Best Cyber Security Online Degree Programs in Georgia (2023)

Cyber Security Education in Georgia

Are you considering enrolling in a cyber security degree program in Georgia? You may enjoy studying this subject area if you like and have an aptitude for working with computers and network security. Most professionals in this career field play a big part in planning and carrying out security measures that protect computer systems. They often become information security analysts who work for various companies, organizations, and government agencies. Because cyber-attacks can occur at any time and attack methods change so regularly, those in this profession generally must adapt to fluctuating responsibilities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job availability for information security analysts is expected to increase by 31% from 2019 to 2029. This is significantly faster than the average for all occupations and will add approximately 40,900 new jobs to the market nationwide. While there are several factors expected to impact this growth, the primary cause is likely the growing frequency of cyber-attacks. This directly correlates to an increased demand for cyber security experts capable of developing innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.

Information is the fifth largest industry in Georgia. It accounts for 46.2 billion in revenue each year. From real estate and business services to education and healthcare, most of the top industries in the state rely on cyber security professionals to keep their employees and clients safe. Regardless of industry, however, companies and organizations throughout the country can fall victim to cyber-attacks, resulting in significant losses.

(Video) Best Cyber Security Degree Program (2021)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that information security analyst occupations are quite prominent in Georgia. This sector accounted for 4,850 jobs in May 2020, which is more than many other states. The annual mean wage for local professionals in this field was $103,230, which is significantly higher than the national median wage of $102,670, which is significantly more than the median reported for all occupations.

As previously mentioned, a cyber security degree can lead to a wide variety of career options. The level and amount of formal education required for each job can differ significantly, especially for highly specialized employment opportunities. Some necessitate extensive training, while others require only minimal preparation. Ensure you are familiar with the expectations for your particular career of interest prior to enrolling in a program.

Whether you are considering a cyber security, computer science, or related degree, you will find colleges and universities offering associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs. Degree titles and curriculums often vary from institution to institution, making it imperative to review program details, admissions requirements, and course selections thoroughly.

Some of the most common cyber security degree names at every level include:

  • Cyber Security
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Security
  • Information Systems Security
  • Cyber Operations
  • Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations

Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)

An associate degree in cyber security is ideal for individuals seeking entry-level employment opportunities or who plan to pursue further education in the future. It’s important to realize, however, that few employers consider candidates with less than a bachelor’s degree in a related field. It can be particularly difficult for graduates to find employment when competing against others with more education.

Most cyber security degree programs consist of approximately 60 credit hours of coursework, which full-time students can complete in as little as two years. Those enrolled generally receive a foundational introduction to computer science, as well as learn about information technology concepts. Curriculums can differ quite a lot, but some common course topics include computer forensics, cyber-crime, networking, database security, and CompTIA security.

While bachelor’s degrees often lead to more employment opportunities, associate degrees take less time to complete. Some of the career options that may be available to graduates at this level include computer support specialists, computer programmers, or database administrators. Additionally, academic credits earned at accredited colleges and universities can often be transferred to four-year institutions and applied toward bachelor degree program requirements.

Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security (BS)

Most cyber security professionals choose to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Graduates can either continue their education or find professional employment. Because programs at this level tend to explore information technology in greater depth, graduates typically enjoy more employment opportunities, job security, and pay. They are also often offered the option to specialize in related sub-fields.

Bachelor degrees usually consist of 120 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Every program is different, but most cover topics related to the networking fundamentals, the installation and configuration of windows servers, ethical hacking, and information systems.

While graduates can pursue various employment opportunities, most become cyber security analysts, information security analysts, or computer forensic analysts. Those who choose to pursue advanced degrees will need a minimum grade point average and GRE scores in order to apply to graduate programs.

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Master's Degree in Cyber Security (MS or MC)

It’s not necessary to have a master’s degree in cyber security to attain most jobs in the field. Choosing to complete this level of education can, however, be extremely beneficial. Not only will it result in more employment opportunities, but graduates are significantly more competitive in the job market, often make higher salaries, promote faster, and enjoy increased job security.

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Most cyber security master degree programs consist of 30 to 60 credit hours of coursework and can be completed by full-time students in about two years. Every curriculum is different, but coursework tends to be specialized, focusing more on topics such as penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, applied cryptography, digital forensics, and information security strategy and policy. As a result, graduates are generally better prepared for administrative positions. Other common career options include security application programmer, penetration tester, and vulnerability analyst.

Depending on your ultimate career goals, earning a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree could also prove beneficial. This is particularly true for individuals interested in opening their own cyber security businesses. Graduates tend to qualify for supervisory roles within the companies and organizations they work for. This could lead to more promotion opportunities and higher pay. Coursework tends to explore business fundamentals at a much deeper level and helps students develop a comprehensive understanding of how businesses and organizations operate.

