Associate degrees in cybersecurity offer job mobility and the opportunity to add specialized skills to your resume.
Of the available cybersecurity associate degrees available, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is most common for professionals seeking to augment their existing expertise with more technical training. You may also earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) on a path to obtaining a bachelor’s degree or master’s in cybersecurity and information security.
Many associate degrees are offered either fully or partially online to provide a greater level of flexibility for professionals who want to further their education in areas such as penetration testing, incident response, data monitoring and regulation, security policy and protocols, among others.
How to Earn an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
An associate degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete.
For most associate degrees, students must complete 60 credit hours of study, which may be delivered in the classroom or online.
Admissions requirements for community colleges are less stringent than those for four-year universities. You do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores to be admitted to a community college. The only necessary qualification is a high school diploma or GED.
Prerequisites for programs vary, so before you commit to a cybersecurity associate degree, review the program details.
Why Earn an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a quickly growing field, driven by the threats posed by hackers and cyber criminals.
The benefits of having an associate degree in cybersecurity are many. The degree can prepare you for an entry-level role in cyber security or provide a continuing education opportunity for professionals who already work in the field.
Employers in the cybersecurity realm are seeking candidates with educational credentials and real-world experience. Having an associate degree or higher or an associate degree in conjunction with a professional certification can give job-seekers an advantage.
The salaries for cybersecurity roles vary, but occupations across the board have strong growth potential in this rewarding industry
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salaries for information security analysts as well as software development and quality assurance analysts and testers were significantly higher than the median wage for all workers in 2020.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, new job opportunities for information security analysts are expected to grow by 33 percent over the course of the next decade — increasing from 141,200 workers in 2020 to 188,300 workers in 2030.
And with annual projected job openings of 16,300, the opportunities for cybersecurity professionals abound. These workers need a deep knowledge of computers and electronics, administration and management, telecommunications and engineering and technology.
People in these roles will perform a range of tasks, including:
- Developing computer or information security policies or procedures
- Updating knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends
- Implementing security measures for computer or information systems
- Testing computer system operations to ensure proper functioning
- Documenting operational procedures
- Troubleshooting issues with computer applications or systems
- Collaborating with others to resolve information technology issues
- Monitoring the security of digital information
- Coordinating project activities with other personnel or departments
- Training others in computer interface or software use
Source: CareerOneStop
Cybersecurity Associate Degrees
Unless states otherwise, the estimated costs listed below are for residents of the state in which the school is located. See school websites for out-of-state tuition and additional fees.
Program details reflect the language of the school website, so program length may be stated in terms of credit hours, semesters, or quarters. In general, associate degree programs comprise 60 credit hours, and full-time students complete them in two years.
Purdue University Global: Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity at Purdue University Global will come away from the program with a mix of hard and soft skills that will help them obtain an entry-level position in the field.
Courses in the cybersecurity track include Introduction to Cybersecurity, Linux System Administration, and Network Security Concepts.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: Online
- Estimated Cost: $33,390
- Program Length: Four quarters (10 weeks each)
This program differs from the average associate degree in that it’s based on a quarter system instead of a semester system and requires 90 credits, rather than the typical 60.
Southern New Hampshire University: Associate of Science in Cyber Security
The practical experience and networking opportunities students gain from the Cyber Security Associate of Science program prepares them for a career in the industry. From applying system security protocols to implementing problem solving and using industry-standard tools for scripting and risk management, the program teaches students the foundational cybersecurity skills needed to advance their careers.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.S.
- Delivery Method: Online
- Estimated Cost: $320/credit (60 total credits)
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
St. Petersburg College: Cybersecurity Associate of Science Degree
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE2Y) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, St. Petersburg College’s Cybersecurity Associate of Science program prepares graduates to address the intricate cybersecurity challenges faced by virtually every enterprise in operation today.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.S.
