Best Online Associate's Degree In Cybersecurity
Earning an online Associate’s Degree in Cybersecurity is a smart and accessible way to launch a career in one of today’s fastest-growing tech fields. In just two years or less, you’ll gain essential, hands-on knowledge in areas like network security, ethical hacking, risk management, and system administration. This foundational training prepares you for entry-level roles such as security analyst, IT support technician, or network administrator – positions that are in high demand across industries.
An associate’s degree also serves as a valuable stepping stone toward further education. Many programs are designed for easy transfer into a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information technology, helping you build on your skills and qualify for more advanced roles and higher earning potential down the line.
Beyond technical training, these programs offer opportunities to connect with instructors and peers who are already immersed in the cybersecurity world. With flexible online learning, practical coursework, and clear career pathways, an associate’s degree in cybersecurity provides the tools and momentum you need to break into this critical and growing profession.
2026 Best Online Associate's in Cybersecurity Programs
Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE - Public 2-Year - mccneb.edu
Associate - Associate in Applied Science: Cybersecurity
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Metropolitan Community College Area's online Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity delivers cutting-edge training to manage digital risks in interconnected environments. Students gain hands-on experience defending networks, implementing security policies, and protecting critical information assets. Recognized as an NSA and Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence, this hybrid program offers transfer pathways and prepares graduates for high-demand roles like security architecture. It emphasizes professional ethics and includes opportunities in the Ethical Hacking Club and national competitions. No ACT or SAT is required for this associate-level program.
- Associate in Applied Science degree
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence
- Hands-on cybersecurity training
- Transfer pathways available
- Ethical Hacking Club
- Multiple student competition opportunities
- Career paths in security architecture
- Quarterly club meetings
- Network defense strategies
- Professional ethics focus
Associate - Associate in Applied Science: Cybersecurity
Concentration: Career Certificate: Ethical Hacking - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Metropolitan Community College Area's online Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in Ethical Hacking focuses on equipping students with critical skills to defend digital landscapes. This hybrid program provides comprehensive training in network security, risk management, and information protection, featuring hands-on experiences to counter cyber threats. Designated as an NSA and DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, it includes an Ethical Hacking Club and multiple career certificates. Graduates are prepared for roles in cyber defense, with no ACT or SAT required for admission.
- Associate in Applied Science Degree
- NSA/DHS Designated Program
- Hands-on Cybersecurity Training
- Transfer Pathways Available
- Ethical Hacking Club
- Multiple Career Certificates
- Cyber Defense Specialization
Associate - Associate in Applied Science: Cybersecurity
Concentration: Career Certificate: Network Security - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Metropolitan Community College Area's online Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity, concentrating on Network Security, trains students to manage digital risks through hands-on defense of networks and implementation of security policies. This hybrid program, recognized as an NSA and DHS Center of Academic Excellence, offers transfer pathways to four-year institutions and prepares graduates for careers as security analysts and specialists. It includes opportunities in the Ethical Hacking Club and national competitions, with no ACT or SAT entrance exam needed for this associate-level degree.
- Associate in Applied Science degree
- NSA and DHS designated program
- Transfer pathways available
- Hands-on cybersecurity training
- Ethical Hacking Club opportunity
- Cybersecurity career certificates
- National cybersecurity competitions
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, CA - Public 2-Year - crc.losrios.edu
Associate - Online Cybersecurity Certificate Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Cosumnes River College's Online Cybersecurity Certificate Program offers a fully online, intensive curriculum that can be completed in under a year with no textbook costs. This program focuses on essential skills like risk assessment, threat identification, and system defense, preparing students for entry-level cybersecurity roles starting at $40,000 annually, with potential earnings up to $100,000. It features a cohort learning model with eight course modules, encourages veteran enrollment, and provides a pathway to advanced certifications. No entrance exam is required for this certificate program, making it accessible for IT professionals and career changers seeking rapid advancement in the cybersecurity field.
- 100% online instruction
- Eight total course modules
- Zero textbook cost
- Less than one year completion
- Entry-level jobs start $40k
- Cohort learning model
- First cohort begins June 2021
- Collaboration between colleges
- Veterans encouraged to enroll
- Pathway to advanced certifications
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Business in Cybersecurity
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University's fully online Associate of Applied Business in Cybersecurity provides a comprehensive two-year education focused on network security, cyber defense, and risk management. This flexible program requires 60 credit hours and emphasizes practical skills in ethical hacking, security policies, and incident management, preparing graduates for entry-level IT security positions. With affordable tuition ranging from $14,800 to $15,400 and open enrollment options, it offers an accessible pathway into the high-demand cybersecurity field without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT.
- 100% online degree
- 60 total credit hours
- Graduate in 2 years
- Tuition $14,800-$15,400
- Open enrollment options
- Entry-level cybersecurity focus
- 12 major IT requirement courses
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Covers network security
- Ethical hacking curriculum
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport, IA - Public 2-Year - eicc.edu
Associate - Networking for Systems and Security, AAS
Concentration: Networking for Systems and Security - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Iowa Community College District's online Networking for Systems and Security AAS program immerses students in network protection with hands-on training in TCP/IP fundamentals, Windows systems, and Python programming. This hybrid format blends online coursework with practical labs, focusing on earning industry certifications for roles in banking, healthcare, and government sectors. No entrance exams are required, and students can pursue multiple cybersecurity tracks, including certificates, to build technical skills for safeguarding digital infrastructure.
- Multiple cybersecurity tracks available
- Industry-recognized certifications
- Earn credits during high school
- Prepare for cybersecurity careers
- Technical skills in network protection
- AAS and Certificate options
- Learn Python programming
- TCP/IP networking fundamentals
- Windows systems training
- Hands-on security training
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA - Public 2-Year - moorparkcollege.edu
Associate - Associate in Science: Cybersecurity
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Moorpark College's Associate in Science: Cybersecurity program, delivered in a hybrid format, provides comprehensive training in network protection, penetration testing, digital forensics, and security planning. Recognized by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense, this program equips students with hands-on skills in Windows and Linux systems, intruder detection, web protocols, and cloud security. It prepares graduates for roles as security analysts and offers preparation for multiple industry certifications, along with internship opportunities, without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- NSA Recognized Cybersecurity Program
- Multiple Industry Certifications
- Comprehensive Network Security Training
- Online and Hybrid Course Formats
- Digital Forensics Specialization
- Cloud Security Curriculum
- Ethical Hacking Courses Available
- Internship Opportunities
- Total Major Units: 33-37
- Multiple Certification Exam Prep
Clovis Community College
Fresno, CA - Public 2-Year - cloviscollege.edu
Associate - Information Systems – Cyber Security – Certificate of Achievement
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clovis Community College's online Cybersecurity Certificate of Achievement delivers intensive technical training for immediate workforce entry. This hybrid program emphasizes network protection, penetration testing, and cyber threat mitigation, preparing students for CompTIA certifications. Hands-on learning in computer forensics and security assessments equips graduates for roles as security analysts across business, government, and education sectors. The three-semester pathway requires 10-11 units, focusing on career-ready skills without requiring entrance exams.
- Certificate of Achievement program
- CompTIA certification preparation
- Network security focus
- Three-semester pathway
- 10-11 total program units
- Computer forensics included
- Hands-on technical training
- Career-ready skills
- Multiple course options
- Workforce entry preparation
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY - Public 2-Year - bluegrass.kctcs.edu
Associate - AAS in Cybersecurity
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers an online AAS in Cybersecurity, blending virtual coursework with some in-person requirements for a hybrid learning experience. This program prepares students for the rapidly expanding cybersecurity field, with information security analyst roles projected to grow 31% by 2029. It covers essential areas like hardware, software, user, and data security, equipping graduates to design and maintain secure systems across various industries. As an associate's degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Students can also pursue multiple certificate options, enhancing their career readiness in defending against cyber threats.
