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Bachelor of Science

Online Cybersecurity
and Information Assurance Degree

3rd Party Certifications and Recognition

OVERVIEW

Prepare to Fight Cybercrime with a Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree


 

Hackers and cybercriminals launch new, sophisticated computer viruses, malware, and scams every day that threaten the data our society relies on. WGU's online degree in cybersecurity will help you be prepared to outsmart cybercriminals and be the front line of support for governments and top organizations.  This computer systems degree program provides a solid background in IT security principles such as:

  • Secure Systems Analysis & Design
  • Data Management
  • Web and Cloud Security
  • Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
  • Digital Forensics and Incident Response

WGU’s online B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading IT employers to meet the most recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines. This program has also helped WGU receive the designation of a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense  through 2026.

The WGU cybersecurity program boasts 15 top certifications that are built into the IT degree program and do not add time or additional costs—but do add to your résumé as soon as you've earned them, even before you complete your degree!

70% of graduates finish within 

32 Months*

Students who have experience in cybersecurity, transfer credits, and time to dedicate to their schooling may be able to finish their bachelor's degree faster than a traditional bachelor's degree.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$4,265

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their business management degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Certifications in this program

15

This online cybersecurity and information assurance program includes 15 top industry certifications, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate.

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COURSES

Cybersecurity Courses

Program consists of 34 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

The bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity and information assurance was designed, and is routinely updated, with input from the cybersecurity specialists on our Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT security. Your online cyber security degree is sure to boost your résumé and prepare you for an exciting future.

Earning this degree in cyber security, designed by industry experts, adds theoretical depth to the practical IT knowledge you already have. Our Information Technology Program Council are industry experts who know exactly what it takes for a tech graduate with an online degree in cyber security to be successful in their field.

This program consists of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you typically will complete one at a time as you make your way through your degree program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Secure Systems Analysis & Design
Network and Security
IT Fundamentals
Data Management
Risk Management
Web and Cloud Security
Ethics & Cyber Law
Networks
Wireless & Mobile Technologies
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Business of IT
Operating Systems
Information Assurance
Scripting and Programming
Penetration Testing
Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
General Education
Capstone

34 Courses

Program consists of 34 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—this project consists of a technical work proposal, the proposal’s implementation, and a post-implementation report that describes the graduate’s experience. 

“If you can hold yourself accountable, then WGU is the way to go. The price is excellent, [and] the competency based approach means you feel pride in every class you pass.”

—Detron Phillips
B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Why WGU?

Earning Potential

According to a 2022 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $29,200 four years after graduation.

On Your Schedule

No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
 

Entirely Online

The cybersecurity bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

IT CERTIFICATIONS

3rd Party Cybersecurity Certifications Included


 

Industry certifications in this degree program currently include, but not limited to:  CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA Security+, (ISC)2 certs and more.

The cost of these certifications is included in your tuition, helping you save money as you enhance your skills in IT security. Earning certifications before you’ve even finished your degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé.

Axelos
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification

*Subject to vendor availability.
^ITIL® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

  • A+ 
  • Network+ 
  • Security+ 
  • Project+ 
  • CySA+
  • Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
  • Network Security Professional
  • Security Analytics Professional
  • PenTest+
  • IT Operations Specialist
  • Secure Infrastructure Specialist
Linux Professional Institute logo
  • Linux Essentials

As well as:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Optional Voucher
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) – Associate of (ISC)² designation

COST & TIME

An Affordable Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Find out if you're eligible for the $5,000 WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"Honestly, for my lifestyle and career path, WGU has been the best. I've been working in IT for over 20 years. The classes were, for the most part, directly tied to my experience, which made it easier. The certifications are great. Each instructor was helpful as needed and the resources that the program offers are very helpful.”

—Matthew
B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

CAREER OUTLOOK

An IT Degree that Leads to an In-Demand Career

So much of modern life takes place online: social interactions, work, banking, shopping, and more—which only increases the demand for experts who can protect sensitive information from cyberattacks. The knowledge, techniques, and certifications you’ll earn as you complete your cybersecurity and information assurance degree will prepare you to successfully fill the ever-growing demand for information security specialists.

Every industry and private citizens are counting on our cybersecurity and information assurance experts to detect system vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data. An online degree in cybersecurity from WGU allows you to become a key member of any security team, protecting reputable organizations and government agencies from attackers.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

35%

The number of positions for information security analysts is projected to grow by an incredible 35% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU's Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Grads are Doing Crucial White-Hat Work

Our B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers. Examples of work our cybersecurity grads are doing include:

Job Titles

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Architect
  • Penetration Tester

Diverse Industries

  • Private business
  • Government
  • Military
  • Law enforcement
  • Colleges and universities

Major Employers

  • AT&T
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Google
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Verizon

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

ADMISSIONS

Cybersecurity Admissions Requirements

To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:

  • Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.75 GPA or higher. 
  • Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associate degree (A.A, A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Option 3: Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, some of which may provide transfer credit  into various programs.
  • Option 4: Submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Option 5: Submit transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

WGU is one of the highest rated schools for cybersecurity, receiving top accreditation and awards for the program. This degree program also gives you the opportunity to earn top industry certifications as part of the degree program at no extra cost.

Absolutely. Research shows that 75 percent of cybersecurity job postings require at least a bachelor's degree, while neary a quarter require at least a master's degree. So earning a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity is critical in helping you be trained and qualified for job opportunities. Cybersecurity degree programs don't have to be expensive or time consuming, making them even more worth your time and money.

There are many kinds of degrees you can earn online including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Accounting
  • Nursing
  • Elementary education
  • Software development
  • Cloud computing
  • Healthcare management
  • Marketing
  • IT management
  • Business management

Cybersecurity degrees tend to be challenging in their computing, coding, and scripting aspects. However, if you have a mind for that kind of work, cybersecurity can be exciting and extremely rewarding. Cybersecurity tends to be less labor intensive than lab-based work, but does take time and dedication to master.

An online bachelor's degree in information systems security or cybersecurity can prepare students for career paths focused on network systems, application security, business continuity, and more. An online bachelor's degree may also be ideal for students who are also working professionals.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?