When it comes to distance learning, accept nothing but the best! We’ve carefully vetted our list of the top 25 online master’s degrees in cyber security to give you a 360º view of the field. You can even use it as a way to persuade your employer that an online cyber degree is worth their sponsorship. Skip ahead for advice on finding the right program and the methodology behind our rankings.
Top Ranked Programs
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Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech made #1 for a host of reasons. It has six cyber security research centers—including the hyper-active Hume Center for National Security and Technology. It’s an NSA CAE school, an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, and it receives $15 million in cyber security research grants and contracts. Even better, it benefits from its proximity to the VA/MD/DC area and all the high-clearance organizations that live in it.
Online Degree Options
This is great, but what you’ll really need to know about is VT’s strength in info management. VT’s Online Master of Information Technology often takes the #2 spot in Best Online Graduate IT Programs. Taught by highly experienced faculty (almost all of them are tenured or tenure-track), the MIT is a build-your-own degree that takes around 2.5 years to complete.
You must complete at least 4 foundation courses in areas like software engineering, info systems design, and computer science. But after that you are free to customize your electives from various modules. For example, you could combine courses from the security module with modules in networking and decision support systems. We won’t say that the MIT is a super-focused security degree—it’s not—but it may be just right for mid-careerists.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
The online MIT is the only degree listed in VT’s Online Graduate IT Program Overview, so these statistics are a window into your potential classmates. For one, they’ll be intelligent. Successful applicants have an average GPA of 3.3. For another, they’re probably going to be male—78% of the class.
Finally, they’re going to know their stuff. According to the VTMIT Student Profile, most candidates have an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or an IT-related discipline. Having said that, VT does state that folks without an IT background who meet admissions criteria can get some programming experience and apply. 78% of entrants were accepted in 2018, so you’ve got a good shot.
Career Support & Outcomes
As we mentioned, this is not really a degree for folks without job experience—MIT students are on the older side (an average age of 34 years), have titles like “Programmer” or “Systems Engineer”, and almost all are already employed by organizations such as Northrop Grumman, the FBI, Deloitte, PWC, BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton, etc. From 2016-2017, 51% were sponsored by employers and 25% left with debt.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
VT does not offer scholarship for the online MIT degree. However, it is a public school, so tuition costs are lower than some private options. As you might expect, VT is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program. According to data it supplied to U.S. News, 11% of MIT students took advantage of GI Bill benefits.
More Information
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Johns Hopkins University
JHU is a perennial favorite. It’s an NSA CAE school; it’s one of our own Top Cyber Security Schools; it’s ranked highly in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate IT Programs; and it’s very selective about who admits. What’s more, JHU’s qualified distance learning faculty have close ties to the world-famous Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)—a critical technical & security resource for the Department of Defense (e.g. U.S. Navy) and NASA. You’ll be working with good people!
Online Degree Options
All of JHU’s online degrees are offered by Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals (EP), which is the distance learning arm of the Whiting School of Engineering. 5 years is permitted to earn a master’s degree, but it usually takes around 3 years to graduate. Your options include:
- Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity: EP’s flagship degree covers the gamut, including hardware, software, encryption, hash functions, signature schemes, and authentication. In addition to foundation courses, you can choose tracks in analysis, networks, and systems. High-level computing facilities and tools are available to online students.
- Online Master of Science in Computer Science with a Focus in Cybersecurity: If you prefer a broader focus, you could also consider foundation courses in software engineering, computer architecture, and algorithms before you dig into cyber security (e.g. networks, intrusion detection, ethical hacking, etc.).
- Online Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering with a Focus in Cybersecurity: This is a deep-dive into the development and management of complex systems. In addition to the usual topics (e.g. network security), you’ll be exploring areas such as privacy engineering, critical infrastructures, and embedded computer systems.
- Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering with a Focus in Cybersecurity Systems Engineering: This super-concentrated MS is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and it’s aimed at folks who want to move into leadership roles in systems engineering or the management of complex systems. After you learn everything there is to know about systems—from conception to tests & evaluations—you’ll be able to choose cyber security electives and complete an independent project or thesis.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
As we mentioned, EP is very selective. Candidates are expected to have an accredited bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or significant work experience; a number of the cyber security degrees also require undergraduate coursework in computer science & math. The average GPA of successful applicants for online tech programs was 3.4, which is higher than most universities, and EP tries to limit its online class sizes to an average of 14 students. In 2018, it accepted only 34% of students who applied to its online computer science, cyber security, data science, and information systems graduate programs.
