Best Online Cybersecurity Certificate: 5 Top Picks

If you’re thinking about getting an online cybersecurity certificate, one of your first questions might be, “Can I get a cybersecurity job with a certificate?”. The answer is yes. Cybersecurity professionals protect computer networks against threats like hackers and malware. This job is important because security ethics keep computer networks safe from unauthorized access.

There’s an expected 32% increase in cybersecurity jobs from 2022 to 2032, so it’s a field with lots of options. An online cybersecurity certificate is a flexible choice, whether you want to advance your career or pivot from another field. Today, we’ll be going over six of the best online cybersecurity certificate programs that you can choose from.

Article Navigation: Types of Online Cybersecurity Certificates | Top 6 Schools for an Online Cybersecurity Certificate | Earning a Cybersecurity Certificate vs Certification | Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Certificate Programs Online | Finding an Accredited Cybersecurity Program Online | Is Getting an Online Cybersecurity Certificate Worth It? | Get Started Today!

Types of Online Cybersecurity Certificates

What can you do with a cyber security certificate? First, there are a few types of specializations within the field that you can pursue. For example, you can specialize in digital forensics, network security, ethical hacking, information assurance, or cloud security. It’s important to choose the area that aligns with your career goals. Here are the main cybersecurity areas of focus:

Digital Forensics Certificate

Digital forensics is a type of cybersecurity online certificate focused on investigating and preventing online crimes. You’ll collect evidence from various digital devices, such as computers and phones, to determine how a crime was committed, and learn how to prevent it from occurring again. Not only will you learn about computer science, but also how to use various tools for data analysis and evidence management.

Network & Computer Security Certificate

Network security is another of the cybersecurity areas of focus, centered around preventing online threats. This includes hackers, viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Pros use hardware and software solutions to ensure wireless security and prevent threats from getting in. Students learn how to create and manage firewalls, set up intrusion detection systems, and use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to protect computer systems from those threats.

In brief, firewalls control the traffic that goes in and out of computer systems. And a strong VPN makes internet connections private, by hiding a user’s online activity and IP address. This can help prevent hackers from stealing online information, especially while using public Wi-Fi.

Ethical Hacking for Cybersecurity Professionals

Online cybersecurity certificates also cover ethical hacking. In other words, learning how to break into computer systems and how to prevent other hackers from doing so. This is done through offensive security and finding vulnerabilities that hackers can use to get into operating systems.

Ethical hackers find and fix any security weaknesses in the system before they can be exploited. You’ll learn how hackers get into computer systems, the programs they use, and how they think, to better defend against any future attacks. You’ll also learn about scripting languages, operating systems, and networking.

Information Assurance Specialization

Information assurance protects important information on computer networks.This is done through the five pillars of information assurance; integrity, availability, authentication, confidentiality, and nonrepudiation. These five pillars make up the core of information assurance.

Integrity assures that information on the computer system isn’t accessible to outsiders. Availability makes sure that access control is granted only to those who are allowed to see the data. Meanwhile, authentication verifies user identity to restrict malicious access to the information. Confidentiality restricts the data so that only those who are authorized to see certain levels of information can see it. And finally, nonrepudiation allows you to track who has tried to gain access to the data on the computer system.

Cloud Security

Cloud security ensures that the entire cloud-based infrastructure of a company is safe from outside threats like hackers and malware. Meanwhile, cloud storage stores and uses files over the internet rather than just from a computer’s hard drive. By using the cloud, data is protected, even if something happens on the local server.

There are three different types of cloud environments. These are public clouds, private clouds, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds are managed by third-party companies. Private clouds, on the other hand, are only available to the company that sets them up. Private clouds are much more secure than public clouds. And finally, hybrid clouds combine the best sides of public and private clouds, so users have more control and over which to use.

Top 6 Schools for an Online Cybersecurity Certificate

Here are 6 best cybersecurity certificate online programs:

1. Fisher College

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,040

   If you’re looking for one of the best online cybersecurity certificate programs, then look no further than Fisher College. The school’s Certificate in Computer Technology / Cybersecurity is a fully online certificate that will teach you the nuances of computer technology with a focus on cybersecurity. You will learn the basics of networking, managing a service desk, and how to employ ethical hacking to find security risks.

   This program has a total of 30 credits, consisting of 18 core, and 12 concentration credits. To enroll, you’ll need to complete an online application and have a high school diploma or GED. There are a total of 5 terms for this program, each lasting 8 weeks, so it can be completed within 10 months.

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   Certificate in Computer Technology / Cybersecurity

    

2. APUS

   Accreditation: HLC
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,300

   The American Public University System (APUS) offers two of the finest cybersecurity certificates online; the Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials and the Certificate in Cybersecurity. The Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials focuses on understanding and preventing digital crimes, while the Certificate in Cybersecurity concentrates on protecting information and systems from cyberattacks.

   Both of these programs can be completed entirely online, and are made up of 18 credits, with 9 credits being transferable from previous colleges. The programs feature monthly rolling enrollment and require either a high school diploma or a GED. For both programs, there are a total of 6 courses, with each course taking around 8 to 16 weeks to complete. You can expect to finish either program in 1 to 2 years.

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   Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials
   Certificate in Cybersecurity

    

3. Bay Path University

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,150

   Bay Path University’s cybersecurity certificate online is a Certificate in Digital Forensics. Earning this certificate will teach you not only how to uncover evidence from digital devices, but also help you solve cybercrimes. This program is made up of 5 courses totaling 15 credits, and can also be completed entirely online. Each course is expected to take around six weeks to complete, and the entire program will take around nine months to finish.

