You don’t need prior IT or cybersecurity experience or a background in computer science to pursue CSU Global’s B.S. in Cybersecurity. The program begins with basics like computer systems, networking, and information security, then moves on to topics like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cloud security.

You’ll build technical and analytical skills in this program. You build your technical and analytical skills with strong foundational course in discrete mathematics (MTH350) as part of your core courses for the program.

An enrollment counselor can review your background, past courses, and what you need to apply.

Yes. CSU Global’s B.S. in Cybersecurity is built for working adults and students who need to balance school with other responsibilities.

All courses are fully online and asynchronous, so you don’t have to log in at set times. Each course lasts eight weeks, and new sessions start every month.

You’ll still need to meet deadlines and complete coursework, but you can do your work whenever it fits your schedule each week.

CSU Global’s B.S. in Cybersecurity requires 120 credits, including 48 credits in major core courses, at least 31 general education credits, and elective credits.

How long it takes depends on how many credits you transfer, how many courses you take each term, and if you’ve already finished general education classes.

You can transfer up to 90 eligible credits toward your bachelor’s degree. However, you must complete at least 30 credits at CSU Global and satisfy all remaining degree requirements, including required major courses.

An enrollment counselor can help you estimate how long it will take to finish based on your past education.

Yes. CSU Global accepts eligible transfer credits from college courses, military training, professional learning, and other approved sources.

You can transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor’s degree, including up to 64 from community colleges. You may also be eligible to earn credit for professional knowledge and experience through prior learning assessment.

Transferring credits can help you finish your degree faster and lower your tuition, as long as the credits meet CSU Global’s requirements.

Learn more about transferring credits.

CSU Global charges undergraduate tuition by the credit, not by semester. The university does not charge out-of-state tuition, so you’ll pay the same rate regardless of where you live.

Your total cost depends mostly on how many credits you need to complete your degree. Transfer credits and other eligible college credits can reduce both the time and tuition needed to complete your cybersecurity degree.

CSU Global also offers:

• A Tuition Guarantee that keeps your tuition rate the same until you graduate, as long as you stay eligible.
• No mandatory student or course fees.
• Financial aid is available for eligible students.
• Discounted tuition is available for qualifying military-affiliated students and employees of partner organizations.

Check CSU Global’s current tuition information for the latest rates and details.

An online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity may be worth the investment if it helps you qualify for better-paying opportunities, build a more stable career, or find work you enjoy.

If you are just starting out, looking to grow in IT, or considering a new path because your current job isn’t interesting or secure, cybersecurity offers many promising options.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% employment growth for information security analysts from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. All major industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and government, need cybersecurity professionals.

CSU Global’s online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity helps you build technical skills, get ready for industry certifications, and find opportunities in this growing field. While no degree can promise a certain salary or job security, the knowledge and credentials you earn can help you reach your long-term career goals.

An information technology (IT) degree covers a broad range of topics, including computing systems, networking, software, and technology operations. A cybersecurity degree focuses more specifically on protecting those systems from digital threats.

CSU Global’s B.S. in Information Technology provides a broad technical foundation. The B.S. in Cybersecurity focuses on areas like network security, ethical hacking, penetration testing, digital forensics, and risk management.

At CSU Global, you can tailor your degree by choosing a 15-credit specialization. If you study IT, you can pick Cybersecurity as your focus. If you choose Cybersecurity, you can specialize in areas like Virtualization and Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Data Management and Analysis, or Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. You can find the full list of specializations for each degree in the CSU Global course catalog.

If you want to focus on protecting systems and information, cybersecurity could be the right choice for you. If you prefer a wider technical background, an IT degree might suit you better.

A cybersecurity degree and professional certifications have different purposes, and neither is always better than the other.

Industry certifications focus on specific skills relevant to specific roles in cybersecurity. A bachelor’s degree provides a broader education, including cybersecurity, analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and legal and ethical knowledge.

Some employers want candidates who have both a degree and certifications. CSU Global’s online cybersecurity degree helps you work toward both by offering a full curriculum and courses that match industry certification exams.

CSU Global’s online cybersecurity degree includes coursework designed to prepare students for industry-recognized certification exams, including:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• EC-Council Certified. The curriculum also covers knowledge areas associated with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.

For example, ITS310 introduces material associated with CompTIA A+, ITS350 prepares students for Security+, and ITS415 supports SSCP preparation.

These courses align the curriculum with the content of the respective professional certifications, helping students prepare for the respective exam. In order to obtain the professional certificate, students must follow the specific rules and guidelines, including passing the official exam held by the certificate provider.

Yes. CSU Global’s online cybersecurity degree includes simulated labs, practical coursework, and a capstone project that help you apply cybersecurity concepts and techniques.

In ITS310, you’ll use a simulated lab to explore computer systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting. ITS425 covers ethical hacking and penetration testing to find vulnerabilities, and ITS455 looks at how professionals handle security breaches and investigate digital evidence.

These experiences help you link technical concepts to the real challenges cybersecurity professionals face.

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can prepare you for jobs where you protect information, spot security threats, investigate incidents, and manage cybersecurity risks. Potential career paths include:

• Cybersecurity or information security analyst
• Network security specialist
• Security operations analyst
• Incident response analyst
• Digital forensics analyst
• Vulnerability analyst
• IT auditor
• Cloud security specialist

Cybersecurity professionals are needed across industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, government, and consulting, wherever organizations must protect sensitive information and critical systems.

Some jobs may require additional technical experience, certifications, or specialized training. CSU Global’s cybersecurity degree provides a foundation for pursuing these opportunities and developing your professional expertise over time.

Cybersecurity salaries can vary widely depending on your job duties, experience, certifications, employer, and location.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $129,180 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $75,090, while the highest 10% earned more than $199,850.

These numbers show salaries for professionals with different experience levels, not starting pay for new graduates.

CSU Global’s cybersecurity degree can help you build skills for these careers, but it doesn’t guarantee a specific job or salary.

Yes. Colorado State University Global is a public, nonprofit university within the Colorado State University System and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

When comparing online cybersecurity programs, consider accreditation, curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, industry certification preparation, tuition, and flexibility. Choosing an accredited online cybersecurity degree matters because accreditation shows a university meets established standards for educational quality and institutional effectiveness. It can also affect eligibility for federal financial aid and whether transfer credits are accepted.

Learn more about CSU Global’s accreditation.