According to EP’s Quick Facts, the vast majority of its online students are from the United States: 50% in-state, 49% out-of-state, and 1% international. (These stats may have something to do with the fact that JHU often draws applicants who are already working with defense contractors and the government.) The average age of new students was 29. Women make up around 20% of the class.
Career Support & Outcomes
All online students are assigned an academic advisor, and the Johns Hopkins University Career Center organizes regular career fairs, employer information sessions, and staff presentations. EP also runs career-focused webinars to help online and part-time graduate students address job challenges. Thanks to JHU’s ties to the government, top employers include the Applied Physics Lab, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and the Department of Defense.
Of course, you’ll probably be working at the same time as you’re studying. If you are, think about approaching your employer for sponsorship or contributions. According to stats in its Online Graduate IT Program Overview, 79% of online students were employed when they enrolled in EP’s tech programs and employers sponsored 73% of new students. In 2016-2017, only 10% of graduates of tech programs left with debt.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
EP’s Financial Aid strongly encourages you to think about employer contribution programs and federal financial aid to subsidize your education. JHU is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for college-funded aid.
- Gem Fellowship: EP participates in the GEM Master’s Fellows Program, which provides financial assistance to underrepresented graduate students in science and engineering. The fellowship provides a full tuition waiver and stipend for 3 terms (with an option for a 4th-term extension). JHU awards up to 2 fellowships per academic year.
More Information
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Boston University
BU came mighty close to JHU and Virginia Tech in our rankings! It’s an NSA CAE university, a Top Cyber Security School, and its MSCIS program has been certified as meeting Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) standards. In the realm of online education, BU is the winner of many distance learning awards, including the 2016 USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices, and it frequently appears in the top 5 of Best Online Graduate IT Programs. Many of the MSCIS faculty hold PhDs in Computer Science.
Online Degree Options
BU has two cyber security programs—both very specific to career goals. They are offered by Boston University Online Education, a collaboration between the Office of Distance Education, Metropolitan College, and various faculty members. Most students take around 2-3 years to complete these graduate degrees.
- Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with a Concentration in Security: Designed for IT leaders who want to move up to managerial positions, the MSCIS digs deep into the development and implementation of highly secure systems and networks. For example, on top of core coursework in networks, systems, and databases, you’ll explore topics such as enterprise information security, cryptography, biometric systems, forensics, and risk management.
- Online Master of Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity: Though it’s not nearly as technical as the MSCIS, we wanted to let you know of the MCJ’s existence. Granted, the core coursework deals with justice & law enforcement, but the concentration includes courses on IT security policies & procedures, cyber crime, and digital forensics. It’s also worth noting that BU does very well in rankings for Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Candidates for the online MCIS are expected to have an accredited bachelor’s degree and proficiency in IT fundamentals. According to the Online Graduate IT Program Overview, there was a 65% acceptance rate in 2018 for online MSCIS programs. The official class size is around 40, but BU tries to divide most classes into smaller, facilitator-led groups of 15 students. The MSCIS cohort usually has a healthy variety of students: 29% female, 33% minority groups, and 14% international students. A small portion of students will be veterans or active service members.
Applicants for the MCJ are selected in part on the basis of academic background and career experience. You’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of the class profile in the Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program Overview. Although the acceptance rate is lower than the MSCIS, the degree attracts more women (i.e. 58.5%).
Career Support & Outcomes
Metropolitan College has a reputation for being an “advance your career” kind of place, and almost of all of the students enrolling in the online MSCIS and MCJ programs are already employed. But if you’re seeking greener pastures, the Department of Computer Science maintains an up-to-date Job Board and hosts various on-campus TECH talks given by Boston employers. Faculty and Student Support Administrators (FSSAs) at the Office of Distance Education are always on-hand to offer guidance and answer questions. Tutoring is available to online students free of charge.
