Although some states have higher wages and employment opportunities than others, cyber security is generally fast-growing. Graduates with degrees in cyber security from top-tier Florida universities or community colleges can pursue several positions in information technology (IT) and information security. One of the most popular careers for cyber security graduates is Information Security Analysis.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that demand for Information security analysts will rise by 32% over the next 10 years and have an average annual salary of $112,000. That’s why we’ve ranked cyber security degrees as the #1 degree for jobs over the next decade.

Dr. Isaac Ben-Israel said that the increasing demand for cyber security professionals is due to the dependency on computers by big government agencies, organizations, and simple citizens. Everybody needs protection nowadays.

In 2011, no college or university offered a formal cybersecurity program. But today, you can pursue cybersecurity degree programs both on-campus and online.

If you are still wondering if a cyber security bachelor’s degree is worth it, we answer that, and we can give you the playbook for how to become a cyber security analyst.

Florida has several traditional on-campus cyber security degree programs, 5 of those are offered online. Online degrees offer students in Florida maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And you don’t have to sacrifice academic excellence.

These programs are offered by some of Florida’s top-ranked colleges that are Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-recognized, like Keiser University and Saint Leo University. For more about Florida colleges, visit The Best Colleges in Florida.

With an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security degree program, you’ll learn specific subjects like software development and systems administration while also strengthening your math and computer science skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s degree in cyber security include:

As an online cyber security bachelor, you’ll learn to:

As an online bachelor’s in cyber security student, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance, along with general courses in computer science. Popular online courses in cyber security include:

Learn to identify cyber security threats and the techniques used by bad actors to attack secure networks. Study ethical hacking methodologies, permissions management, threat assessment reporting, and more.

Learn the laws, policies, and practices shaping the cyber security profession in the United States. Study American cyber security policy as well as international policy and policy approaches in other nations.

Learn how to analyze security conditions for commercial enterprises to identify vulnerabilities and provide solutions. Study best practices as well as legal and ethical responsibilities in creating network security strategies.

Learn how to assess, operate and improve network security information for private, public, or non-profit organizations, including Homeland Security. Study cloud security, information security, systems auditing and more.

Learn how to investigate cybercrime and produce evidence to be used in prosecuting these crimes. Study the tools, techniques, and principles driving digital forensics investigation.

If the online bachelor’s degree in cyber security is your first experience with online education, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

And for a look at some of the advantages of pursuing your bachelor’s degree in cyber security online, check out these 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education

Although each institution may have different criteria, a high school certificate or equivalent is usually one of them. Some programs might have specific math or computer science prerequisites and standardized test scores (from the SAT or ACT).

Online bachelor’s degrees in cyber security are designed for busy working students, primarily those working full-time.

Yes. Accredited online bachelor’s degrees in cyber security follow the same curriculum and rigor as its on-campus counterpart. Online students gain the same knowledge, learn from the same faculty, and have access to similar opportunities as their on-campus peers. In fact, many online cyber security programs incorporate internship opportunities or hands-on practical experiences as part of the curriculum.

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. The bachelor’s degree in cyber security is the basic qualification for students who want to become:

Computer and Information Systems Managers: As a Computer and Information Systems Manager, you will plan, coordinate, and lead a wide range of computer-related activities in your organization including network security, permissions management, database management, and more. Computer and Information Systems Managers earned a median pay of $164,070 in 2022. The BLS is seeing a 15% rate of growth by 2032, with 46,900 new jobs added.

Computer Network Architects: As a Computer Network Architect, you will design and build data communication networks. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Intranets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also notes that computer network architects earned a median pay of $126,900 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Database Administrators and Architects: As a Database Administrator or Architect, you will work within an organization to create, organize, and oversee the systems used to both store data and keep this data secure. Database Administrators and Architects earned a median pay of  $112,120 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators: As a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you are responsible for both the daily and long-term operation and oversight of internal networks for your organization. This includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more. Network and Comp Systems Administrators earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

It takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security in Florida. Some online programs may offer accelerated or self-paced options where you can earn your online bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Your tuition for the online degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. However, it can be cheaper to get a cyber security degree online if you go to a public school in your state that offers tuition discounts for in-state students. For more, check out our Guide to the Cost of Online College vs. On-Campus College.

For detailed information on accreditation, financial aid, college applications and more, check out our Complete Guide to Applying for College.

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. If you want a successful career in this field across East and West Florida as well as the North and South Florida regions, you must commit to various continuing education options after receiving a bachelor’s degree in cyber security to stay current and grow your profession.

If you want to participate in cyber research, you should pursue an advanced degree in cyber security. This opens doors to more advanced career opportunities, such as managerial or specialized roles. Check out our list of the Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity.

On the other hand, if you’re not yet willing to spend another two years in school, pursue industry-recognized certifications. This is one of the common ways to demonstrate expertise and willingness to keep current in cyber security. Some popular certifications include: