10 Top Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

The top online Cybersecurity master’s degrees train individuals to work at the management level in different information security roles.

Everything is going digital, from your smart refrigerator to the thermostat. Homes run on computer-generated systems. They provide a faster way to get on the internet and to know when food needs to be used. Overall, these technologies make homes safer, efficient, and easier to manage. But, can cybercriminals hack our homes?

In the past year, businesses were are a huge target of cyberattacks. The majority of businesses are not prepared for a cyber attack. External attacks can breach 93% of organizations and hackers can access their local networks! Furthermore, other individual victims experienced personal data exposure and mobile device attacks.

The field of cybersecurity has a huge shortage and many open job positions. Demand for new applicants far exceeds the supply. However, there is hope at the end of this internet tunnel.

How We Ranked the Top Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs

The editors at Online Schools Guide found schools offering online master’s degree programs in Cybersecurity. Then, based on cost and reputation, we ranked the programs. Here are the top 10 online Master in Cybersecurity programs.

1. Norwich University

Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Norwich University is a degree program that students can finish in less than two years. Furthermore, students can focus on one of six concentrations.

Computer Forensic Investigation and Incident Response Team Management
Vulnerability Management
Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Crime
Project Management
Cyber Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace
Procurement and Government Contract Management

Students in the program will learn to apply technical and management skills, gain knowledge of security practices, develop a strong business foundation, and have an excellent comprehension of government policies related to security. In addition, students will create effective measures in building better solutions to cyber security threats on a national and international scale. Courses in the program include human factors and management risk, computer forensic investigation, and information assurance technology.

This MS in Information Security and Assurance degree is 36 credits in total, with eleven-week classes. There are about a dozen career paths to choose from with this degree. The student-to-faculty ratio is very low. This is one of the best masters in cyber security online programs that a graduate interested in information technology should apply.

Program Duration: 36 credits. 11-week courses.

2. LaSalle University

Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity

LaSalle University’s MS in Cybersecurity program is a fully online degree. This program is ideal for working professionals with a background in technology, security, compliance, risk assessment, business management, or criminal justice.

The multidisciplinary curriculum includes ten courses, with completion of thirty credits. Some studies may include network theory, computer and internet fraud, ethics issues and government regulations, and cyber warfare. Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA to stay and complete the course. Fall and Spring semesters are eight weeks long. Full-time students must take two classes at a time. The MS in Cybersecurity prepares students for an exciting career in cybersecurity and can also provide specializations in the field as well.

Program Duration: 30 credits long, 10-course program.

3. Nova Southeastern University

Degree: MS in Cybersecurity Management

The Nova Southeastern University’s College of Computing and Engineering offers an MS in Cybersecurity Management to working professionals that have a career focused on network security and engineering.

A student with the skills and knowledge to secure network infrastructures and provide security analysis would benefit from the program. In addition, knowledge of securing policy development and compliance within organizations will be useful for the MS in cybersecurity degree. Once graduated, the student will demonstrate and understand the fundamental concepts, technologies, and challenges with network security and telecommunications. In addition, students learn to describe components of effective security architecture and the several security models used in designing secure architectures.

This program has start dates in August, January, and May. Students must complete all ten courses to graduate. The MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity has accreditation and national recognition from both the NSA and the DHS. Additionally, NSU is a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cybersecurity, and its curriculum meets the standards in cybersecurity education. The program is available online and on campus.

Program duration: 30 credits, 10 courses, and 8-week courses are available, so students can complete the degree in 1 year.

4. Penn State World Campus

Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

The Penn State World Campus offers a Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. This thirty-three-credit program is online, and students can complete it in less than two years.

The online master’s degree engages the student in scientific disciplines that blend technology, strategic planning, and crisis management knowledge and skills. The cyber security program prepares students for future career paths, such as cybersecurity analysts, cyber threat advisers, information security directors, security engineers, or vulnerability assessors. PSWC IT programs have national recognition and rank high among the top cybersecurity programs by US News and World Report.

Penn State World Campus also offers tuition discounts to service members, veterans, and military families with flexible schedules and convenient start dates to achieve their educational goals. The online cyber security master’s degree program faculty teachers come with decades of experience and dedication in the field of information technology. Choosing PSWC’s cybersecurity degree program will provide all the knowledge to successfully battle cybercrime threats.

Program Duration: 33 credits, 21 core credits, (optional) 9 transferrable credits accepted.

5. Eastern Illinois University

Degree: MS in Cybersecurity

Eastern Illinois University’s Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity is a thirty-two semester hour program designed to prepare students for leadership positions within the information technology field.

The program provides both technical and professional skills that are effective for marketing graduates for a rewarding career path in Cybersecurity. The MS in Cybersecurity program is thirty-two semester hours in length. The course material for the program will include studies in Advanced Database Technology, Network Defense, Systems Security, Database Security and Reliability, and Facilities Security. MS in Cybersecurity courses encourages students to teamwork and build knowledge and skills to design and implement computer networking systems.

The faculty members at Eastern Illinois University provide high-quality instruction to all graduate students who enroll in the MS in Cybersecurity program. The graduation rate is also high, and many students find employment within one year. The Illinois Department of Employment Security proposes a thirty percent growth in the profession over the next decade. In addition, graduates can participate in opportunities to share their experiences with undergraduates through video conferences about cybersecurity positions.

Program Duration: 32 credits, 18 to 24 months.

6. Excelsior University

Degree: MS in Cybersecurity at Excelsior University

The MS in Cybersecurity at Excelsior University offers a fully online program designed to advance students in an exciting career that prepares them with techniques and skills to detect cyber threats, recover lost information, and prevent system hacking from cybercrimes.