Above all, we’d urge you to talk to your employer about how your company can contribute to your degree—although 60% of MSCIS students were sponsored, 42% of all graduates still left with sizeable debts in 2016-2017. For MCJ students, sponsorship numbers were even lower and debt figures were even higher.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Metropolitan’s Financial Aid section is pretty comprehensive, with info on graduate assistantships (if you’re local to the Hub), graduate loans, and military & veterans benefits. BU is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- Boston University Women’s Guild (BUWG) Scholarships: BUWG provides financial aid and support to women aged 30 and over who are enrolled in BU graduate programs. These awards are open to any student (national or international), studying part-time or full-time.
- Bryan D. Willard Scholarship: This scholarship helps cover tuition costs for undergraduate or graduate courses at Metropolitan College. It is open to a member or veteran of the armed forces who has been awarded a Purple Heart; spouses and children of veterans killed in the line of duty are also eligible.
- Megan McClung Memorial Fund: This annual scholarship provides financial support to Metropolitan College students who are pursuing the online Master of Criminal Justice. It is awarded based on academic performance and financial need.
- The City of Boston Scholar Program: City of Boston employees enrolled in programs offered through the Metropolitan College (including online degrees) are eligible for graduate scholarships.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
You may already know about UIUC’s strengths in engineering, but we’re going to talk about the School of Information Sciences (iSchool)—the one school that currently offers an online master’s degree in a cyber security field. The iSchool often hits #1 in Best Library and Information Systems Programs and receives funding from organizations like the Library of Congress, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the NSF.
Online Degree Options
More specifically, it has developed an Online Master of Science in Information Management with a Pathway in Privacy, Trust, Security, and Ethics—a STEM-designated program that’s very popular with international students. In this 1.5- to 2-year degree, you’ll be able to explore issues such as information assurance, digital forensics, ethics, cyber law, policy, and privacy. You’ll also be honing your skills in developing and maintaining secure information systems and networks. It’s not a hard-core cyber security degree, but pathway courses do provide fundamental training for information-intensive jobs.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
You don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, but it will certainly give you a leg-up in the entry stakes. All MS/IM applicants are expected to have completed a course in stats and have some programming ability.
The MS/IM was launched in 2016. In that first class of 42 students, there was almost a 50/50 split between men and women. 25 were Chinese, 10 were Indian, 5 were Illinois residents, 1 was Indonesian, and 1 was from out-of-state. Enrollment for the online degree began in 2017.
Career Support & Outcomes
The iSchool has a comprehensive section on Careers, with contact info for its career services coordinator and a useful page of job listings. Because the MS/IM is a relatively new program, UIUC doesn’t yet have comprehensive data on alumni and their career paths.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
The MS/IM degree is “self-sustaining.” In practice, that means graduate students are not eligible for assistantships that generate tuition waivers. On the other hand, online MS/IM students are eligible for various scholarships and internships. More info can be found in the iSchool’s Tuition and Financial Support section.
- MS/IM Scholarships: The iSchool evaluates MS/IM applications to determine if students can receive funding for their first semester. Criteria that are considered include merit, need, and diversity.
- MS/IM Continuing Scholarships: After the first semester, the iSchool offers small scholarships to MS/IM students to help supplement other funding sources (e.g. loans) for the remaining semesters.
More Information
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Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech blows our socks off. The Institute for Information Security & Privacy (IISP) is massive, with 13 cyber security facilities, labs, and centers across campus. Government and industry are currently sponsoring all kinds of cutting-edge research projects. The Department of Defense provides funds for the Georgia Tech Research Institute, a UARC with an interest offensive & defensive missile weapon systems.
Better yet, it’s the recipient of multiple honors, including a DSS “Excellence in Counterintelligence” award and an NSA CAE-R (Research) designation. It’s one of our own Top Cyber Security Schools. And wait ’til you see the top 10 U.S. News & World Report rankings for computer science and engineering!
Online Degree Options
Georgia Tech’s 1-3 year Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity closely parallels the on-campus program—same faculty, same specialization options, same emphasis on real-world projects. You can choose from 3 separate tracks:
- Information Security (i.e. computer science-driven)
- Energy Systems (with a particular focus on electrical power systems)
- Policy (organizational, national, and international concerns)
Each track includes a 5-credit security capstone/practicum, where you’ll work on tackling a current cyber security problem in a commercial, industrial, academic or government setting.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Admission vary depending on the track, but all candidates are expected to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Information Security: A BS in computer science or computer engineering, a knowledge of CS fundamentals, undergraduate course credits in discrete mathematics, and strong programming skills. Georgia Tech also encourages candidates who have other bachelor’s degrees and relevant work experience (e.g. network security, cryptography, etc.) to apply.
