The diverse degree programs available to students looking to enter the cyber security field as a beginner can be challenging. This is because it is hard to know which cyber security degree program aligns best with their career path. If you’re looking to enter the professional world as quickly as possible, the fastest online cyber security degree might be the best choice for you.
An accelerated online cyber security degree program saves time, ensures flexibility, and allows you to get an online cyber security degree fast. In this article, we look at the fastest online cyber security degree programs and how they can benefit you.
What Is an Accelerated Cyber Security Degree?
An accelerated cyber security degree is a specialized learning program that is specifically designed to last a shorter time than a typical degree program. For example, instead of taking four years to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security, you can take three years or less in some institutions. Most accelerated programs are online.
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated degrees work by compressing a program’s curriculum into a shorter amount of time. For example, standard college programs last 16 weeks, while an accelerated program can last 10 or 12 weeks.
Types of Accelerated Cyber Security Degrees
The are different types of accelerated cyber security degree programs. Whether you are looking for an associate, undergraduate, or graduate degree program, you can find something that works for you in many colleges and universities.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
While it usually takes two years to get an associate degree, an accelerated cyber security associate degree can take about 15 to 17 months to earn, depending on the institution.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
An accelerated bachelor’s degree program for cyber security students usually takes about two years to complete. In some instances, you can attend an online program and transfer credit hours, which enables you to earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security within 18 months.
Accelerated Master’s Degrees
If you want to complete a cyber security master’s program within the shortest amount of time, then an accelerated graduate program is what you need. It will take you approximately one year in graduate school to complete your program.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
A combined bachelor’s and master’s program is specifically designed to allow students to graduate sooner. These programs are usually fast-paced and designed for high-performing students. These programs usually take four years to complete, with the first three years focused on the bachelor’s major and the final year focused on the postgraduate aspects of the program.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Cyber Security Degree?
An accelerated cyber security degree is best suited for people with family responsibilities, or demanding jobs, or those who want to change or advance their careers. This is because most accelerated programs are online, which means they allow a self-paced mode of learning and don’t depend on location.
If you paused your studies to break into the professional world, an accelerated degree program could be ideal for you. An accelerated cyber security degree program is also ideal for high-performing and highly-motivated students who don’t have a problem with reduced contact hours with instructors or peers.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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How to Get a Cyber Security Degree Fast
- Take online courses. Online courses allow you to take more classes, learn at your own pace, and save time you would normally spend commuting to and from school.
- Transfer credits. If you’ve taken courses from a recognized institution, you should check whether they are eligible for transfer. If they are, you have a new opportunity to quickly earn your cyber security degree.
- Attend a full-time program. Being a part-time student means it will take longer to complete your studies. As a full-time student, you’ll fully commit to your degree, and you can concentrate on other things later upon completion.
- Get credits outside of school. If you have professional working or learning experience after high school, you can add it to your educational credits. This can include cyber security jobs you may have done. With these credits, you can be sure to complete your degree program in cyber security as quickly as you need.
- Give it your all. One thing that can stall your process toward earning a degree is failing or having to redo one or more courses. To avoid this, ensure you take your studies seriously by doing the necessary readings, studying extensively, and giving your all to assignments and tests.
What Is the Fastest Online Cyber Security Degree?
The fastest online cyber security degree is the MBA, Cybersecurity Concentration from the University of South Florida. This program can be completed in only one year.
