Cybersecurity, also known to us as computer security is a field that broadly envelopes tools and systems associated with monitoring, mitigating, and preventing online threats. There is an advanced use of innovative technology in a bid to combat hackers, cyber terrorists, network outages, and other lesser-addressed technical problems. There is a clear shift in the reliance on information technology at home as well as the workplace, which has led to a massive bunch of students opting for online cyber security degrees. There are many national security departments, which have grown to provide great opportunities for young individuals to serve the country as well as find a stable job. Similarly, to meet the growing demand, there are quite a few online cyber security degree programs that the students can take up. Following is a list of some of the best online cyber security degree programs.
Western Governors University
The B.S. in Information Technology-Security by Western Governors University is one of the best online cyber security degrees. This is mainly because the program is based on five areas of study, which include systems and services, networking and security, IT business, data management, and scripting and programming. The university was established back in 1995 by 19 U.S. governors in a bid to redesign an existing traditional high education system. In line with the online degree, the students must demonstrate competencies in passing certificate exams like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification and the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. To execute the successful completion of the online cyber security degree, the student must have a capstone project and must develop a portfolio. The school stands out with one of the best online cyber security degree programs as it is highly affordable. The tuition for this program is 50% lesser than most of the other online institutions.
Excelsior College
Excelsior College is home to around 39,000 students spread over various undergraduate and postgraduate programs right from healthcare and business administration to criminal justice and cybersecurity. It also provides an opportunity for adult learners, especially the ones that underrepresented in higher education. The B.S. in Cyber Security offered by Excelsior College has three different options – a general cybersecurity track, a cyber operations concentration that requires the students to acquire knowledge to solve cyber incidents, and a healthcare concentration that requires the students to obtain the specialized cybersecurity skills so that they can address the regulatory needs of the industry. In every program, the students will receive training in fields like cyber attacks and defenses, cryptography, risk management, and computer forensics. The students are also exposed to hands-on applications through simulations, exercises, and labs in cybersecurity. The perks of this university include tweaking of online teaching schedules, affordable tuition fees, and input from well-known industry leaders. Furthermore, it qualifies as one of the best online cyber security degrees as it meets the standards set by the National Security Agency.
Liberty University
Students that are planning to attend Liberty University can avail of an amazing education system and a Christian foundation. The catalog held by the university for their degree programs is extensive as it holds around 120 bachelor’s degrees and 97 master’s degrees. A large chunk of these offerings by the university is delivered 100% online. The B.S. in Information Technology–Data Networking and Security Program provides the students with expertise and knowledge that are essential for success in data security. The online cyber security degree includes topics such as cyber security, network security, and web architecture and security. Since the college has a solid Christian foundation, their courses follow a stringent biblical worldview in their teachings. This university has one of the best online cyber security degrees with its availability of hands-on experience through projects that include real-world applications in the courses taught by industry leaders. There is an online academic support set up for distant learners, including an online library, access to study aids, writing resources, and databases. Liberty University also offers low tuition rates along with flexible payment plans, scholarships, and a few other forms of financial aid.
They say it is never too late to pursue your dreams. This is especially true when it comes to career and education. Unfortunately, not all can afford to quit their jobs and go back to school. This can make it difficult to pursue higher studies or certain courses that can enhance skills. Fortunately, there are several free online learning platforms that allow anyone and everyone to be able to have access to good quality learning resources.
Here are some of the best websites for free online education that you can sign up for.
Coursera
Coursera is one of the most popular platforms for taking free online courses. It features classes, both free as well as paid, on a variety of different topics. This platform is currently being used by over 35 million learners that have access to 150 university partners, 2,700 courses, 250 specializations, and four degrees. These courses are curated in partnership with leading universities and organizations from around the world, such as Stanford and Harvard.
edX
edX is a platform that was founded by Harvard and MIT that brings together top-ranked universities. This platform was founded to help eliminate the primary barriers that prevent people from pursuing education, i.e., cost, location, and access. Along with free courses, edX also offers certain specialized courses for a specific fee. The platform can be accessed by interested educators and technologists through Open edX if they wish to assist in developing new educational tools.
Udemy
Udemy is another online learning platform that is quite similar to Coursera in terms of the format of the courses. The unique aspect of this platform is that it allows users to build their own custom courses by compiling individual lessons so that these can be taught online. There are over 100,000 courses in 50 languages on this platform that are taught by 42,000 instructors from around the world.
TED-Ed
TED-Ed is a platform made by TED to help share ideas and knowledge from teachers to students. This award-winning platform has a global network of more than 250,000 teachers that teach several free courses on a variety of categories and themes. The lessons are taught using animated videos and interactive content so as to make them more interesting for the students.
If you are planning to pursue an accounting degree, you should consider doing it online. There are more than 580 institutions in the country that offer master’s degrees in accounting, and many of them offer their courses online. Therefore, you can pursue this course without shifting to a different state, and you can also continue with your current job. Here are the top picks of online master’s degrees in accounting that you can consider if you are interested in this field.
Auburn University
The online master’s degree in accounting at Auburn University is open for you if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business, and if you meet all the prerequisites for the business and accounting department. Students who enroll in this program receive study materials, instructions, and assignments that are similar to the on-campus course. The schedule is extremely flexible and can accommodate working professionals as well. Full-time students of this course can complete it within one year. They get to select electives like real estate finance and information risk analysis, among others. This course also prepares students for the Uniform CPA Exam. This whole program is available online, including the exam. However, students have to complete a three-day on-campus residency during their final semester.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers an online Master of Accounting (MAC) degree through its Kenan-Flagler Business School. This school accepts students from all undergraduate backgrounds. However, students who have business or accounting backgrounds may get course waivers. Students who enroll in this course can choose a concentration in Tax or Audit. If you take up the full-time course, you can finish it in less than 15 months. You can start this course either in June or December. This way, even if you miss the application deadline for one semester, you do not have to wait for an entire year to enroll in the course. The MAC degree is entirely online, except for a one-week leadership immersion on campus, which is mandatory and takes place at the beginning of the course.
University of Connecticut
An online master’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut is one of the best online courses in the country. This university offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. Full-time students can complete it in two semesters. Working professionals who enroll in this degree take two courses per semester. The University of Connecticut also offers you electives like Forensic Accounting, Disclosure for Not-for-Profit Entities, and Fraud Examination among others.