Online Computer Security Degree Programs

Online computer security degree programs are designed to impart skills on how to control access to computer systems in order to protect stored data.

Computer security professionals are responsible for the security of an organization's information. As technology crimes and cyber attacks become more frequent and more sophisticated, computer security knowledge and skills are in more demand.

Hence, computer information security is a critical aspect of most organizations because insufficient data and information security can result in enormous financial loss, information privacy breaches and legal liability.

Computer Security Degrees Online Colleges

Online degree programs provide the flexibility many students need to complete their degrees and advance in the field of computer information security. Following are some online colleges, universities, and technical institutes that offer online computer security degrees, information security, cyber security and computer forensics degrees:

University of Liverpool

• Master of Science in Computer Security

Strayer University

• Bachelor Computer Security and Forensics
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Computer Security
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Security Administration

South University

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Information and System Security
• Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology - Information Security
• Masters in Cyber Crime

Utica College - online security degrees include:

• Bachelor's in Cybersecurity - Cybercrime Investigation
• Bachelor's in Cybersecurity - Information Assurance

Western Governors University

• B.S. Information Technology - Security Emphasis

DeVry University

• Bachelors in Business Administration - Security Management
• Bachelors in Computer Information Systems - Information Systems Security
• Bachelors in Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics

University of Phoenix

• BS in Information Technology - Information System Security

Kaplan University

• BS in Information Technology - Information Security and Forensics
• MS in Information Technology - Information Security and Assurance

American Sentinel University

• Bachelor of Science - Information Systems Security

Capella University

• BS - Information Assurance and Security
• MS - Information Assurance and Security
• PhD - Information Security

American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor in Computer Forensics
• Bachelors in Internet Security
• Master in Internet Security

Keller Graduate School of Management

• Graduate Certificate - Information Security

Westwood College

• Bachelor Degree in Information Technology - Systems Security

Online Computer Security Degrees and Training

Associate degree in computer and IT security - students learn to assess an organization's risk, document and implement security procedures, and check for security breaches. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions as computer or network security administrators or specialists.

Bachelor's degree in computer security - students learn the technical concepts of information systems security as well as the legal and social implications. They study methods of analyzing security and privacy issues and selecting techniques to minimize risks and respond to security breaches. Graduates may find jobs as IT managers, computer support specialists, or security systems administrators or officers.

Master's degree in information security - courses focus on topics such as enterprise security, security risk management, wireless security, and computer forensics. Graduates qualify for positions in security management or consulting.

Doctoral degree in computer information security - doctoral students advance their skills and conduct research aimed at contributing to the field of computer security. Their studies explore topics such as information confidentiality, integrity, governance, and compliance as well as risk management. Graduates are prepared for senior leadership positions, consulting work, or faculty positions in computer security. Information security online doctoral programs typically have some residency requirements.

Certification - information technology professionals who want to expand or document their skills in computer security can take certification exams from various certifying bodies. Certification demonstrates to employers that applicants possess a standard body of knowledge.

Careers and Salaries with Computer Security Degrees

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth in employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators, including computer security specialists.

The following salary ranges are as reported by Salary.com for 2008:

• Information System Security Officer: this position typically requires a bachelor's degree, certification, and experience. Officers implement security policies, secure networks, help develop security procedures, respond to incidents, and maintain security documents. Salaries range from under $47,000 to over $90,000.
• Information System Security Manager: managers supervise an organization's security programs. Depending on its size, an organization may have one or more people in this position. They develop security plans and conduct disaster recovery, risk analysis, crisis management, and security audits. Salaries range from under $72,000 to over $126,000.
• Chief Information Security Officer: this position oversees an organization's entire security infrastructure and reports to the CEO. Salaries range from under $104,000 to over $213,000.

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