PhD Degree in Cyber Security (PhD)

A doctoral degree in cyber security is rarely necessary, but it can be beneficial for some. These programs are generally designed to help develop research, analytical, and advocacy skills for current professionals. Graduates often enjoy some of the best employment opportunities in the field, promote faster, and earn higher salaries than their counterparts.

Cyber security programs at the doctoral level usually consist of about 60 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and take between two and three years to complete. Classes are heavily research-based, difficult, and cover advanced topics. Students often receive instruction on security testing, advanced malware analysis, theory of computation, and advanced algorithms. Most colleges and universities also offer opportunities to select a specialization or concentration such as embedded systems, cyberinfrastructure, or human-centered computing.

Earning a doctoral degree is far more involved than other degree types. In addition to completing coursework and passing all qualifying exams, students are also expected to pursue independent research and prepare a dissertation. Employment options after graduation tend to be highly technical or in education. Some potential career pathways include corporate researcher, policy advisor, and university professor.

(Video) Georgia Tech MS In Cybersecurity | ft Chaitanya Rahalkar | MS IN USA

(Video) Best CYBER SECURITY SCHOOLS IN GEORGIA New Ranking | Top Cyber Security Schools

FAQs

Is Georgia good for cyber security? ›

Georgia leads the nation in the development of cyber talent and research, with 10 colleges and universities that have earned designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in either Cyber Defense (CD) or Research (R).

Is an online cybersecurity degree worth IT? ›

Yes, getting a degree in cybersecurity is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 13% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the overall job growth.

Which degree is best for cyber security? ›

Here are the top ten best degrees for a career in cybersecurity:
  • Computer Science.
  • Computer Programming.
  • Database Management.
  • Computer Hardware Engineering.
  • Network Administration.
  • Cloud Computing.
  • Information Technology Management.
  • Information Security & Assurance.

Can I get a cyber security degree online? ›

You can Enroll for an Online Cyber Security Bachelor's Degree or an Online Cyber Security Master's Degree from ECCU to steer the world from ruthless cyber attacks.

Is Ga cyber Academy free? ›

Georgia Cyber Academy is a 100% tuition-free, online, accredited, Georgia public charter school for students in grades K-12.

Does GPA matter in cyber security? ›

An average acceptable GPA for a bachelor's in cybersecurity program is generally reported as a 3.0, but more competitive programs will require higher GPAs, while less competitive programs will require a lower GPA.

Is a 2 year degree in cyber security worth IT? ›

Yes, a cyber security associate degree is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Is a cyber security certificate enough to get a job? ›

A cybersecurity certificate prepares you for entry-level jobs in the industry. Yes, some of the higher-paying IT and information security jobs still require a degree, but the certificate provides a foot in the door. Once you're in, you'll gain real-world experience that is just as valuable to employers as any degree.

How hard is cyber security degree? ›

No, cybersecurity isn't hard. Although there may be difficult concepts, like cryptography or areas that require more technical knowledge, cybersecurity is one of the few fields in the tech world that doesn't require a strong technical background.

Does cybersecurity require a lot of math? ›

Most entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity positions like cybersecurity analyst aren't math intensive. There's a lot of graphs and data analysis, but the required math isn't particularly advanced. If you can handle basic programming and problem solving, you can thrive.

What are 3 college degrees that you may need to be a cyber security analyst? ›

Most security analysts have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, computer information systems, or a related field.

Where should I start my cyber security career? ›

If you're new to cybersecurity, you may start out in an entry-level IT role, such as a help desk technician, network administrator, or software developer. Many cybersecurity professionals enter the field as a junior information security analyst after gaining some experience in IT.

What is the best online school for cybersecurity? ›

Best Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs
SchoolLocation
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
EC-Council UniversityAlbuquerque, New Mexico
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach, Virginia
Excelsior CollegeAlbany, New York
27 more rows
8 Nov 2022

Can I study cyber security without any experience? ›

Regardless of your background and previous experience, transitioning to a job in Cybersecurity is very achievable with some foundational training. The best place to start is with a cybersecurity foundational course for beginners that covers the basics and the main areas of IT security and data protection.

Does cybersecurity require coding? ›

Do Cybersecurity Analysts Code? For most entry-level cybersecurity jobs, coding skills are not required. However, as cybersecurity professionals seek mid- or upper-level positions, coding may be necessary to advance in the field.

Is Georgia Cyber Academy legit? ›

Georgia Cyber Academy is a Cognia accredited institution with programs and curriculum energetically and visibly growing learners, teachers, leaders, and organizations.

Does Georgia Cyber Academy provide computers? ›

Georgia Cyber Academy will provide computers, printers, and internet support to families that meet certain criteria and receive approval.

