Online Associate of Science in Cybersecurity

What is Cybersecurity?

Hackers and other cyber criminals continually seek ways to infiltrate computer systems to steal sensitive data, cause disruptions, and spark disinformation campaigns. According to Security Intelligence, a blog run by IBM Security, the coming year is expected to see a surge in cyber attacks due to political strife, upcoming elections, and high-profile events like the Olympics. 

Not all security breaches are intentional, however. Personal data is often inadvertently disclosed by employees or other internal stakeholders. Cybersecurity measures are needed to protect computer networks, devices, and data from these criminal acts and unauthorized use. This is accomplished by enacting policies and applying information systems security to stop nefarious players and strengthen internal policies against security lapses.

Why Pursue a Degree in Cybersecurity?

Enter an exciting field that’s constantly changing. If ever there was a realm where you need to stay alert, it’s cybersecurity. 

Cyber criminals are targeting government agencies, national defense infrastructure, public works projects, as well as businesses of all sizes. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in foiling cyber attacks. Graduates leave the program with knowledge that is in high demand across the public and private sector to fight these threats. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of information security analysts will increase by 32 percent over the next ten years.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed February 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Where is Cybersecurity Needed?

In short, everywhere. Virtually all organizations with a digital presence need cybersecurity. In its cybersecurity predictions, Security InfoWatch warned that as use of technologies like cloud computing has expanded, security threats have increased and become more advanced.

An increasing number of roles such as information technology managers and compliance managers are now expected to have an understanding of cybersecurity to maintain business continuity. Cybersecurity is invaluable across many industries, such as finance and healthcare as well as organizations responsible for critical functions such as national defense and public utilities. A few examples include:

• Cybersecurity needs in healthcare. Nearly 90% of healthcare systems report experiencing roughly one cyber threat a week, according to Healthcare IT News. Such incidents can harm their ability to deliver care. A troubling report by the Ponemon Institute found these attacks are negatively impacting patient safety—causing delays in surgeries and tests. Nearly half reported breaches increased complications in medical procedures.


• Cybersecurity needs in finance. The Center for Strategic & International Studies found that financial institutions are a top target for cybercrime. Lured by potential payoffs from extortion and theft, criminals are making highly coordinated attacks on these organizations. The International Monetary Fund shed light on the urgent need for tighter cybersecurity across the financial sector. The report authors cautioned that financial institutions need to look beyond disaster recovery and enact measures to ensure critical services are maintained in the face of attacks.


• Cybersecurity needs in critical infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Department uncovered vulnerabilities of information systems responsible for critical infrastructure such as water and electricity. In light of this, the Government Accountability Office issued a report making protection of this critical infrastructure a top national priority.


• Cybersecurity needs in law enforcement. Police officers, prosecutors, and others in law enforcement increasingly rely on data gleaned from various information technology devices to identify and pursue criminals. The ubiquity of security cameras, global positioning systems, and related technologies produce a wealth of data that can be leveraged to uncover and prosecute crimes. 

Why Attend American Public University?

• Cybersecurity leadership. Our Center for Cyber Defense provides ongoing guidance to advance our curriculum based on shifting needs across the cybersecurity field.
  
  
American Public University is part of American Public University System, which has been designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. American Public University System is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), which is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


• Flexibility. Our curriculum is built for busy professionals who are juggling work and family life. Our goal is to deliver exceptional education in a way that works for your schedule. Since our program is entirely online, you can log in anytime to finish your weekly assignments.


• Affordability. We aim to provide high-caliber education that is affordable. Visit our tuition page to learn more about tuition rates, as well as no-cost ebooks, no-cost admission applications, and no-cost transfer credit evaluations. Plus with online classes, there’s no worry about commuting or parking costs or lost time traveling to and from classes. 


• A supportive environment. Students and alumni can connect to share knowledge through one-on-one peer mentoring. These programs help prepare students for everything from navigating courses to building networking opportunities. The University community also offers many ways to get involved—from joining virtual student clubs and study groups to completing volunteer projects.  

Faculty Highlights

The bar is high for hiring faculty here at American Public University. For our cybersecurity courses, each potential new faculty member typically holds a terminal degree in the field, can demonstrate impressive accomplishments, and has 10+ years of cybersecurity experience. Each of our faculty members is passionate about the importance of cybersecurity education and helping to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Their varied backgrounds spark meaningful conversations throughout our courses to help students gain valuable insights about working in the field.

Gain Hands-On Experience in an Online Cyber Lab

In many of our courses, students can participate in hands-on labs to learn to use the latest information systems for:

• Identifying weaknesses in computer networks
  
• Recognizing intrusion detection techniques
  
• Practicing ethical hacking
  
• Using information security tools to enable access controls

This gives students a way to test what they’ve learned in class in a safe way. Through this environment, you can discover how hackers work and which network security approaches can best fight them. 

Learn to Use Varied Information Technology

Our online labs also teach you to use a wide range of information technology tools and systems, such as:

• Cisco Packet Tracer and other simulation tools
• Operating systems such as Windows and Linux operating system
• Python, Linux Shells, and other scripting programs
• Security tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit

Earning Cybersecurity Industry Certifications

Once they’ve completed their degree, many students choose to complete an industry-recognized certification to demonstrate the knowledge they’ve gained across various information systems. Certifications may include:

Certified Ethical Hacker® (CEH®)—Demonstrates knowledge of ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, assessing vulnerabilities, social engineering, SQL injection, and more.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals®—Covers information technology concepts and terminology, computer infrastructure, software development languages, database fundamentals, applications, and security devices and practices.

CompTIA A+®—Addresses skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, troubleshooting, virtualization and cloud computing, operational procedures, and how to identify and protect networks against security vulnerabilities.

CompTIA Net+®—Includes networking fundamentals, such as network implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting.

NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

 Certified Ethical Hacker® and CEH® are registered trademarks of EC-Council.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals®, CompTIA A+® and CompTIA Net+® are registered trademarks of the Computing Technology Industry Association.

Gain Transfer Credits

Transfer credits are a way to earn course credits for academic or professional accomplishments or knowledge you’ve already acquired. At American Public University, you can earn transfer credits through:

• Previous college courses
  
• Credit by examination
  
• Government training
  
• Prior learning assessments
  
• Professional certifications
  
• Public safety training
  
• Military service

Visit our website to learn about transfer credits and how to begin a no-cost transfer credit evaluation.