Program Overview
Protect organizational data with this online cybersecurity bachelor’s program
Develop your understanding of information security theories and practices with the online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. This cutting-edge bachelor’s program increases your familiarity with the various types of cyberattacks and current industry methods for defending against them. Explore threat modeling, security analysis, and operating system security while preparing for roles in this growing field.
Learn about digital forensics and evidence handling, incident response strategies, and cryptography as you progress through online coursework taught by industry practitioners who provide you with substantive feedback. This cybersecurity bachelor’s program will equip you with the knowledge to pursue industry-standard cybersecurity certifications that expand your career opportunities.
In this cybersecurity online program, you will:
- Develop skills in secure programming, compliance, and evidence handling
- Evaluate the performance of the security penetration tools to enhance system defenses in virtual environments
- Understand intrusion network detection methodologies, tools, and approaches to incident responses, including computer forensic principles, registry structures, and file system concepts
- Acquire the knowledge and training to prepare and pass industry-standard cybersecurity certification exams, including CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP, etc.
- Develop skills in secure programming, compliance, and evidence handling
- Evaluate the performance of the security penetration tools to enhance system defenses in virtual environments
- Understand intrusion network detection methodologies, tools, and approaches to incident responses, including computer forensic principles, registry structures, and file system concepts
- Acquire the knowledge and training to prepare and pass industry-standard cybersecurity certification exams, including CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP, etc.
Career opportunities:
- Cyber Crime Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Information Security Manager
- Technical Project Manager
- Security Engineer
- Cyber Crime Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Information Security Manager
- Technical Project Manager
- Security Engineer
Also available:
Avila University offers a variety of online undergraduate programs to fit your goals and interests. View all online undergraduate programs.
$290
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
Tuition
Our affordable tuition fits comfortably into your budget
The B.S. in Cybersecurity online program tuition is the same affordable, pay-as-you-go rate for all U.S. residents. Fees are included in the total tuition, and financial aid may be available.
Plus, a Prior Learning Assessment evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional academic environments and may help reduce your tuition and time to completion.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
|---|---|---|
| B.S. Cybersecurity | $290 | $870 |
Transfer Your Credits for Lower Tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Avila record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted. Amount of transfer credits accepted varies by program. View the desired program’s webpage for information about its transfer credit parameters.
Tuition breakdown:
$290
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
We offer multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule
Ideal for working professionals, the online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year so you can begin at the time that works best for you. View the full calendar for all upcoming starts and corresponding deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2 2024 | 10/21/24 | 10/7/24 | 10/16/24 | 10/16/24 | 10/20/24 | 12/15/24 | 8 weeks |
| Spring 1 2025 | 1/6/25 | 1/2/25 | 1/2/25 | 1/3/25 | 1/6/25 | 3/2/25 | 8 weeks |
| Spring 2 2025 | 3/3/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/3/25 | 5/4/25 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
1/2/25
Apply Date
1/6/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?
Admissions
Learn how to apply to the online cybersecurity B.S. program
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to the Avila online cybersecurity bachelor's degree.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- 2.0 GPA in prior coursework
- Transfer up to 90 credits
In order to be eligible to receive a bachelor’s degree from Avila University, you must have the following:
- High school diploma
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on college coursework or 2.0 GPA on high school conferred transcript
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
Submit all official transcripts to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Undergraduate Admissions
Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
Courses
Check out the key topics covered in the online cybersecurity degree program
In order to earn your online cybersecurity degree, you will complete 120 credit hours, including 35 credit hours of general education requirements, 60 credit hours of major requirements, and 25 credit hours of electives.
CO 110: Fundamentals of Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introductory and practical approach to the process of developing, understanding and refining communication skills. In this class, we will focus on several communication areas, including but not limited to: perception of self, language, interpersonal communication, cultural communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking skills. This is a Skills Level course. FA, SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Develop and maintain interpersonal, small group and public communication skills for use in a career and social context.
- Apply verbal and non-verbal components of oral communication to real life situations.
EN 111: Composition I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development of a robust composition process centered on considerations of audience and purpose. Introduction to argument, including collegiate research practices and integration of reputable sources. Intense practice in close reading for understanding and analysis. Includes refinement of writing mechanics necessary for academic discourse in Standard American English. This is a skills level course. Prerequisite: EN 095 with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement exam scores. FA, SP
Course objectives:
- Use the computer to generate multiple drafts and demonstrate writing as a process.
- Strengthen skills in the construction and logical development of a clear and concise thesis.
AR 183: Survey Art II: From the Renaissance to Modernism
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of major artists, artwork, styles, and techniques, from the Renaissance through the 20th Century with the primary focus on the major Western art movements (including architecture) and the relationship between the social function of art and its form, content, and context. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Arts. SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify and explain the significance of major works of art.
- Recognize & describe the aesthetic elements which mark selected periods & artists.
