Associate Degree in Cybersecurity Online AS Program

The short answer is yes. While many employers do seek candidates with a bachelor's degree, an associate can help put you on track to pursue some entry-level roles. You may, for example, qualify for positions such as:

• Cybersecurity specialist
• Cybersecurity technician
• Cybersecurity analyst

And at Southern New Hampshire University, the "approach in instruction and hands-on industry practicum prepares students with an excellent cybersecurity skills foundation and the confidence required to apply for various positions within the cybersecurity industry," said Dr. Dennis Backherms, an academic partner at SNHU.

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.