Online Cybersecurity Degrees

With the increasing frequency and complexity of cyberthreats, organizations are actively seeking skilled professionals to protect their digital assets.1 A cybersecurity major can offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, risk management, penetration testing and incident response. By pursuing a cybersecurity degree, you will be taught valuable knowledge and practical skills that are highly relevant in today's technology-driven world.

Cybersecurity is a quickly evolving field, with growing employment opportunities for those armed with the necessary skills and education.1 As the digital landscape continues to develop, the need to protect businesses, government agencies and personal information increases as well. If you have a desire to defend against security risks and cyberattacks, consider a degree in cybersecurity. 

GCU cybersecurity student working at desk on computers
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Explore GCU’s Cybersecurity Online Programs

Our variety of cybersecurity degrees online can teach you to take defensive and offensive measures against malicious attacks and hackers. The focus is on teaching the hard and soft skills needed to position yourself for the cybersecurity profession. Explore our online cybersecurity degrees at various levels.

Our online bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity offer specialized knowledge in areas such as network security, threat management, penetration testing and data protection. This focused curriculum can help you develop the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape and pursue your career goals.

Pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity can be a transformative step toward personal and professional growth. It can help equip you with the advanced skills and strategies needed to address complex security challenges. A master’s degree can help enhance your understanding of key cybersecurity principles and practices.

Our online certificates can allow you to gain industry-specific knowledge while focusing your efforts on materials relevant to you and your intended career path.

Embrace the Benefits of Online Learning

With the convenience and flexibility of online learning, you can engage in comprehensive coursework, hands-on practical exercises and collaborative projects that can help prepare you for the diverse challenges of cybersecurity. An online cybersecurity degree offers a convenient and accessible avenue to acquire the expertise needed in this critical industry.

Take the First Step With Online Admission

To be considered eligible for any of our cybersecurity degrees online, you’ll need to meet GCU's admission requirements for the relevant degree level. This includes meeting the prerequisites for the program you wish to enroll in. The convenient online admission process allows you to submit your application and connect with a university counselor to discuss your eligibility. Simply fill out the form on this page to get started. 

Discover Tools for Engaging Online Education

Online students have access to web-enhanced learning tools through our Learning Management System (LMS), including eBooks, forums and helpful calendar reminders. Online cybersecurity learning offers access to valuable resources and technology, including the Cyber Center. This hub offers virtual workshops and hands-on experiences, helping you enhance your skills and stay current with the latest trends in cybersecurity.

As an online student, you also have access to technical support and student services counselors who will guide you throughout your time at GCU. These resources are available to give you the needed assistance to help you on your degree path.

About 50% of the program coursework are remote labs that you do on your computer. They’re technical. You get to spin up virtual servers and configure actual cybersecurity solutions on your system. It’s very heavy on technology and hands-on practice.

Tyrone Nance Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Class of 2022

Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree From an Accredited University

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This accreditation covers our traditional and online courses, providing a foundation of trust for quality education. Learn more about specific College of Engineering and Technology program accreditations and how it helps to serve all students.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity programs were awarded the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) designation.2 CAE-CD designation recognizes college programs that meet the standards of learning concepts and skills outlined by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense (DoD).

Button to play video: Defend and Protect with GCU’s Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are contemplating a career in cybersecurity, exploring educational pathways or seeking answers to specific questions, this section aims to address your inquiries.

Cybersecurity degrees online can be challenging, as they require a solid understanding of technology, networking, programming and information security concepts. You'll study various threats, attack techniques, defensive strategies and risk management practices, all while staying current with the rapidly evolving field. However, online learning offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments. With a mindset of curiosity, perseverance and a commitment to continuous learning, you can navigate the complexities of this field, even in an online format.

IT (information technology) refers to operating and maintaining an organization’s technology infrastructure, which consists of networks, hardware, software, data, etc. A specialty area of IT, called cybersecurity, deals specifically with safeguarding these systems and data against cyberthreats like hacking, malware and theft. Pursuing an online IT degree teaches you how to keep the technology moving and an online cybersecurity degree focuses on keeping the technology safe and protected from threats. 

An online cybersecurity degree can teach you the skills to work in IT (information technology) and cyber defense. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for information security analysts to increase by about 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 59,100 jobs in the field.3 Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to help meet this growing need. 

As someone who’s been in the cybersecurity industry for some time, the coursework and content of the class were well-rounded and directly applicable to my industry.

Tyrone Nance Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Class of 2022

Career Opportunities for Cybersecurity Graduates

Pursuing an online cybersecurity program can be a pivotal move in the constantly changing field of cybersecurity. This degree can equip you with the skills and strategies to pursue the following positions: 

  • Computer and information systems manager
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Information security analyst
  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Computer network architect
  • Database architect
  • Software developer
  • Software quality assurance analyst and tester
  • Data scientist

Whether your career aspirations lie in analyzing cyberthreats, consulting, management or contributing to research, an online cybersecurity degree can help equip you with the credibility to contribute to your role in your desired career path.

33%

Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2023 to 20333

Support for Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Our Learning Management System (LMS) creates an interactive online classroom where communication, collaboration and connection occur through discussion forums and group projects. These forums offer chances to network with classmates or engage directly with professors for personalized support.

We offer all our students access to various resources and support to assist you as you work through your program. Take advantage of our online learning resources, as well as specific resources offered by the college, so you can study confidently as you work toward graduation.

1 DHS. (2024, Dec. 17). Join DHS Cybersecurity. Homeland Security Careers. Retrieved Dec. 30, 2024.

2 Retrieved from National Security Agency Central Security Service, NSA Congratulates Centers of Academic Excellence in December 2019.

3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved Dec. 30, 2024.

Gain the cybersecurity skills to protect data, manage threats and drive innovation.