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, health care 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.

Capella University Cybersecurity Center

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.

Take certification exams on us

Capella offers eligible students certification exam vouchers from CompTIA, Cisco, and SAS.

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 May 6

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

View all courses

Show course with description

IT4070 *	Cyber Defense and Countermeasures 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, IT4803.	6 quarter credits
IT4071 *	Cyber Attacks and Ethical Hacking Learners in this course use techniques, tools, and cybersecurity 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, IT4803.*	6 quarter credits
IT4075 *	Computer Forensics Learners in this course scrutinize computer forensics as a discipline that supports law enforcement professionals in investigating white collar crime. Learners use computer forensics tools and techniques, and evaluate crime investigations, incident response and handling, and legal issues. *Prerequisite(s): IT2280, IT4803.*	6 quarter credits
IT4076 *	Security Management and Policies 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, IT4803.	6 quarter credits
IT4080 *	Operating Systems and Application Security Learners in this course 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 Learners in this course 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. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in 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 fee, 90 total program points, 45 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

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

*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.

Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of 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

Apply now

“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

Potential savings* of $8,665 on your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in the GuidedPath learning format with your CISSP®** – Certified Information Systems Security Professional. 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:

High school diploma or equivalent
Transcript of any reported GED
Admission application – no application fee required
You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
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 be considered by providing additional documentation for review.

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.