Online Cybersecurity Programs In Tennessee
Tennessee’s cybersecurity education landscape offers a diverse range of pathways for aspiring information security professionals. From associate degrees at community colleges to specialized master’s programs and graduate certificates, Tennessee institutions provide flexible options for students at every career stage.
What sets Tennessee apart is the strong collaboration between its academic institutions, research facilities, and industry partners. Several Tennessee universities hold prestigious NSA and Department of Homeland Security designations as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Research, ensuring programs meet rigorous national standards. Whether you’re starting with an associate degree in cyber defense or pursuing an advanced master’s degree, Tennessee’s programs blend technical expertise with practical applications in areas like digital forensics, network security, and threat detection.
Online cybersecurity programs allow Tennessee residents to earn cybersecurity degrees the same way as campus-based programs (taking classes, passing exams, and meeting GPA requirements) while working from home. This flexibility enables you to launch or advance your cybersecurity career without compromising your current professional or personal commitments, preparing you for high-demand roles in a field where Tennessee alone has thousands of open positions.
2026 Best Online Cybersecurity Programs in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity provides a 30-credit curriculum that merges technical skills with business strategy, designed for working professionals. This fully online program requires no technical background or entrance exams like the GRE, offering flexible part-time study over two years at $1,000 per credit. Admission involves submitting a personal statement, resume, and transcripts, with Fall 2025 applications due by July 11th. It emphasizes accessibility and practical insights for diverse career paths in cybersecurity.
- 100% online flexible learning
- No technical background required
- Part-time completion in two years
Master's - Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity
Online Learning - Visit Website
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity equips professionals to tackle evolving cyber threats by blending technical expertise with strategic management. This entirely online program does not mandate entrance exams such as the GRE, focusing instead on practical applications in risk management and organizational security. Tailored for working adults, it addresses the global cybersecurity skills gap through a flexible format that supports career advancement without requiring a technical background.
- 100% online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity
- Addresses global cybersecurity talent shortage
- Flexible learning for working professionals
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN - Public 4-Year - mtsu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Middle Tennessee State University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management is a hybrid online program launched in 2024, covering computer architecture, networking, cryptography, and security design. It addresses workforce demands by equipping students to assess security needs and develop safeguard solutions. This bachelor's program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- High-demand field with excellent earning potential
- Comprehensive curriculum covering diverse security topics
- Prepares students for multiple cybersecurity career paths
Master's - Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Middle Tennessee State University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management is a hybrid online program that develops advanced skills in digital defense and risk management through AACSB-accredited faculty. The curriculum focuses on practical security techniques and strategic knowledge for protecting organizational infrastructure, preparing graduates for leadership roles. This program does not require an entrance exam.
- AACSB-accredited program with cybersecurity concentration
- Advanced digital defense and risk management focus
- Industry-relevant security skill development
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu
Master's - Computer Science and Quantitative Methods: Cybersecurity
Concentration: information security technical administration, information security management, secure software development - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Master's in Computer Science and Quantitative Methods: Cybersecurity offers concentrations in information security technical administration, management, or secure software development. This hybrid program blends online flexibility with on-campus resources, preparing graduates for roles like Security Architect and Penetration Tester. It requires an entrance exam such as the GRE. Small classes and experienced faculty provide practical skills in modern labs, emphasizing hands-on learning in a dynamic environment.
- Flexible online and on-campus learning options
- Multiple cybersecurity concentration areas
- Experienced faculty with real-world expertise
Graduate Certificate - Cybersecurity Executive Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Cybersecurity Executive Certificate is an online program focusing on management aspects like risk management, policy governance, and incident response. Designed for professionals, it covers organizational security design and legal compliance without requiring an entrance exam. Taught by faculty with real-world expertise, it offers flexible learning formats and has over 600 students, providing strategic insights into modern security challenges.
- Focuses on cybersecurity management
- Taught by experienced faculty
- Covers organizational security design
- Addresses policy and governance
- Explores risk management strategies
- Includes legal compliance topics
- Offers incident response training
- Department has 600+ students
- Multiple learning format options
- Faculty with real-world experience
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity Management
Concentration: Cybersecurity Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University offers an online Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity Management, designed for professionals aiming for leadership roles. This AACSB-accredited program blends business fundamentals with specialized cybersecurity management skills, focusing on risk management, security policy development, and network protection. Delivered entirely online with flexible scheduling and multiple start dates, it can be completed in as few as 12 months for a total tuition of $26,316. The program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE or GMAT, and is military-friendly, preparing graduates for high-demand positions like Cybersecurity Analyst or Director of Cybersecurity.
