Who may want to earn a cybersecurity master's degree?

A degree in cybersecurity can lead to a fulfilling, lucrative career in fields such as business, homeland security, and forensics. Individuals with a background or interest in information technology, computer systems, and related topics can gain insights into how to keep data safe.

Why should you earn a master's in cybersecurity?

By earning an advanced degree, entry-level cybersecurity professionals enhance their existing knowledge and skills and can advance to leadership roles with higher earning potential. An online master's in cybersecurity covers advanced topics including digital forensics, ethical hacking, and risk management.

What are a few career paths one may take with an MS in cybersecurity?

Opportunities for individuals with a master's degree in cybersecurity include computer and information systems manager, cybersecurity consultant, and information security analyst. The BLS projects a 33% job growth rate for information security analysts from 2020-30, indicating strong employment potential in the field.

How long does it take to earn a master's in cybersecurity?

Students can complete a traditional cybersecurity master's degree in two years. Over four semesters, learners complete 30-36 credits. Online master's programs may offer opportunities to earn a degree on an accelerated schedule. Individuals with extensive experience and a strong background in cybersecurity can earn an accelerated master's degree in as few as 18 months.

What are some skills that may be learned in a cybersecurity master's program?

A master's in cybersecurity trains students to identify, analyze, prevent, and combat electronic security breaches and threats. Students may find opportunities to specialize in computer and network security, governance and compliance, or information technology auditing. Learners also build transferable research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

December 7, 2021 | Victoria Leigh

Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?

Find the right education path to take advantage of this fast-growing industry and join the front-lines on technology and security.

Cybersecurity professionals use complex systems to identify technological security threats. Their duties may include monitoring individual security on a personal device or handling national security on large, mission-critical networks. With the recent uptick in demand for qualified cybersecurity specialists, earning a master’s in cybersecurity offers increased overall value.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects rapid, substantial growth for jobs in information security analysis over the coming years. A 2020 project from the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) and Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) reported an ongoing and worsening cybersecurity skills shortage. The industry needs qualified, skilled professionals, making right now a great time to earn a cybersecurity master’s degree.

Keep reading to learn more about how to earn your master’s in cybersecurity online and explore our ranking of affordable, accredited programs.

What Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity master’s programs emphasize the systems and technology used in cyberdefense and operations. This differs from information security and information technology (IT); IT explores the use and storage of information using technology, and cybersecurity focuses on methods for securing computers, networks, and other technology from attack or misuse. However, some cybersecurity programs offer concentrations in IT and other closely related fields, as these topics overlap in many ways.

Cybersecurity master’s programs prepare students to take on more advanced roles in the field and include classes in specialized topics, such as applied cryptology. These programs vary in length depending on credit requirements. Typically, students can earn a master’s in cybersecurity in 1-3 years.

Master’s in cybersecurity programs often vary in course and credit requirements, but many require 30-45 credits. Students complete core requirements followed by courses in their chosen emphasis or concentration.

Many programs offer online students subsidized or flat-rate tuition, and some learners may incur lower costs by completing their degrees at an accelerated pace.

Why Get Your Master’s in Cybersecurity Online?

More and more, students turn to online options to earn their degrees. Earning a degree online offers a great deal of flexibility for learners, particularly those with personal and professional obligations that make traditional on-campus programs difficult. Online programs often allow students the option to complete all work asynchronously and move through course requirements at their own pace.

Earning a master’s in cybersecurity online offers even more advantages specific to this field. For instance, students practicing skills in cybersecurity can do so from their own computers and devices. Students already working in the field may find that online courses in cybersecurity help them grow and prepare to take on more professional responsibilities.

Prospective online learners should consider their lifestyle when deciding whether online learning will suit their needs. Distance learners must possess strong skills in time management and organization. They must also commit a certain number of hours per week to coursework and studying, in addition to their other commitments.

MS in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for MS in cybersecurity programs vary, but many programs maintain similar standards for admission and seek common characteristics among applicants.