- 31% Job Growth Projected
- Associates Degree Available
- Multiple Certificate Options
- Covers Hardware/Software Security
- Statewide Campus Locations
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC - Public 2-Year - forsythtech.edu
Associate - IT - Cybersecurity
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Forsyth Technical Community College offers an online Associate in Applied Science in IT - Cybersecurity, a hybrid program that blends online and in-person flexibility. This two-year curriculum, recognized by the NSA and DHS as a center of excellence, focuses on cyber defense, forensic investigation, and network security. Students develop practical skills through comprehensive technical courses, preparing for roles like Cyber Specialist or Forensic Investigator. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program, which includes day, evening, and online class options to accommodate diverse schedules and career transitions into cybersecurity.
- Associate in Applied Science
- Two-year program completion
- Day, evening, online classes
- NSA and DHS recognized
- Skills: cyber defense, forensics
- Career tracks: Cyber Specialist
- Cyber Analyst opportunities
- Forensic Investigator path
- Multiple semester curriculum
- Comprehensive technical courses
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI - Public 2-Year - nwtc.edu
Associate - Cybersecurity
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's Associate in Cybersecurity is a hybrid program blending online flexibility with campus-based learning. Students develop expertise in network security, cyber defense, and threat mitigation through hands-on training in firewall administration, system analysis, and ethical hacking. The 63-credit curriculum prepares graduates for high-demand roles, with 100% employment reported and 40% working directly in the field. Multiple delivery formats, including day, evening, and full-time options, accommodate diverse schedules. The program includes vendor certification preparation, internship opportunities, and career experience, offering a practical pathway into cybersecurity without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT.
- Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
- 63 total credit program
- Multiple delivery formats
- Online and campus options
- 100% graduate employment
- 40% employment in field
- Day, evening, full-time options
- Vendor certification preparation
- Internship potential
- Career experience included
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN - Public 4-Year - usi.edu
Associate - Cybersecurity Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Southern Indiana offers an online Cybersecurity Certificate program that requires 12 credit hours and focuses on building practical skills in network defense, security assessment, and risk management. This program prepares students for certifications like CompTIA Security+ and covers topics such as forensics and cyber assessment. It is designed for tech enthusiasts and career changers seeking to enter the rapidly growing cybersecurity field with robust job prospects. No entrance exam is required for this certificate program.
- 12 total credit hours
- Prepares for CompTIA Security+
- Multiple cybersecurity career paths
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Network defense training
- Risk management focus
- Forensics and cyber assessment
Who Should Get a Cybersecurity Associate's Degree?
High School Students
If you are the type of person wanting to get into the tech field fast, then this degree will give you the basic skills that are needed. It is ideal for recent high school graduates who are interested in pursuing a challenging career without having to commit to a four year program.
Career Changers
A cybersecurity associate’s degree is suitable for career changers – people who want to move from other sectors to cybersecurity. If you have an interest in technology and want to be in the information security field, this degree will get you started.
Network Administrators
Anyone interested in hands-on jobs like security technicians or network administrators will benefit from this degree type. An associate degree offers the practical skills that are coveted by employers. If you want to begin your journey in the field of cybersecurity and need a good foundation, this can be a great pathway.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for associate degrees in cybersecurity are fairly straightforward. Most colleges require:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED
- Minimum GPA, such as 3.0 or 3.5, may be required
- Some may require prerequisite courses such as math or computer science
- SAT or ACT scores may be required; however, more schools are now dropping this requirement
- Sometimes, a personal statement or essay that explains your interest in cybersecurity can help your application
- An interview or letters of recommendation may also be required
Finally, it is important to note that you should complete the application form and pay the required fees before the deadline. In general, the process was developed to enable you to verify that you are ready, as well as eager to begin your career in this rapidly growing field.
Online Associate's In Cybersecurity Curriculum
The common curriculum for a two-year associate’s degree in cybersecurity is intended to provide a solid theoretical and skills-based learning environment. General education and basic courses that introduce the nature of computer systems and networks are taken first. This is, in essence, the foundation upon which all other knowledge builds.
After that, you’ll move into cybersecurity fundamentals, and learn about risk management and security policies, including how to protect sensitive information. Ethical hacking and penetration testing are also usually covered, and you’ll be taught how to look for system vulnerabilities.
Labs with more hands-on perspectives are also often included, allowing you to work with security measures such as setting up firewalls. Some curricula may even include legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity.
In general, this curriculum provides comprehensive training for entry-level positions in the field.