Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in California
Below are the top-ranked Online Cybersecurity programs in California, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
California State University San Marcos
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Key Highlights
- This Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is a degree-completion program, designed for students with existing college credits.
- Students can potentially earn Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
- The program culminates in a capstone project where students collaborate with real organizations to address cybersecurity challenges.
- Graduates will be prepared for roles as cybersecurity analysts, engineers, and managers.
- Skills gained include secure software development, AI for cybersecurity, security analysis, mitigation strategies, solution implementation, cyberdefense, vulnerability assessment, and risk management.
- California State University San Marcos is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at CSUSM equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect digital assets and infrastructure from cyberattacks. This degree-completion program is designed for students with existing college credits, offering an accelerated path to a bachelor's degree. The curriculum includes hands-on experience through a final-year capstone project, where students collaborate with real organizations to address cybersecurity challenges. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is given. Graduates will be prepared for various roles in the growing cybersecurity sector.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Secure software development, AI for cybersecurity, Security analysis, Mitigation strategies, Solution implementation, Cyberdefense, Vulnerability assessment, Risk management
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $530
Sample Courses
Secure Software Development, AI for Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Capstone
National University
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Key Highlights
- The program prepares students for careers as security analysts, network defenders, and computer incident responders.
- Students can gain skills in problem analysis, cybersecurity management, ethical decision-making, and security control implementation.
- Concentrations are available in Computer Network Defense, Digital Forensics, or Information Technology Management.
- Courses are four weeks long.
- National University has a cyber team that competes in national competitions.
- The university is accredited by The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Program Description
National University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to prepare students for careers as security analysts, network defenders, and computer incident responders. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of information technology management and security processes. The program is taught by expert faculty with real-world experience, and courses are four weeks long, allowing for quicker completion. Concentrations are available in Computer Network Defense, Digital Forensics, or Information Technology Management.
Program Features
- Accreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Concentrations: Computer Network Defense, Digital Forensics, Information Technology Management
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Problem analysis, Cybersecurity management, Ethical decision-making, Security control implementation, Written and oral communication, Windows system administration, Linux system administration, Operating systems fundamentals, Network fundamentals, Cloud computing fundamentals
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $17,544/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,544/year
Sample Courses
CYB 202 Introduction to Networking, CYB 204 Operating System Fundamentals, CYB 206 Introduction to Cybersecurity, CYB 213 Data Fundamentals for Cybersecurity, CYB 215 Fund of Virt and Cloud Comp...
UMass Global
BS in Cybersecurity
Key Highlights
- The UMass Global BS in Cybersecurity program emphasizes risk management, information security, network defense, and security policies.
- Students gain skills in digital forensics, incident response, and security threat detection and prevention.
- The program offers an emphasis area in project management.
- The curriculum includes courses such as Data Communications and Computer Networks, Data Encryptions and Information Security, and Digital Forensics and Incident Response.
- The program aligns with industry standards.
- UMass Global is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Program Description
The UMass Global Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed for adult learners and offered fully online. The curriculum focuses on risk management, information security, network defense, and security policies. It prepares students for career advancement in the cybersecurity sector, aligning with industry standards. Students have the option to specialize with individualized electives or an emphasis area in project management.
Program Features
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Concentrations: Project Management
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Risk management, Information security, Network defense, Security policies development, Digital forensics, Incident response, Security threat detection and prevention, Data encryption, Wireless and mobile security, Database management
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $500
Sample Courses
CSCU 251 Introduction to Computing Systems Organization, CSCU 270 Information System Security, CSCU 301 Introduction to Programming, CSCU 315 Organizational Information Systems, CSCU 353 Data Communications and Computer Networks...
California Baptist University
Cybersecurity, BS (Online)
Key Highlights
- California Baptist University's Cybersecurity, BS program prepares students to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.
- Students will develop skills in protecting data, developing secure software, and analyzing security laws and regulations.
- The curriculum aligns with industry standards and incorporates CompTIA certifications.
- California Baptist University is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
- CBU Online has been ranked in the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 7 consecutive years.
- Courses include Offensive Security and Computer Forensics.
- Graduates will be able to analyze security aspects of computer components.
- The program prepares professionals to address emerging 21st-century challenges in cybersecurity.
- The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program at California Baptist University is designed to equip students with the essential information technology skills needed to plan and implement security measures that protect an organization's computer networks and systems. The program prepares professionals to address emerging 21st-century challenges in cybersecurity. It provides program guidance and oversight, general cyber defense information, and collaboration/outreach opportunities among students, faculty, and other institutions.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Protecting data at rest, during processing, and in transit; developing and using secure software; analyzing security aspects of computer components; evaluating data protection and privacy; analyzing security laws and regulations; examining the global impact of cybersecurity
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $520
- Additional Cost Information:
Fees: Cost Per Unit
Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Sample Courses
CYB 420: Offensive Security, CYB 430: Computer Forensics, NAM 320: Computer and Operating System Architecture