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Associate Degree in Cybersecurity Online AS Program

Alex Romero, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2017, wearing a buttondown shirt and eyeglasses in his living room with a white leather couch in the background.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 20

Term length 8 weeks

Program Overview Why get an associate degree in cybersecurity?

With high-profile cyber attacks becoming more common, there is a critical need for well-educated security professionals as companies invest heavily in cybersecurity expertise. Southern New Hampshire University's online Associate of Science (AS) in Cybersecurity program combines the hands-on experience, networking opportunities and expert instruction you need to break into this growing field or get started toward a bachelor's degree.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Security principles and practices
  • Identification of common vulnerabilities
  • Adversarial vs. environmental threat identification
  • Risk reduction strategies
  • Design and implementation of security solutions
  • Effective technical communication
Alex Romero, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2017, wearing a button-down shirt working on his laptop and reading an open textbook on the table next to him.

Courses & Curriculum Online cybersecurity classes that prepare you for your career

Our AS in Cybersecurity curriculum aligns with recognized standards such as NIST's NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and CSEC Cyber Security Education Consortium to help position you for success in the industry. Courses are designed to equip you with the skills and tools you need for an entry-level cybersecurity job or to continue your education with SNHU's BS in Cybersecurity – a validated program of study by the National Security Agency.

Degree Courses

Online cybersecurity courses

Through online labs and simulated operating environments, you'll explore a practical approach to common cybersecurity scenarios using industry-standard operating systems, security software, computer networking devices, simulation tools and programming languages.

Courses may include:

Course ID: CYB 200
Gain familiarity with foundational cybersecurity concepts and terms. Learn the difference between adversarial and environmental threats and analyze how security practitioners respond to each. Explore legal and human factors and examine how they influence the development of organizational security strategies.
Course ID: CYB 210
Learn the basics of computer networking. Examine different network architectures and approaches to network design. Gain practical experience by performing common network implementation and administration tasks.
Course ID: CYB 230
Learn the techniques and strategies used to protect modern operating systems. Employ best practices to securely provision operating system components and services. Troubleshoot insecure settings to reduce the risk of system compromise.
Course ID: CYB 240
Explore the fundamental principles and practices of application security. Identify common software vulnerabilities and develop strategies to reduce their potential impact. Analyze and assess the security posture of multi-tiered web applications.
Course ID: CYB 250
Explore common strategies and tactics employed by security practitioners to protect networks, systems, applications, and data. Learn the principles of cryptography and examine the critical role it plays in protecting information assets. Analyze the impact of emerging technologies and evolving social trends on the field of cybersecurity.
Course ID: CYB 260
Examine security concerns associated with humans and their interactions with information systems. Learn about social engineering and how to combat human-focused cyber attacks. Examine the legal and ethical aspects of individual privacy, acceptable use, and other social concerns.
Visit the course catalog to view the full AS in Cybersecurity curriculum.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025

Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online associate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 60-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$19,800
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$13,860

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$3,960 $7,920 $11,880 $14,850
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,840

If 24 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,880

If 36 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $7,920

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $4,950

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an associate degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an AS in Cybersecurity?

The hands-on industry experience you'll get at SNHU prepares you with a foundation of cybersecurity skills and the confidence you need to apply for various positions in the cybersecurity industry. If you're looking to progress to a bachelor's degree, the AS in Cybersecurity also provides a seamless path to SNHU's bachelor's degree program in cybersecurity.

Occupations

While many employers seek candidates with a bachelor's degree, an associate degree can help put you on track to pursue entry-level cybersecurity roles, such as:2

Lead security-related technical projects, monitor and report key metrics, help with incident response procedures and policy, and manage security infrastructure and applications.

Help design and implement security safeguards, analyze security logs to detect threats, troubleshoot user issues related to security and monitor and report security performance metrics.

Aid in incident response procedures, provide input into policy, troubleshoot escalated user issues and analyze security logs to detect and remediate potential threats.

32%

Projected increase in job openings for information security analysts through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online AS in Cybersecurity

This all depends on the degree. At SNHU, our curriculum is industry-aligned and features practical application throughout. That means you'll build the skills you need to succeed in a number of different industries.

“The classes are 100% online but also include some hands-on labs where you learn how to use industry-standard tools and techniques," said Jonathan Kamyck, senior associate dean of cybersecurity programs at SNHU.

An associate degree in cybersecurity presents opportunities to use technology in a meaningful way. For this reason, those interested in areas like psychology and criminal justice may be well-suited for this career track.

"Cybersecurity touches every aspect of our lives, from the physical locks on our doors, to our financial and medical records, our ability to communicate and share information, and essentially function in today’s world," Kamyck said. "The skills you learn in these courses will provide the basis for protecting that information."