- Delivery Method: Online
- Estimated Cost: $111.75 per credit
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
Course options include Ethical Hacking, Forensic Computer Related Crime Investigations, Fundamentals of the Linux/Unix Operating Environment, Incident Response & Disaster Recovery.
Baltimore City Community College: Cyber Security and Assurance Degree
According to the program website, graduates of the Cyber Security and Assurance Degree are poised for entry into and success in the following roles:
- Cyber Security Technician
- Chief Security Operator
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Risk Assessment Support
- Cyber Data Security
- Cyber Security Associate
- Situation Awareness Solutions Support
Information technology and assurance professionals in these roles are responsible for protecting private data and mitigating risk caused by system and network vulnerabilities.
The college offers “free and low-cost tuition” for eligible students.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: On campus
- Estimated Cost: $110 per credit
- Program Length: Four semesters
Minnesota State College Southeast: Cyber and Information Security
Minnesota State College Southeast’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Cyber and Information Security is a 60-hour program that includes courses in criminal justice, computer crimes, networking, wireless communications, forensic investigations, and security threats.
Graduates leave the program with the skills to enter occupations such as network and computer systems administrators, computer network support specialists, infosec analysts, and database administrators.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: Online
- Estimated Cost: $11,994
- Program Length: Four semesters
According to college’s program plan, students will also learn “how to collect and maintain evidence, use interpersonal communication skills, write effectively, present and testify in court, and liaison with criminal justice agencies.”
Des Moines Area Community College: Cybersecurity
With a focus on “preserving information confidentiality and protection, risk management, data and system integrity, availability, authenticity and utility,” the Cybersecurity A.A.S. program gives students a foundation in infosec principles and practices in today’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The program also covers digital forensics, incident response, and the virtualization technology that underpins cloud computing.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: On campus (Ankeny)
- Estimated Cost: $174.00 per credit
- Program Length: Five semesters
Northern Virginia Community College: Cybersecurity
Financial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia has made it possible for Northern Virginia Community College to keep its tuition rates among the lowest in the Washington, D.C., region.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: On campus
- Estimated Cost: $180.40 per credit
- Program Length: Four semesters
In accordance with its designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, NOVA’s program curriculum has been mapped to the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) knowledge units.
SUNY Corning Community College: Cybersecurity
Graduates of the SUNY Corning Community College Cybersecurity associate degree program will be well equipped to take on the curricula of a cybersecurity-related program from a four-year university.
Protecting sensitive data and systems is the main focus of the program, and students are given the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in these fundamental skills.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.S.
- Delivery Method: On campus
- Estimated Cost: $211 per credit
- Program Length: Four semesters
Community College of Philadelphia: Cybersecurity
An Associate of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity from Community College of Philadelphia sets students on a path to any of several lucrative and satisfying cybersecurity careers.
From database administrators to information security analysts, industry professionals will enjoy the benefits of establishing a career in an occupation with a strong 10-year outlook and excellent upward mobility. According to the program website, “highly experienced [information security analysts] can earn as much as $175,877.”
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.A.S.
- Delivery Method: 50% or more online
- Estimated Cost: $193 per credit (Philadelphia residents)
- Program Length: Four semesters
Coastline College: Cybersecurity
Students seeking an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity may choose from five distinct paths.
Degree Program Paths:
- Cyber Forensic Analyst
- Cyber Incident Responder
- Penetration Testing
- Security Systems Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
It is recommended that you contact a counselor from the college to design an education plan that will put you on the appropriate path for your chosen specialization.
Quick Facts:
- Degree Type: A.S.
- Delivery Method: Online and on campus
- Estimated Cost: $46 per credit (California residents) $290 per credit (Out-of-state)
- Program Length: Four semesters
These are only a few of the many A.S. and A.A.S. Whether you’re planning to transfer your credits to a four-year degree program or to leverage an Associate of Applied Science to maximize your career potential, make sure you select a program that emphasizes the skills, tools, and specialization areas that align with your professional goals.