The amount of accessible data on the internet is rising exponentially in the 21st century. Consequently, the rate of security breaches on corporate and government infrastructure is also increasing, from cyber threats to successful attacks. This has led to high demand for cyber security professionals with the best network security bachelor’s degrees to face this challenge.
This article outlines some of the best bachelor’s degrees in network security, their tuition costs, and the typical courses required for bachelor’s degrees in cyber security. We will also provide an overview of some of the best network security bachelor’s degree jobs and salaries available after graduation.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
The best colleges where you can get a bachelor’s degree in network security are Arizona State University, Syracuse University, Drexel University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Norwich University.
What Schools Offer the Best Network Security Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Syracuse University
- Drexel University
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Norwich University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
The admission requirements for a network security bachelor’s degree include SAT or ACT scores, an application, and a high school diploma or GED. Most schools also require an essay or statement from prospective students and a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher. Some schools may require a minimum GPA.
Other admission requirements can include language proficiency certification for international students, academic transcripts for applicants with previous university experience, and foundation courses in cybersecurity and other related subjects. These requirements are usually optional and do not apply to the majority of applicants.
There are no required programming language requirements for bachelor’s degrees in network security. While a background in tech will help, these programs offer foundational and introductory classes aimed at network security and coding newcomers.
Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Academic transcripts
How to Get a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree
You can get a network security bachelor’s degree by enrolling in a college program focused on network security or cyber security and fulfilling the graduation requirements. You must obtain the minimum required credits to be awarded a degree in network security.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
You’ll typically need 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree in network security. You will generally spend four years obtaining these credits in a network security or cyber security undergraduate degree program. The credits are split across multiple semesters and are composed of core course credits, elective courses, and general education classes.
Network Security Degree Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours
- Satisfy program curriculum requirements
- Complete an internship or industrial training, depending on the program
- Meet competency requirements in degree courses
- Pay the required graduation fees and tuition costs
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0
Best Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing (Cybersecurity) | Higher Learning Commission |
| Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| George Mason University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Global Policy | Higher Learning Commission |
| Norwich University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Computer Security & Information Assurance | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Higher Learning Commission |
| Syracuse University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance | Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Network Security: Top Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for network security degrees provide foundational classes in the fundamentals of network security and computer science, as well as general education courses in English, math, and science, and problem-solving and critical-thinking skills required for careers in network security.
There are several leading schools to choose from if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in network security. However, you might find it overwhelming to select one out of a multitude of options. This section breaks down a curated list of the best and most accessible network security programs you should consider.
What Is a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
A network security bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to students who complete coursework regarding the use of software and hardware tools, rules, practices, and processes. These tools and processes are designed to protect computer networks and network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, and compromise.
Bachelor’s degrees in network security are subsets of much larger cyber security degrees and cyber security programs are subsets of information security programs. As such, network security degrees are typically available under the umbrella of other computer science courses.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
A bachelor’s degree in network security is very important if you want to secure entry-level or mid-level network security-related jobs. Some of the other reasons why a network security bachelor’s degree is important are:
- Most employees demand a bachelor’s degree at minimum
- Network security graduates are in-demand
- Variety of career options
- Pathway to higher education such as a Master’s Degree in Information Security or professional certifications
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Network Security?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees for network security:
- Bachelor of Science in Network Security
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Network Security
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Network Security
This variation stems from the significance of network security in various sectors of the economy. As stated earlier, network security is often embedded in other programs. Therefore, graduates are awarded degrees relevant to the parent program.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration in Network Security?
It is often better to get a Bachelor of Science rather than a Bachelor of Business Administration in network security. Network security is a component of computer science. Therefore, computer science degrees are better suited to give you the relevant skills needed to pursue a career in cyber security.
You can obtain a network security postgraduate degree more easily with a science background than a business administration background. Most cyber security jobs also prefer a Bachelor of Science degree over a Bachelor of Business Administration credential.
What Is the Difference Between a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree and a Network Security Certificate?
The main difference between a network security bachelor’s degree and a certificate in network security is the range of study. A certificate shows that a graduate has learned a narrow set of skills needed to work in a particular aspect of network security. Conversely, a degree is proof of a well-rounded graduate that is knowledgeable in several aspects of network security.
