Online Master’s in Cyber Security Programs of 2022
An online master’s in cyber security is a way to break into this field. Students pursuing a master’s in cyber security may take classes in a variety of subjects, from digital forensics to introductory classes in programming languages, cryptography and biometrics. Read on to learn if an online master’s in cyber security is right for you, what to expect in a program and what the projected career and salary outlooks are for cyber security professionals.
Cyber security is a concern for businesses and consumers alike, with issues such as data breaches and threatening malware. Cyber security is a skill with increasing demand: The information security analyst job field is projected to grow by 33% by 2030, which the BLS reports as much faster than average. Cyber security professionals protect consumer data while maintaining business continuity for companies who might experience setbacks due to security threats.
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Finding the Best Online Master’s in Cyber Security Program for You
When looking for the best online master’s cyber security program for you, consider your personal goals, the length of the program, the schedule (part time or full time) and whether classes can be taken in person or remotely. Depending on your learning style, you may also consider whether a self-paced format or live lectures will best suit you. In addition, you may consider schools offering an online master’s in cyber security with no GRE requirement.
Five Steps to Choose the Right Online Master’s in Cyber Security
An online master’s in cyber security may help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the cyber security field. Depending on the program, you may expect to spend around two years completing your degree. There are a number of cyber security graduate programs—with options for part time or full time, in-person or remote—and with live classes or with self-paced classes that you take when it works for you.
Before making the commitment to a particular program, review some common steps that may help you choose the right school for you.
- Consider your career goals. Some master’s degree programs may focus on tactical aspects of cyber security, like security threat assessment and incident response, and also offer courses in cyber policy and law. If you’re particularly interested in cyber law, you may want to find a program that offers multiple courses in this area. Consider where you’d like to go and whether the program meets your future career needs.
- Understand the difference between a bachelor’s and master’s in cyber security degree. A bachelor’s in cyber security offers students a foundation on field principles. A master’s degree may allow students to pick a specialty to gain deeper knowledge and practical skills. It may also count toward experience on a resume, furthering one’s ability to land a job.
- Compare curriculums. Online master’s in cyber security programs range in their curriculums. For example, some programs may offer various study tracks in areas like information security, information systems and physical systems. You may choose a specific study track based on your career goals. Experienced faculty members may also be an important aspect to consider in a program’s curriculum. Research different program curriculums to see what aligns with your interests.
- Ask about student support. Check whether your online master’s in cyber security program offers student support in the form of professional development and job placement help, networking opportunities or financial aid to offset the cost of your studies. You may also want to ask how you can reach out for help outside of classroom time. This may vary between asynchronous (on your own time) and synchronous (real-time) programs.
- Be mindful of accreditation. Accreditation ensures a program is held to certain standards set by accrediting agencies. Additionally, federal funding and loans are available to accredited programs. Two types of accreditation exist: regional and national. Generally, credits from a regionally accredited program may be transferred to a nationally accredited program but not vice versa. Check which type of accreditation specific online master’s in cyber security programs offer.
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Is an Online Cyber Security Master’s Program Right for You?
A cyber security master’s online offers flexibility that supports students with other time commitments, such as a job or family to take care of. If you’re looking for this kind of flexibility, an online master’s in cyber security may be a good fit for you. Online programs may offer the same benefits as their on-campus counterparts—they may be taught by on-campus faculty, feature the same curriculum as on-campus programs and offer you the opportunity to complete cyber security projects (possibly group projects).
What to Expect from Your Master’s in Cyber Security Online?
Some cyber security online programs may offer a set of prerecorded lessons, while others may have live classes or group projects. Programs may offer opportunities for hands-on learning projects as well. The admissions criteria for cyber security online programs will vary by school and may include a required GPA and amount of work experience. Read more below about what to expect from curriculum, faculty and admission requirements in an online master’s in cyber security program.
Curriculum
Online master’s in cyber security curriculum may focus on topics such as wireless security, forensic computing, cryptography, malware and software security, cloud computing, blockchain technology, penetration testing, cyber security policy and ethics, and security engineering. Below, we take a look at some of these topics and how they may be discussed in your online master’s in cyber security program courses.
- Cryptography: Learn about cryptography’s role authentication protocols, hash functions, cryptanalysis, random numbers, steganography and digital signatures.
- Cloud Computing: Discover the technologies that enable cloud computing while learning about common cloud computing models, characteristics of cloud platforms, typical development modes and more.
- Algorithm Design and Analysis: Develop and learn skills for dividing and conquering algorithms. Create social network and optimization algorithms with real-world applications. You may also study NP-completeness, greedy and graph algorithms and advanced data structures.
- Information Ethics and Policy: Learn about policies and ethics related to data and computing. This part of an online master’s in cyber security curriculum may focus on information policies for various organizations and what kind of social responsibility companies have in regard to cyber security.
- Security Engineering: Review foundational elements of security engineering, such as security protocol, access control and interface problems.
Faculty
Some graduate programs have faculty members who are experts in their field. They may be working on research or finding solutions to current cyber security problems. One way to evaluate online master’s in cyber security faculty is to review faculty members’ profiles. Read about their experience and what courses they teach to see if any align with your interests.
Another way to evaluate online master’s in cyber security faculty is to reach out to them directly. Here are some questions you may consider asking them:
- Have you recently published any research or reports?
- Are you currently working on any projects?