   To sign up for this program, you will need a high school diploma. You must also submit official high school transcripts and complete an online application. With an expected 15% growth in computer and information technology jobs from 2021 to 2031, now is the best time to earn your technical skills in digital forensics.

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   Certificate in Digital Forensics

    

4. University of Virginia

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,784

   The University of Virginia offers a Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis. This certificate teaches students how to strengthen cybersecurity measures by analyzing threats and vulnerabilities. They also learn to implement strategies to protect computer networks against online attacks.

   This program has a total of 6 courses totalling 18 credits, and can be completed in 12 months. It also offers both online synchronous classes in the evening, and online asynchronous classes you can complete at your own pace. To enroll in this program, you will need either a high school diploma or an equivalent. You can enroll either in the fall, summer, or spring semester.

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   Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis

    

5. Southern New Hampshire University

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,940

   Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) Certificate in Cybersecurity is another one of the best cybersecurity certificate programs online. It provides students with a strong base of knowledge in the field, covering areas such as information technology, operating systems, and computer networks. This program has a total of 18 credits, made up of 6 courses.

   You can complete this certificate in as little as six months, and the credits you earn for this certificate will count toward many of SNHU’s STEM degrees. This program can be completed 100% online. After that, you can become a cybersecurity specialist, security specialist, or information security specialist. To apply, you will need a high school diploma and transcripts.

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   Certificate in Cybersecurity

    

6. Northern Kentucky University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $4,470

   Northern Kentucky University’s Certificate of Cybersecurity is a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity and cloud computing, and teaches technical skills for protecting cloud systems against digital threats. This cybersecurity graduate certificate online program has a total of 9 credits, made up of 3 core courses. You can finish this program completely online in six months.

   After earning this certificate, you will be able to get a job as an incident analyst, information security manager, or network engineer. To enroll in this program, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, as well as provide official transcripts.

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   Certificate in Cybersecurity

    

Earning an Online Cybersecurity Certificate vs Certification: Which is Best?

Are you wondering what the main differences are between certificates and certifications? Colleges or universities issue certificates upon completion of programs. Certifications, on the other hand, are earned from professional organizations, by passing an examination that showcases your cybersecurity skills. Another difference between certificates and certifications is that while certificates don’t require renewal, certifications do. You can renew your certification every 1 to 3 years by earning continuing education credits, completing a renewal application, and submitting any fees associated with it. Finally, certifications often require a certain level of work experience.

ISC2 is the world’s leading member association for cybersecurity professionals, and offers a number of certifications, such as Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP).

Certificate programs and certifications often complement each other. For instance, passing a certification exam is undoubtedly easier once you’ve earned a certificate in cybersecurity. In other words, earning a certificate in cybersecurity will give you much of the knowledge required to pass the exams. All in all, a certificate teaches specialized knowledge that will help you in your future careers, while a certification is proof that you have the knowledge. Both help you gain access to better job opportunities.

Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Certificate Programs Online

To enroll in a cybersecurity certificate program online, you will generally only need either a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a GED. You must also submit your high school transcripts and complete an online application. Otherwise, there aren’t any other admission requirements or prerequisites. In other words, you can usually enroll in it as long as you’ve completed high school.

Finding an Accredited Cybersecurity Program Online

Why is accreditation important when you’re looking to enroll in cybersecurity certificate online programs? Accreditation essentially guarantees the quality of the education. It also ensures that colleges, universities, and your future employers recognize the certificate. Another key point is that graduate or undergraduate certificate programs lacking accreditation are not eligible for financial aid.

So, it’s important to seek accredited cybersecurity certificates online before you enroll. Accreditation for colleges and universities is provided by various accrediting agencies in the USA, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Is Getting an Online Cybersecurity Certificate Worth It?

Is a cybersecurity certificate worth it? We’d say that it is most certainly worth it. With an online cybersecurity certificate, you will be able to get a job as a cybersecurity analyst, cybercrime specialist, or cybersecurity engineer.

An information security analyst, also known as a cybersecurity or cyber defense analyst, secures an organization’s computer network. As of 2022, there were 168,900 cybersecurity analyst jobs, with a median pay of $112,000 per year. The job growth from 2022 to 2032 is 32%, which is much faster than average. Information security analysts work across several industries.

As far as cybersecurity certificate jobs go, it can’t get much more exciting than becoming a cybercrime specialist. These pros collect evidence of digital crimes for the police, private companies, and consulting firms. Cybercrime specialists fall under the scope of information security analysts, with the same salary and job prospects. This job requires skillful communication, problem-solving, and basic computer programming.

Finally, cybersecurity engineers design and maintain security measures to protect a company’s computer networks from various cyber security threats. As of 2024, the current salary for a cybersecurity engineer is $134,586, with salaries ranging between $119,521 and $148,804. In similar fashion to other career paths in this field, the job growth for cybersecurity engineers is expected to be 32% from 2022 to 2032.

Get Started Today!

In conclusion, if you want to earn a cybersecurity certificate program online, you should pick a college, and enroll as soon as possible. Pursuing an online cybersecurity certificate program offers many great benefits, such as the flexibility to learn at your own pace and the convenience of getting access to coursework from anywhere you want. This makes it ideal for those who want to balance their work, studies, and other commitments. There is an increasing need for cybersecurity experts in today’s digital economy. So, if you’re still wondering if a cybersecurity certificate worth it, it is! Enroll today, and become an expert in cybersecurity.