Are you interested in pursuing a career in one of the fastest-growing industries? Then, consider applying to an on-campus or online cybersecurity program, where you’ll develop in-demand skills like cyber-threat mitigation, incident response, and ethical hacking.
There are numerous types of cybersecurity programs and courses that you can enroll in, from graduate and undergraduate degree programs to professional certifications and certificate programs that can be completed in less than one year. In this guide, we’ll compare various cybersecurity degrees, certificates, and additional certifications to help you make an informed decision and choose the right program for your needs.
Table of Contents
- Identify Your Career Goals
- Cybersecurity Certifications and Certificate Programs
- Undergraduate Cybersecurity Degrees
- Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Cybersecurity
- How Do I Decide What Type of Degree or Certification I Need?
- Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree or Certificate Online
Identify Your Career Goals
When comparing academic programs, it’s important to identify your career goals, which directly impact the level of education you need to attain.
An associate’s degree can help you qualify for entry-level jobs in tech and computing. However, specialized or leadership roles, such as computer and information research scientist, typically require a higher level of education. With an Associate of Science (AS) in cybersecurity, you can explore careers like web developer, information security associate, cyber data analyst, and more.
While employers’ hiring criteria vary, most careers in the IT and computer industry require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum, such as a BS in Cybersecurity (BSCYB) or BS in Information Systems (BSIS). For example, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or higher if your goal is to become a computer systems analyst, information security analyst, network administrator, database architect, software developer, or computer programmer.
While you can embark on a path toward many cybersecurity-related careers with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, you’ll need a master’s degree if your aim is to become a computer and information Professional, which is a type of scientist who studies and designs computer architecture, and improves the efficiency and security of software. Other examples of cybersecurity roles that usually require a master’s degree include:
- Chief information security officer
- Chief privacy officer
- Data privacy consultant
- Privacy and security product manager
- Security Architect
Certificates and certifications are designed to teach a specific skill, which can also open new career doors. For example, according to Grow with Google, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can prepare you for roles like cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, and cyber defense analyst.
Cybersecurity Certifications and Certificate Programs
While they might sound interchangeable, the terms “certificate” and “certification” have different meanings within the context of higher education. Understanding these differences will empower you to choose the best approach for your goals.
Certifications
A certification is not an academic degree, but rather a type of credential you earn by completing a short training program and passing an exam to test your proficiency against industry standards. Earning a certification may help you qualify for more job positions and secure higher pay — at lower cost and with a shorter time commitment — than a traditional degree program. It generally takes months, not years, to complete a professional certification.
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) provides an extensive list of cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, IRCMB NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Lead Auditor, and CertNexus CyberSAFE.
Certificate Programs
A certificate program is a short, fast-paced program that you can complete through a college or university, with significantly fewer credits than a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. National University offers various certificate programs in cybersecurity and technology, including:
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
It only costs $189 to enroll in the cybersecurity certificate program at NU, which trains students to use tools like Python, SQL, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) over the course of eight units, including units on network security and task automation.
Undergraduate Cybersecurity Degrees
The two main types of undergraduate degrees are associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. While both types of programs teach essential knowledge and skills, bachelor’s degree programs take longer to complete, allowing students to cover a wider variety of topics at a greater level of depth.
You can read more details about both types of programs below, including how long each type of program usually takes to complete and what types of topics students learn about. For details about what cybersecurity jobs you can qualify for with each type of degree, refer to the section of this guide about identifying your career goals.
Associate’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Students typically complete an associate’s degree in two years. However, depending on the program and whether the student is enrolled part-time or full-time, some degrees take three years to complete. Many cybersecurity associate’s degree programs can be completed partially or fully online, making them a convenient option for learners who need scheduling flexibility.
An associate’s degree in cybersecurity is a science degree, or Associate of Science (AS), that generally covers subjects like operating systems, programming, ethical hacking, database management, web page construction, and fundamentals of Linux. A bachelor’s degree program allows students to explore these topics in greater detail, while also providing an educational foundation for an advanced degree like a master’s or doctorate. An associate’s degree program can be completed faster and at a lower cost than a bachelor’s degree. Another advantage is that students learn many of the same core concepts and skills in a less expensive and more concentrated format.
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that, depending on the program, typically takes four to five years to complete. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is usually a Bachelor of Science (BS) rather than a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and, at many universities, can be completed partially or fully online.
A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree prepares students with essential knowledge and skills to assess, prevent, and defend against data security risks. For example, students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at National University complete courses on topics like security automation, cloud computing, ethical hacking, technical writing, and cybersecurity planning. Students can concentrate in specialties like computer network defense, information technology management, or digital forensics, enabling program graduates to become computer incident responders, security analysts, or enter other specialized fields.
Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Cybersecurity
According to BLS data, having a higher level of education corresponds to earning a larger salary while also having a lower risk of unemployment. Associate’s degree holders earn a median weekly salary of $1,058, bachelor’s degree holders $1,493 per week, master’s degree holders $1,737 per week, and doctoral degree holders $2,109 per week. Additionally, the unemployment rate for associate’s degree holders is 2.7%, compared to 2.0% with a master’s degree and 1.6% with a doctorate degree.
Earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity, like a master’s or doctoral degree, demonstrates a high level of commitment, proficiency, and expertise to employers, enabling you to access a wider range of professional opportunities. Whether you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and want to build on your education, or you’re ready to switch careers in a different industry, a master’s or doctorate program empowers you to reach the next phase of your career.
Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs
A master’s degree program builds on the fundamentals covered in a bachelor’s degree program, providing students the opportunity to concentrate in specialized, in-demand fields such as ethical hacking or enterprise cybersecurity management. Most master’s degree programs can be completed online or in person within one to two years, depending on factors like the program requirements and whether the student is enrolled full-time.
In the Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCYB) program at National University, students cover a career-focused curriculum that includes courses on wireless and mobile security, cyberthreat modeling and intelligence, network security monitoring and incident response, and cloud security. Students who enter the master’s program are required to specialize in one of four areas:
- Enterprise security management, which covers topics like governance in cybersecurity and cybersecurity policy/
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing, which covers topics like Red Teaming – a form of penetration testing to find digital vulnerabilities, cybersecurity audits, and advanced pen testing techniques.
- Digital forensics and incident response, which covers topics like threat hunting, digital investigations, and cloud forensics.
- Cloud security, which covers topics like cloud security architecture and risk management in cloud computing.
Cybersecurity Doctoral Degree Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity is a terminal degree, which means it’s the most advanced degree that a student can earn within the field. Earning your doctorate in cybersecurity reflects the highest level of expertise and skill mastery, making PhD holders some of the most sought-after candidates for consultancy, leadership, and executive positions.
How long does it take to earn a doctorate degree? While program specifics vary, most students complete their PhD over the course of four to eight years while working full- or part-time. With evening, weekend, and online classes, National University makes pursuing your PhD convenient and accessible, even if you need to accommodate a demanding schedule.
Students who enroll in National University’s PhD program in cybersecurity, the PhD-CY, conduct research and study cybersecurity theory using an applied approach that culminates with a dissertation manuscript and defense. Students must complete coursework on topics like computer network management, AI and machine learning, cyberterrorism and information warfare, statistics, and automation. The program also provides students the opportunity to specialize in one of four concentrations:
- General and technology, which covers subjects like governance and strategic views, software development, and systems certification.
- Global strategy and operations, which covers subjects like supply chains and, international infrastructures, and politics.
- Governance, risk, and compliance, which covers subjects like access control, threat discovery, and loss prevention.
- Secure cloud computing, which covers subjects like identity management and multi-cloud cybersecurity.
Learn more about doctorate admissions at National University, or explore our comprehensive guide to doctoral education. You may also be interested in related doctorate programs, such as the Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management with a Cybersecurity specialization at NU.
How Do I Decide What Type of Degree or Certification I Need?
As we’ve explored throughout this guide, different degrees and certifications demand different time commitments from learners. Some programs, like the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, can be completed in a matter of months. Other programs, such as earning a bachelor’s degree, can typically take up to four or five years to complete.
National University offers accelerated study and four-week courses, plus the option to earn your degree or certificate online, enabling students to complete courses faster and with more flexibility. Along with logistical factors like time and cost, remember to consider your specific career goals and the minimum education required to enter your desired field.
Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree or Certificate Online at National University
Whether you’re pursuing a degree or certificate, National University offers a range of cybersecurity programs to meet you at every stage of your academic and professional career, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCYB)
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCYB)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY)
What sets our cybersecurity programs apart? National University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2028 by the National Security Agency (NSA). Our expert-led programs are WASC accredited, can be completed 100% online, and follow a uniquely fast-paced four-week course structure, enabling students to accelerate their learning and cover more material in less time.
As a military-friendly school, National University’s cybersecurity programs provide access to a robust network of resources for veterans and servicemembers. Contact our admissions office to learn more about the BSCYB, MSCYB, or PhD-CY programs at National University, or start your application to NU online today.