BI 111: General Biology - Cell & Genes w/Lab
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
A survey of cell theory (cellular structure and function) and molecular genetics that illustrates the nature and limits of science and two of the fundamental concepts of the life sciences. Elements of evolutionary theory will be discussed throughout the course and examples from all kingdoms of life will be used. Laboratory will introduce students to methods of microscopy, modeling, and experimental design and analysis. This course will identify key theories of science, including contributions and limitations of scientific discovery. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory per week. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Natural Science. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify the basic molecules of life and to predict their properties and reactions.
- Connect the genetics of all biological life and understand the basic flow of genetic information.
EN 278: Global Lit
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Through the lens of literature, this course explores the flows of people and their culture and labor across borders. Each text is examined in terms of its artistic and political dimensions with a focus on identity, gender politics, and historical revision. Rather than discrete nations and single cultures, the course concentrates on movement, hybridity, and multiplicity. In addition to physical movement, the course examines other possessions that move across the borders including information, language, traditions, and beliefs, examining ways in which people remember, reimagine, and reshape their sense of self and community. Prerequisite: EN 111 or EN 112. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Literature/Rhetoric. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of literary texts and develop an awareness of influential critical and interpretive methods
- Analyze and interpret works from different historical and cultural traditions using appropriate critical terms of literary analysis and responding to questions about genre, style, and content or theme
HI 204: American Experience II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a survey of major political, social, cultural, and economic changes in United States history from 1865 to the present, with emphasis on the development of industrial society, consumerism, the expanding role of the United States in world affairs, as well as civil rights and other social movements. Meets the lower-division requirement for American History in the history major. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, History.
Course objectives:
- Knowledge: Identify and characterize the major questions of United States and World history in terms of continuity and change using relevant political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions, traditions, and beliefs.
- Theory: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of race, gender, class, ethnicity, or religion on the experiences of ordinary and extraordinary people of the past using current historical theory and methodology.
MA 117: Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the skills required to navigate the mathematical demands of modern life and prepare students for a deeper understanding of information presented in mathematical terms. Emphasis is placed on improving students’ ability to draw conclusions, make decisions, and communicate effectively in mathematical situations that depend upon multiple factors. 2020 Core: Liberal Arts, Mathematics. SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Perform operation with real numbers. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
- Solve and apply linear equations and inequalities.
PL 255: Ethics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, where students will systematically reason through and discuss major ethical notions as well as notions of ethical agency. Questions that might be covered include but are not limited to: How do we as members of communities live? How ought we live? What are the differences between good and bad choices? Why should I act other than what is in my self-interest? Do I have duties to myself and others? If so, what are those duties? What kinds of actions are morally significant or irrelevant to moral thinking? 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Philosophy. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Obtain knowledge of basic ethical theories and how they apply to all areas of live: personal, professional and societal.
- Recognize the differences between moral absolutism, relativism and pluralism.
PY 101: General Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the theories, methods, and perspectives that psychologists use to describe and explain behavior and mental processes. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Social Sciences. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
1.1a: Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes.
1.1b: Explain why psychology is a science with the primary objectives of describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes.
1.2a: Identify key characteristics of major content domains in psychology (e.g., cognition and learning, developmental, biological, and sociocultural).
2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
2.1b: Use psychology concepts to explain personal experiences and recognize the potential for flaws in behavioral explanations based on simplistic, personal theories.
2.1a: Describe the value and limitations of using theories to explain behavioral phenomena.
2.1b: Describe common fallacies in thinking (e.g. confirmation bias, post hoc explanations, implying causation from correlation) that impair accurate conclusions and predictions.
2.2b: Describe what kinds of additional information beyond personal experience are acceptable in developing behavioral explanations (i.e., popular press reports vs. scientific findings).
3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
3.1a Describe key regulations in the APA Ethics Code for protection of human or nonhuman research participants.
5: Professional Development
5.1d Describe how psychology’s content applies to business, health care, educational, and other workplace settings.
RS 117: World Religions
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers both a historical and critical look at human religious experience through a study of the world’s many religious traditions. Topics include: the varieties of religious belief and the historical/political experiences that inspired them, including ideas of the holy and sacred, scriptures, myths, symbols, rituals, and morality. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Religious Studies, Global Studies. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Learn the primary features of the major world religious systems, with special focus on scriptures, social and cultural formations, history, myths and rituals, ethics, and the category “sacred”
- Learn to interrogate the methodologies used in discussing the categories of “world religions” and “religious experience,” with particular focus on the role that dominant narratives and elite discourses play in the formation of these systems
IS 311 (IS/GS): Peace Studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an interdisciplinary (religious studies, communication, philosophy, sociology, history, and economics) approach to achieving peace on a personal, local, national, and international level. The focus is on developing practical strategies for creating peace and living peacefully in a global society. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
Course objectives:
- Examine the development of peace research and peace studies over the last 50 years.
- Understand the breadth and scope of the interdisciplinary field of peace studies.
CS 117: Algorithm Solutions
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This lecture and lab course will introduce students to techniques of problem solving by developing algorithms solutions, coded in the language of their choice. It will consider multiple possible solution paths and help the student determine the best approach to take when creating the final solution. Focus will be on the tools available to help in the solution of problems and will help the student resist the temptation to just start coding before a clear solution is in mind. The course will be language independent, but will show solution implementations in a few of the popular languages such as Python, C# and Java.