Is Georgia Cyber Academy good? ›

GCA offers an amazing online learning environment that is the best in the state. There are Family Engagement Liasons who work one on one with students to ensure success! Georgia Cyber Academy is a wonderful school!

Is a Bachelor's in cyber security enough? ›

While a cyber security degree won't guarantee a job, it does position you advantageously in the marketplace. According to CareerOneStop, 77 percent of those employed in information security hold at least an associate's degree. Further, 67 percent have at least a bachelor's, and 25 percent hold a postgraduate degree.

What classes are required for cyber security? ›

In general, a cybersecurity engineer must have the following qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a similar field. Two years of work experience in cyber security-related duties such as incident detection and response, and forensics.

What prerequisites do I need for cyber security? ›

Requirements
  • A Bachelors degree in IT or computer science with minimum one to two years experience in network security.
  • Familiarity with Unix, Linux, and Windows operating system.
  • Knowledge about SaaS models and cloud computing.
  • Require certification like security+, network+, certified ethical hacker.
17 May 2020

Is IT better to get a degree or certificate in cyber security? ›

Certificates are also helpful for those with IT jobs who want to advance their career. Time: A certificate takes the least amount of time (about a year), while the degree programs take a little longer. But a degree gives you a more well-rounded education and deeper knowledge of cybersecurity.

Is IT better to get an Associates or Bachelors in cyber security? ›

While many jobs in cyber security do state that a bachelor's degree is required, your associate's degree may open the door to an entry-level position. If you have already been working in an IT department, you might speak with the security experts to see if you can work with them as you complete your courses.

Is IT hard to get cyber security jobs with no experience? ›

Although it will help, it's not required to have previous experience in the field to qualify for an entry-level junior cybersecurity position. We had students who started with no IT experience and obtained a high paying job in cybersecurity. Having a degree in cybersecurity or IT is not required as well.

How do I start a cyber security job with no experience? ›

While many entry-level security hires today do have bachelor's degrees in computer science or a related subject, some combination of self-directed learning, cybersecurity boot camps, online courses and professional certifications can provide the necessary educational and hands-on experience to help land that first job.

Can I get a cybersecurity job without college? ›

There are countless entry-level cybersecurity jobs available to those who do not have a degree. That said, it is worth noting that many require applicants to have additional training to prove that they have the skills necessary for the job at hand.

What is the hardest part of cyber security? ›

Top 10 Challenges of Cyber Security Faced in 2022
  • Ransomware attacks.
  • IoT attacks.
  • Cloud attacks.
  • Phishing attacks.
  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency attacks.
  • Software vulnerabilities.
  • Machine learning and AI attacks.
  • BYOD policies.
16 Jun 2022

How many years does it take to study cyber security? ›

How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cybersecurity? Bachelor's degrees commonly require 120-125 credits and take four years to complete. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, typically require 30-36 credits and take two years to complete.

Is cyber security harder than coding? ›

Knowledge Level: There is less programming involved in cybersecurity; however, it requires a deeper understanding of networks, operating systems, system management, and core security. Consequently, cybersecurity requires a more extensive set of qualifications than coding.

Is cyber security stressful? ›

Cybersecurity staff are feeling burnout and stressed to the extent that many are considering leaving their jobs. According to research by VMware, 47% of cybersecurity incident responders say they've experienced burnout or extreme stress over the past 12 months.

Can I study cyber security without mathematics? ›

Many careers in technical fields require the use of math. The quickly growing field of cybersecurity is no exception. Entry-level careers require at least high-school level math and algebra, and highly technical security jobs require even more advanced math.

What is the difference between cyber security and IT security? ›

If you're in information security, your main concern is protecting your company's data from unauthorized access of any sort—and if you're in cybersecurity, your main concern is protecting your company's sensitive data from unauthorized electronic access.

What is the easiest cyber security job to get? ›

Ten Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs
  • Security Analyst/Manager. ...
  • Security Specialist. ...
  • Incident Responder. ...
  • Cryptographer. ...
  • Security Architect. ...
  • Security Auditor. ...
  • Forensic Expert. ...
  • Penetration Tester.

What pays the most in cyber security? ›

The Five Highest-Paying Cyber Security Jobs in the United States
  • Ethical Hacker. Average annual wage: $119,289* ...
  • Information Security Engineer. ...
  • Security Sales Engineer. ...
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) ...
  • Network Security Architect. ...
  • Ethical Hacker. ...
  • Information Security Engineer. ...
  • Cyber Security Sales Engineer.

Which cyber security course is best for beginners? ›

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular cybersecurity courses
  • IBM Cybersecurity Analyst: IBM.
  • Introduction to Cyber Security: New York University.
  • IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity: IBM.
  • Certified in Cybersecurity: (ISC)²
  • Cybersecurity for Everyone: University of Maryland, College Park.

