With a recent increase in cyber security breaches, the demand for cyber crime investigators has increased. To know how to become a cyber security engineer, you must opt for the best online cyber crime bachelor’s degrees. With this online education, you can secure a spot in the prestigious cyber security field as a digital forensics and security analyst.
Online students can get lost in the maze while searching for an online bachelor’s degree in cyber crime without the right direction. This article serves as a roadmap to navigating the best online cyber crime bachelor’s degrees to guarantee access to cyber crime bachelor’s degree jobs and help you excel in your career path.
Where Can I Get a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Online?
You can obtain a cyber crime degree or a cyber security degree remotely from any higher institution that offers online programs. Some of the best schools to get a Cyber Crime bachelor’s degree online include Regent University, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Bellevue University. Keep reading to find out more about where to get a bachelor’s degree online in cyber crime.
What Schools Offer the Best Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Drexel University
- Penn State World Campus
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree typically include filling an online application, paying application fees, and providing necessary documents. These documents usually include official high school transcripts, letters of recommendation from instructors, and proof of SAT scores. Education requirements may vary according to each particular institution.
Many schools that offer an online degree program may not demand an application fee, letters of recommendation, or an official transcript. However, they may require prospective students to demonstrate familiarity and proficiency in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) field, such as a prior associate degree in computer science or relevant professional experience.
Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Online application
- A prior degree in the IT field, such as an associate degree in computer science
- Relevant professional experience
- Completion of a minimum number of advanced level technology-related courses
- Personal statement
How to Get a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get a cyber crime bachelor’s degree online by fulfilling all the graduation requirements. Students have to attend their classes, complete their credits, pass the relevant examinations, and master the necessary technical skills. Fulfilling these responsibilities makes a student eligible to graduate and obtain an online bachelor’s degree in cyber crime.
Cyber Crime Degree Requirements
- Complete 120-185 total credits
- Complete 40-45 general education credits
- Complete approximately four years of school
- Complete a capstone project
- Complete your concentration or specialization
Best Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| American Public University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Higher Learning Commission |
| Bellevue University | Bachelor of Science Cybersecurity Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Grantham University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Kennesaw State University | Bachelor of Science with an eMajor in Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. |
| Penn State University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | B.S in Cybersecurity | Southern Association of College and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Cybersecurity Degree Online Bachelor’s Program | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) | Online Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Cyber Crime: Top Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best online schools for a bachelor’s degree in cyber crime offer an up-to-date education and student services to help you succeed. To help with your school search, here is a detailed overview of the top schools for online cyber crime bachelor’s degree programs to help you fight cyber crime.
What Is an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
An online cyber crime bachelor’s degree is a virtual program that teaches students how to identify a system’s vulnerabilities, gather digital evidence, and conduct cyber fraud investigations. A cyber security degree encompasses online courses that educate students on cyber criminals and the cyber criminal justice system.
Since students can learn at their own pace, an online program usually takes longer to complete than an in-person degree. However, students may prefer this distance learning model due to the flexibility and opportunity to hone their computer proficiency skills. On average, this type of degree takes four years and requires the completion of 120-185 credits.
Online vs In-Person Cyber Crime Degrees
The significant difference between an online and in-person degree is that students who attend virtual classes obtain an online degree while in-person students attend classes physically. The choice between an online versus an in-person bachelor’s degree in cyber security depends on each individual’s preferences and professional goals.
Whether you opt for an online or in-person cyber security program, there is a unique set of advantages that each cyber security degree offers criminal justice professionals in the cyber crime field. Some of these benefits are listed below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Crime
- Flexibility: A flexible program allows students to maintain their full-time job or take care of other responsibilities while attending school. This flexible schedule is valuable as many cyber crime entry-level positions require professional experience for eligibility.
- Ability to self-pace: Online students do not need to worry about the pressures of attendance that in-person students face from physical tutors. They can take their courses at their own pace, which prevents them from getting overwhelmed and allows the information to sink in.
- Foundational experience: The cyber crime field requires prospective employees to be computer literate. Students can hone their computer proficiency skills while gaining advanced knowledge by taking a cyber crime program online.
- Reduction in tuition cost: An online cyber security bachelor’s degree is relatively cheaper. Prospective students can save costs associated with housing, books, and travel, and still acquire the requisite knowledge and degree on a budget.
