparations they offer.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Self-Paced Cybersecurity Course?

Cybersecurity courses range in scope and depth of knowledge. The simplest and most basic introductory courses can be completed in one day. (These are typically programs offered through online learning platforms and offer no college credits.)

More in-depth programs can take eight weeks to six months to complete. The length of your cybersecurity course will depend on how many credit hours it is and how much time you choose to commit to the program.

Are Free Self-Paced Cybersecurity Courses Worth It?

The value of free self-paced cybersecurity courses is a highly personal decision. As these courses are free, the only true cost is your time.

If you already work in the IT industry, self-paced cybersecurity courses can help you advance your career by giving you the skills to work in higher-level positions. If you are just starting in the IT field, you can give yourself the practical tools and knowledge required for entry-level positions. You can also use free cybersecurity courses to gauge your readiness to commit to a bachelor's degree program.

Can These Courses Help Me Get a Job in Cybersecurity?

Self-paced cybersecurity courses can certainly help you get a job in the cybersecurity and broader IT security industries. The BLS predicts that over the next decade, 17,300 new jobs will open each year for information security and cybersecurity professionals.

Online training courses can prepare you for roles including:

• security engineer
• security operations specialist
• forensic analyst
• network administrator
• security consultant

Discover Online Cybersecurity Programs

There is an abundance of cybersecurity course options online. Connect with the featured schools on Learn.org and find out which is the best choice for your learning journey.