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SNHU graduate, Brock Ehlers, working on his computer. with the text Brock Ehlers '14

Cyber Security Degree Online Bachelor's Program

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Register By: June 24 Classes Start: June 26

Earn Your Cyber Security Degree Online

  • $320/credit (120 total credits)
  • Get hands-on experience with online cyber labs
  • Earn transfer credits for certifications like CompTIA Network+
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Participate in National Cyber League competitions
  • Open-source software and course materials save students money

Earn Your Cyber Security Degree Online

In a data-driven world, security professionals are essential defenders to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cyber Security online program provides hands-on experiences to help you develop a “security mindset,” empowering you to begin a career building secure systems, protecting information assets and managing organizational risks.

Specifically, the program will focus on 2 approaches to help build a security mindset:

  • Systems thinking: a holistic view of how complex systems relate, influence and interact with each other
  • Adversarial thinking: a deep understanding of hacker tradecraft and adaptive incident response tactics

Armed with these methods, you'll learn how to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty and apply proven security principles to solve problems at the critical intersection of people, process and technology.

SNHU's cyber security programs are aligned with recognized standards such as NIST's NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and CSEC Cyber Security Education Consortium.

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What You'll Learn

  • How to apply security principles
  • Analysis and evaluation of risks
  • How to define computing requirements
  • Effective communication
  • Making legal and ethical judgments

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How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Concentration Options

Choose to study the general track of the cyber security bachelor's degree, or add one of 2 career-focused concentrations to your program: data analytics fundamentals and project management fundamentals.

Career Outlook

SNHU cyber security graduates are well prepared to launch careers in a wide variety of roles, including:

Cyber Security Specialist

Works with analysts or managers to perform tasks like vulnerability assessments, security configuration tests, system audits, incident support, and security awareness training.

Cyber Security Analyst

Lead, coordinate, and perform technical tasks, manage projects, respond to cyber incidents, conduct research, suggest improvements, audit for regulatory compliance, provide subject matter expertise, and perform security assessments.

Cyber Security Manager

Overseeing organizational cybersecurity at the strategic level, managers build and train teams, recommend policies and controls, assure regulatory compliance, lead major security programs, and build incident detection and response capabilities.

As cyber data threats evolve and move toward the new frontiers of information technology, cyber security professionals play a key role in protecting the integrity of computer networks.

"There's a huge demand for (security analysts) because they help organizations adapt to changes in technology, respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, and operate more effectively," said Jonathan Kamyck, associate dean of cyber security at Southern New Hampshire University.

Job Growth and Salary

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Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is set to soar 35% through 20311, much faster than the national average for all occupations.

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Potential Salary

In addition to higher than average job growth, the median annual salary for information security analyst occupations was $102,600 in May 2021.1

Should you choose to study cyber security beyond the undergraduate level, SNHU offers a online master's degree in cyber security – both as a general track and with a concentration in IT management.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Cyber Security Degree

Jonathan KamyckPreparing You for Success

Jonathan Kamyck, Associate Dean of Cyber Security

"We want students to be confident and proficient day one after graduation. We provide our learners with many of the tools, techniques, strategies and methods relevant to a variety of exciting, in-demand cyber security jobs."

Courses & Curriculum

The bachelor’s in cyber security program provides hands-on learning with the most current industry tools – accessible via virtual labs that will save you from downloading, installing, updating and troubleshooting software on your personal computer.

SNHU's online cyber security degree program prepares you to solve complex problems, respond to cyber threats, assess risk, and apply cutting-edge security techniques with courses that may include Network Security, Application Security, and Incident Response and Investigation.

Industry Standard Skills

Also throughout the program, you'll engage with:

  • Industry-standard operating systems: Windows and Linux
  • Computer networking devices and simulation tools: Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, pfSense
  • Programming and scripting languages: Python, Java, Linux shells, and Microsoft PowerShell
  • Security software: OpenVAS, Snort, Kali Linux, Metasploit, etc.

Rodney Royster with the text Rodney RoysterThe online curriculum works well because of a strong focus on skill development environments. In addition, experienced faculty in this program impart their years of earned knowledge to you while providing opportunities to collaborate with other students who share your interests and career goals.

"Today, computers and digital media are everywhere," said SNHU adjunct instructor Rodney Royster, a senior cyber security manager. "Almost every business or industry you can think of operates within this space. So, in short, a cyber security degree holder can work everywhere. The question here should be, where can they not work?"

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General Education

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

Tech Credentials

Earn transfer credits for popular industry certifications you already have, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Linux+.

Cyber Security Center of Excellence

Through our Cyber Security Center of Excellence, SNHU proudly supports cyber security students across the globe. To learn more about our contributions to the field, and connect with our academic leaders, visit our Cyber Security Center of Excellence page.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 30 credits 
Degree/Certificates $960 $320 $9,600
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* $675 $225 $6,750

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensure and Certification Disclosures

SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.

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