- Self-discipline: Self-discipline is a valuable trait in the cyber security field. Students attending an online cyber crime degree program will have to discipline themselves to get their work done without a physical tutor or supervisor. This builds strength and independence.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree Cyber Crime
- Faster completion period. In-person degrees require more time commitment, so students can shorten the amount of time they spend in school. Unlike online students, in-person students cannot take their courses at their own pace.
- Accountability: In-person cyber crime students are held accountable by their physical tutors and supervisors. This accountability tends to make them more disciplined and eradicates procrastination and excuses.
- Increased ability to network: Physical lectures increase the chances of coursemates interacting and forming connections with each other. This interaction will be impossible with online cyber crime bachelor’s degree students since they are not physically present in the same learning environment at the same time.
- More programs and concentration: In-person classes usually have more concentrations available for their students. A cyber crime major or minor is possible with physical students since they have more time commitment. Students can acquire broader knowledge over a shorter period.
- Fewer distractions: Physical classes have fewer distractions, allowing students to increase their credit hours. When you’re studying from home, distractions there might make it difficult to focus on the task at hand. In-person students have increased concentration which makes them more receptive to direct learning experiences.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Cyber Crime?
A Bachelor of Science is the most common type of online bachelor’s degree in cyber crime that you can get, although a Bachelor of Business Administration isn’t uncommon either. Only four-year online public or private institutions can confer these degrees once you have completed the required credit hours.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Crime?
A Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Crime might be more beneficial to you if you’re interested in joining the business world. The degree encompasses knowledge of business ethics, management, and administration and the scientific approach that a bachelor of science adopts.
However, if you’re solely interested in working in an investigative and non-profit capacity, a Bachelor of Science might be better suited to you. As long as you have no interest in business practices, the pure scientific method specific to Bachelor of Science employees is sufficient to make you soar in the cyber security field.
How Much Does a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The cost of an online cybercrime bachelor’s degree varies according to the institution. The National Center for Education Statistics states that the annual tuition and required fees for all institutions’ bachelor’s degrees from 2019 to 2020 was around $16,647. The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in cyber crime may also vary according to the students’ location.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Online?
On average, it takes four years to get an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree according to the U.S News and World Report. However, you may complete this degree faster if you already have advanced placement scores or college credits from a former institution, or if you opt for an accelerated program.
Students will need to commit to about 120 credits to complete an online cybersecurity degree in four years. This type of program will take a more extended period if a student cannot take at least 15 credits per semester.
Are Online Cyber Crime Degrees Respected?
Yes, accredited online cyber crime degrees are respected. You can find respected online cyber crime bachelor’s degree in a variety of institutions across the US as this modality of study continuest to grow in popularity. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over seven million students enrolled in distance courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in 2019.
Online students can take up internships and work part-time or even full-time while attending their programs, allowing them to gain the same type of hands-on experience that in-person students have through classroom projects. A cyber crime degree requires expert technological knowledge, and learning online allows you to hone those skills in a way you cannot in person.
Is Cyber Crime Hard to Learn Online?
No, cyber crime is not hard to learn online. As long as you have the passion for the subject and self-discipline to commit to your online course schedule, you can triumph in your online cyber crime bachelor’s degree. You can also leverage the online resources and materials to make your learning process more convenient.
Cyber Crime Bootcamp vs Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
When it comes to learning a practical course such as cyber crime, bootcamps are better than online cyber crime bachelor’s degrees because they combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. It’s important to weigh the benefits of online degrees versus the benefits of a cyber crime bootcamp before deciding on your educational course.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree
- Accreditation. The prestige of obtaining a degree from an accredited institution is incomparable. Accreditation serves as proof of the legitimacy of your degree and shows employers that you have received a proper education.
- Financial aid options. Asides from the financial aid that the federal government offers to undergraduate students in accredited institutions, there are multiple aid options for students such as scholarships, loans, and grants. These can be provided by the institution, affiliates, and alumni.
- Multiple learning options. Online bachelor’s degree students enjoy a wide range of program options. Students can complete courses, electives, and capstone projects to get an overall knowledge of the subject. Bootcamps only offer a one-track course load.
- Self-paced. Online cyber crime bachelor’s degrees are flexible and allow students to learn at their own pace. Online students can complete their courses on their schedule from anywhere.
- Curriculum. The curriculum of online cyber crime bachelor’s degrees is usually broad and all-encompassing. This curriculum broadens the students’ career options after graduation instead of focusing them on one topic.
