Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Your passion for IT can help make organizations more efficient and secure. The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at Capella can help prepare you to address IT needs in the fields of banking, commerce, telecommunications, healthcare and national security. You can build practical experience through Project Ares, a simulated training environment designed to mimic real-world threats. You can also develop the interpersonal skills you need to thrive in wide range of business environments.

Find out what a day in the life of a cybersecurity pro is like: Test your skills with our Ethical Hacking Challenge.

Sharpen your skills in immersive lab environments

Learn to apply the most up-to-date offensive and defensive cybersecurity tools and techniques to thwart cyber intrusions and attacks.

Get certified as you go

Throughout your program, you will have the option to earn the Google IT Support professional certificate. The cost of this certificate is included in your tuition*, and you can showcase completion on your resume to demonstrate industry readiness.

*Certificates are not Capella credit-bearing. If this Capella and Coursera partnership ends, learners will be responsible for the cost of completing the remaining portion of any uncompleted Career Academy professional certificate program in which the learner has enrolled. The Coursera Career Academy program page and website are prepared and maintained by Coursera. The statements and views expressed on Coursera’s website do not necessarily reflect the statements or views of Capella University.

Experiential learning simulation

Sharpen your abilities in real-time with Project Ares, a gamified training environment designed to prepare you for real-world cybersecurity threats.

Classes start December 1

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

Online
FlexPath available
8–13 General education courses
9 Core courses
8 Specialization courses
5–9 Elective courses
1 Capstone
180 Total quarter credits
135 Max transfer credits

FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in IT in 22 months for $20,000.

*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.

Is FlexPath right for you?

Explore information assurance and cybersecurity courses

This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath
You’ll need to complete 8–13 general education courses, nine core courses, eight specialization courses, 5–9 elective courses and one capstone

Show all descriptions

IT4070 Cyber Defense and Countermeasures 6 quarter credits Learners in this course examine principles of cyber defense and apply in-depth cyber countermeasure techniques to analyze and secure cyber infrastructure components. Learners also analyze relevant legal, ethical, policy, and risk considerations. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803. 6 quarter credits

IT4071 Cyber Attacks and Ethical Hacking 6 quarter credits Learners in this course use techniques, tools, and common utilities to develop their understanding of strategies that hackers use to attack computers and networks. Learners investigate security threats and system vulnerabilities exploited by hackers, as well as consequences associated with being hacked. In addition, learners explore Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), ethical hacking techniques, sniffers, protocols, social engineering, vulnerability analysis, and the use of penetration testing to ensure infrastructure security. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803. 6 quarter credits

IT4075 Computer Forensics 6 quarter credits Learners in this course examine computer forensics as a discipline that supports law enforcement professionals in investigating white collar crime. Learners explore computer forensics tools and techniques, crime investigations, incident response and handling, and legal issues. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803. 6 quarter credits

IT4076 Security Management and Policies 6 quarter credits In this course, learners increase their knowledge of hands-on security management practices by analyzing security policies and procedures, risk management, and business continuity planning. Topics include security and business need trade-offs, risk assessments, designing security policies and procedures and a business continuity plan, and enforcement of security policies and procedures. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803. 6 quarter credits

IT4080 Operating Systems and Application Security 6 quarter credits Learners in this use appropriate technologies to identify, investigate, and mitigate vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in operating systems and applications, including mobile and web applications, email, and databases. Prerequisite(s): IT4803. 6 quarter credits

IT4575 Linux Operating Systems 6 quarter credits Learners demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the Linux operating system. Learners use command line tools and software packages, and practice hardware configuration, file management, process management, and file editing. In this course, learners apply knowledge of advanced topics specific to the Linux operating system. Learners administer the Linux system, script, and implement network configuration and security. Learners who have received credit for IT4561 and IT4571 may not take IT4575. Prerequisite Completion of or concurrent registration in IT2180 or IT3280. 6 quarter credits

Try FlexPath for yourself

In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.