The NSA and the DHS designated this program the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The MS in Cybersecurity degree is a thirty-credit program. However, fifteen credits can transfer.

Once graduated, students will apply their cybersecurity knowledge in workplace settings, understand the implications of cybersecurity legal issues, and find employment in private and public sector business industries. Possible career outcomes of a graduate with an MS in cybersecurity include:

Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of existing and proposed information systems.
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating technical information in formal reports, documentation, and oral presentations to users and information technology professionals.
Continuously monitor, maintain, and enhance the protection of enterprise-wide information assets through effective industry-accepted information management and risk management techniques.

Program Duration: 30 credits, approximately two years.

7. Boston University

Degree: Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) with a concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity

Boston University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity. This is a thirty-two-credit program and takes most students 16 to 18 months to complete.

Students in the program will acquire knowledge and insight in cyber criminology, investigative development, and risk assessment within the cybersecurity field. This will provide the skills needed in the computer information age.

Boston University graduates of the MS in Criminal Justice are eligible for the forensic examination test. The program is one of the country’s best online cybersecurity master’s degree programs. In addition, the MS programs at Boston University also have affordable tuition rates. However, scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans are available to all eligible students.

Program Duration: 32 credit hours. 16-18 months

8. University of Rhode Island

Degree: Professional Science Masters Degree (PSM) in Cyber Security

The Professional Science Master’s in Cybersecurity at the University of Rhode Island offers students and working professionals a comprehensive curriculum to complement your four-year program in an IT or Criminal justice field.

The program is through the school’s Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity center. Students must complete thirty-six credits made up of nine classes. Courses will cover Introduction to network security, advanced digital forensics, professional skills in cyber security, and a capstone experience course with an organization focused on cybersecurity. The program is completely online and offers flexible scheduling so students can work independently.

The tuition cost for the MS in Cybersecurity at the University of Rhode Island is competitive pricing, compared to other national colleges. The Program is perfect for professionals that desire to receive a graduate degree while working full-time. In the online format, students watch video lectures on demand and engage with cloud-based hands-on labs. University of Rhode Island’s master in cyber security online program ranks as one of the top in the nation.

Program Duration: 36 credits, two years

9. New York University

Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering offers the MS in Cybersecurity program for working professionals interested in cybersecurity. The course is a 30-credit hour program with classes in computer networking, cryptography, network mapping, operational security, and evaluating secure systems.

The program includes a virtual laboratory, provides theory and research, and focuses on real-world solutions. This program offers many opportunities for career advancement. In addition, tuition is affordable, with a seventy-five percent scholarship option for working professionals to U.S. residents. The program operates with the National Science Foundation-funded Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security (OSIRIS) laboratory.

Students interested in the MS in Cybersecurity must have a working knowledge of high-level mathematics, programming language, and data structures. The degree also requires at least one year of science. The GRE is not necessarily required. However, the program encourages students to submit scores if they have them.

Furthermore, the school accepts transfer credits for courses in which the student earned at least a B grade. For applicants with a non-STEM degree, the school offers the NYU Tandon Bridge course. This 17-week or 24-week course prepares individuals with no technical skills for entry into a computer science or engineering master’s program.

Program Duration: 30 credits, two-year program

10. University of San Diego

Degree: MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership

The Master of Science (MS) in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program at the University of San Diego offers a fully online, comprehensive degree consisting of courses such as the foundations of cybersecurity, risk management in cybersecurity, applied cryptography, and cyber security operational policy.

Graduate Students will learn from experienced and highly trained professionals already in the field. The course offers state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to defeat adversaries from the theoretical and tactical viewpoint.

The MS in Cybersecurity program prepares students for continuous changes in cyber threats and lessens the effects of cyber crimes throughout the criminal justice field. The total program takes approximately twenty months to complete and is thirty-one credits.

Program Duration: 31 credits, 20 months

How Do You Choose the Best Online Master in Cybersecurity Program?

Most online Master’s in cybersecurity programs teach the basic foundations of computer technology or computer science courses, provide a mathematics course up to calculus, and instruct students in computer networking and data entry knowledge. However, many go beyond simple knowledge and skills.

In today’s technology world, it’s essential to be ready for any cyberattack or criminal action against our technological systems that may occur. When choosing the right MS degree in cybersecurity, there are some incentives for the career field to consider:

Job Security

Currently, the cyber security job market is making giant leaps forward. In fact, there are more women showing an interest in the career path than men. This is a great time to join the cybersecurity industry during this critical shortage of professionals skilled in this line of work. Employers need you, getting a cybersecurity degree will prove to them how valuable you are.

Higher Salaries for IT Specialists

Due to the shortage, employers and government agencies are willing to pay higher than usual wages for a skilled professional with the proper credentials. Earning a graduate-level degree will boost not only your career portfolio but the size of your wallet.

Awesome College Investment

Many students start as a freshman, not having a plan or foresight of what they plan to do when they enter their first college class. However, choosing a computer science major or some form of IT program will provide many opportunities, including but not limited to cyber security.

High Networking Opportunities

meeting the right group of people is the key to finding the best job in cybersecurity. While in your degree program, learn to engage with experienced and skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field. You never know, your next job opportunity will come from an intuitive professor.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth it in Cybersecurity?

Earning a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity is one of the best choices for students with the knowledge and skills of computer technology and the desire to make a difference in their communities and nationwide. Cybersecurity programs are primarily online, they build on the student’s knowledge of the field, educate students and help funnel them into a career of their own.

Many students also get their CISSP after graduating. There are many career tracks to take within the cybersecurity degree field. There are also many concentrated career paths to take once a student enters the Cyber security graduate program. From management and policy to cyber forensics to digital graphic strategies in cybersecurity.

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