Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Become a virtuous defender of our digital world in the cybersecurity program at the University of Mary, a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense. Enter one of the most crucial fields in today's workforce, perfect for people from any background passionate about cyber safety and protection.

Gone are the days when thieves had to break into a business to steal its information; now, cyber criminals search for digital points of entry to a business from anywhere in the world. Our workforce needs sharp-minded, ethical professionals in cybersecurity to safeguard our online world. Mary's online cybersecurity program, complete with stackable certificates, prepares future professionals to flourish, whether they have an IT background or not.

Academic Industry Partners

The University of Mary is proud to partner with Cisco, CompTIA, Amazon AWS, Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft, and Splunk. With these partnerships, students enjoy access to no-cost materials, lab experiences, and industry certification trainings.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$124,910
Median annual wage for information security analysts

Program Length

As little as 2.5 years, depending on number of transferred credits

Format

Online

Tuition per Credit

$510

Next Start Date: 9/7/2026

Fall, Spring, and Summer Starts

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Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Aspiring leaders in the cybersecurity field who are striving to impact our nation's safety and security.
  • Cybersecurity and IT professionals looking to enhance and advance their expertise in cyber defense, network security, and risk management.
  • Individuals new to cybersecurity who are looking for comprehensive, career-oriented training in computer systems administration and network security.

Career Paths

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Systems Administrator
  • Database Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • Computer/Network Support Specialist
  • IT Department Manager

What You’ll Learn

In our cybersecurity bachelor's degree program, you will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience through flexible online courses and practical lab activities where you practice skills in hands-on, realistic environments. By the time you graduate, you'll be equipped to:

  • Secure and defend digital systems across a variety of professional situations
  • Design secure digital environments using network technologies
  • Lead and drive the strategic use of technology across organizations to align with overall business goals and objectives

Stackable Online Certificates

To help you advance your career on your schedule, we offer four stackable online certificates in cybersecurity, each of which you can apply toward a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. Our certificate programs provide focused technical training as well as essential preparation for select industry certification exams (e.g. ISC2 Cybersecurity, CYSA+, PCNSA, Network+).

Cybersecurity Credential Program

Earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for a high-demand cybersecurity career with the University of Mary’s flexible, online six-course program:

  • IT Fundamentals
  • Computer Hardware
  • Computer Networking
  • Linux Fundamentals
  • Client/Server Administration
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity

Thanks to our partnership with the Good Jobs Challenge, qualified participants can receive $5,000 in funding toward their cybersecurity training. Gain valuable skills and start your career—at no cost to you!

Defending Excellence

The National Security Agency (NSA) has designated Mary’s cybersecurity program as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2030. View Designation

With the knowledge I've learned, I’ve been able to secure a position at a small MSP as a System Administrator, where I am continuing to educate myself in industry standards and gain valuable experience. I can honestly say that my success is largely due to the professors and faculty at the University of Mary.

Kristof Gyetvai cybersecurity, '24

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

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