An online bachelor’s degree in network security may provide students with the skills and training needed to install and monitor a company’s computer security system. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to create custom-made computer programs and scripts, defend secure networks, and communicate potential network security problems. Coursework within these programs may include numerous general education requirements alongside electives and major-specific courses, such as systems administration, computer forensics, and network engineering.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or pursue higher education and enroll in a graduate-level degree program. Bachelor’s degree graduates may find employment opportunities in several industries, such as healthcare, banking, finance, or in large multinational corporations.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 28% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s-level program in network security may include several general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may learn how to administer and troubleshoot hardware and software issues, implement network security measures, and monitor networks for security breaches. Core online network security courses may include the following:

• Network Security
• Technical Writing
• Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
• Systems Administration
• LINUX
• Computer Forensics
• Network Engineering

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s in network security programs may find careers in a variety of organizations, such as hospitals, corporations, banks, and educational facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as network and computer systems administrators are expected to increase by 28% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Network Security Analyst
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Network Architect
• Information Security Analyst

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s-level programs in network security may pursue higher education and enroll in a graduate-level degree program in network security or related field. These upper-level programs may provide students additional training on the technical aspect of network security as well as provide them with management and leadership skills to work with complex networks.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook