Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Learn with a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Gain Hands-On Experience
Earn Digital Badges
Newly Revised Curriculum
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 4 years
- Cost per Credit $475
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Endorsed by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security in Cyber Defense
- RangeForce integrated into curriculum
- Three forward-thinking specializations
- Proprietary virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
- 6 start dates per year
Set Yourself Apart with Cutting-Edge Skills
Our online cybersecurity degree stands at the forefront of this critical field. You’ll take extensive cybersecurity coursework offered online in topics like:
- Network security
- Digital forensics
- Incident response
- Threat hunting
- Cyber operations
- Fraud investigations
Even better, our program pairs well with a minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
In short, there’s no better place than Utica University to earn your cybersecurity degree.
Continue Your Undergraduate Education
This online degree is also a completer program, which means that students may transfer credits into an undergraduate program at Utica University. Students may also complete all 120 credits at Utica University as a full, undergraduate degree. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of study at Utica University. A maximum of 90-98 credits may be transferred from four-year institutions, and 60-64 from two-year institutions, depending on one’s academic major. Transfer students who matriculate with 60 or more credits need to declare a major upon entering Utica University.
Elevate Your Skills with Real-World Simulations
Gain crucial cybersecurity experience and become a better cyber defender. Many of Utica University’s cybersecurity courses include RangeForce, an innovative cloud-based training platform that simulates real-world cybersecurity battles. You’ll work to conquer threats, beat hacking simulations, and perfect your approach through gamified activities. These immersive experiences are separated into Learning Paths. As you successfully complete each Learning Path, you’ll earn impressive digital badges that you can share on your résumé and on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Earn a Nationally Recognized Cybersecurity Degree
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Utica University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE/CDE) through the academic year 2024. Because Utica is a CompTIA academic partner, our online cybersecurity degree supports students’ preparation for A+, Security+, Cloud Essentials, and the Network+ certification exams.
Our cybersecurity programs have also been recognized for their excellence by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3), which has designated Utica as one of 15 colleges and universities in the country as a Center for Digital Forensics Academic Excellence.
Get Qualified for In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers
As of 2022, there is a worldwide gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers, and the average cost of a data breach has hit a record high of $4.35 million.1,2 Companies need qualified information security experts, with 700,000 cybersecurity jobs posted October 2021-September 2022 alone.3 That need is an opportunity for you.
In 2021, the median pay for information security analysts was $102,600.4 This entry-level cybersecurity position requires a bachelor’s degree, and job postings are expected to grow 35 percent by 2031, much faster than the national average for other career paths.4 Meanwhile, there’s a 35% gap in the number of workers needed to fill cybersecurity jobs across the U.S.3
Opportunities abound in this incredible field. Take advantage of them with your online cybersecurity degree.
Jobs and Income
Focus Your Degree for the Job You Want
Our cybersecurity online degree gives you a solid foundation of cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
Your core coursework includes an introduction to cybersecurity, computer hardware and software, programming, information security, network security, cloud security, system threats, cryptography, cyber risk and compliance management, and more.
Plus, you can choose from three specializations in the online cybersecurity degree program to focus your coursework and align your education with your career goals and interests:
You’ll harness this knowledge to guard private information, identify network weaknesses, and defend against threats from hackers, malware, and other cyber threats.
Explore CoursesChoose From Three Cybersecurity Specializations
Admission Requirements
Our B.S. in Cybersecurity accepts applications from first-time freshmen, as well as students with some college credit. To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Completed application
- Résumé (waived for high-school students)
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation
- Official transcript
- Official final high school transcripts (with graduation date) are required for all undergraduate students.
- If you are entering with an associate degree or transferring a minimum of 57 credits from a four-year college, your general educational requirements are considered complete.
- SAT or ACT scores for first-year students if you’d like these to be considered
You don’t need prior cybersecurity education or computer science training to apply.
Learn MoreTuition and Financial Aid
The online cybersecurity program consists of 120 credits and costs $475 per credit hour. Utica University is dedicated to making an advanced education accessible and affordable and offers many avenues for financial aid, from scholarships to military benefits.
Learn MoreLearn from Cybersecurity Experts
Our cybersecurity faculty members have a robust background in the industry and many years of combined experience educating cybersecurity professionals.
They’re experts in fields such as:
- Cybersecurity
- Digital forensics
- Incident response
- Counter-terrorism
- Counter-espionage
As a student in the online cybersecurity degree program, you’ll directly benefit from the faculty’s instruction, mentorship, career advice, and network of opportunities.
Stephanie R. Nesbitt, J.D., MBA
Dean, School of Business and Justice Studies/Associate Professor Risk Management & Insurance
Stephanie R. Nesbitt, J.D., MBA, has more than 20 years of experience working in the risk management and insurance industry. She is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and is a former Wiley Faculty Fellow.
Nesbitt’s research is in the development and effective teaching of business education programs and legal issues in cybersecurity. Prior to joining Utica University, she was the risk manager and associate counsel for Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.
Nesbitt has been a featured speaker at several national, statewide and regional industry conferences on topics such as insurance cost allocation methods, the impact of risk management on healthcare quality, individual and team accountability to improve healthcare quality, and HIPAA and patient privacy.
She also holds a third-degree black belt in karate and is an avid runner.
Honors and Distinctions
- J.D. from University at Buffalo School of Law
- MBA from Syracuse University
- B.A. in Speech Communication from Ithaca College
- Member of the New York State Bar Association and Academy of Management
Selected Publications
- Nesbitt, Stephanie, R., Matthew D. Marmet, Tracy M. Balduzzi, and Rick Fenner. The Impact of Behavioral Engagement on Outcomes in Graduate Business Blended Learning Environments. The BRC Academy Journal of Education 7, no. 1 (2018): 79–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.15239/j.brcacadje.2018.07.01.ja04
- Norrie, J. and Nesbitt, S. (2016). Into the Cyber Breach Go U.S. Government Regulators. Frontline Safety and Security, 11(4), 30–33. http://security.frontline.online/article/2016/4/5721-FTC-and-Cybersecurity-Oversight
Frequently Asked Questions
Advancing your life and career with an online cybersecurity degree comes with lots of questions, and we want to ensure your search for answers is effortless. If you have a question we haven’t covered, call (866) 295-3106 to speak with an enrollment counselor.
You can work a full-time job while completing the online B.S. in Cybersecurity program on a part-time schedule. This timeline lets you take short breaks between courses without penalty. Visit the courses page to learn more.
Join the online B.S. in Cybersecurity program to build the expertise to advance your career in a growing field. After graduation, you can pursue these positions:
- Information security analyst, which had a median annual salary of $103,590 in 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Information assurance engineer, which has an average annual salary of $92,785 according to PayScale
- Computer network security administrator, which has an average annual salary of $68,088 according to PayScale
Explore additional opportunities on the careers page.
The cost per credit in the online B.S. in Cybersecurity program is $475. The program is 120 credit hours, and the total estimated tuition is $57,000. However, Utica University helps reduce your tuition by accepting up to 90 transfer credits for this program. Visit the tuition page for additional details.
Yes, you can pursue the B.S. in Cybersecurity degree as a full-time student. Visit the courses page to learn about the courses you will complete during this online program.
The number of courses that you will take depends on the electives and core credits that you choose.
Your specialization courses will focus on these career-aligned areas of cybersecurity:
- Cyber Operations
- Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
To graduate faster, you can transfer up to 90 credits from regionally accredited universities. Review the curriculum details by visiting the courses page.
You do not need specific work experience to apply to the online B.S. in Cybersecurity program. However, you will provide your professional résumé with your application. Learn more about the application requirements on the admissions page.
Sources
- (ISC)2. (2023). Cybersecurity Workforce Study. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study
- Sharma, S. (2022, August 1). Average cost of data breaches hits record high of $4.35 million: IBM. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.csoonline.com/article/3668655/average-cost-of-data-breaches-hits-record-high-of-435-million-ibm.html.
- CyberSeek (n.d.). Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Information Security Analysts. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.