Fastest Online Cyber Security Degrees: The Basics
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| MBA, Cybersecurity Concentration | University of South Florida | 1 year |
| BS in Cyber Security | Lindenwood University’s School of Accelerated Degree Programs | 1 1/2 years |
| BS in Cybersecurity | Norwich University | 1 1/2 years |
| BS in Cybersecurity | Franklin University | 2 years |
| BS in Cybersecurity | Old Dominion University | 2 years |
| BS in Cyber Security | Southern New Hampshire University | 2 years |
| BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity | Liberty University | 3 1/2 years |
| BS in Cybersecurity | Grand Canyon University | 4 years |
| BS Computer Science + MS in Cybersecurity | Saint Leo University | 4 years |
| BS/MS in Cyber Security | Mercy College | 5 years |
The Fastest Online Cyber Security Degrees, Explained
Since there are many online accelerated degree programs for cyber security students, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. With that in mind, below is a detailed list of the best and fastest online cyber security degrees that outlines their cost, graduation rate, accreditation, and what skills and advantages they can give you.
Fastest Cyber Security Degree Completion Programs
The fastest cyber security degree completion programs will better suit students that have started but did not get the chance to complete a four-year undergraduate program. Getting an online cyber security degree can take much less time if you have previous learning experience and relevant skills or knowledge.
If you have an associate degree, you can transfer credits to get a Bachelor’s in Cyber Security within a year. Here are some of the fastest degree completion programs for cyber security students to explore.
- Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program | George Washington College of Professional Studies. This program provides a tech-focused curriculum in a virtual environment. It’s designed to suit students with a non-technical associate or undergraduate degrees who want to advance their cyber security knowledge.
- Accelerated Cyber and Information Security Technology Degree Completion Program | East Coast Polytechnic Institute. This fast-paced 12-month completion program is designed for students who have degrees in other fields but are looking to advance their knowledge and skills in cyber security.
- Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree | Rasmussen University. This is a specialized program that equips students with industry-focused skills and knowledge to identify, address and prevent organization-wide cyber threats and malpractices.
- Cybersecurity Program | University of Charleston. This degree completion program can be completed within 18 months if you can prove that you’ve acquired skills and knowledge through previous associate degree programs. In this program, you’ll learn how to operate, protect, investigate and manage network and systems security.
- Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | University of Saint Mary. Students with an associate degree and transferable credits can earn a BS in Cyber Security within one-and-a-half to two years through this program. Students gain technical skills and get hands-on experience through a three-credit internship program.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers respect online degrees because most programs’ curricula adequately prepare students for the modern workplace. Online schools are growing in popularity because they are as credible as on-campus programs and have flexibility and affordability advantages. The best workplaces recognize the growing credibility of online degree programs.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Cyber Security Degree?
- Computer Network Architect | $120,520
- Information Security Analyst | $102,600
- Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $80,600
- Computer Support Specialist | $57,910
Best Accelerated Cyber Security Degree Jobs
The best accelerated cyber security degree jobs do not differ from the jobs you can access if you have completed a regular degree program. You should have an idea of the cyber security career path you want to pursue as you search for the degree program that suits you.
That’s why we’ve listed the best cyber security jobs and what duties they entail. This list explores the best job opportunities for cyber security graduates, the annual wage they offer, and what their job outlook is, courtesy of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Are Online Cyber Security Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online cyber security degrees are worth it because they allow enough flexibility for students to take care of their other responsibilities. Working students, parents, or professionals seeking continued education can all benefit from an online cyber security course.
Fastest Online Cyber Security Degrees FAQ
You can get a cyber security bachelor’s degree within a year and a half and a Master’s Degree in Cyber security within one year. You should be ready for a full-time, fast-paced, and online program to complete your degree within this short time.
Some of the best-paying cyber security jobs are network security analyst, computer network architect, and network and computer systems administrator.
Yes, an online cyber security degree is marketable if you get it from an accredited online institution. This degree equips you with the skills you need to handle cyber security threats and ensure safe networks and systems. After earning your cyber security degree from a top college, you can work in private organizations or even government agencies like the National Security Agency.
An accelerated cyber security degree is the right one for you if you have a passion for cyber security and can handle the intense pressure that may come with a fast-paced program. Earning a cyber security degree through an accelerated program might be best for you if you are a parent or working student looking for online, self-paced degree programs to break into the cyber security industry.
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.