- Have you worked in an information or cyber security role in the past?
- How long have you been teaching in the technology and security field?
Online Master’s in Cyber Security Requirements
Every admissions department differs in their online master’s in cyber security requirements. While some look for a 3.0 undergraduate minimum GPA, others may consider your real-world experience, certifications, knowledge of various programming languages, past coursework and aptitude in mathematics.
Here are some other common online master’s in cyber security requirements you may come across:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
- GRE/GMAT scores
Some programs may require your bachelor’s degree to be in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, management information systems or a related field. Be sure to check the specific online master’s in cyber security requirements for the programs you’re interested in.
What Are the Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook if You Have an Online Master’s in Cyber Security?
The cyber security career outlook looks bright. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is expected to increase 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average across all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS notes that this growth is driven by the increasing emphasis put on cloud computing, information security and the retrieval and storage of big data.
The BLS reports that employment of information security analysts specifically is expected to increase 33% from 2020 to 2030. According to the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (AustCyber), a nonprofit cyber security company in Australia, global cyber security spending is expected to increase 86% by 2026 to $270 billion.
In addition to a favorable cyber security career outlook, there also may be potential for a strong cyber security salary. Information security analysts had a median annual salary of $103,590 in 2020, according to the BLS. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that the median annual salary for all computer and information technology occupations was $91,250 in 2020.
After completing an online master’s in cyber security, you may apply for a variety of IT jobs. Depending on your specialization, you could start a career as an analyst, engineer, auditor or manager. Some possible careers to consider include cryptographer, security architect, forensic expert, source code auditor, security engineer or security manager. Your cyber security salary in these positions may vary depending on where you live, your experience and what industry you work in. You may also consider attending a cybersecurity bootcamp to expand your skills and career prospects.
Online Master’s in Cyber Security Programs
We found 20 universities in our directory offering online master’s in cyber security programs. If you represent a university and would like to contact us about editing any of our listings, or adding new programs, please send an email to mastersindatascience@2u.com.

Syracuse University
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity program delivered online. This program requires 30 credits and prepares students with the necessary foundations to design and develop assured, secure computer systems to prevent and manage cyberattacks. Students will attend live, online classes that encourage collaboration, meet at on-campus immersions, and access coursework online at any time. The M.S. in Cybersecurity requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: Complete in as few as 15 months
Credits: 30

University of California, Berkeley
School of Information
Master of Information and Cyber Security
Berkeley, California
The UC Berkeley School of Information’s online Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) exposes students to the advanced technical, conceptual, and practical skills needed to become leaders in cybersecurity. The MICS curriculum offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity so students develop technical expertise while also gaining an understanding of the behavioral, economic, legal, and ethical concerns that shape security in the digital age.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 20 months
Credits: 27
Data Science
Bellevue University
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Bellevue, Nebraska
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Cyber Security
Enrollment Type: Self-paced
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- 2.5 GPA
- Bachelor’s Degree
- No GRE or GMAT
Brown University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Providence, Rhode Island
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- GRE Not required
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- TOEFL/IELTS
Drexel University
Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Essay
- GRE scores (preferred, but not required)
Excelsior College
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Albany, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA
Johns Hopkins University
Whiting School of Engineering
Cybersecurity Master's Program
Baltimore, Maryland
Name of Degree: Cybersecurity Master’s Program
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: N/A
Concentrations:Analysis, Assured Autonomy, Networks, Systems
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- CV or Resume
- Completion of of prerequisites coursework
Liberty University
Master's in Cybersecurity
Lynchburg, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master’s in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- College Transcripts
Mercy College
Master of Sciecne in Cybersecurity
New York , New York
Name of Degree: Master of Sciecne in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Letter of Recommendation
National University
Cybersecurity Master of Science
San Diego , California
Name of Degree: Cybersecurity Master of Science
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 68.5
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Professional resume
- Official or Unofficial transcripts
New York University
Polytechnic Institute
Cybersecurity Master's Degree
New York , New York
Name of Degree: Cybersecurity Master’s Degree
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal Essay
- Copy of front (photo) page of passport
- TOEFL scores may be requested for non- native English speakers after initial review
- A minimum of five years of professional, full- time Work experience
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
State College, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- 3.0 GPA
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- CV or Resume
Southern New Hampshire University
Master's in Cyber Security
Manchester, Manchester
Name of Degree: Master’s in Cyber Security
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts from all programs attended
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
- Prerequisite courses
- Professional resume/CV
- 2.75 GPA
- No GRE/GMAT Scores
University of Arizona
Master of Science Cybersecurity
Tucson, Arizona
Name of Degree: Master of Science Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
- Prerequisite courses
- Professional resume
- Essay
- Statement of purpose
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE Scores
University of Dallas
Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Dallas, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Resume
University of Detroit Mercy
College of Liberal Arts & Education
Master's in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity
Detroit, Michigan
Name of Degree: Master’s in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
University of Southern California
USC Viterbi
Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Los Angeles, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 28
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in STEM or related social science from a regionally- accredited university
- GPA minimum of 3.0
- Programming experience or one year of calculus
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- English language proficiency for international applicants
Utica College
Master's in Cybersecurity
Utica, New York
Name of Degree: Master’s in Cybersecurity
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
- Personal statement
- Resume
Western Governors University
Cybersecurity Master's Degree Program
Durham, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Program
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 31
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Transcripts