Earning your associate degree is just one factor. The amount you make will also vary depending on years of experience, location, past credentials and job title. That said, the BLS does note promising earning potential for cybersecurity professionals – even for those entering the field.

  • Information security analysts, an occupation the BLS predicts will grow 32% through 2032, earned an annual median salary of $120,360 in 2023.1 It should be noted that typical entry-level education for these roles is a bachelor's degree.1 However, this is a highly desired field that could be a strong option for those looking to build their skills and continue their education in cybersecurity.
  • Computer user support specialists earned an annual median salary of $60,810 in 2023.1 While some in the field have attained a bachelor's degree, not all employees require it – making these jobs particularly attractive for those with an associate degree.1
  • Network and computer system administrators, on the other hand, reportedly earned a median annual salary of $95,360 in 2023.1 The BLS notes that, while most employers seek bachelor's level attainment, a postsecondary certificate or associate degree could be a sufficient entryway for some.1

It's important to note, too, that further degree attainment may result in higher earning potential and lower unemployment rates – even outside of cybersecurity.

According to the BLS, associate degree holders earned a median weekly salary of $1,058 in 2023.1 By comparison, those with a bachelor's degree earned a median $1,493 weekly.1 And those with a master's degree could earn even more.1

That's why, at SNHU we also offer a seamless transfer from your AS in Cybersecurity to a BS in Cybersecurity. We even offer an online master's in cybersecurity, if you want to keep going.

Generally, for a part-time student (one class per term) with no transfer credits, an associate degree could be earned in as few as 2 years. But at SNHU, we offer pathways to fast-track your goals, too.

First, we accept up to 45 transfer credits for all associate-level programs. Of these credits, 21 are for general education courses. That means that even if you have previous college credits that aren't necessarily in the field of cybersecurity, you could still position yourself to earn a degree faster.

Next, our online class schedules can give you the flexibility you need to graduate sooner. Full-time students take 2 courses per term. Even without transfer credits under your belt, that could mean finishing your degree in a little over 1.5 years instead of 2.

Finally, with six 8-week terms per year, you progress from one class to the next, without ever losing momentum.

And if, for whatever reason, you need to take a term off, you'll have the ability to do that, too.

The price of your associate degree in cybersecurity depends on multiple factors: cost of tuition, credits to complete, number of transfer credits and more.

At SNHU, we're proud to say we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. As a university built for people, not for profit, our mission is to make education as affordable as possible.

That's why the cost per credit for our AS in Cybersecurity is $330. With 60 credits required to complete the program, that means a total tuition cost of $19,800.

If you have previous education credits, you could transfer them to lower the cost of your degree even more.

You may also be eligible for one of our merit-based scholarships, grants and tuition discounts. U.S. Active Duty, National Guard and Selected Reserve and the spouses of those on active duty, for example, may be eligible for up to 30% tuition discounts.

Curious about more ways to save? Talk to one of our student finance counselors to learn more.

Everybody's pathway is different, but there are two major advantages that can help you land a role in the industry: education and networking.

For some, earning a certificate in cybersecurity is a great place to start. A certificate program, like SNHU's online cybersecurity certificate, may be your entry point into a career or may be stacked into an associate or bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.

The AS in Cybersecurity is affordable, fast and aligned with industry standards – making it a great place to start your cybersecurity education or continue it if you've already completed a cybersecurity certificate.

You'll also have access to some exciting networking opportunities in the AS in Cybersecurity program. For example:

National Cyber League (NCL): If you're looking for hands-on experience, the National Cyber League is a fun and engaging way to enter the arena.

Terry Winn, an adjunct instructor at SNHU, describes NCL as a “capture-the-flag” style competition. "With a small out-of-pocket cost, you're given a training platform and compete in various events to further hone your cybersecurity skills," he said. "You'll get hands-on experience with many of the cybersecurity tools being used in the field today."

SNHU students and teams have had multiple Top 10 finishes over the years – and even fielded the first-ever all-female team. Not only that, but NCL can also help prepare you to sit for formal certification examinations.

Technology conferences: At SNHU, we recognize how challenging it can be for women to break into technology professions – especially women of color and those within LGBTQ+ communities. Technology conferences are a great way for you to meet like-minded people who are already discovering success in the industry.

When you take advantage of these networking opportunities in combination with SNHU's industry-aligned curriculum, you'll build the skills you need on your way to an exciting career.

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 29, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 29, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 29, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 29, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2 Cyberseek.org, on the internet, at https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html (viewed May 9, 2024)