Top 5 Benefits of a Cyber Crime Bootcamp
- In-demand skills. Cyber security bootcamps are often organized in partnership with organizations and employers, meaning they have insight into the relevant skills in the industry. They can incorporate these trending skills into the curriculum to give students a relevant education.
- Real-world-based simulations. Bootcamp learnings are highly practical. Students learn with hands-on experience and can adapt quickly to the cyber security field, while online students have to rely on extracurricular activities to get hands-on training.
- Up-to-date curriculum. Many bootcamp instructors are also industry players with field experience. They make the curriculum flexible by including evolving practices and eradicating obsolete knowledge.
- Career services. Most bootcamps offer career services and job assistance programs to their students. These students can secure jobs more easily with their experience, from tailoring their resumes to fit industry standards, writing cover letters, and practicing mock interview questions.
- Accelerated track to entry-level roles. Bootcamps accelerate your chances of landing an entry-level position in your dream career. Aside from the career services and job support programs, many boot camps offer job guarantees and direct employment access to their affiliate organizations.
Why You Should Get a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree because of the numerous benefits online studies offer. The degree requirements for an online bachelor’s program are more flexible than other learning modes, and you can obtain your degree at a cheaper cost than applying for this program in-person.
Online degrees now receive the same recognition as in-person degrees. This way, you can learn at your pace, maintain your job, and even carry on with your other responsibilities while achieving the same goal as students following the traditional route.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Cyber Crime?
For an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree program, you will take courses to learn operational procedures and technology implementation. Other courses will revolve around securing and troubleshooting corporate networks while applying cyber security principles. Below are some prominent topics in an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree program.
Cloud Technologies
This course encompasses the hands-on study of fundamental cloud technologies. It teaches students how to apply the tools and techniques that professionals use in the cloud environments, such as the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. This course also covers the global infrastructure of the cloud, security, and troubleshooting.
Digital Forensics in the Criminal Justice System
Digital Forensics in Criminal Justice aims to equip students with the knowledge of the constitution and case laws used to seize digital evidence. Students learn about crime scene procedures, the appropriate forensic response strategies related to digital proof, and how to provide court testimony for cases involving digital evidence.
Ethical Hacking
This course focuses on the knowledge base that students need to discover vulnerabilities in their systems and how to recommend solutions for securing the network and protecting data from cyber criminals. Students engage with penetration-testing tools and techniques to protect the computer networks from potential attacks.
Introduction to Linux
This course gives students insight into the Linux Operating System. Students learn to configure and manage processes, file systems, user interfaces, and print facilities with this knowledge. They will also learn how to manage network connectivity, bootup/shutdown sequences, users, and groups to make a system more secure.
Network Security
Network Security is the comprehensive study of the fundamental concepts of computer security and its implementation. This course teaches students how to assess, evaluate, and mitigate risk by applying proper security safeguards to the appropriate technologies.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
There is a wide range of continuing education paths for online cyber crime bachelor’s degree graduates. Professionals who have secured employment in the online criminal justice field can still take certification exams or get a graduate degree. This graduate degree will provide the expertise that they require for career advancement.
If you want to continue your studies, Cornell University offers an online cyber security certificate that teaches technological literature and network architecture. If you’d rather receive another degree, Boston University offers a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security that expands on the skills you’ll have learned in your bachelor’s. You can even find cyber security PhD degree programs.
Related Online Cyber Crime Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best cyber crime bachelor’s degree programs are indicators that serve as proof of the quality of the instruction you will receive, as well as proof of the best career opportunities you will access after obtaining your degree. We have highlighted some of these factors below.
Accreditation
You must ascertain whether the school or cyber crime program you want to apply for is accredited nationally or by any regional body. Accreditation can boost the validity of your degree and make you a worthy option to prospective employers.
Cost
The school’s tuition rates and the program’s cost are notable factors. When applying on a budget, you will generally look for less expensive programs. You can also decide to apply for scholarships, take out loans, or seek other financial aid to cover tuition costs that exceed your budget.
Career Services
Before completing that online application, you should consider if the cyber crime program you’re applying for offers career services and job assistance. These career services could include mock interviews, resume classes, and portfolio checks. This assistance can reduce the time you’ll use to navigate job application processes on your own after graduation.
Curricular Content
The curricular content of the cyber crime program you are applying for must align with the requisite knowledge that a cyber crime professional should possess. The specialization and concentration options should not only meet the major requirements of the personnel in your prospective field, but they should reflect your personal interests as well.
