Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares graduates for careers in enterprise network security and security administration and management. These in-demand professionals are helping government and industry protect their physical and information assets from unauthorized access, malicious attacks and corporate or government sponsored espionage. The graduates of this program will possess skills in security and vulnerability assessment, threat analysis, network and infrastructure defense mechanisms, biometric technologies, computer forensics, and incident response and disaster recovery.

As a student you will learn practices for the design of secure modern networks as well as how to secure existing computers and networks - both wired and wireless, and cover topics about evolving threats and the proper use of specific security tools. Upon the graduation of this program, students are eligible to progress to our Master of Science in Cybersecurity program.

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a strong foundation in the principles and methods of Cybersecurity.
• Apply security measures across a variety of network architectures and settings.
• Begin an entry-level career as an information assurance specialist, network security administrator, or network security analyst.
• Demonstrate skills in security and vulnerability assessment, threat analysis, network and infrastructure defense mechanisms, biometric technologies, computer forensics, and incident response and disaster recovery.

Your learning experience.

• Developing a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, methods, and best practices.
• Mastering advanced techniques such as biometric technologies, computer forensics, incident response, and disaster recovery to mitigate risks and respond to cyber threats and attacks effectively.
• Exploring technical issues related to secure software development and safe system architecture.
• Understanding broader issues, including privacy concerns, legal ramifications, and regulations governing digital information, as well as the ethical limits of accessing systems and data.

All-inclusive tuition. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).

Refresher privilege. As part of our commitment to keeping graduates' skills and training up to date, the University allows its graduates to return at any time to retake courses in their respective fields, subject to availability. No tuition fees will be charged for this benefit; graduates will be responsible for any additional costs associated with books, equipment, or third-party testing fees.

Experiential Learning Track. Upon completion of one academic year (three full-time quarters), students apply to pursue Experiential Learning. With Experiential Learning, students are required to maintain professional experience of at least five (5) work hours per week related to their fields of study during their enrollment.

To be admitted to any undergraduate (i.e., associate or baccalaureate) program at the University, applicants must show a completed high school (or equivalent level) education, met through a completed high school education, a completed home school education program at the high school level, or an earned GED or other state-authorized high school equivalency examination. Applicants may also qualify with an official transcript showing any degree earned at the associate level or higher, or at least 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) that count toward a baccalaureate degree. All undergraduate students must complete placement evaluations in English and mathematics before beginning classes (students entering a healthcare program also complete a science placement evaluation).

For the convenience of its students, the University operates on a quarter-based schedule with year-round classes. Students may begin their programs at any of the starting dates during the year.

Full-time undergraduate students enroll in at least 12 credit hours per 10-week term. This typically includes three different 4-credit courses offered across either 5-week or 10-week sessions.

The University courses use both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) interactions. Courses are delivered online (delivered through Canvas with scheduled Global Learn™ sessions) and through hybrid instruction (combining online coursework with required in-person residencies).

Not every course requires a residency; however, when a student is scheduled in a class that includes residency, the student is required to attend all residency sessions on campus. For example, if a student is scheduled for a weekend residency session, the student must attend all three (3) days of the session.

International Students (SEVP Participants) on F-1 visas must maintain compliance with SEVP requirements: only one fully online (4-credit) course per term is permitted, and additional courses must be taken in a residential format.

All graduate F-1 students will be required to attend ONE 3-day residency weekend in-person at the campus site every term; all undergraduate F-1 students will be required to attend TWO 3-day residency weekends in-person at the campus site every term (International Students page).

Upcoming start dates: January 3, 2027; March 21, 2027; June 6, 2027; August 22, 2027; November 7, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $281 per quarter credit hour; for the 180 credit hours this program requires, total program tuition is $50,580. Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis and billed each academic term. All textbooks are included in the student's tuition.

All-inclusive pricing. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable). The University's all-inclusive pricing provides the equipment needed to complete all coursework; some items are loaned and must be returned within 15 days after graduation or withdrawal.

Fees applicable to all students. Transcript fee $10 (first copy free); returned check/declined credit card fee $25; transaction chargeback 10% + $15; diploma reprint $50; duplicate ID $10; experiential learning evaluation $50 per course; challenge exams $50 per exam. Fees are non-refundable after 5 calendar days from enrollment.

Estimated annual cost of attendance (three terms). Tuition: review program cost. Food and Housing $9,344 (living with parent/guardian) or $9,312 (not living with parent/guardian); Transportation $2,864; Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $936; Personal Expenses $2,752 or $4,816.

Payment. All students must pay tuition in full before the term begins, unless they are enrolled in a program with limited seats. Students using federal aid or loans must have all forms completed and payment schedules finalized before the term starts; students using employer, Veterans Education Benefits, or other third-party tuition assistance must have an approved contract on file for delayed payment.

Federal aid. Students seeking to participate in federal and/or most state financial aid programs must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); ANU's school code is 003726. Federally funded aid available to eligible students includes the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

Military and veterans. American National University is approved by the State Approving Agency for the education and training of eligible veterans and their dependents. Military education benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program and Military Tuition Assistance; ANU's Blue Ribbon Grant provides up to 35% of the total amount paid toward direct educational costs (up to $18,000) after military education benefits are exhausted.

Institutional grants. ANU institutional aid includes the Business Partnership Grant, President's Grant, Private Loan Supplemental Grant, Refer a Friend Grant ($750), Workforce Development Grant, University Transfer Grant and ANU Legacy Merit Scholarship, each subject to its eligibility terms and available funding.

Net price calculator. Estimate your yearly cost with ANU's net price calculator: https://an.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/net-price-va/

Where could your degree take you?

• Network security specialist
• Digital forensics
• Vulnerability analyst
• Security and systems administrator
• Network security technician

Student outcomes.

• DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure (published 6/16/2026), 2025 graduation rates: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: 0% graduation rate for the 6/1/19-5/31/20 start cohort (0 graduates; median 3.7 years to complete).

For international students, we offer Intensive Alternate Programs (hybrid programs) that meet all SEVP requirements for students on F-1 visa, with on-campus residencies and the remainder of the program online. Students may attend their residency at ANU campuses in Salem, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; or Nashville, Tennessee.

• Acceptance of transfer credits (up to 50% for Graduate level students)
• 10 Week Terms
• Curriculum Practical Training starts day 1 plus students can work up to 40 hours a week for 1 year without affecting OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Part-time CPT is also an option for entire academic program.
• On-campus classes 9AM - 5PM EST
• Assistance with affordable/temporary housing
• No health insurance required
• Books included in tuition.