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Cybersecurity Degree Programs
3 Online Program Options
Choose from three flexible programs to match your career goals: a Bachelor of Science Degree (40 months, 100% online), an Associate Degree (20 months, 100% online), or a Diploma (10 months, online).
Graduates will gain the skills to create and recommend proactive safeguards for computer and network systems and manage the design, coordination of efforts, implementation, and ongoing service of security devices, systems, networks, and procedures.
Whether you're looking to kickstart your career or enhance your existing IT skills, this program is your gateway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
Graduates will gain the skills to create and recommend proactive safeguards for computer and network systems and manage the design, coordination of efforts, implementation, and ongoing service of security devices, systems, networks, and procedures.
Whether you're looking to kickstart your career or enhance your existing IT skills, this program is your gateway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
Diploma Program
The Cybersecurity diploma program at Beal University is designed to equip you with the skills to create, administer, and secure various types of computers, technological devices, and networks.
Students will learn to analyze and evaluate the essential components of various types of hardware, devices, systems, and supporting hardware.
The program will also provide instruction in Information Security, Secure Wireless Networking, and Systems Analysis and Design.
The fully online Cybersecurity diploma program offers flexibility, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 10 months*, progressing through 9 courses that total 31 credits.
Students will learn to analyze and evaluate the essential components of various types of hardware, devices, systems, and supporting hardware.
The program will also provide instruction in Information Security, Secure Wireless Networking, and Systems Analysis and Design.
The fully online Cybersecurity diploma program offers flexibility, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 10 months*, progressing through 9 courses that total 31 credits.
Program Courses
During the Cybersecurity Diploma program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Network Security
- Network & Security Fundamentals
- Ethical Hacking and System Security
- Information Security
- Introduction to Programming
- Data Privacy and Security
- Secure Wireless Networks
- Introduction to Cyber Crimes and Homeland Security
- System Analysis and Design
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Explain and demonstrate knowledge of information technology infrastructure and security standards.
- Execute vulnerability identification techniques and processes that can be used to exploit and remedy internal and external security risks for individual users and/or organizations.
- Conduct risk-management activities to proactively monitor, test, analyze, and evaluate security risks.
- Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and corresponding concerns and features of securing a wireless infrastructure.
- Determine the most effective form of data protection, supporting resources, and tools when investigating a data security breach.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess and analyze the specifics of an attack or exploitation and how to execute a countermeasure to secure a network, device, and or data.
- Create a security model that accounts for strategic governance policies and processes, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements.
- Describe and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and interpret basic code.
- Develop the ability to write, run, debug, and penetration test.
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Accelerated Learning
At Beal, we offer a Modular System designed to simplify the process of earning a degree. This allows you to complete classes in half the time of a regular semester, enabling you to focus on fewer classes at once. Our full-time students can still earn the same number of college credits each year while concentrating on fewer subjects at a time.
Who’s this Diploma for?
- Those who wish to complete a short program to enter the field more quickly and take the first steps to becoming an Cybersecurity specialist.
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Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
The Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree program at Beal University is designed to equip graduates with the skills to assess the security needs of computer, data, and network systems.
Students will experience an integrated curriculum that includes hands-on assignments/activities/projects and computer-mediated discussions. The skills and concepts learned can transfer to the work environment.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll dive into key topics such as network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and more. This program is designed to prepare you for a variety of entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field, opening the door to a rewarding and in-demand career.
The fully online Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree program offers flexibility, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 20 months*, progressing through 20 courses that total 65 credits.
Upon successful completion of the program, students could seek or obtain entry-level employment in an information technology or cybersecurity-related field(s).
Students will experience an integrated curriculum that includes hands-on assignments/activities/projects and computer-mediated discussions. The skills and concepts learned can transfer to the work environment.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll dive into key topics such as network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and more. This program is designed to prepare you for a variety of entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field, opening the door to a rewarding and in-demand career.
The fully online Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree program offers flexibility, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 20 months*, progressing through 20 courses that total 65 credits.
Upon successful completion of the program, students could seek or obtain entry-level employment in an information technology or cybersecurity-related field(s).
Program Courses
During the Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Network Security
- Network & Security Fundamentals
- Ethical Hacking and System Security
- Information Security
- Introduction to Programming
- Cloud Computing with Security
- Digital Forensics
- Data Privacy and Security
- Secure Wireless Networks
- Security Countermeasures
- Advanced Network & Security Fundamentals
- Introduction to Cyber Crimes and Homeland Security
- System Analysis and Design
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the needs of an Information Technology and Security infrastructure for an organization.
- Design, draft, and implement business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response plans.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to assess threats and attack surfaces.