CS 120: Introduction to Compter Science
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the fundamental principles of computer science, with emphasis on problem solving techniques, data and procedural abstraction, and use of algorithmic thinking to understand, decompose, and translate problem descriptions into sound, machine-executable solutions.
CS 222: Data Structures
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the development and use of Abstract Data Types for storing and retrieving data. Data structures considered include lists, strings, tables, stacks, trees, and graphs. Pointers, templates, and classes are used for implementing data structures. Other topics include searching and sorting algorithms and recursion
CS 205: Operating Systems Security
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Operating Systems Security is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a deep understanding of security measures and best practices for operating systems, with a focus on Windows, Linux, and macOS. In this course, students will explore the unique security challenges faced by modern operating systems and learn the techniques and strategies used to mitigate risks and protect critical resources.
CS 321: Networking
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Considers a wide range of concepts used in the design and implementation of modern network systems. Course content will be organized according to the TCP/IP and the OSI models. Among topics that will be included are hardware components, protocol suites (especially TCP/IP), network topologies, IEEE 802.3 networks, bridging, and routing.
CS 335: Introduction to Machine Learning
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course will introduce concepts of Machine Learning using the Python programming language. Students will investigate the classification of data and see how the various Machine Learning algorithms can then be used to process new data without human intervention.
CY 301: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the fields of cyber-crime and security. Covers issues associated with different types of threats, attacks, and methods employed against these threats and attacks. Practical cryptography, securities of operating systems, computer networks, database systems, and other types of computer systems will also be introduced
CY 305: Network Security
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores the basics of network security in depth. Includes security objectives, security architecture, security models and security layers. Discusses risk management, network security policy, and security training. Explores the various techniques for network forensic and offensive cyber defense. Discusses the give security keys: confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability and audit ability
CY 310: Ethical Hacking
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes the human aspects in cybersecurity. Topics include ethics, relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, psychology, and hacker culture. The focus is on the human element and the motivations for cyber-crimes. Analysis covers techniques to prevent intrusions and attacks that threaten organizational data
CY 320: Mobile and IoT Security
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Mobile and IoT Security is an advanced course that focuses on the security aspects of mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including their associated networks and applications. The course explores the unique challenges and vulnerabilities introduced by these technologies and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to secure them effectively
CY 330: Firewalls and E-Commerce Security
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides an in-depth exploration of firewall, Web security and e-commerce security. Explores firewall concepts, types, topology and the firewall’s relationship to the TCP/IP protocol. Explores client/server architecture, the Web server, HTML and HTTP in relation to Web Security. Discusses digital certification, X.509, and public key infrastructure (PKI).
CY 340: Principles of Cryptography
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the fundamentals of cryptography including the concept of obscuring functions, cryptographic techniques, types of ciphers, proper use of cyphers, ethical uses of cryptography and decryption practices. Topics also include randomness, polymorphism and current trends in cryptography
CY 360: Digital Forensics and Analysis
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Presents the technical and legal issues facing computer crime investigators and digital forensic examiners. Students will learn effective and appropriate forensic response strategies to support cyber-crime investigative efforts. The focus is on acquiring the skills needed to identify and collect potential digital evidence, to analyze that evidence using chain of custody and to report forensic findings.
CY 370: Cloud Computing and Virtual Systems
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Cloud computing provides a service that is cost effective, productive, high-speed, scalable and secure. We will examine the more popular services such as Amazon’s AWS, Google’s Cloud Services and IBM’s Cloud Services and see how these can be leveraged to provide scalable functionality, but also the threats that they face.
CY 450: Cybersecurity Policy and Goverance
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Cybersecurity Policy and Governance is a comprehensive course that delves into the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on regulations, compliance, and risk management. This course aims to equip students with a solid understanding of the policies and frameworks that govern cybersecurity practices, enabling them to navigate the complex landscape of laws and regulations while ensuring effective security measures
CY 400: Web Application Security
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Web Application Security is a comprehensive course that focuses on the security challenges specific to web applications. In today's interconnected world, web applications play a critical role in businesses, making them an attractive target for cyber threats. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect web applications from potential vulnerabilities and attacks
CY 401: Secure Coding Practices
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The Secure Coding Practices course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in secure coding techniques. This course focuses on teaching students how to develop robust and secure software applications by utilizing secure frameworks, implementing security design patterns, and incorporating threat modeling into the development process.
CY 402: Secure Software Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The Secure Software Development course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop robust and secure software applications. The course focuses on the importance of writing secure code, identifying and preventing common vulnerabilities, and implementing effective software testing techniques.
MA 230: Discrete Mathematics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course introduces other than base-10 arithmetic, sets, relations, functions, formal logic, sequences and recurrence relations.
CS 499: CS Capstone
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides opportunity for students to integrate learning from throughout their Computer Science coursework. Students will do major projects requiring mastery of complex computer science skills and concepts and do literature reviews from computer science scholarly literature. Meets the Capstone requirement in the major.
