Cybersecurity
Learn to defend networks, systems, and data.
Build hands-on skills in network defense, incident response, computer forensics, and ethical hacking in live online classes. Earn your bachelor’s, then continue into the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
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Next Term Starts January 3, 2027! Limited spots are available.
Choose where you start. Keep going when you’re ready.
Build your foundation with the bachelor’s, or advance your career with the master’s.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
$50,580 total program cost
Learn to design secure networks and protect existing systems through courses in Security+, ethical hacking and network defense, computer forensics, incident response and disaster recovery, cryptography, mobile security, and cybersecurity law and ethics.
Leads to: Network and information security roles. Graduates are eligible to continue into the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
$23,016 total program cost
For cybersecurity professionals and IT professionals adding security expertise. Study intrusion detection and countermeasures, security controls, risk management and compliance, security policy, and information security project management.
Leads to: Advanced and leadership roles in information security
Why Cybersecurity at American National University
Practical skills, real experience, and a clear path forward.
100% online, live instruction
Classes meet by live video with expert instructors, with self-paced coursework in between.
Learn by doing
Hands-on projects, virtual labs, and industry-standard tools let you practice real security work from home.
Security+ and more
The bachelor’s includes a Security+ course, plus ethical hacking and network defense and computer forensics.
A clear path forward
Finish your bachelor’s, then continue into the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Skills employers need
Courses cover threat analysis, incident response, cryptography, biometrics, secure software, and security governance.
An advisor who knows your name
One point of contact from enrollment through graduation — not a rotating call queue.
How it works
Built for people already juggling a full life.
Start where you are
New to cybersecurity? Start with the bachelor’s. Already have a bachelor’s degree? The master’s builds advanced security expertise.
Learn online
Join live video classes and complete self-paced coursework on your schedule.
Practice hands-on
Work through virtual labs and projects, from securing networks to investigating incidents.
Keep going
Move from the bachelor’s into the master’s when you’re ready.
Where this path leads
Organizations everywhere need people who can protect their systems and data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts will grow much faster than average.
Information Security Analyst
via the bachelor’s or master’s degree 21% projected employment growth, 2025–2035 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, reviewed September 24, 2026Getting started
Start dates, admissions, and paying for it.
Start dates
New terms begin multiple times a year — American National University runs roughly five main terms annually, plus mid-session start options, so you’re rarely far from your next start date.
Admissions requirements
For the bachelor’s, you’ll generally need a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent college credit), plus English and math placement evaluations before your first term. The master’s requires a bachelor’s degree.
Financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA-based grants, loans, and work-study) is available to those who qualify and can be combined with American National University’s own institutional grants and scholarships, including options for military families and employer tuition assistance.
Technology
A computer with reliable internet access for live online classes and virtual labs.
Frequently asked questions
Are these programs fully online?
Yes. All coursework is online, with live video classes, self-paced work, and virtual labs.
Should I start with the bachelor’s or the master’s?
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet, start with the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. If you already have a bachelor’s, whether in cybersecurity, IT, or another field, the master’s builds advanced security and leadership expertise. An advisor can help you choose.
What will I learn?
The bachelor’s covers Security+, ethical hacking and network defense, computer forensics, incident response, cryptography, and cybersecurity law and ethics. The master’s focuses on intrusion detection, security controls, risk management and compliance, and security policy.
Can I keep working while I’m in school?
Yes. The programs are designed for working adults, with live online classes and self-paced coursework.
How long do the programs take, and what do they cost?
The bachelor’s is 180 credit hours at $281 per credit hour ($50,580 total program cost), and most students finish in about 36 months. The master’s is 56 credit hours at $411 per credit hour ($23,016 total program cost), and most students finish in about 18 months. Your pace and any transfer credit can change that, so an advisor can help you plan.
Can I go straight from the bachelor’s to the master’s?
Yes. Graduates of the bachelor’s program are eligible to progress to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Is American National University accredited?
Yes. American National University is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation you can check yourself
DEAC-accredited
American National University is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The bachelor’s is offered through the Salem, Virginia campus, and the master’s through the Salem, Virginia and Louisville, Kentucky campuses.
Hands-on security training
Bachelor’s coursework includes Security+, ethical hacking and network defense, and computer forensics.
A path to a master’s
Bachelor’s graduates are eligible to progress into the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Ready to start your cybersecurity career?
Talk to an advisor about which degree fits, cost, and your start date — no pressure, no obligation.
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