Education: Generally, master’s programs prefer applicants who already hold a cybersecurity or computer science bachelor’s degree. Cybersecurity programs may look for applicants with a background in computer science or experience with programming and the basic elements of cybersecurity. Some programs admit applicants without backgrounds in computer science or cybersecurity, typically requiring those students to complete prerequisite courses.
Scores: Some programs mandate that applicants submit GRE scores, and many admit only applicants with certain GPAs; for instance, top programs often require candidates to demonstrate a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Supplemental Materials: Graduate programs often require other application materials, as well, such as letters of recommendation or evidence of work experience in the field.

Top Online Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Typical MS in Cybersecurity Online Courses

Online cybersecurity master’s programs cover concrete skills, analysis, critical thinking, and theory. Through coursework, students apply concepts and theoretical knowledge to real-world, hands-on cybersecurity systems and threat scenarios.

Core courses in these online programs typically examine topics such as internet security, information security, algorithms, and engineering security systems. Depending on their chosen concentration, students may also pursue specialized courses in areas such as data mining, software modeling, programming, and information systems.

Master’s programs in cybersecurity may also require a capstone course, practicum, or thesis.

The list below describes some common offerings in online MS in cybersecurity programs. Keep in mind that course content varies from school to school.

Cyberlaw and Ethics: This course explores the legal aspects of online commerce and business. Students explore issues in digital property and information, with a focus on how the law protects private data and online transactions.
Computer Security: This course builds upon foundational knowledge of computer security, exploring different types of computer security systems and how they function. Students learn about authentication processes, access control, viruses, and potential software vulnerabilities.
Network Defense: In addition to exploring techniques for building secure networks, students in this course examine various security protocols and security systems. Students learn to conduct vulnerability assessments and identify weak areas that are susceptible to breaches.

Jobs for MS in Cybersecurity Graduates

Fortunately, the cybersecurity field continues to grow at a rapid rate. According to some estimates, the number of job openings in cybersecurity greatly surpasses the number of qualified professionals, creating a critical shortage in workers. ESG and ISSA surveyed cybersecurity professionals for a 2020 report; 48% of respondents said the cybersecurity skills shortage had not improved in recent years, and 45% said it had gotten worse. Prospective cybersecurity professionals can leverage this skills shortage in their job search.

Careers in cybersecurity often provide highly competitive salaries. For instance, information security analysts earned a median salary of $103,590 as of May 2020. Earning advanced degrees and certifications may increase earning potential. Growth projections for most cybersecurity careers remain positive.

Explore Top Jobs for Master’s in Cybersecurity Graduates:

Discover More Cybersecurity Careers

How to Find the Right Online Master’s Cybersecurity Program

Schools in our top 5 boast outstanding credentials. They hold National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) designations, they have great professors, and they are concerned with real-world challenges. When making a decision, you may also consider factors such as the following.

Tailored Cybersecurity Curriculum: Does the curriculum give you a chance to gain hands-on experience in virtual labs? Does it include a capstone project where you can apply your knowledge to your job? Will you be able to earn professional certificates, continuing education units, and/or credits toward professional designations?
Online Admissions and Student Profile: This section can help you decide whether the program offers the right fit for your level of experience. Is it designed for IT professionals who want to move into security, for mid-stage tech gurus who aspire to become chief information security officers, or for executives who need a systematic view of information security? Is the program friendly to veterans, women, and minorities? Pay attention to the acceptance rate and the average GPA, as these metrics often indicate high-quality technical programs.
Career Support and Outcomes: Career assistance is a huge plus in an online degree, especially if you’re working toward a promotion or new career. How many students in your class receive sponsorship from their employers? Does the university arrange interviews or hold virtual career fairs? Can you receive job coaching via phone or Skype? In this section, you’ll also find statistics on job placement rates and graduate debt.
Financial Aid: Many scholarship and fellowship programs exist for students pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or computer science. Students may also take advantage of employee discounts, veterans’ benefits, and university aid. Public schools are usually more affordable than private schools, but private schools often offer more scholarships and sponsorship deals.

Remember, too, that an online master’s in cybersecurity is just one option. This ranking does not include schools that only offer online cybersecurity graduate certificates. Visit our directory of online certificate programs for alternative ideas.