The Best Cyber
Security Undergraduate Programs of 2021
Cyber security is a growing trend in the world of tech. Cyber security engineers have become necessary for almost all companies and businesses. Institutions that have an online presence need to protect their records and keep client information safe. Cyber security professionals work to prevent cyber attacks and cyber theft.
In this article, we’ll go through why you should study cyber security in 2021. We’ll also go through the top cyber security undergraduate programs. Bachelor’s degree holders are generally more inclined to land a job in the cyber security field. If you want to pursue one of the best bachelor’s degrees in cyber security, read on.
Why You Should Study Cyber Security
Cyber security experts and professionals work in a huge array of environments. Government, business, and healthcare are a few examples. In an increasingly digitized world, cyber security is one of the principal pillars keeping our society safe. A cyber security degree is the best way to study this topic.
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Both the United States government and companies of all sizes rely on cyber security professionals. This is reflected by a projected 30 percent growth in job demand from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In such a context, now is the perfect time to enroll in a cyber security undergraduate program.
At a Glance: Top 10 Cyber Security Undergraduate Programs of 2021
Undergraduate programs often have different rates for in-state or out-of-state students. It is important to keep this in mind when choosing the right program. We’ve gathered the top 10 undergraduate programs for cyber security. Tuition rates have been sourced from official school websites at the time of writing, so they are subject to change.
| School and Program | State | In-State Tuition |
Out-of-State Tuition |
Online Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
UT | $6,120 per two semesters | $13,248 per two semesters | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
PA | $57,560 per year | $57,560 per year | Yes |
| George Mason University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering |
FL | $396 per credit hour | $1,373 per credit hour | No |
| Georgia Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
AT | $10,258 per year | $31,370 per year | Yes |
| Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
IN | $9,992 per year | $28,794 per year | Yes |
| Princeton University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
NJ | $56,010 per year | $56,010 per year | No |
| University of Maryland, Global Campus Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cyber Security |
MA | $306 per credit | $306 per credit | Yes |
| The University of Missouri Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
MO | $306 per credit hour | $391 per credit hour | Yes |
| University of Southern California Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence and Cyber Operations |
CA | $60,446 per year | $60,446 per year | No |
| The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
TX | $1,428 per semester | $4,839 per semester | No |
What Are the Requirements for a Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree?
To qualify for a degree in cyber security, you need to have completed high school. Programs have varying requirements. In general, you must have some competencies in math, physics, and science. If you already have some knowledge of computer science, this will be a huge asset too.
Should You Pursue a Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Yes, you should study online, although it has its pros and cons. The great thing about learning remotely is the flexibility. Online degrees are great for working professionals or students on a busy schedule. Most of the material you get from cyber security programs is text and video-based. This means you will not be missing out on course content.
If you study online, you may miss out on a few things. Firstly, universities often have computer science labs and study spaces. These are great workspaces with tech equipment. Studying in person will also allow you to meet peers and fellow cyber security enthusiasts. If you’re interested in these resources, you should try to study in person.
Choosing the Right Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree Program
In the face of so many colleges and programs, you might feel overwhelmed. There are a few factors to consider that should help you choose the perfect undergraduate program for you.
Job Opportunities
You want to make sure you become employable once you graduate. Some degree programs offer internships and job placements. Make sure you consider these options because an internship is the best way to ramp up your resume. Compare career services and networking events at different universities.
Degree Content
A bachelor’s degree typically lasts four years. You will have the opportunity to cover a lot of ground during that time. It is important to make sure your program of interest has classes that excite you, such as information assurance and computer forensics.
Furthermore, some programs are project-based and include a capstone project. It is useful to start thinking about your personal portfolio so you will be more ready to apply for jobs. Some degrees also offer vouchers for certification exams.
Tuition
Finally, you should also consider tuition costs. University in the United States can be a daunting investment. Many colleges offer scholarship options and tuition schemes. Check with the university to see if you qualify for these. It is useful to book an appointment with a university advisor to help you prepare.
Top Cyber Security Undergraduate Degrees in 2021
These top cyber security bachelor’s degrees can help you get a great job in the field. Read below to learn more about the best undergraduate degrees in cyber security in detail.
Brigham Young University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Brigham Young University offers an exciting four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security. The curriculum includes important modules that will gear you up for a career as a cyber security professional. These include data structures, statistics, ethics, leadership, digital forensics, and more. Keep in mind that BYU is a faith-based university.
Top Features
BYU has top-notch lab facilities and study spaces.
The curriculum lays a strong emphasis on communication, leadership, and ethical judgment. These are necessary skills for senior positions.
You will be challenged to work in teams and collaborative partnerships.
Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Carnegie Mellon University has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. It is a great place to study information security. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is interdisciplinary and allows students to choose from many concentration options.
Top Features
Carnegie Mellon University offers specialized pathways into cyber security. For example, the school offers a Cyber Ops Certificate.
The school has many specialized cyber security master’s programs.