- Learn the basic categories of attacks and the resulting objective of threat actors.
- Review data privacy and security standards at the state, federal, and global levels.
- Demonstrate the ability to detect and remedy malicious code.
- Apply the CIA triad to complex cybersecurity issues facing organizations.
- Define and develop plans to protect U.S. Critical Infrastructure.
- Learn how to secure data on internal and external systems.
- Build a comprehensive knowledge base of legacy attacks and their outcomes.
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Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Cybersecurity program, you will be able to sit for various national certifying exams. Passing a certifying exam earns you a credential and allows you to pursue employment as a certified professional.
What is a cybersecurity professional?
Cybersecurity professionals are basically the crime fighters of the internet, catching hackers and other nefarious characters that aim to steal everything from people's private data to valuable corporate secrets that need safeguarding.
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Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Cybersecurity (B.S.)
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Program
Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in protecting information systems and data from cyber threats. They design and implement security protocols and measures to protect systems and data from cyber threats.
The fully online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree program allows students to access coursework from anywhere with an internet connection, with assignments available at any time. This makes it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 40 months*, progressing through 38 courses that total 122 credits.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may be prepared to seek higher positions in an information technology or cybersecurity-related field(s).
The fully online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree program allows students to access coursework from anywhere with an internet connection, with assignments available at any time. This makes it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Students can complete the program in as little as 40 months*, progressing through 38 courses that total 122 credits.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may be prepared to seek higher positions in an information technology or cybersecurity-related field(s).
Program Courses
During the Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Network Security
- Network & Security Fundamentals
- Ethical Hacking and System Security
- Information Security
- Cloud Computing with Security
- Data Privacy and Security
- Advanced Network & Security Fundamentals
- System Analysis and Design
- Risk Management
- Biometric Systems
- Security Technology
- Advanced Information Security Systems
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Discuss and demonstrate the technical competencies of cybersecurity, such as cybersecurity principles, network security, cryptography, and secure coding.
- Analyze and discuss the impact of technologies that may include the internet, email, instant messaging, information management systems, social media, and other digital technologies, and the impact each has on an organization and its stakeholders.
- Explain and demonstrate security needs and solutions for wired or wireless networking devices (end-user equipment).
- Describe and analyze the methods for intrusion detection and how a cybersecurity professional can establish proactive security prevention measures and systems to protect data and other forms of key information.
- Effectively communicate and collaborate on various team projects, including complex security concepts, with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrate data management and security services associated with a database management system.
- Understand the network and/or security needs of an organization and tailor solutions that fit its needs.
- Demonstrate effective data and/or network security techniques that can be used to protect and secure data and systems.
- Explain and demonstrate the ethics and professional responsibility of a cybersecurity professional.
- Detect threats and provide analysis via forensics and security analytics.
- Identify and evaluate the best possible solution, communicate with key members involved in the process, and learn how to use adaptive techniques when applying ethical and sound solutions.
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Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Career Path & Expectations
With a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Degree, you will be qualified for a career in a variety of interesting areas, including:
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Specialist
- Penetration Tester
- Security Administrator
- Security Software Developer
High Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Cybersecurity program, you will be able to sit for various national certifying exams. Passing a certifying exam earns you a credential and allows you to pursue employment as a certified professional.
Career Opportunities
Counseling Jobs & Statistics
Why consider a cybersecurity degree or diploma? It’s a critically important field that is growing quickly as the demand for cybersecurity specialists continues to rise. Here are some of the latest figures from this rewarding field.
29%
Growth Rate
Careers for information security analysts are projected to grow at a rate of 29% between 2024 and 2034.
Source
$124,910
Median Salary
The median salary is approximately $124,910 for information security analysts.
Source
59,100
New Jobs
Labor experts estimate that more than 59,100 new jobs for analysts in this field will be created between 2023 and 2033.
Source
What Makes Beal University Unique?
We have over 130 years of experience in educating career-focused professionals
Accelerated Programs
Our unique accelerated programs allow you to take 8-week classes year-round, enabling you to complete your degree faster.
Transfer Credits
We accept up to 75% of transfer credits earned at other accredited schools into our degree programs.
Flexible Schedules
To meet your lifestyle needs, we offer classes in person, online, or in a hybrid format (online/in-person), with day and evening class schedules, making it flexible for you.
Founded in 1891 as Bangor Business College, Beal University has evolved into a comprehensive institution with diverse academic offerings that serve a wide range of students in the state of Maine and beyond. From the beginning, Beal has remained focused on providing programs that give students real-world skills for careers in high-demand fields. Today, Beal offers programs from diploma to graduate-level degrees, facilitating all levels of academic pursuits.
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