Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security

Be a Champion of Innovative Information Security

In our technology-driven society, where increasingly sophisticated cyber threats continually threaten access to sensitive digital information, cybersecurity professionals have become essential members of nearly all industries. Earn your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and become the expert organizations turn to for help protecting digital assets and network security in a variety of settings and industries. Unlike competitors, CSU Global’s cybersecurity bachelor’s doesn’t require previous technical background and you can excel in the program no matter your prior experience. Some specific job responsibilities might include the following:

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PROTECT DATA AND INFORMATION FROM CYBER THREATS.

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DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN VARIOUS SECURITY MODELS.

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EVALUATE NETWORK VULNERABILITIES.

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UNDERSTAND ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES AROUND INFORMATION SECURITY.

Save Organizations From Costly Attacks

According to Forbes.com, the current average cost incurred by a U.S. company that suffers a data breach stands at $8.19 million, but that drops to $2.6 million for organizations that have implemented fully automated cybersecurity defenses. Implementing these tactics will require a skilled cybersecurity workforce – one you can be an integral part of.

Additional Resources

Learn more about cybersecurity

Download the Program sheet

What will I learn in this degree?

CSU Global's online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity will prepare you for jobs in the growing area of security and intelligence. This specialized program provides the necessary knowledge of techniques and best practices for careers in network security, cybersecurity management, and cybersecurity operations.

Program Learning Outcomes

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

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Professional Certification Alignment

This program aligns with many of the professional certification exams employers demand, such as Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Encryption Specialist (EC-Council ECES), Certified Incident Handler (EC-Council ECIH), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Project+, and other relevant Certifications. Students will gain competence in the areas associated with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC-CISSP) exam.

Courses in this Degree

This bachelor's degree contains a total of 120 credits broken down into the following categories:

General Education Courses (31 Credits)

CSU Global’s General Education Courses are more than a bachelor’s degree requirement. They are designed to help you develop and strengthen valuable skills demanded in the workplace.

Already taken some courses? Up to 90 total credits (and 64 from community colleges) can be transferred into a bachelor’s degree at CSU Global. Request a Transcript Evaluation Summary to see how close you already are to graduation!

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Core Degree Courses (48 Credits)

MTH350 Discrete Mathematics
This online course provides an introduction to discrete math with a personalized learning approach designed for an Information Technology specialization. The main areas of study include combinatorics, sequences, logic and proofs, and graph theory. Assessments for this course will include discussions, mastery exercises, and critical thinking assignments with several IT-related applications. This course fulfills a general education mathematics requirement. This course is also offered through SSA. Credits earned using this option will appear on transcripts with an “S” suffix.) Course not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit.
ORG300 Applying Leadership Principles
The opportunities for students, in this first course, for all majors are to learn personal and professional leadership styles and drivers by providing an overview of leadership basics. Leadership skills are utilized across fields of study. Regardless of the roles individuals assume in an organization, they will need to communicate effectively, influence others, and understand the way they respond to others and why. The course engages students in discussion, exploration, and application of leadership skills, principles, and practices. Students will learn about the relationships and connections leaders have with individuals and organizations. Topics include leadership communication, motivation, style, and characteristics. Course not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit.
ITS310 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems
This course is an in-depth study of personal computer hardware, peripherals, and interfaces. It prepares students for the Essentials portion of the CompTIA A+ certification exam. Students are prepared to diagnose, troubleshoot, and maintain personal computer systems. It also provides a detailed overview of common peripheral devices and discusses how to connect them to personal computers. A simulated lab environment is incorporated into the course.
ITS315 Introduction to Networks
This course provides an overview of computer networks including operating systems, networks, the internet and information system design, and the roles and responsibilities of technology professionals. Students are prepared for CompTIA Network+ and Testout Network Pro certification exams. Students also learn about wireless network and network security, and develop the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot common networking problem and issues.
ITS350 Information Systems and Security
Education in the need for security, planning, cryptology, and security technologies. Prepares students for CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
ITS360 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Digital Crime
This course provides students with an introduction to cybersecurity and digital crime to information technology professional interesting in information security. Students will learn about information security threats, dangers, and risks that organizations face in the workplace as well as the ability to analyze potential vulnerabilities that can have an adverse impact on digital assets. Recommended Prior Course: ITS310 or ITS315
ITS405 Intermediate Networking
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a core Windows Server 2016 infrastructure in an enterprise environment. The course covers implementation, management, maintenance, and provisioning of services and infrastructure in a Windows Server 2016 environment. This course aligns with, and prepares students to obtain, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 certification 70-740: Installation, Storage, and compute with Windows Server 2016. Recommended Prior Course: ITS315. (This course is also offered through CBE. Credits earned using this option will appear on transcripts with an “EX” suffix.) Course not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit.
ITS410 Database Management
This course teaches students to design, implement, and use database management systems. Students gain a working knowledge of available software packages, concepts of query languages, software integration services, and security considerations. Students will also learn fundamentals of structured query language (SQL) in developing common queries and reports. (This course is also offered through SSA. Credits earned using this option will appear on transcripts with an "SSA" suffix.)
ITS415 Principles of Cybersecurity
This course provides an overview of cybersecurity threats, compromises and the related protection mechanisms. Topics include security of communications, networks and infrastructures. The course also discusses best practices in security policy formulation, cyber forensics and prevention of cybercrimes. Overall, the course introduces the latest developments in the field. (This course is also offered through CBE. Credits earned using this option will appear on transcripts with an "EX" suffix.)
ITS411 Principles of Database Security
This course will provide students with an understanding of concepts and techniques that can be utilized to create secure database systems. Students will learn secure data models that can be used in database development. Students will identify appropriate access control mechanisms and trust management techniques that can be integrated into a database system.
ITS425 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
This course provides students with the experience needed to secure information systems against attacks such as viruses, worms, as well as other system weaknesses that pose a significant danger to organizational data by using ethical hacking and penetration testing to uncover common techniques used by cyber criminals to exploit system vulnerabilities.
ITS446 Securing Virtual and Cloud Systems
Students in this course are introduced to the concepts of virtualization security including the types of virtualization, the importance of securing virtualized networks and discussions of the various virtualization program offerings. Additionally, students in this course are introduced to the concepts of cloud security. Students will understand the strategy for securely implementing network policies and integrating virtual networks into the existing physical infrastructure. Students will also gain an understanding of how to analyze and implement security for public and private clouds. In this course, students will learn about implementations of effective practices for securing virtual machines without creating additional operational overhead for administrators. In addition, students will learn how to protect networks, operating systems and applications in various cloud deployments. Prerequisite: ITS443
ITS455 Digital Forensics and Investigations
This course provides students with an insight to cyber security professional intrusion detection methods, information security tools, and preventative measures to information security risks. Students will learn how to respond to cyber breaches which includes the recovery, preservation, analysis of digital crime scene evidence, and proper incident response to cyber criminals. (This course is also offered through CBE. Credits earned using this option will appear on transcripts with an "EX" suffix.)
ITS460 Information Security Legal and Ethical Issues
In this course students will examine how law, ethics, and technology intersect in organizations that rely on information technology. Students will gain an understanding and insight into issues arising from privacy, secrecy, access control, and policy enforcement, as well as other legal and ethical dilemmas prevalent in today’s organizations.
ITS462 Introduction to IT Auditing
This course introduces appropriate principles and guidelines that can be used in information security for information technology auditing. An overview of skills and techniques will be presented to evaluate potential risks in IT environments. Students will gain the ability to evaluate and quantify risks to reduce potential IT threats.
ITS481 Cybersecurity Capstone
In this course, students to apply cybersecurity principles to real world scenarios and complete a project that represents a culmination of their knowledge in Cybersecurity. Students will demonstrate the ability to review, analyze, and integrate appropriate cybersecurity concepts into a capstone project.

