Key Takeaways
Many of the best cybercrime programs feature internship opportunities and offer popular concentrations like defense and forensics, cybercrime law, and engineering.
A bachelor's degree in cybercrime can lead to in-demand careers in IT and security consulting that pay six-figure salaries.
Demand for cybersecurity professionals should increase dramatically in the coming years, with roles like information security analyst projected to grow much faster than average.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to increase as companies and government agencies face growing threats. According to a poll conducted by Deloitte in February 2023, almost 49% of senior executives expect an increase in the number and size of cybersecurity events targeting their company's financial and accounting data. Over 34% reported they'd already been a target in the previous 12 months.
The 2023 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study reported a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Worldwide, the deficit amounts to nearly 4 million workers. In the U.S., the workforce gap comes to nearly 483,000. The industries with the highest shortages are education, government, nonprofit, military, and aerospace.
A bachelor's degree in cybercrime can prepare you to become a part of the solution, a qualified professional who knows how to protect organizations from cybercriminals and data breaches. Some common careers in cybersecurity include information security analysts, IT security consultations, and security architects.
While many bachelor's in cybercrime programs require about four years to complete, online programs may offer accelerated options. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average net cost for undergraduate students attending a four-year public institution was $14,700 in 2020-2021. The net cost at a private nonprofit institution jumped to $28,400.
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Cybercrime Program?
A bachelor's in cybercrime meets the minimum education requirement for most jobs in information security. Most schools offer cybercrime or cybersecurity as a bachelor of science. Some colleges feature an interdisciplinary BS in cybersecurity through their computer science, law enforcement, or criminal justice departments.
Students may choose to focus on a particular concentration of cybercrime. Schools commonly feature online bachelor's in cybercrime programs with concentrations in defense and forensics, cybercrime law, or engineering. Others may offer cybercrime as a concentration of a computer science, criminal justice, or law enforcement program.
Most bachelor's programs in cybercrime require students to earn 120 credits. Traditional programs typically take four years to complete; however, many online bachelors in cybercrime offer accelerated completion times, especially for students with applicable transfer credits. Naturally, colleges commonly offer this computer-oriented program 100% online.
While individual requirements vary, most programs offer optional internships in cybercrime. Programs may include a mandatory in-person component such as a practicum, though many cybercrime degrees incorporate virtual simulations using the latest technology instead. Some online bachelors in cybercrime lead to professional certification or licensure.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Cybercrime Program?
Fundamentals of Information Security: This course examines the best practices for detecting security vulnerabilities and implementing administrative controls and countermeasures. Covered topics include intrusion detection and prevention, authentication, cryptography, and incident response and recovery.
Network Security: This course explores the vulnerabilities in the global and local networks essential to the world's economy. You learn how to defend these systems from attacks, including installing firewalls and detection systems.
Digital Forensics: This class covers the latest techniques used to supply civil or criminal court cases with evidence of tampering. You explore the best practices for capturing, analyzing, and recovering digital evidence.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: In this course, you learn to think like a cybercriminal, uncovering system vulnerabilities before they do. You also explore tools to protect systems against viruses, worms, and trojans.
Cloud and Web Security: Like other systems, cloud computing has weak points that cybercriminals target. This course introduces the basics of safeguarding cloud data and implementing procedures for cloud applications. Covered topics include risk management, risk analysis, and disaster recovery.
IT Auditing and Assurance: In this class, you gain an understanding of the IT auditing services used by large and midsize companies. You explore the integrity and security of information systems and how to harden them to protect confidentiality and mitigate losses.
Ethics and Cyber Law: This course covers the legal aspects of ensuring data integrity. Covered topics include regulations, laws, and directives that affect operational policies and best practices. Students analyze liability concerns in developing disaster recovery plans.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degree?
Career Outlook
An online bachelor's in cybercrime can lead to a variety of cybersecurity careers. Positions like information security analyst, network systems administrator, and security administrator fall under the category of computer and IT jobs. Nearly every type of organization now needs professionals with cybersecurity skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects most computer and IT jobs, including cybersecurity, to grow between 2024 and 2034. Graduates of an online bachelor's in cybercrime program can qualify for many computer and IT jobs.
Professionals such as security administrators, information security analysts, and CIOs can earn salaries above six figures for their cybersecurity expertise.
Explore the best online cybercrime programs. Learn more about cybercrime careers.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
These analysts monitor networks, watching for potential security breaches. They may check for vulnerabilities and install data encryption programs and firewalls. Should a breach occur, they perform an investigation and consider security enhancements.
Median salary: $124,910 (BLS, May 2024)
IT Security Architect
A security architect designs, builds, implements, and tests a network's security systems. They may present proposals and presentations on existing programs and needed upgrades. These professionals also conduct security breach drills.
Average salary: $147,647 (Payscale, September 2025)
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers work as ethical hackers, testing an organization's security defenses to see if they can penetrate them. These professionals may conduct security audits and help organizations implement security protocols.
Average salary: $101,082 (Payscale, September 2025)
Forensics Computer Analyst
These analysts are part of the investigation team that goes after cybercriminals. Their responsibilities include ensuring participants perform the investigation according to local and federal laws. Many forensic analysts work for the state or federal government.
Average salary: $89,085 (Payscale, September 2025)
IT Security Consultation
Security consultants analyze security systems, looking to prevent potential breaches. They also supervise implementing processes and security solutions that help protect and strengthen a company's computer or network vulnerabilities.
Average salary: $98,775 (Payscale, August 2025)
Information Assurance Engineer
An information assurance engineer oversees the storage and processing of information. They ensure its security by detecting potential data breaches and possible risks. These engineers may work as consultants or work with one company.
Average salary: $121,229 (Payscale, January 2025)
Chief Information Security Officer
One of the highest-paying roles in cybersecurity is chief information security officer. These executives usually have at least seven years of experience and oversee all security procedures, protocols, and other standards. Some organizations require applicants to possess a master's degree.
Average salary: $182,175 (Payscale, September 2025)
Continuing Education
Earning an online bachelor's in cybercrime may suit aspiring professionals seeking entry-level jobs, as the majority of cybercrime occupations require only a bachelor's degree. Online bachelor's in cybercrime graduates also qualify for common certifications such as Certified Expert in Cybercrime Investigations (CECI).
Graduates who want to move into higher-level roles or who want to begin postsecondary teaching careers may go on to pursue a master's degree in cybersecurity. After earning a bachelor's in cybercrime online, some students may enroll in an MBA program with a concentration in IT for top executive jobs.
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Cybercrime Program?
Cost
The cost of an online bachelor's in cybercrime program varies significantly based on the individual program. Most schools charge per credit. Rates start as low as $185 per credit and can be more than $850 per credit. Some colleges do not charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students when they enroll in online programs.
Program Format
Online programs can be self-paced and asynchronous or scheduled and synchronous. Schools may also offer full-time or part-time online options.
Location
While instruction occurs online, some students like being close to the school to participate in networking events or local internships.
Accreditation
Universities and colleges that are accredited by third-party agencies demonstrate that they hit certain academic standards. Accreditation affects federal financial aid and the ability to transfer credits.
Student Support
Receiving support is critical to success as an online student. Many schools offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, career services, and tutoring — including for online learners.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Cybercrime Programs
How We Rank Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Cybercrime Programs
Yes. The BLS projects 29% job growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034. In comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations is 3%. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a District of Columbia-based think tank, talent scarcity is one of the top risks when it comes to cybersecurity.