What you’ll learn

This specialization develops your ability to acquire and apply key processes, tools, technologies and methods for securing an enterprise. You’ll learn how to evaluate and apply security policies, social engineering, access control, authentication, perimeter security, disaster recovery, business continuity, risk management, incident response, viruses, malware, spam, encryption, and other infrastructure security techniques. In addition to information assurance and cybersecurity expertise, this specialization helps you acquire the business, interpersonal and communication skills you need to influence internal decision-making and overall organizational effectiveness.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

Design technical strategies for mitigating risks to information assets
Conduct a business impact analysis and disaster recovery plan
Design a secure network architecture for an organization
Balance risk and benefit associated with information assets
Promote IAS professional ethics, policies, laws and regulations
Manage change through collaborative assessment and approval process
Validate accuracy and integrity of information assets through audit, management and models
Communicate effectively

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Program eligible for Experiential Learning

Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.

Faculty spotlight

Melissa Zgola, EdD

Program Director, Information Technology

How much does the BS in IT cost?

The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.

A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.

Learn more about FlexPath »

Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session^*

$20,000 ACCELERATED PACE

$27,500 TYPICAL PACE

$42,500 SLOWER PACE

$2,500 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter

$18,675 MAX TRANSFER CREDITS

$42,590 AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS

$70,071 NO TRANSFER CREDITS

$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $175 resource kit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits

*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. These estimates do not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format are based on “accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students), “typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students), and “slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students) and assumes average number of transfer credits. Tuition estimates shown for programs in the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format.

Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.

Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

83% of information technology alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

“The material that Capella used in their classes provided real-world examples of IT industries. I felt that these gave me greater insight into not only how things work but to think more strategically.”

Will Resendes* – BS Information Technology

*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.

Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?

Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.

$15K toward your bachelor’s degree

Apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.

Transfer credits

At Capella, you may be able to transfer previous college credit to cover up to 75% of select bachelor’s degrees, saving you significant time and money.

Gen ed courses included

Capella students have a great way to complete gen ed requirements with access to ACE-recommended courses from our affiliate, Sophia Learning.

Save with credit for prior learning

You could potentially save* $7,420 on your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in the GuidedPath learning format with your CISA^®** – Certified Information Systems Auditor. See what you could save on your IT degree.
*Exclusions and conditions apply. Additional fee of $50 assessed each quarter you request documented credit.

**Students may only be awarded a maximum of five specialization courses through documented credit for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISA, CISM, CEH and SSCP). Students may petition for additional credit for prior learning, subject to a petition evaluation fee of $75 per credit. Exclusions and conditions apply.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all our accreditations and recognitions.

*The FlexPath option for the BS in Information Technology program specializations is not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

BS in IT Information Assurance and Cybersecurity admission requirements

Applicants to the BS in Business, Accounting program must provide the following information for admission:

Admission application – no application fee required
High school diploma or equivalent
A transcript of any reported GED
4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

SAT and ACT are not required for admission.

FlexPath admission requirements

Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:

High school diploma or equivalent and 45 transferable college credits
The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. Those with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits may have the option to satisfy GPA and/or transfer credit requirements through successful completion of gen-ed courses through our affiliate Sophia prior to starting a Capella degree program.

Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or 8 credits, whichever is greater). Those learners will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.

International student requirements

If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.

To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:

Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
Attend an internationally recognized institution
Provide transcripts for evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions.

What support does Capella offer online students?

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of bachelor’s students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Once you enroll, these specialists can help tailor a program to your goals and experiences and help you stay on track to meet program requirements.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

What Is Information Assurance and Cybersecurity?

From telecommunications to health care, a wide range of industries rely on specialists who know how to keep information safe.

Read this blog post »

IT program guide

Get the details on every IT program offered at Capella University – including learning formats, financing options, and more, all in one place.

Download program guide »

6 blogs for information technology professionals

Technology-focused blogs have become one of the easiest and most popular ways for IT professionals to find the latest in news, discussions, and analysis.