Cybersecurity Course Online CYB-200 - Cybersecurity Foundations

As a required course for both an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, CYB-200 - Cybersecurity Foundations is a great class for anyone interested in the field. This online cybersecurity course will help you gain familiarity with foundational cybersecurity concepts and terms. It will also teach you the difference between adversarial and environmental threats and how to analyze a security practitioner's response. Furthermore, you'll explore legal and human factors and examine how they influence the development of organizational security strategies.

An Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity require other classes beyond CYB-200 - Cybersecurity Foundations, including CYB-260 - Legal and Human Factors of Cybersecurity, CYB-300 - System and Communication Security, and CYB-320 - Incident Response and Investigation.

In completing the full program requirements, you'll be prepared to compete in an exciting, challenging and increasingly in-demand field.

A cybersecurity degree can be a valuable investment, especially with the growing demand for professionals in the field. These programs cover key areas like network security, risk management and ethical hacking, preparing graduates for careers in industries such as finance, healthcare and retail.

While a degree alone may not guarantee a job, it can improve earning potential and job stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity professionals earn competitive salaries, with roles like information security analyst seeing significant growth.¹ Whether you pursue an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, a strong educational background can open doors to a variety of career paths and leadership opportunities in this ever-evolving field.

Of course. We offer online associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity. That means you'll get the flexibility of learning on your time – all while getting the experience you need to take the next step of your career.

“Our classes are 100% online, but the program is packed with hands-on labs to help you learn how to use industry-standard tools and techniques," said Jonathan Kamyck, associate dean of cybersecurity at SNHU. "Some courses even include the main concepts on certification exams, helping you prepare for additional credentials while you earn your degree.”

A degree in cybersecurity is the first step to a rewarding technology career and can prepare you for jobs with strong salaries and career growth potential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for information security analysts was $120,360 in 2023, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $182,370.¹

Demand for skilled cybersecurity workers is also expected to continue. The BLS predicts employment of information security analysts jobs will grow 33% by 2033 – much faster than the national average job growth for all occupations.¹

CYB-200 - Cybersecurity Foundations is an 8-week course that serves as a generous introduction to the field. Students pursuing their bachelor's degree online at Southern New Hampshire University typically take 1 to 2 courses per 8-week term, which means you have the option to be enrolled in 2 classes focused on cybersecurity at the same time.

Lead by instructors with real-world expertise, these online cybersecurity courses are specifically designed to help you learn specific skills to help prove to your employers you have what it takes to make it in cybersecurity. And with no set class times and 24/7 online access to coursework, you have the flexibility to learn when and where you want. After just 2 short months, you'll have the knowledge — and college credits — to show for all your hard work.

Getting started in cybersecurity does require a strong understanding of mathematics, as well as some knowledge of basic IT principles and tools.

But if you’re new to the information technology world, a cybersecurity online bachelor’s degree program can help provide much of this foundational knowledge and experience. You’ll study the fundamentals of programming concepts, learn common scripting language and gain an introduction to computer programs with hands-on activities designed for beginners.

And while mathematics and coding are key to cybersecurity careers, soft skills like communication, critical thinking and problem-solving can be just as valuable.

"A lot of what you do in IT is building relationships," said SNHU adjunct instructor Gary Asp, a senior security and compliance analyst. "Good communication is 80% listening and 20% talking. That helps build those good relationships because the people that you're communicating with feel heard, which opens the pathways for good collaboration. And you absolutely need collaboration for good IT security."

We may be a bit biased, but we think SNHU is a great place to learn cybersecurity. We offer an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This provides you with the opportunity to select whichever degree level suits your career goals best.

SNHU is also a good choice, because:

• We offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation
• Our degrees are career-focused, so you can pick a program that can help turn your goals into reality
• You'll learn from instructors with real-world experience
• Classes can be taken 100% online and accessed 24/7

The fields of information technology and cybersecurity are inextricably connected. In fact, cybersecurity is offered as a specialized concentration under our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Students in this program learn the technical abilities and practice skills to have any organization innovate IT practices, products and processes. However, they also delve into the basics of defending networks and information systems against cyber attacks.

Learn more about how to get into cybersecurity.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers prefer information security analyst candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field.¹ However, some may also consider those with industry certifications and practical experience.¹

Starting a career in cybersecurity career involves several key elements:

1. Earn a degree: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports many cybersecurity professions earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology or a related field.¹
2. Obtain a certification: While most cybersecurity professionals have a degree, some enter the field by earning industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), which help demonstrate expertise.¹
3. Gain hands-on experience: Practical experience can set you apart. Participate in online competitions like the National Cyber League (NCL) or use cyber ranges to practice real-world attack and defense scenarios.
4. Develop in-demand skills: CyberSeek reports that employers also value skills such as:²
   • The ability to anticipate problems, communicate them and resolve issues
   • Attention to detail and a methodical approach to standard operating procedures
   • Managing multiple concurrent tasks and making sound judgments
   • Adapting to changing environments and maintaining an always-learning mindset
5. Build your network: Engage with professional communities, attend industry events and connect with mentors to stay informed about the latest trends and job opportunities.
6. Commit to continuous learning: Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Stay ahead by keeping up with emerging threats, new technologies and ongoing professional development opportunities.