Why This Matters
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53% OF INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYSTS HAVE BACHELOR’S DEGREES
According to O*NET, slightly more than half of those employed as information security analysts have bachelor’s degrees. 13% have associate degrees, and 23% have a post-baccalaureate certificate.
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31% JOB GROWTH EXPECTED THROUGH 2029
There were 131,000 IT security analyst jobs available in 2019, and demand is expected to grow by 31% by 2029 as businesses adapt to new technological challenges.
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EARN $100,000 WORKING IN FINANCE SYSTEMS SECURITY
Information security analysts can command high salaries in any sector. Those who work in finance and insurance are among the top earners, with average salaries of $103,510 per year.
Our Research
This list covers undergraduate programs in computing and information systems with a focus on cybersecurity, digital forensics, networks, and other related subjects. Computer science and information systems undergraduate programs typically lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. We’ve included both online and blended learning degrees in our list.
The programs we’ve included in this list are accredited by a variety of industry-focused bodies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. We also included some programs accredited by state or regional bodies. Choosing an accredited school makes it easier to transfer credits should a student decide to pursue a master’s degree at a later date.
- 59 hours to write this article
- 63 universities and colleges we assessed
- 126 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Systems Security Programs
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How We Rank Schools
What You Should Know About This Degree
Computing and information systems are broad fields, and it’s important to understand the differences in focus and career options available to graduates of each degree. General computing degrees at the baccalaureate level cover a variety of computing subjects, while information systems security programs are much more focused.
The field of information systems security focuses on securing computer systems and networks. Specialists in this field consider issues such as privacy, intrusion detection, penetration testing, and robust coding practices. Security specialists may be expected to have an understanding of a wide variety of open source and proprietary software products and tools.
In addition to holding a degree, an information systems security specialist may find it beneficial to pursue professional certifications from bodies such as CompTIA or earn vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, or other major computer systems providers. These certifications must be renewed regularly to ensure the specialist has an up-to-date understanding of key concepts in the field.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in information systems security programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Online bachelor’s in information systems security programs are open to students with a GED or mature students who are able to pass entry tests. Courses at the bachelor’s level do not require prior exposure to computer science and information systems-related topics.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Many of these online degrees offer both part-time and full-time study options. Full-time programs typically take three to four years to complete. Part-time programs may take up to twice that length of time.
When researching programs, consider the course schedule and costs, including continuing enrollment charges. You may find it is more affordable to complete the course quickly because you save on year-to-year enrollment fees.