Attend an Online Information Session
Register for a live webinar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024 to learn about our online bachelor's degrees. After the event, you will receive an application fee waiver.
Register Online
It's no surprise that cybersecurity careers are in high demand, with no expectation of slowing anytime soon. More and more organizations have a need for dedicated cybersecurity employees protecting critical data from hackers and cybercriminals. The Ball State University bachelor’s in applied cybersecurity will prepare you for this crucial role and beyond.
Skills I Will Gain
The high-demand skills you gain from hands-on, practical projects are relevant to several employment sectors and can be immediately applied to your current and future career. A sample of those skills includes:
- Computer network defense
- Cybersecurity
- Data networking
- Digital forensics
- Network design
- Risk analysis
Certificate Preparation
Courses in the Applied Cybersecurity degree will help students prepare for the following industry certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Linux+
- LPIC-1
- LPIC-2
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- CompTIA PenTest+
- OSCP
- ITIL
- CCNP
Career Outcomes
Earning your bachelor’s degree in applied cybersecurity will open career opportunities in any sector: business, government, education, technology, non-profit, and more. The national median salary for applied cybersecurity degree holders is $105,000. National employment opportunities are projected to grow by 13.7 percent by 2033. (Source: Lightcast™ – lightcast.io). Potential job titles may include:
- Vulnerability Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Ethical Hacker
- Forensic Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Security Analyst
- Technical Lead Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Web App Penetration Tester
Grants for College
Good news for Indiana adult students! The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is offering college grants for adults returning to college, or even beginning their educational journey. The Adult Student Grant awards up to $2,000 to help pay for your college expenses and is renewable. This grant is available to Indiana residents, aged 25 and older, who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an undergraduate program.* Review the requirements below and learn if you qualify for the Adult Student Grant.
Learn More about the Adult Student Grant
*Additional requirements are listed on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Adult Student Grant website.
What Sets Our Graduates Apart
You’ll learn from skilled faculty who are experienced professionals in the cybersecurity field. They take the time to get to know you and your career goals, and help you achieve them.
Completing an internship is one example of the hands-on, real-world experiences you’ll gain through the applied cybersecurity program. It’s one of the best ways to put the skills you’ve learned in your courses into practice. You can complete your internship requirements while still working full-time.
Courses You Will Take
Ball State focuses on the student experience, placing emphasis on smaller class sizes, personal attention from faculty, and immersive learning. The commitment to student experience is the same whether you’re on campus or online. The curriculum is based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Curriculum for the bachelor’s in applied cybersecurity is comprised of:
- University Core Curriculum
- 56 credits of applied cybersecurity foundation courses
- 12 credits of approved electives
You can also pair your bachelor’s in cybersecurity with one of our many minors to tailor your bachelor’s degree and career even further.
View All Courses
Transfer Credits
Many adult students already have some college credit completed when they begin their studies with Ball State Online. In fact, more than 90 percent of bachelor's degree seekers transfer some or all of their previous credits. If you fall under this category, contact your student success specialist to learn more about transferring your credits to Ball State.
Meet Your Advisor
The role of your academic advisor is more than telling you which courses to take. For starters, they are student success specialists, and they are dedicated to your academic success. You’ll work with the same specialist from application to graduation.
Contact your Student Success Specialist, who can answer questions you have about the program.
Online Learning at a Glance
The 100 percent online bachelor’s in applied cybersecurity is designed with the working adult in mind. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at a pace that fits into your daily routine without worrying about being late to class. Many students take one or two courses at a time until they find the right balance between work, classes, and other responsibilities.
You’ll still earn a reputable Ball State degree whether you’re taking classes in a physical or online classroom.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
An application and all required application materials must be received two weeks prior to the start of classes for a given term in order to be considered for admission to Ball State. Our semester start dates can be found in Ball State’s academic calendar.
Whether you are transferring credits in from another university or have never taken college courses before now, we invite you to learn about Ball State's admission requirements and how to apply to this program.
GET STARTED
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.