Degree Specialization (Optional) (15 Credits)

When you earn your bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity through CSU Global, you can choose to customize it with an undergraduate specialization in a subject that matches your professional goals or personal interests.

Most Popular Specializations:

Additional Available Specializations for this Program:

Download the Specializations Chart
View a list of all CSU Global specializations and the degree programs they can be paired with.

Elective Courses (Remaining credits to reach 120 total credits)

The remainder of your degree is comprised of courses of your choice that support your educational goals and needs. Including a specialization reduces the number of elective credits you'll need to complete your bachelor's degree.

How much will my degree cost?

Tuition Rates

Your education should increase your earning potential, not your monthly bills.

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Employer Discount

Your employer may be one of 3,000+ we partner with to offer a 10% discount on tuition.

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Financial Aid

You may be eligible to receive financial aid to help cover the cost of your education.

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REGIONALLY ACCREDITED

Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) means your degree comes from a top quality, trusted university.

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RANKED #3 BEST COLLEGES IN COLORADO

Best Value Schools ranks CSU Global third in their Best Colleges in Colorado lineup.

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TOP MILITARY-FRIENDLY ONLINE COLLEGE

Guide to Online Schools identifies CSU Global as one of the top military-friendly online institutions.

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“GOLD SCHOOL” OF DISTINCTION

In Best Colleges’ Schools of Distinction standings, CSU Global earns one of only 15 gold rankings, out of more than 2,000 online degree programs.

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“My experience with CSU Global has been amazing! After clicking ”get more information” my world was changed. The Enrollment Counselor walked me through each step to make sure I was making the right choices and decisions, then helped with financial aid options and getting me enrolled in my first courses!

I wasn’t sure I could go back to school, but with the help of everyone at CSU Global, my dreams seem attainable now. I would totally recommend this online institution to anyone needing to get their bachelors or masters!”

BRANDI CARTER

B.S. in Information Technology Student

Why You Should Earn Your Online Undergraduate Degree

At CSU Global, you get more than just a diploma. Our career-driven curricula are based on real-world concepts that help you excel in the workplace on day one. You’ll get training and experience from faculty who have worked in your chosen field. And because we know how hard it can be for modern learners to juggle education, work, and family responsibilities, we lock in your tuition rate so you can enjoy the same affordability for the duration of your enrollment.

ONLINE ACCREDITED DEGREES

NO SET TIMES OR LOCATIONS

MONTHLY CLASS START

ACCELERATED COURSES

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Learn Valuable Skills

CSU Global’s comprehensive curriculum in this lucrative field will prepare you for a career in cybersecurity, with these competencies:

Protect data and information from cyber threats.
Differentiate between various informal security models.
Evaluate network vulnerabilities.
Understand the ethical and legal issues surrounding information security.

Career Outlook

$98,350 MEDIAN SALARY

According to the BLS, the average annual salary for information security analysts in 2018 was nearly $100k.

↑ 23%

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

SECURITY ANALYST, CYBER OPERATIONS SPECIALIST, DATA PRIVACY OFFICER, DIGITAL FORENSICS ANALYST, SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR

Some job titles commonly held by those who work in cybersecurity..

112,300 JOBS

According to the BLS, the number of jobs in the field of cyber security in 2018 was more than 100k.

Finish Faster and For Less with Alternative Credit Options

Credit by Exam

You can get credit by taking exams for what you have already learned.

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Self-Study Assessments (SSA)

CSU Global will help you prepare to earn course credits for taking a proctored exam for specific content areas.

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CSU Global Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Earn credit for what you have already learned in your career or other educational experience.

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Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity

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Be a Champion of Innovative Information Security