The university is research-oriented and deeply values innovation. There are many ongoing research projects that students can contribute to.
George Mason University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
This four-year program is career-focused. The curriculum covers a wide range of fascinating topics. These include computer networking, GPS security, intrusion detection, digital electronics, and more. Throughout the degree, you will touch on many subjects related to cyber security, such as math, psychology, and law.
Top Features
The school offers top-notch career advice and services.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary. Students are highly encouraged to branch out into parallel areas of interest.
The program includes modules on oral communication and public speaking. This is a crucial soft skill.
Georgia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a renowned research-focused tech institute. The school doesn’t offer a specialized cyber security undergraduate degree. However, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will equip you with the necessary fundamentals for a career in computer and information security.
Top Features
The program offers eight options, each offering a special set of courses. You can choose a track after having covered the fundamentals in your first year.
The cyber security option is under the computing and information thread. This concentration focuses on data storage and security.
The Georgia Institute of Technology has great lab facilities available to all students.
Purdue University - Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Purdue University offers an exciting career-focused Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. The curriculum has many different modules. These include IT systems and infrastructures, cryptography, digital forensics, and UNIX fundamentals. The program puts a huge emphasis on leadership skills and abilities.
Top Features
Class sizes are small and interactive. Teachers make sure students get to contribute and interact with peers.
The school offers a campus-based internship in computer science.
Teachers and tutors at Purdue University are all experts and ex-professionals. You can always reach out to your personal tutor for expert career advice.
Princeton University - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Princeton University offers a robust degree in computer science that includes modules relating to cyber security. The school also offers an exciting Master’s Degree in Cyber Security and many information security certifications. The Bachelor of Science curriculum covers operating systems, computer architecture, natural language processing, and more.
Top Features
The school encourages independent work under the supervision of a faculty expert. This is a great way to ramp up your portfolio.
All tutors are tech industry experts.
The school has state-of-the-art research labs and facilities available to all students.
University of Maryland, Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cyber Security
The University of Maryland offers a laser-focused program in computer networks and cyber security. Note that this degree is only available online and lasts four years. There are 120 credits required to complete the degree. Courses include network security, ethical hacking, cloud technologies, Linux, fundamentals of troubleshooting, and much more.
Top Features
This degree program is fully online, yet lessons and seminars remain interactive.
The program has many concentration options.
The University of Maryland also offers master’s programs in cyber security topics. This is great for students who wish to specialize further.
The University of Missouri | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security offered by the University of Missouri is interdisciplinary by nature. The program lays a strong emphasis on computer sciences and math. Most graduates end up working for governmental agencies. Modules include IT architecture, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and information systems.
Top Features
The program is taught remotely. This should give you a great deal of flexibility and freedom.
The program requires a lot of coursework, which includes cloud computing and cyber defense and security.
Faculty staff and lecturers are all ex-professionals and experts in the cyber security field.
The University of Southern California | Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence and Cyber Operations
The University of Southern California (USC) offers an exciting skill-based Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security. Throughout the four-year program, you will cover crucial topics. These include open-source intelligence gathering, cyber defense, incident investigations, and more. This program is geared towards students who wish to work for government agencies.
Top Features
The program allows students to choose many side modules. These can include international relations or foreign languages.
The program is interdisciplinary and touches on many facets of cyber security.
Lecturers and teachers are all experts and professional cyber security analysts.
The University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of Texas has an interesting concentration in cyber security. The concentration has two foundational courses: cryptography, and network security and privacy. There are also elective courses that you can pick. These include ethical hacking and advanced architecture.
Top Features
The curriculum is cutting-edge and offers many practical applications.
The program focuses on public policy and law through a computer science lens.
The University of Texas has many lab facilities, perfect for coursework and group projects.
Career Options With a Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree
A cyber security bachelor’s degree can open the door to many careers. The cyber security sector is continuously growing and expanding. These professionals can work in business, government, or education. We’ve produced a list of the top cyber security undergraduate careers to help you decide which path to take.
Top Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree Careers
| Profession | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Security Engineer | $95,160 |
| Security Engineer | $93,115 |
| Network Security Engineer | $87,416 |
| Penetration Tester | $86,034 |
| IT Consultant | $79,377 |
| Forensic Computer Analyst | $74,367 |
| Information Security Analyst | $73,037 |
| Security Analyst | $69,091 |
| Security Administrator | $67,300 |
| Network Administrator | $60,375 |
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree?
You can earn a lot of money with a cyber security undergraduate degree. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn an average salary of $103,590. More experience in the field will also allow you to apply for senior and higher-paying positions.
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Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security?
Yes, you should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security. The contemporary socio-political landscape is creating a favorable environment for cyber security professionals. Cyber security analysts are increasingly in demand in almost every institutional field.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security can guarantee your employability credentials. While it can represent a hefty commitment in terms of both time and money, it is a safe investment. If you are worried about devoting four years to an undergraduate degree, you can check out shorter cyber security bootcamps.
