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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Syracuse University
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.
University of California, Berkeley
Online Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) from University of California, Berkeley
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. Delivered online, the program features live weekly classes taught by our renowned UC Berkeley faculty, interactive self-paced coursework, and in-person immersions where classmates and faculty have the chance to network. The program is 27 credits and can be completed in 20 months. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of basic computer concepts and proficiency in computer programming. Official transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume are required to apply. GRE/GMAT scores are not required to apply. Candidates with a limited quantitative background may choose to submit GRE/GMAT scores to provide additional insight into their quantitative abilities. Additionally, candidates with mediocre undergraduate grades may choose to submit strong GRE/GMAT scores to help demonstrate their academic aptitude.
Bellevue University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 36 credits. Both online and in-person classes are offered. All online classes are asynchronous, with resources available 24/7. Both cohort and traditional format programs are available. Students are required to take 27 credits of core classes and 9 credits of elective classes on either a part-time or a full-time basis. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to the program.
Brown University
Executive Master in Cybersecurity from Brown University
Brown University offers an Executive Master in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 27 credits. The 18-month program blends face-to-face and online learning, and features hands-on assessments of cyber vulnerabilities, attacks, and defenses. Every course begins and ends with a residential session, but is otherwise offered online. The Executive Master in Cybersecurity program is for mid-career executives with significant professional experience in technical or policy areas. They have an established track record of achievement and may already have an advanced degree in a technical or business domain. The program ends with a Critical Challenge Project, where a student analyzes this critical challenge from multiple perspectives and develops a comprehensive plan for addressing it.
Drexel University
Online Masters in Cybersecurity from Drexel University
Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 45 credits. Drexel’s highly interactive online learning environment engages and challenges students while remaining convenient for working professionals. In order to apply, a bachelor’s degree closely related to the field of cybersecurity is necessary.
Excelsior College
Master’s In Cybersecurity Degree from Excelsior College
Excelsior College offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 30 credits. Three concentrations are offered: Information Assurance, Medical Data Security, and Policy Administration. The program is fully online, with all courses being offered in an asynchronous format. Students are allowed to transfer 9 credits into the program, but at least 21 credits must be completed at Excelsior.
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 30 credits. Students admitted to the program can choose from the following three areas of concentration: analysis, networks, and systems. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, as long as the 10 required courses are completed within 5 years. Online instruction is asynchronous, but professors hold weekly office hours that give students an opportunity to interact with professors in a synchronous format. A bachelor’s degree is needed to apply to this program.
Liberty University
Master of Science in Cyber Security Online from Liberty University
Liberty University offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security that is comprised of 36 credits. All courses are offered 100% online and 50% of credits may be transferred from another institution. If a student does not have a bachelor’s degree in a related field to cybersecurity, the may still apply but will be required to take extra courses in order to complete the program.
Mercy College
Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Mercy College
Mercy College offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 30 credits. They also offer a dual-degree 5 year program that allows you to get both your B.S. and M.S. in Cybersecurity. All courses are offered online in an asynchronous format. Graduates from other fields will be accepted provided they complete the following prerequisite courses prior to starting the graduate program: Local Area Networks, Database Management Systems, Cryptography and Computer Security, Operating Systems, and Statistics.
National University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from National University
National University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 58.5 graduate units. Students have the option to specialize in either Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing or Information Assurance and Security Policy. The program is available offline in an asynchronous format. The program ends with the student creating an original project with practical applications using cybersecurity policy, regulatory, and testing frameworks.
New York University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Online from New York University
New York University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 30 credits. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, with options for fully-online, on-campus, or a mixture of the two. To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree from any field, but a degree from one of the following is preferred: computer science, mathematics, science, or engineering. While not required, the program has opportunities for both a Research Project and a Master’s Thesis.
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Pennsylvania State University
Penn State offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 33 credits. The online courses are interactive and collaborative, allowing you to build strong ties with other students and gain perspectives from other disciplines and industries. Maximum flexibility is maintained by the program in an effort to meet both the professional needs of individual students and academic quality standards. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline, including applied mathematics, computer information systems, computer science, information sciences, engineering, statistics, or a related field will be considered.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Cyber Security from Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 36 credits. The program is fully online and can be completed in as little as 15 months. All courses are offered in an asynchronous format. The program ends with a curriculum-encapsulating capstone project where students synthesize prior learning to design, develop, and execute an analytics project on their chosen subject as a culmination of their studies.
University of Arizona
Master of Science in Cybersecurity from University of Arizona
University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 33 credits. Students can either follow an Information Systems track or a Physical Systems track. The course mix includes a variety of active learning opportunities including projects, discussions, chats, labs, extra credit opportunities, quizzes, and exams – all delivered online. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply, and prior knowledge of the field is necessary.
University of Dallas
Master of Science in Cybersecurity from University of Dallas
University of Dallas offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 30 credits. The school uses a trimester system, with fall, spring and summer terms. With year-round classes and multiple starting points each term, students can choose from 12-week, 6-week, or inter-semester classes. To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree. The last course is a practicum where each student completes a practical exercise in a simulated cybersecurity management role.
University of Detroit Mercy
Master of Science in Information Assurance with Cybersecurity Major from University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy offers a Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in Cybersecurity that is comprised of 30 credits. The program is available online and can be completed as quickly as a year. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format. The degree provides comprehensive knowledge of the entire field of cybersecurity. This holistic understanding helps with developing total protection solutions that will mitigate cyber-risks to acceptable levels in government, business and industry.
University of Maryland – University College
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from University of Maryland – University College
The University of Maryland – University College offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology that is comprised of 36 credits. The degree is offered for both part-time and full-time students, but must be completed within 5 years. All courses are offered in an asynchronous format, but students still have the opportunity to work with professors and participate in group projects. A bachelor’s degree in a field related to Cybersecurity is not required, but extra courses are recommended for those with no experience.
University of Southern California
Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering from University of Southern California
University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering degree that is comprised of 28 credits. Of these 28 credits, 8 are elective courses, while the other 20 are required courses. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are given in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, with high amounts of interactivity encouraged. Typical students generally have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following: computer science, electrical engineering or information security.
Utica College
Master of Science in Cyber Security from Utica College
University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering degree that is comprised of 28 credits. Of these 28 credits, 8 are elective courses, while the other 20 are required courses. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are given in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, with high amounts of interactivity encouraged. Typical students generally have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following: computer science, electrical engineering or information security.
Western Governors University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree that is comprised of 30 credits. The online program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. All classes in the program are asynchronous and can be completed on the student’s terms. To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree and be able to demonstrate some knowledge of IT. The final course in the program is a cumulative capstone course.
Note: Information for the following online computer science programs is up-to-date as of February 2018.