Which language is used in cyber security? ›

The top cybersecurity languages include Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, PHP, PowerShell, and C. Depending on your career path, you may find other languages useful as well.

What pays more programming or cybersecurity? ›

Salaries can range depending on where you live, but full-time cybersecurity jobs are on the rise everywhere. Software engineers earn slightly more than cybersecurity professionals; the BLS found the 2021 median pay to be $120,990 per year or $58.05 per hour for a freelance programmers' income.

Which is better cybersecurity or data science? ›

It totally depends on you which one you like to learn. Both are future skills and they are expected to be among the top skills that would be required in future jobs. As more information are moving in digital, people & Companies equally need Data Science to manage it and Cyber Security to make sure it is safe.

Which state is best for cyber security jobs? ›

Here are the top 7 cities for cybersecurity jobs in the United States where you'll find the most opportunities in the field.
  • Washington, D.C. ...
  • Arlington, Virginia. ...
  • New York City, New York. ...
  • Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. ...
  • Silicon Valley, California. ...
  • Chicago, Illinois. ...
  • Atlanta, Georgia. ...
  • Breaking Into The Field.
26 Aug 2022

How much do cyber security analyst make in Georgia? ›

How much does a Cyber Security Analyst make in Georgia? As of Nov 13, 2022, the average annual pay for a Cyber Security Analyst in Georgia is $73,626 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $35.40 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,415/week or $6,135/month.

What states have the most cyber security jobs? ›

Top 3 States and Metro Areas for Cybersecurity Jobs
  • Texas: 83,126 job openings. Top metro area: Dallas-Forth Worth.
  • California: 77,141 job openings. Top metro area: San Francisco.
  • Virginia: 56,416 job openings.
12 Jul 2022

Is Georgia Cyber Academy A good place to work? ›

Georgia Cyber Academy has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5, based on over 152 reviews left anonymously by employees. 58% of employees would recommend working at Georgia Cyber Academy to a friend and 55% have a positive outlook for the business.

What is the easiest job in cyber security? ›

9 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs
  • Information Security Analyst. ...
  • System Administrator. ...
  • IT Support Specialist. ...
  • Crime Investigator. ...
  • Cryptanalyst. ...
  • Junior Penetration Testers. ...
  • Source Code Auditor. ...
  • Security Auditor.
28 Feb 2022

What type of cyber security pays the most? ›

High Paying Cyber Security Engineer Jobs
  • Security Solutions Architect. Salary range: $152,000-$193,500 per year. ...
  • Senior Security Architect. ...
  • Cloud Security Architect. ...
  • Cyber Security Architect. ...
  • Network Security Architect. ...
  • Software Security Architect. ...
  • Information Security Architect. ...
  • IT Security Architect.

How do I start cyber security with no experience? ›

While many entry-level security hires today do have bachelor's degrees in computer science or a related subject, some combination of self-directed learning, cybersecurity boot camps, online courses and professional certifications can provide the necessary educational and hands-on experience to help land that first job.

What is the lowest salary for cyber security? ›

$44,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $80,000 is the 75th percentile.

Is cyber security hard? ›

Learning cybersecurity can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you're passionate about technology. Nurture a curiosity for the technologies you're working with, and you might find that challenging skills become easier.

How much can you make in cyber security for the FBI? ›

Average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) IT Security Specialist yearly pay in the United States is approximately $108,099, which is 27% above the national average.

Which company is best for cyber security jobs? ›

Top 10 Companies Hiring for Cybersecurity Jobs
  • Deloitte (Consulting) ...
  • PwC (Consulting) ...
  • EY (Consulting) ...
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (Consulting) ...
  • Jacobs (Engineering) ...
  • KPMG (Consulting) ...
  • VMware (Technology) ...
  • Accenture (Consulting)
30 Jan 2022

What certifications are in demand for cyber security? ›

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) ...
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) ...
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) ...
  • CompTIA Security+ ...
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) ...
  • GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) ...
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
19 Oct 2022

Which cybersecurity skills are in the highest demand? ›

Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills
  • Networking and System Administration. ...
  • Knowledge of Operating Systems and Virtual Machines. ...
  • Network Security Control. ...
  • Coding. ...
  • Cloud Security. ...
  • Blockchain Security. ...
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) ...
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
21 Oct 2022

How much does Georgia Cyber Academy pay? ›

Georgia Cyber Academy, Inc. pays an average salary of $77,583 and salaries range from a low of $68,185 to a high of $88,417.

What curriculum does Georgia Cyber Academy use? ›

Curriculum and Instruction. Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) is committed to providing a rigorous Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) based curriculum and a solid system of support for all students.

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