The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Amy Williams
Amy Williams is a high school teacher turned professional writer who has created dozens of articles on higher education in public service. Her content has helped students across psychology, criminal justice, and cyber security find quality and affordable college degree programs. Amy holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Central Florida.
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Editor: Kimberly Zaski
Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.
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Online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity: Comparing Top Programs

As one of the most in-demand tech skills, cybersecurity expertise can unlock rewarding career opportunities. Launching a successful cybersecurity career starts with a high-quality, affordable education. In this guide, you’ll find our complete list of rankings and we’ll explore several of the best cybersecurity associate degrees online to help you find the ideal program for your lifestyle.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Amy Williams
Amy Williams is a high school teacher turned professional writer who has created dozens of articles on higher education in public service. Her content has helped students across psychology, criminal justice, and cyber security find quality and affordable college degree programs. Amy holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Central Florida.
Check Expertise: TeachingPsych.Criminal Justice
TeachingPsych.Criminal Justice
Editor: Kimberly Zaski
Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.
Check Expertise: Higher Ed.EditorialOnline Learning
Higher Ed.EditorialOnline Learning
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Explore Online Cybersecurity Programs

With the rise in technology use across every industry, there’s also a growing need for cybersecurity experts to ensure data safety. With an associate degree, graduates can find a well-paying job in this field.

Whether you’re a first-time college student or a career-changer, you can find hybrid or online programs that allow you to focus on your education while also managing other responsibilities.

There are many cybersecurity programs that are fully online with classes offered either asynchronously or synchronously. In many cases, learning is self-paced with virtual labs to provide hands-on learning. Here’s a look at several of the top online associate programs to prepare you for a future in cybersecurity.

Finger Lakes Community College

Part of the SUNY network, Finger Lakes Community College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Networking and Cybersecurity to prepare you for leadership in this evolving field. Led by the same knowledgeable faculty who teach on campus, the asynchronous, semester-based program offers hands-on experience through real-world cybersecurity scenarios and simulations.

The online cybersecurity associate degree covers key concepts like programming, PowerShell, routing and switching, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. This 64-credit program can help you become workforce-ready in as little as two years and prepare you for further study in cybersecurity.

Duration: Two years

Mode: Online

Cost: $5,375/year

Curriculum:

  • Computing Sciences Portal
  • Intro to Programming and Computer Thinking Python
  • Fundamentals of Information Systems
  • Systems Administration
  • PowerShell
  • Computing Sciences Internship
  • Networking Technologies
  • Routing and Switching
  • Principles of Information Security
  • Hardware and Operating Systems
  • Linux
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Digital Forensics

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, aspiring cybersecurity professionals can choose the online Associate of Science (AS) in Cybersecurity. This associate program teaches skills such as identification of common vulnerabilities, effective technical communication, and design and implementation of security solutions.

The AS program is designed to prepare graduates for an entry-level position or to move on to a bachelor’s program, including SNHU’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Casses are offered in 8-week terms and as a nonprofit university, the tuition is more affordable than some other cybersecurity programs.

Duration: Two years

Mode: Online

Cost: $330/credit

Curriculum:

  • Cybersecurity Foundations
  • Computer Networking
  • Operating System Security
  • Application Security
  • Cyber Defense
  • Legal and Human Factors of Cybersecurity

DeVry University

In DeVry University’s online Associate Degree in Cybersecurity and Networking, you’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities, protect networks and devices, and prepare for and respond to cyberattacks. With no prior experience required, this degree provides the expertise and support to succeed in several highly rewarding roles.

The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for industry-recognized certifications from CompTIA. You’ll also benefit from the DeVry University Center for Cybersecurity which ensures students receive an industry-informed, market-aligned education.

Additionally, DeVry student teams compete twice a year in the National Cyber League (NCL) Games where participants demonstrate their cybersecurity skills.

Duration: Two years

Mode: Online

Cost: $514/credit

Curriculum:

  • Fundamentals of Infrastructure Security
  • Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
  • Incident Response and Digital Forensics
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Penetration Testing
  • Introduction to Technical Project Management

Online Cyber Security Associates FAQs

Should I choose an online or on-campus cybersecurity program?

On-campus and online associate degrees in cybersecurity have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the option you choose should be based on your preferred format, learning style, schedule, and career aspirations. If you’re looking for greater flexibility and convenience, an online associate degree in cybersecurity is likely the right fit for you.

Is an associate degree in cybersecurity better than a certificate or bootcamp?

There are many paths to launching a cybersecurity career, so to ensure you’re choosing the right type of program you’ll need to define your career goals and learning style.

Typically, cybersecurity certifications are for those who want to learn a specific skill rather than become a general expert in cybersecurity. An associate degree in cybersecurity and a cybersecurity bootcamp will both help you launch a career in the field, but they take different approaches.

Cybersecurity bootcamps are usually fast paced for completion in a few weeks or months. Earning an associate degree in cybersecurity online will result in a degree, but you’ll move at a slower pace.

What is the program length?

An online associate cybersecurity degree can usually be completed in two years, but there is slight variation among programs. Some programs have shorter semester lengths, which may allow you to finish the program more quickly.

Additionally, how long it takes for you to complete the program will depend on your course load. For most associate cybersecurity degree online programs, full-time students usually take around 15 credits per semester.

What financial aid and scholarship resources are available?

For most cybersecurity programs, there are both need-based and merit-based financial aid options available. As a student in an online cybersecurity program, there are plenty of resources to help you find financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Here are just a few of our recommended resources:

What careers will an associate degree in cybersecurity qualify me for?

An associate degree in cybersecurity can lead to a career as a computer support specialist, cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester, or security engineer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts roles like information security analysts are expected to grow 32% by 2032.

While a degree isn’t always required to start a career in cybersecurity, there’s certain knowledge and training that may be necessary to do your job well.

With the right experience, you can find an entry-level job in the field with just an associate’s degree, but there are many information technology jobs where at least a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Common Online Cyber Security Associate Degree Courses

Before applying to a cybersecurity associate program, you may want to know more about what courses you’ll take. While each university has unique curriculum and program requirements, there are several courses that are commonly part of the curriculum. Explore five of the courses you can expect to take in your cybersecurity program below.

Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is used to gather digital evidence that could be used in investigations. In this course, you’ll typically learn the principles, techniques, and tools used to collect and analyze digital data for investigations. By developing an understanding of computer forensics, you’ll know what evidence to capture should your organization be the target of a cyberattack.

Criminal Law and Cybersecurity

As a cybersecurity professional, you’re the police of the digital realm, which means there are many legal implications that you need to understand. In this course, you’ll explore legal frameworks and learn how cybercrime is prosecuted. This course will empower you by providing you with the knowledge necessary to inform your organization’s own policies.

Database Management

With data being of high value to companies in every industry, database management is often one of the key responsibilities for cybersecurity professionals. In a database management course, you’ll learn about database structures, how to protect them, and how hackers exploit databases so you can protect your company’s valuable data.

Ethical Computer Hacking

Ethical hacking is a common technique used by cybersecurity professionals to identify and proactively fix vulnerabilities within your system. An ethical computer hacking course will dive into topics like vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and tools and techniques for ethical hacking. Learning ethical hacking is an essential part of building strong cybersecurity measures.

Intrusion Detection Systems

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a “listen-only” device that detects suspicious activity and reports to the administrator. As you might imagine, IDS is a critical technology for cybersecurity professionals. In this course, you’ll learn about the different types of IDS and how they work while exploring how to effectively integrate them into your cybersecurity strategy.

Resources for Cybersecurity Students

Planning to start an online MPA degree program in Florida might seem overwhelming. But, public and private resources are available to help you during the process. Listed below are some resources that should be useful for MPA students and professionals in Florida.

  • Digital Guardian: Since 2013, Digital Guardian has provided information about the latest developments in cyber security. They offer blogs on topics such as data visibility, compliance, and data loss prevention.
  • Information Security Forum (ISF): ISF offers a membership that gives students and professionals unlimited access to an extensive library of research and reports. They also offer workshops and forums to address cyber issues.
  • National Cyber League: The National Cyber League is a virtual cybersecurity competition and community that’s open to students, educators, and employers. The NCL competition is for cybersecurity students in high school and college.
  • National Cybersecurity Student Association: The National Cybersecurity Student Association supports cybersecurity students across the country through extracurricular activities, career opportunities, and mentoring. They also offer networking opportunities and events for students.
  • The Hacker News: The Hacker News provides insights and information about the latest development in cybersecurity. In addition to their articles, they offer webinars on a range of cybersecurity topics.

Ranking Top Online Cyber Security Associate Degrees

If you’re wondering what you should look for in an online cybersecurity associate degree program, we’ve created rankings to help you determine which program may be the right fit for you. A comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experiences, and affordable tuition are all considerations for a top online cybersecurity associate degree program. To help, we’ve created a ranking list based on accreditation, number of online programs, and availability of student services.

Net Price: N/A
Net Price: $5,766
Net Price: $5,572
4

Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Net Price: $7,809
Net Price: $5,304
6

Moorpark College

Moorpark, CA
Net Price: $2,727
7

MiraCosta College

Oceanside, CA
Net Price: $9,044
Net Price: $4,518
9
Net Price: $8,043
Net Price: $3,333
Net Price: $6,804
12
Net Price: $4,884
13

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL
Net Price: $2,333
Net Price: $2,000
Net Price: $14,509
Net Price: $8,914
Net Price: $4,655
18
Net Price: $5,363
Net Price: $11,148
20
Net Price: $3,177
21
Net Price: $10,174
Net Price: $3,323
23

Moreno Valley College

Moreno Valley, CA
Net Price: $9,780
Net Price: $6,888
Net Price: $3,985

Amy Williams AUTHOR

Amy Williams is a high school teacher turned professional writer who has created dozens of articles on higher education in public service. Her content has helped students across psychology, criminal justice, and cyber security find quality and affordable college degree programs. Amy holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Central Florida.

Read More About Amy Williams

Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.

Read More About Kimberly Zaski