- Energy Systems: A BS in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering and strong programming skills. A basic knowledge of energy systems fundamentals and systems & controls is a bonus. Again, Georgia Tech likes to see candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant work experience.
- Policy: Georgia Tech accepts candidates with technical qualifications (e.g. BS in computer science or engineering + relevant work experience + courses in law, policy, international relations, etc.) and non-technical backgrounds (e.g. bachelor’s degree in economics, policy, pre-law, business, etc. + experience in information management and programming + an undergraduate course in computer science or programming). Applicants can take computer science credits to catch up.
As you can see from the guidelines, this is the kind of program that attracts folks who have some professional experience under their belt.
Career Support & Outcomes
Georgia Tech doesn’t provide a lot of info on graduate outcomes via its website, but you’re welcome to contact the Student Services Team with direct questions. Once you’re enrolled, you can check in with the Center for Career Discovery and Development (C2D2) for guidance on graduate opportunities. You may also want to pay a visit to IISP’s annual Cybersecurity Summit in October to network with potential professors and mentors.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
Georgia Tech is a public school, and it has made a firm commitment to keeping costs low for the online program. In 2018, tuition was under $10,000. Because of this low rate, scholarships are few and far between. IISP participates in the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, but it does not award the scholarship to online students.
Instead, candidates are encouraged to think about employer reimbursement or federal loans. Veterans can apply for support through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid has more details.
More Information
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Purdue University
Purdue has a heavyweight reputation in the world of security. Its Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS) is as well-known as MIT’s CSAIL and Carnegie Mellon’s CyLab. CERIAS and related research centers are doing all kinds of cyber-work for government and corporate partners. And the school is usually lurking in the top 10 of The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rankings for Best Public Universities. Employers will know the name!
Having said all this, Purdue’s online offerings in cyber security have been developed by the School of Business and Information Technology and run by Purdue University Global, a branch of the system that’s devoted to working adults. These are career-focused programs that prioritize hands-on virtual labs and corporate priorities over advanced research.
Online Degree Options
With 6-week-long courses and flexible start dates, Purdue’s 60-quarter credit programs can be completed in less than 2 years of full-time study. Your distance learning options include:
- Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management: The MS in CSM is a structured program with no electives. Coursework is a judicious blend of technical training (e.g. information systems security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, etc.) and business concerns (e.g. management of information security, legal & ethical issues in IT, financial decision-making, etc.). The program finishes with a capstone that addresses a security challenge in either the research community or your industry.
- Online Master of Science in Information Technology-Information Security & Assurance Concentration: The MSIT is a useful option if you’re trying to get a foothold in the industry. The core coursework focuses on IS subjects (e.g. system analysis & design, project management, computer networks, etc.), but you’ll be able to customize the degree with 3 courses in security (computer & network security, ethical hacking, and computer forensics) as well as 2 electives. You can also choose to complete a capstone or an IT internship.
If you’d like a preview of what’s to come, Purdue Global lists the full bios of its School of BIT faculty and goes into some depth about the online experience. You can try out the first 3 weeks of a course tuition-free through the Purdue Global Commitment.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Candidates for the MS in CSM are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of computer systems and networking technology, good math and communication skills, and familiarity with Internet and wireless applications. Skillsets should be equivalent to a BSIT or a degree in a relevant field, or an appropriate combination of IT professional certifications and work experience.
Applicants for the MSIT should have a degree in IT, computer science, information systems, management of information systems, or a similar field of study. Students without those degrees or the required skillsets will be expected to take IT prerequisites to get up to speed.
Purdue Global doesn’t provide much data on students in individual programs, but it does have an overall rundown of its student body. In 2017, almost 30% of its students were military-affiliated; almost 70% had a child or other dependent; and almost 65% were over the age of 30.
Career Support & Outcomes
According to the same student body statistics, 91% of master’s graduates from Purdue Global (in all subjects) were employed.
