Online Cybersecurity Programs In Alaska
Online cybersecurity programs enable people to learn at their own pace and seek advancement within this field. To help those in Alaska find the right path, there are several institutions that provide excellent online programs that can shape a successful career in cybersecurity. Choosing the right online cybersecurity program can be challenging. Here are some key factors to help you make an informed decision:
Accreditation and Program Recognition
Make sure that the program is certified by the Computing Accreditation Commission through the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET).
Find out if the programs have received some form of industry recognition or awards.
Curriculum and Specializations
Check the list of courses to make sure that they include fundamental areas of study that include network security, ethical hacking and digital forensics among others.
Find out if the program has specializations that match your career goals.
Faculty Expertise and Qualifications
Learn about the qualifications of the faculty members in the institution.
Search for instructors who have real world knowledge in the cybersecurity discipline.
Make sure the program contains beneficial features like virtual labs, discussion forums and interactive materials.
Support Services for Students
Find out if the program offers services that include academic advising and career counseling.
It is also important to know if there are other services such as tutoring, technical support, and networking.
2026 Best Online Cybersecurity Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK - Public 4-Year - uaf.edu
Graduate Certificate - Cybersecurity Management Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides an online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management, tailored for IT professionals and career changers. This 12-credit program covers core cybersecurity courses, focusing on preventing and recovering from technological incidents with technical and ethical perspectives. It offers flexible admission based on a bachelor's degree and GPA, with no entrance exam required, and serves as continuing professional education. The curriculum addresses evolving cyber threats comprehensively, including elective options for specialized learning.
- 12 total graduate credits
- Bachelor's degree required
- Four core cybersecurity courses
- Flexible admission requirements
- Continuing professional education
- Suitable for IT professionals
- Addresses cyber threats comprehensively
- Elective course options available
- GPA-based admission criteria
- Technical and ethical perspectives
Comparing Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees in Alaska
When comparing undergraduate online cybersecurity degree programs in Alaska, there is a big difference between an online cybersecurity associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree when it comes to your future career. An associate’s degree will take about two years to complete and the program will concentrate on basic skills and knowledge. This degree is a good choice for those who want an entry-level job or would like to try out the field before enrolling in a longer degree program. Associate’s degree grads can get positions as entry level security analysts or IT support specialists.
Alternatively, an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree will usually involve four years of study and will provide the student with more in-depth knowledge of topics such as network security, ethical hacking and cybersecurity policies. This degree can create opportunities for better job positions, including cybersecurity manager or security architect and tends to fetch higher salaries. Most employers seek candidates who have at least a bachelor’s degree for most cybersecurity positions.
Both of these degree pathways can be completed online, a convenient advantage for Alaskans who may live in rural areas. Ultimately, choosing between an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will come down to your personal circumstances and career goals, with an associate’s allowing for faster entry into the workforce and a bachelor’s leading to more job opportunities.
Associate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 60 - 65
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Cost Per Credit In State: $234 - $300
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $270 - $350
Bachelor's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 120 - 124
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Cost Per Credit In State: $234 - $330
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $800 - $1,030
Comparing Graduate Degrees: Master's and Ph.D.
There are several graduate online cybersecurity degree pathways in Alaska for those who want to take their careers further. An online cybersecurity master’s degree in cybersecurity provides a thorough knowledge of the field and can be completed within one to two years. It concentrates on specific areas of computer security; for instance, digital forensics and risk management. This degree is perfect for those who wish to enhance their qualifications in the field of cybersecurity and aim at taking higher positions in their organizations.
An online cybersecurity doctorate degree (also known as a Ph.D) is the most advanced level of education in the field. It entails research and generating new knowledge in the area of cybersecurity. Doctoral programs may consist of several years of study and may include coursework, research, and a dissertation. This degree is suitable for those who want to engage in academic or research-related jobs, or those who want to be employed in top management positions in the industry.
Alaska and other national universities have online programs which offer master’s and doctorate degrees in cybersecurity. Students should consider reputation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and their own career goals when researching these programs. The choice between a cybersecurity master’s degree and a doctorate degree will depend on the student’s career objectives, their willingness to engage in research, and the need for more in-depth understanding and skills in cybersecurity.
Master's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 30 - 36
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Cost Per Credit In State: $400 - $600
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $700 - $1,000
Doctorate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 60 - 72
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Cost Per Credit In State: $400 - $600
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $600 - $1,000
Other Degree Pathways
Besides the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, there are other educational routes that one can pursue in cybersecurity. These other paths also offer various ways for students with different levels of education and different goals to pursue their cybersecurity training.
One great pathway is the online cybersecurity graduate certificate program. These programs are usually very concise and may take anywhere between a few months to a year. They are more focused on particular areas of the cybersecurity discipline or particular technical skills that fall within the cybersecurity domain, for instance, ethical hacking, digital forensics or network security. Certificate programs are suitable for individuals who have a degree in related fields but would like to acquire knowledge in cybersecurity. They help students to broaden their career horizons, giving them niche skills in cybersecurity.
Moreover, some universities offer accelerated or bridge programs for those who did not major in technology. These programs offer a clear path for those who wish to change their careers and learn what they need to know about cybersecurity. They usually involve theoretical lessons in addition to practical lessons in order to enable the students to prepare for the field.
When considering these various degree pathways, it is crucial to investigate the accreditation of the program, the relevance of the curriculum, and the recognition the industry gives to the program. Finally, the type of degree pathway that one chooses will depend on their individual situation, their previous education, their career goals, and how much time they can commit to completing their studies.