According to Cybersecurity Guide, the best online master’s in cybersecurity program is offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).
Johns Hopkins and George Washington University rounded out this year’s top three for best overall online cybersecurity master’s programs.
Information security has become one of the most important issues facing organizations and governments around the world. As cyber threats continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals with advanced skills and knowledge. An online master’s degree in information security can help prepare you for a career in this high-demand field.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about getting an online master’s in information security, including:
- Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Information Security
- Admissions Requirements
- Program Formats and Curriculum
- Estimated Cost and Time to Complete
- Finding the Right Online Program
- Jobs and Salaries After Graduation
Benefits of an Online Master’s in Information Security
Pursuing an online master’s degree in information security offers many advantages:
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Career advancement With an advanced degree you can take on leadership roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or qualify for more senior positions like cybersecurity consultant or security engineer.
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Higher salary potential: On average, professionals with a master’s degree in information security earn $15,000 to $30,000 more per year than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
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Flexibility Online programs allow working professionals to earn their degree without career disruption. You can study anytime anywhere at your own pace.
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Hands-on learning Many programs incorporate practical exercises using real-world cybersecurity tools and software
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Networking opportunities: Connect with faculty and peers to build your professional network.
Admissions Requirements
While specific requirements vary by program, most schools require:
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Bachelor’s degree, often in computer science, information technology, or a related quantitative field
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Minimum 3.0 GPA
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GRE or GMAT test scores (waived at some schools)
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Letters of recommendation
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Personal statement
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IT work experience is a plus
International students may face additional requirements such as English proficiency tests.
Program Formats and Curriculum
Online information security master’s are typically 30-36 credits lasting 1-2 years full-time. Common courses include:
- Information Security Management
- Network Security
- Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking
- Risk Management
- Digital Forensics
Some programs allow you to specialize through electives or concentrations. For example, you could focus on an area like cyber policy, digital forensics, or healthcare security.
Programs use a mix of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous instruction. You’ll engage in online discussions, virtual lectures, collaborative projects, and hands-on cybersecurity labs.
Most programs culminate in a capstone project or thesis allowing you to demonstrate your skills.
Estimated Cost and Time to Complete
The total cost for an online information security master’s ranges from $15,000 to $60,000. Public schools tend to be less expensive than private institutions. Other factors impacting cost include:
- Tuition rate for online vs. campus programs
- Fees and technology expenses
- Financial aid eligibility
Scholarships and military/employer benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Completing the degree part-time takes 2-3 years. Accelerated and full-time options allow completion in as little as 1 year.
Finding the Right Online Program
With the growth in online education, there are now many options for earning your information security master’s online. Here are tips for selecting the best program:
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Check accreditation: Make sure the school and specific program are accredited. Key accreditors are the NSA, CAE, and regional agencies.
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Compare curriculum: Look for advanced technical courses as well as soft skills like risk management and policy.
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Investigate faculty: Faculty should have robust infosec experience in addition to academic credentials.
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Consider online support: Look for 24/7 tech support and online tutoring resources.
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Evaluate flexibility: See if the program offers part-time, accelerated, or synchronous options to fit your needs.
Jobs and Salaries After Graduation
An advanced degree opens doors to lucrative and challenging leadership roles. Here are some top jobs for infosec master’s graduates:
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Information Security Manager: Oversee all aspects of an organization’s cybersecurity. Median salary: $135,000
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Security Engineer: Design and implement security controls and processes. Median salary: $110,000
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Security Architect: Plan and develop an organization’s overall security architecture. Median salary: $130,000
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Security Analyst: Identify vulnerabilities, monitor systems, and respond to incidents. Median salary: $98,000
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Compliance Officer: Ensure systems and controls meet cybersecurity regulations. Median salary: $90,000
Start Your Journey Today
Earning an online master’s degree in information security can give your career a powerful boost. With this comprehensive guide, you now have the key facts needed to make an informed decision about graduate programs and take the next step toward your promising future in cybersecurity.
Online master’s in cybersecurity coursework (what you will learn)
Online master’s degrees are designed to provide the same experience as in-person degrees. This means that these programs will likely cover the same core concepts, including:
- Foundations cybersecurity
- Network security
- Computer security
- Cybersecurity law and ethics
Beyond the core curriculum, students will also have the opportunity to take electives or pursue a specialization. Some examples of these include:
- Digital forensics
- Cyber crime
- Critical infrastructure
- Malware analysis
- Incident response
- Penetration testing
- Cryptology and cryptography
A cybersecurity master’s program should also provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in working in cybersecurity via labs, internship opportunities, and capstone projects. Through these opportunities and other career-building and networking events, students can meet people in the field and explore potential opportunities and job prospects for after graduation.
What is an online master’s degree and why get one?
An online master’s degree in cybersecurity is designed to provide the same education as an on-campus degree. The main difference is that the course content is provided online rather than via in-person classes.
The format of an online master’s degree provides more flexibility than on-campus options. Students can decide to take courses full or part-time, and they can take classes synchronously or asynchronously, enabling them to fit the courses into their schedules. Also, online coursework means that students can learn from anywhere.
Pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity may be essential for gaining promotions, and usually comes with a significant pay increase.
According to PayScale, the average salary for an MS in cybersecurity is $96,000 compared to $77,000 for a BS in cybersecurity. The $19,000 difference in average pay can cover the cost of the most affordable online master’s programs in under a year.
Online Master’s Degree in Information Security
FAQ
Is a Masters in information security worth it?
Can you get a masters degree fully online?
Which master’s degree is best for cyber security?
How hard is it to get a masters in cyber security?
Are there online Master’s degrees in information security?
The number of online programs available for master’s degrees in information security continues to grow rapidly. The quality of these programs is also gaining ground considerably. There are many other online masters of information security programs available. See the bottom of this page for a more extensive list.
How much does an online information security master’s program cost?
$15,675 is the most cost-effective program and it is available the Northwestern State University of Louisiana. $39,198 is the average cost of an online master’s program (based on 10 programs). $97,020 is the most expensive online information security master’s program and is from UC Berkeley.
How do I get a Master’s in Information Systems Security online?
Most master’s in information systems security online programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools also require standardized test scores such as the GRE or GMAT. Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students.
Can a master’s degree in information security open up new career paths?
The answer for opening up new career paths for many may be in obtaining a master’s degree in information security. The availability of cybersecurity master’s programs has blossomed in recent years, so options for would-be students have grown as well.