- Online MS in CSM graduates typically aim for jobs as senior security engineers, architects, administrators, and policy analysts, as well as senior IT auditors, senior forensic analysts, and senior ethical hackers & penetration testers.
- Online MSIT graduates often find work as information security analysts, managers, and specialists.
Purdue Global used to be Kaplan, so it has an extensive infrastructure designed to support online learners. Career Services can offer one-on-one mentoring, online career fairs, job searches, and interview prep, and faculty are available for consultation during online office hours.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
Purdue Global accepts transfer credits for certain IT certification exams and professional experiences. Plus it offers a raft of tuition discounts, including reductions for:
- Indiana Residents: 10% reduction on graduate tuition and tech fees.
- International Students: 25% discount on tuition.
- Military Servicemembers: 17%-30% tuition reduction on graduate programs.
- Veterans: 14% tuition reduction on graduate programs.
- Spouses of Servicemembers: 10% tuition reduction on graduate programs.
- Purdue Global Undergraduate Alumni: Up to 20% tuition reduction on graduate programs.
- Employees of Purdue Global Corporate Partners: As of 2018, current partners included ManTech, McKesson, T Mobile, Delta, and a number of other large companies. Purdue suggests you talk to your HR representative for info on potential tuition discounts, as well as tuition assistance and matching programs.
The Tuition & Financial Aid section has more details on loans, grants, and external financial resources. Servicemembers and veterans should also pay a quick visit to the Military section.
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University of Southern California
The government-funded Cyber Defense Technology Experimental Research Laboratory (DETERLab), the Center for Computer Systems Security (CCSS) and the well-regarded Viterbi School of Engineering, are just 3 of the reasons USC is known as a leader in security research. Better yet, a tried-and-tested distance learning infrastructure means that USC usually claims the #1 spot in Best Online Graduate IT Programs.
USC’s cyber security options are offered by USC Online, and delivered through a unique platform called [email protected]. The majority of [email protected] faculty have full-time status and many are tenured or tenured-track; all who teach online also teach on-campus.
Online Degree Options
Degrees take around 2-3 years to complete and come in 2 very technical flavors:
- Online Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security): The required coursework for the MS is tailored toward operations & systems—you’ll be schooled in security systems, applied cryptography, networking, advanced operating systems, and algorithms. You’ll then be able to choose from a number of electives, some in cyber security and some not (e.g. AI, software engineering, etc.). You’ll also have the option to work on your own research project.
- Online Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering: This specialized MS was deliberately created to help folks move up the career ladder in the field of computer network operations & security and/or progress to a doctorate. The curriculum is heavy on engineering fundamentals (e.g. security systems, system design & analysis, systems assurance); the electives range from cyber security for oil & gas operations to forensics and cryptography. You can choose to complete an internship.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Applicants for the MS in Computer Science are expected to have an accredited undergraduate degree in engineering, math, or hard science and a substantial background in computing. Candidates for the MS in Cyber Security Engineering should hold an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or information security and have some programming capability.
USC doesn’t post a specific class profile for its online cyber security programs, but you can get a sense of the computer science option through the Online Graduate IT Program Overview and the engineering option through the Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview on U.S. News and World Report. Here you’ll learn that:
- USC’s acceptance rate is fierce: Only 47% for IT programs and 58% for engineering programs
- The average GPA of applicants is very high: 3.5 for IT programs and 3.4 for engineering programs
- Almost all students are employed when they enroll: 95% for IT programs
- Minority students are well-represented: 44% for IT programs and 35% for engineering programs
- Around a quarter of students in both programs are female
Career Support & Outcomes
A technical USC degree is an outstanding way to advance your career. In its U.S. News & World Report overviews, the university reported that 100% of both online IT and online engineering graduates received a raise or promotion since first enrolling. Graduate debt levels were very low (i.e. under $6,000 in 2016-2017), less than 20% of graduates actually had debt, and 99% of students were receiving sponsorship help from employers.