A network security certificate generally focuses more on developing specific skills that are useful in a cyber security field within the short timeframe of a few months, whereas a degree program is comprehensive and takes four years or more to complete.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
The average cost of a bachelor’s degree in network security program is $28,775, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, it can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $69,000 to get a network security bachelor’s degree, depending on the educational institution you attend and the program.
When choosing a program, keep in mind that private universities often cost more than public institutions and resident tuition rates are typically much lower than out-of-state tuition fees. Furthermore, universities require additional fees such as materials, books, and cost of living.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years of full-time study to obtain a bachelor’s degree in network security. A part-time program requires the same number of credit hours as a full-time degree, but typically takes longer to complete.
You can finish a network security program in a shorter period if you transfer college credits in network security or related courses from a previous school, or if you have obtained an associate degree. Some institutions also offer accelerated information technology degree programs to interested students to help them obtain their degrees faster.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
It is not very hard to get a bachelor’s degree in network security, but it will require many hours of hard work. Network security programs are considered challenging with an above-average difficulty. Candidates should have prior knowledge of math and computer science to pursue this type of degree.
Furthermore, network security degrees are not very hard to get because most programs require prerequisite classes or a certain knowledge of math and science. This ensures that students who are admitted into a program are the right fit for the curriculum.
Why Should You Get a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a network security bachelor’s degree are it will equip you with the skills needed in the modern industry of information security. Data is fast becoming the principal driving force behind the world economy and it is the responsibility of network security analysts to secure that data and preserve its integrity.
Further benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security are it places you several steps above your contemporaries that do not possess this degree in the cyber security job market. The hard work involved in achieving a bachelor’s degree will be worth it in this field.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Network Security?
Common courses for a bachelor’s degree in network security cover fundamental computer science and security classes. A typical bachelor’s in network security course list will cover cyber security fundamentals, secure coding concepts, software development, data communications and networks, and system and organizational security.
Cyber Security Fundamentals
This first-year course introduces the principles of network security with a focus on current threats and vulnerabilities. It also explores methods of developing an information security plan to mitigate these threats. This course is one of the foundational courses that pave the way for further studies in cyber security.
System and Organizational Security
System and organizational security focus on the security of the design, testing, procurement, analysis, and maintenance of components that make up a cyber security system. It also teaches students risk management and strategies to protect organizations from cyber security threats.
Digital Forensics for Professional Studies
This course covers the fundamentals of the forensics process, evidence handling, and quality assurance as applied to digital forensics. Students will learn the proper procedures to follow when investigating and cleaning up the scene of a cyber crime.
Secure Coding Concepts
In this course, students learn how to design secure applications, write secure code that can withstand attacks, and perform penetration testing. This course focuses on serious security issues plaguing developers and common security vulnerabilities. It also examines principles, coding techniques, and tools that can make code more secure against attacks.
Data Communications and Networks
Data communications and networks is an introductory study on fundamental concepts of computer networks and data communication including, a survey of major protocols, standards, and architectures. Students learn to read and analyze network traces to monitor communications, diagnose issues, and evaluate protocols.
Continuing Education Paths for Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a network security bachelor’s degree is to acquire additional certifications to prove expertise. There are hundreds of professional certification courses and network security bootcamps that you can enroll in to obtain the necessary certifications.
In addition to a certification, you can also pursue a postgraduate or master’s degree in network security or other related fields. As you progress in your career, you will find it necessary to obtain an advanced degree in network security if you want to get senior cyber security jobs.
Once you have a master’s degree, you may pursue a doctoral degree in network security or a related field so you can apply for the highest positions within the industry you work in. Having such a high degree of specialization will take a number of years to complete, but will ensure you can apply for the highest-level cyber security and network jobs.
Related Network Security Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best network security bachelor’s degree include accreditation, cost, and industry experience. These considerations should influence your research for institutions that offer a network security program. They will aid you in choosing a bachelor’s degree that will provide an optimal educational experience.
Industry Experience
Many network security programs tend to follow a curriculum that only teaches the theoretical aspects of cyber security. However, the list of programs that combine real-life experience with classroom learning is rapidly growing. These cooperative education programs provide industrial training through partnerships and internship opportunities and are a key item to look for in your search for a program.
