Cybersecurity professionals have the increasingly important role today of protecting data integrity, ensuring data access to legitimate users, keeping bad actors away from the data, and recovering data in case of loss.
In Iowa, while the first generation of cybersecurity specialists received two–year associate degree training, today's employers seek candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees in the field.
In Iowa in 2023, according to Salary.com, the annual salary range for Entry Level Cybersecurity Analysts falls between $66,151 and $79,705.
The salary range for a Cybersecurity Engineer is even higher: $127,167 to $156,282 per year. In 2019, Iowa State University became the third university in the nation to offer a dedicated cybersecurity engineering major. Read on to learn about online cybersecurity degree options in Iowa.
Top Iowa Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Many of Iowa's community and technical colleges offer associate degrees and certificate programs, such as Western Iowa Tech's Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity & Digital Crime. A handful are online programs.
Although you can earn a bachelor's level degree on campus at the following Iowa universities, they are not available for online study:
On–campus universities include:
- St. Ambrose University's BA in Cybersecurity
- The University of Dubuque's BS in Computer Forensics & Security
- Iowa State University's BS in Cybersecurity Engineering
There is only one university in Iowa that offers online cybersecurity degrees at the graduate level, but it provides an excellent educational opportunity for you.
1. Iowa State University
Iowa State University in Ames, or ISU, is the most prestigious and influential academic and research institution in the state regarding cybersecurity issues.
Degree–wise, in addition to the notable on–campus BS in Cybersecurity Engineering, aspiring cybersecurity professionals have their choice of two online master's degree programs.
Options for master's degree programs:
- Online MS in Cybersecurity
- Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity
Highly qualified undergraduate cybersecurity engineering students who are interested in graduate study may apply for dual enrollment in one of the above master's programs to simultaneously pursue both the BS and MS degrees in Cybersecurity.
ISU receives an average of $500,000 annually from the National Science Foundation to fund full scholarships for its cybersecurity master's students.
ISU is the state's only National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cyber Defense Education and Research, a distinction awarded by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
It also is the central leader of the Iowa Cyber Alliance, a consortium of schools, businesses, and government bodies aiming to improve the state's cybersecurity education.
Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Available for Iowa Students
Some of the most well–known online cybersecurity programs that serve Iowa students include:
2. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State's global online campus offers an Online BS degree program in cybersecurity. You can also choose a specialization from a long list of fields, including Intelligence and homeland security, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, criminal justice management, or emergency management, to name a few.
3. The City University of Seattle
This 180–credit hybrid online BS program focuses on governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) skills. The university also offers fully online MS in Cybersecurity.
4. The University of North Dakota
This 120–credit Bachelor of Cybersecurity degree from the University of North Dakota includes 58 credits in electrical engineering, so you can be certain to obtain a strong science–based degree.
5. The University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland's online programs include bachelor's degrees in computer networks and cybersecurity, management and policy, and software development and security.
This university's virtual cybersecurity lab provides students with hands–on experience and prepares them for industry certification exams like CCNA, A+, Network+, Security+, and CISSP.
6. The University of Kansas
This applied cybersecurity degree from the University of Kansas is an online Bachelor of Cybersecurity (BAS) designed for transfer and degree completion students who plan to pursue a technical career.
7. Immaculata University
Immaculata University's BS in Cybersecurity degree prepares students to work as cybersecurity professionals in the fields of finance, insurance, health care, technology, retail, and government agencies.
FAQs about Earning a Cybersecurity Degree Online in Iowa
Keep reading to find out answers to the most commonly asked questions about online cybersecurity degrees in Iowa.
Can You Get Scholarships to Study Cybersecurity in Iowa?
Funding and financial aid for cybersecurity students are readily available in Iowa. Scholarships are available at all levels, and graduate students may also qualify for fellowships and assistantships.
Iowa State's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering awards nearly $250,000 from 50 different scholarship funds as undergraduate scholarships to electrical, computer, software, and cybersecurity engineering students each year.
ISU's graduate students may qualify for fellowships as well as Federal Cyber Service: Scholarships and Information Assurance Scholarship Program scholarships.
Indian Hills Community College has several memorial scholarships established by donors for students in the AAS program in Computer Networks & Security.
North Iowa Area Community College awards one or more annual scholarships to Information Technology students, as does Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
Is a 4–Year Iowa Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?
Yes, earning a cybersecurity degree from an Iowa university will enable you to reap many benefits in this highly desirable career.
Is an Associate Degree Enough for Cybersecurity in Iowa?
While the first generation of cybersecurity specialists earned a two–year degree, in today's competitive environment, applicants will obtain higher–level and higher paying jobs with a bachelor's or master's degree.
Can I Get a Cybersecurity Degree Online in Iowa?
While no bachelor's degrees are available online through Iowa universities, you could get an online bachelor's degree from a university outside the state.
However, you can earn an online cybersecurity master's degree from Iowa State University's distinguished programs.
Learn about Online Cybersecurity Colleges in Iowa
If you would like more information to help you choose the best cybersecurity degree in Iowa or in another state, please contact us at Best Accredited Colleges.
