Best Online Bachelor's in Cyber Crime for 2019
The digital transmission of information has become increasingly important to today's society. As a result, the need for well-trained IT professionals with knowledge of network and systems security has never been higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that more than 14,000 information security analysis jobs will be created between 2014 and 2024. Law enforcement agencies rely on cyber crime experts to solve cases of identity theft, fraud, and even murder. If you're ready to begin an exhilarating and lucrative career as a cyber crime professional, pursuing a cyber crimes degree is your next step. The page below contains important information about cyber crime degree curriculum, career outlooks, and potential earnings.
What are the Best Online Bachelor's in Cyber Crime Programs?
Top 25 Bachelors in Cyber Crime for 2019
Admissions Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
68%
Online Enrollment
20%
Retention Rate
84%
Default Rate
4%
Based in Philadelphia, Drexel University's student-focused approach continues to distinguish it on the national stage. Hailed for its offerings in technology-related fields, Drexel offers a number of distance learning programs, including an online degree in cyber crime. Drexel's 188-credit bachelor's in computing and security technology enables working professionals or associate holders to advance their careers and work at their own pace. The school offers concentrations in computing technology and computing security. Core requirements include systems analysis and the social aspects of information systems. Students take online courses asynchronously through Blackboard. Drexel allows students to transfer up to 113 credits in courses where they achieved a C or greater.
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What Will I Learn in an Online Cyber Crime Program?
Students pursuing a degree in cyber crime take a variety of courses that provide the practical training necessary to work in careers related to information security. While courses vary by program, the following sample courses are commonly offered by cyber crime degree programs. Students should check with their school to determine the specific curriculum offered through a program.
Introduction to Information Systems: This foundational course prepares students for careers as computer systems analysts, providing an overview of digital networks, databases, and systems integration. Students learn about privacy laws, codes of conduct for IT professionals, and the fundamentals of network security.
Digital Forensics: This course familiarizes distance learners with the processes used to retrieve and preserve evidence from data-transmitting digital devices, such as computers and phones. Students learn how to investigate cyber crimes and gain the skills necessary to work in law enforcement and private cyber investigation.
Information Security: With a focus on contemporary issues in IT security, this course prepares students to work as information security analysts and managers. Topics include threat assessment, disaster recovery, and security planning.
Network Security: Students learn how to implement firewalls and intrusion-detection systems to secure networks from cyberattacks. This course provides an overview of the common protocols and latest technologies used in network security. Being knowledgeable about network security is imperative for careers dealing with security management and network architecture.
What can I do with an Online Cyber Crime Degree?
A cyber crime degree prepares graduates for numerous careers related to IT security, ranging from computer systems analyst to electronic fraud investigator. This field connects professionals with the latest trends in security technology and network design and provides substantial opportunities for upward mobility. The following table illustrates the annual earnings for five careers commonly held by graduates with a degree in cyber crime.
An information security analyst's primary role is to protect an organization's computer systems from cyberattacks. Tasks include monitoring networks, installing and updating software, and developing security standards based on current IT security practices. Security analysts make recommendations to improve security and work closely with their organization's leaders to develop disaster recovery plans.
Median Salary: $70,155
Job Outlook and Salary
With a projected increase of 18% over the next several years, job growth for cyber crime occupations is much faster than the national average. The field of cyber security employs professionals who possess the skills needed to prevent network and systems security breaches. There is also a growing need for forensic computer analysts as law enforcement agencies continue to embrace technology to apprehend perpetrators of cyber crime and crime in general.
As career opportunities for workers with a cyber crimes degree continue to expand, robust annual earnings attract more professionals to the field. Although fluctuations in salaries occur across industries and locations, cyber crime occupations typically offer attractive annual earnings; experienced professionals can expect to earn as much as $155,000 a year.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 82,900 | 97,700 |
Salary Growth by Experience
Annual salaries for professionals with a cyber crimes degree vary depending on their employer type and work experience. According to the BLS , the top-paying industries for cyber crime experts are consulting services and systems design. While these industries offer the highest wages, cyber crime occupations in general tend to be lucrative, and entry-level positions commonly feature salaries starting above $50,000. The following table shows the significant increases in annual earnings that these professionals receive as they gain more work experience.
To determine the best online bachelor's in cyber crime programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online bachelor's in cyber crime programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.