Accreditation
A formal accreditation shows that a degree meets the minimum standards of quality in the industry. As a result, employers at corporate and government organizations will only hire graduates from institutions with valid accreditation. Make sure the school you choose is accredited by a higher institution, such as the Higher Learning Commission and Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cost
You should develop a budget and select a university and program based on that budget. The best network security bachelor’s degrees tend to be expensive. However, several affordable alternatives provide the same quality of education. Ask your school about financial aid or scholarships available.
School Size
You may learn best in a small group with personal tutoring and zero distractions. Or you may excel in a vibrant community with several interpersonal relationships. Depending on your preference, several network security programs will either offer the former, the latter, or a convenient blend of both.
School Reputation
Your school’s reputation is a major factor that shapes the direction of your career in cyber security. As a result, you should look for a reputable school with notable alumni. You can also use reliable tools to obtain unbiased reviews about the school. Career Karma is an excellent resource for credible school reviews.
What Is the Most Affordable Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable network security bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity degree offered by the University of Texas at San Antonio. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that this bachelor’s degree costs $9,231 per year or $36,924 for the complete four-year duration for Texas residents.
Salary and Job Outlook for Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 33% job growth for information security analysts over the next eight years, a much higher growth rate than the national average for all other fields. Strong security policies are essential in our increasingly digitized world. This means graduates can attain a high bachelor’s degree in network security salary.
The network security market is full of opportunities for graduates that possess the technical expertise and soft skills needed by employers and the stakeholders of the digital economy. Continue reading for an overview of some of the best network security bachelor’s degree jobs available.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a network security bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree will mold you into a well-rounded professional equipped with employable skills. It also provides internship and career opportunities through partnership programs between your school and corporate organizations.
What’s the Average Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average network security bachelor’s degree base salary is $71,000 per year, according to Payscale. The actual amount you earn can be much higher depending on the job specification and location. Furthermore, you can increase your median bachelor’s degree in network security salary by acquiring professional certification or a higher degree in a related field.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Network Security Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a network security bachelor’s degree include network engineer, ethical hacker, information security analyst, and network operations manager roles. These jobs are available in several industries and economic sectors, such as data science, healthcare, currency exchange, and education.
The highest paying network security jobs for bachelor’s degree holders offer six-figure average salaries. These jobs can be difficult to achieve without additional qualifications and certifications, but if you excel during your studies and build a top portfolio, you can earn big money as an information security analyst.
Network Security Degree Jobs
- Network Engineer
- Network Security Analyst
- Information Technology Auditor
- Ethical Hacker
- Network Operations Manager
Potential Careers With a Network Security Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security?
You can make between $75,000 and $103,000 per year with a bachelor’s degree in network security. The exact amount you make depends on the job title, your level of expertise, and your employer. Many network security experts also prefer to work as consultants with numerous clients, and as a result, they have multiple sources of income.
The cyber security field has some of the most lucrative jobs available to graduates. Some of the highest-paying jobs that people with a network security bachelor’s degree have are listed below.
Highest-Paying Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Information Security Engineer | $94,661 |
| Penetration Tester | $88,129 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $80,600 |
| Forensic Computer Analyst | $74,798 |
Best Jobs for Network Security Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for network security bachelor’s degree offer lucrative salary, high growth potential, and career opportunities. These jobs require a wide range of skills relevant to network security and other related fields. Below, we discuss some of the best network security jobs with a bachelor’s degree available in the field.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in network security is worth it. The lucrative salaries and work benefits make the time and money spent obtaining this degree worthwhile. A network security degree provides a wide range of skills that will open up career opportunities in many economic sectors like business, healthcare, transportation, government, and education.
On your journey to becoming a network security professional, you can use this guide to help narrow your school search. Getting a bachelor’s degree is the first step to an exciting and promising career in the field.
Additional Reading About Network Security
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Network Security Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
You can get a network security certification by passing the necessary professional certification exams. You may also have to sign a code of ethics and attend an induction ceremony. Most network security certifications also require periodic competency tests.
No, you do not always need a cyber security background to enroll in a network security program. All of the network security degree programs listed in this article provide foundational courses that will prepare you for the rest of the curriculum.
No, you do not always need coding experience to apply for a network security bachelor’s program. Most network security programs feature beginner programming courses in their curricula, so you typically won’t need prior coding knowledge.
No, it is not too late to pursue a bachelor’s degree in network security. If you did not graduate high school, many programs accept GED exam scores in place of the diploma requirement. There are numerous methods to become a network security professional, and it is never too late to enroll in a learning program.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