Flexibility or Format
Schools have different formats for offering online cyber crime degree programs. The structure can be 100 percent online or hybrid. If flexibility is one of your major requirements in choosing a school or program, you must prioritize remote programs that won’t require your physical presence.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online cybercrime bachelor’s degree is Kennesaw University’s Bachelor of Science with an eMajor in Cybersecurity, at $199 per credit for a required 60 credits. This brings the program cost to about $11,940.
Can I Get a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a cyber crime bachelor’s degree online for free. You will have to pay the required tuition fees to be able to access any of the cybercrime education courses in the schools that offer them. However, you can enjoy some Massive Open Online Courses such as The Beginner IBM Cybersecurity Analyst course offered by Coursera.
Unfortunately, free courses might only leave you with a beginner’s knowledge and will require you to pay a sum before you can access your industry certifications. Nevertheless, you can apply for scholarships or Federal Government Financial Aid to cover your tuition cost for an online bachelor’s degree program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of information security analysts to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030. This projection assures employability and business continuity for cyber crime degree graduates in the job market. To learn about other important factors surrounding salary and job outlook, read the following sections below.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a cyber crime bachelor’s degree. These undergraduate degrees equip students with internet research skills, self-discipline, online communication, organization, and time management skills that graduates need to thrive in remote jobs.
Online cyber crime bachelor’s degree programs often go the extra mile to prepare students for a flourishing career. These degree programs offer career services such as one-on-one online career counseling, virtual career fairs, access to asynchronous webinars, and lectures. This knowledge fosters healthy competition with traditional degree graduates in the job market.
What’s the Average Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree is $73,000. This salary varies across similar cyber security job roles. For example, a systems administrator earns an average of $63,603 while a security analyst earns $70,070.
On the other hand, IT managers and cybersecurity engineers earn a massive $89,063 and $97,880 respectively. The employer and resident location of these professionals is also a factor in determining the average salary they can receive annually.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
The type of jobs you can get with an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree range from cyber security jobs to general IT roles. Specifically, you can become a cyber security analyst with this degree after obtaining a cyber crime bachelor’s degree online. Professionals with online cyber crime degrees can work in the same capacity as those with in-person degrees.
Cyber Crime Degree Jobs
- Computer system analyst
- Certified ethical hacker
- Cryptographer
- Database administrators and architect
- Information security analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Cyber Crime Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree?
A person with an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree can earn between $60,000 and $120,000 per year. Your salary can vary upwards or downwards depending on your particular role. Computer-savvy professionals enjoy these lucrative wages due to the increase in demand for IT personnel.
The salary and job outlook for employees with a bachelor’s degree in cyber crime is significantly higher than those of the general IT roles. These highest-paying jobs with online cyber crime degrees below provide more insight into the potential of online degrees in the cyber security industry.
Highest-Paying Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 |
| Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,590 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
Best Jobs for Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best online cyber crime bachelor’s degree jobs include many high-paying network security and analyst roles. Although some companies may employ candidates with the proper certification in entry-level roles, many companies will require professionals to have an online or in-person bachelor’s degree to secure these lucrative positions.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online cyber crime bachelor’s degree is worth it for anyone seeking a career in cyber security. Many professionals find the cyber security field worthy due to the relevance of the work, the challenge of solving problems, the fast-paced environment, and the various career opportunities available.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13 percent job growth for computer and information technology occupations through 2030, which is much faster than the average growth potential for all other jobs. Learning online allows you to gain all the necessary skills with more flexibility, more independence, and less cost.
Additional Reading About Cyber Crime
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Online Cyber Crime Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Cyber crime does not necessarily require coding skills, as it’s not required for many entry-level cyber security positions. However, employers consider coding an essential skill for mid-level and senior-level cyber crime roles.
Yes, cyber security jobs are perfect for remote work like many other great jobs in the tech field. These industry professions are also in high demand both on-site, as well as remotely. Professionals in this field have can opt for the traditional 9-5 path or work from the comfort of their homes and in their own time.
No, cyber security positions do not necessarily require strong math skills, although the field does involve interpreting graphs and analyzing data. Certain core courses might require knowledge of mathematics. However, this knowledge isn’t particularly advanced and mainly consists of basic programming and problem-solving skills.
No, cyber crime degrees are generally not as daunting as other technical degrees. Although some people may equate cyber security with software development, computer engineering, and other related IT courses, venturing into a highly technical path is optional.
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.