- AACSB-accredited MBA with cybersecurity concentration.
- Flexible online learning, complete in 12 months.
- Leadership-focused cybersecurity curriculum.
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Information Assurance
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Memphis offers an online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Information Assurance, designed for professionals seeking advanced skills in information security. This rigorous program prepares students to protect critical infrastructure through comprehensive training in cybersecurity technologies, ethics, and legal frameworks. As a National Center of Academic Excellence designated by DHS and NSA, it requires 12 credit hours with no GRE exam needed for admission. Ideal for IT professionals and those from non-computer science backgrounds, it features flexible admission with a 3.0 GPA minimum and can be completed concurrently with other graduate studies.
- National Center of Academic Excellence
- 12 semester credit hours total
- No GRE required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 6 credits core cybersecurity courses
- 6 credits elective courses
- Open to non-computer science backgrounds
- DHS and NSA designated program
- Courses meet national security standards
- Concurrent with other graduate programs
Comparing Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees in Tennessee
It is important to consider the online Cybersecurity programs in Tennessee when choosing between an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree in cybersecurity can be completed within two years. It provides basic knowledge and skills in Cybersecurity and hence is suitable for the candidates who want to join the workforce as soon as possible. They can work in positions including security analysts or IT support specialists. This degree is relatively cheaper and enables a student to get into the job market sooner and get a return on investment.
However, a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity usually needs four years to accomplish. It goes a step further to cover advanced topics including network security, ethical hacking and risk management among others. This degree prepares one for higher positions in the Cybersecurity field such as Cybersecurity manager or Systems architect. Most of the times, employers seek for candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree since it shows that the candidate has the knowledge on the various aspects of the field.
Both the degrees can be pursued online which makes it convenient for the students to attend classes. Also, most of the programs are developed in a way that will allow individuals in employment to study. If you have plans of rising through the ranks in your workplace, then it may be wise to start with a Bachelor’s degree. But if you want to start working right away, then an Associate’s degree would be a good choice. In the end, the goals that you have for your career will help you make the right decision.
Associate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 60
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Cost Per Credit In State: $226
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $776
Bachelor's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 120
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Cost Per Credit In State: $355
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $540
Comparing Graduate Degrees: Master's and Ph.D.
It is important to compare the online Cybersecurity programs in Tennessee when considering a Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree. Master’s degree in cybersecurity can be completed within one to two years. It concentrates on improving the technical knowledge and management skills of students to enable them to assume higher level cyber security positions. With a Master’s, one can be able to get jobs such as Cybersecurity Director or Consultant. This degree is more applied and oriented towards the practical needs of the employees and is designed to help the student to advance in his or her career.
On the other hand, a Doctorate degree in cybersecurity which is a Ph. D. is more time consuming and may take three to five years to complete. This path is more research oriented and is aimed at advancing the knowledge in the field. Doctoral graduates usually continue their employment in academic institutions, research organizations or high level policy making bodies. They may coordinate Cybersecurity projects or work as professors in colleges and universities.
Both the degrees also have online versions which makes it convenient for students to undergo the course while working. However, the decision between the two comes down to the goal that you have in mind. If you plan to pursue your career to the upper levels and management positions then a Master’s degree might suit you best. If you have interest in research or in teaching then a Doctorate might suit you best. In the end, it is important to think about what you want to achieve in the future before making this decision.
Master's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 30 - 36
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Cost Per Credit In State: $774
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $1,353
Doctorate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 90
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Cost Per Credit In State: $890
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $1,015
Other Degree Pathways
If you are interested in exploring other ways to get into an online Cybersecurity program in Tennessee, then there are several options available to you. Community colleges are known to offer cheap cybersecurity certificate programs that help one gain relevant skills in a short time. There are also several traditional universities that provide their courses in both traditional and modern formats including the online classes.
There are also online cybersecurity boot camps which specialize in practical skills and can help you get into the field faster. Also, there are online courses from accredited institutions such as Coursera and edX which provide courses that can be accessed at one’s own convenience. Meeting people in local tech groups will allow you to get mentorship and job placement services, thus completing your learning process.