A New York-based college is hoping to thwart hackers by offering a cyber crime justice degree online.

The school recently said that a new threat has emerged in the world of cybersecurity, as digital criminals called "hacktivists" have recently shut down business and government websites. Considering that the nation's economy is still recovering from a recession, surviving companies are placing more emphasis on cybersecurity in an attempt to avoid more losses.

The college offers web-based bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity. The undergraduate courses introduce students to the day-to-day work of a cybersecurity professional, which includes critical infrastructure protection, practical digital forensics and information assurance. The graduate program is designed for individuals who are already working in the field, with specialized classes in counter intelligence, counter espionage and advanced digital forensics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of employment opportunities in this field is expected to grow by about 30 percent over the next eight years, which is much faster than most occupations in the U.S.