Want more good news? Viterbi maintains close partnerships with the U.S. Military, Boeing, GM, Lockheed Martin, Saudi Aramco, and the Kuwait Oil Company (hence the course on security for oil & gas operations). The Career Center is chock full of advice and guidance. Alumni can search for jobs, get help with their résumes, network with fellow students, and attend alumni events.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Graduate scholarships are awarded through Viterbi, but USC’s Financial Aid office also has an entire section devoted to distance learners, with step-by-step guidelines for prospective online students, continuing online students, veterans, and international students. The university is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- [email protected] Scholarship: This partial award goes to online students who are working full-time and not receiving 100% funding from their employer for their degree. However, candidates still need to provide full or partial financial support for themselves.
- [email protected] Computer Science Scholarship: This merit-based tuition scholarship goes to outstanding online candidates for computer science degrees (e.g. Computer Security). Candidates must be studying 100% online and receive partial or no tuition reimbursement funds from their employer. Award amounts range from 1 – 3 units of tuition.
- Viterbi Squared Program: If you’ve already earned an online master’s degree via [email protected], USC will waive the application fee and the GRE requirement on your second master’s degree. It will also transfer course credits from one applicable course.
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Pennsylvania State University—World Campus
Penn State is an NSA CAE university and a perennial all-star. At its College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), you’ll find experienced security & privacy faculty involved in interesting cyber security research projects and useful government partnerships. IST’s tenured, full-time faculty also teach online—one of the many reasons you’ll often see Penn in the top 5 of Best Online Graduate IT Programs.
Online Degree Options
Penn State World Campus has been involved in distance learning since 1998 and it offers 2 major cyber security degrees that take around 2.5 years to complete:
- Online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security with options in Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention OR Information Security and Forensics: The title says a lot. This 33-credit program dives headfirst into homeland security issues—the core curriculum (9 credits) deals with practical issues surrounding the field. Then you can choose to specialize in prevention (e.g. web security, data mining, technical analysis, etc.) or info management and forensics (e.g. risk assessment, info assurance, network security, etc.). Both options are heavy on technical skills and tools. All students complete a research paper or project.
- Online Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity & Information Assurance: Students in this multidisciplinary, 33-credit degree must tackle 9 credits in areas like network management and the web. After that, the list of security courses is long and diverse. There are mandatory credits in info assurance and info security management, but there are also electives in enterprise architecture, visual analytics for security intelligence, cyber forensics, and more. All students complete a research paper or project.
Both degrees can help you prepare for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. You may also use coursework credits from the MPS in Information Sciences to earn a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity (you need to apply for the certificate separately).
Online Admissions & Student Profile
In general, candidates for either MPS program should have a bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline, but Penn State will also consider applicants with relevant work experience and/or professional IT training. As you might expect:
- The MPS in Homeland Security program is looking for federal, state, and local officials or individuals in private companies (e.g. government contractors) who need cyber skills in homeland security.
- The MPS in Information Sciences program accepts a range of mid- to high-level IT professionals from diverse fields.
According to its Online Graduate IT Program Overview, which covers both security programs, the average GPA of successful candidates is very competitive (3.4) and the odds of acceptance are good (69%). Minority groups often make up around 30% of the class, the average age is high (37 years), and the programs are stacked with veterans or active service members (~31%).
Career Support & Outcomes
Through the World Campus Career Services, online graduate students have access to career counseling, job listings, online career fairs, and the Nittany Lion Career Network. As you might have guessed from the number of veteran students, Penn State is particularly keen on supporting the armed forces—the Military section has advice on admissions, transferring credits, grants, and how to contact its support staff.
Think strongly about using employer contributions or sponsorship to help pay your way. The proportion of 2016-2017 students who graduated from Penn’s online graduate IT programs with debt was 39% and the average indebtedness of those students was $37,649.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Online graduate students can read through the guidelines on Financial Aid, but unfortunately there are no graduate-level scholarships available through the World Campus. Penn State is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program; 20% of new students in online Computer IT graduate programs take advantage of GI Bill benefits.
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Texas A&M University
Here’s one for hard-working engineers! Texas A&M’s graduate offering is backed by the expertise and reputation of its College of Engineering and its distance learning arm, Engineering Online. Though its strengths traditionally lie in petroleum engineering, Texas A&M is an NSA CAE school (R, CDE & CO) with its own Cybersecurity Center and a roster of experienced cyber security faculty from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.The College itself has an outstanding academic reputation—it consistently appears in the top 15 of U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Engineering Schools and Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.
Online Degree Options
The Online Master of Engineering in Engineering-Cybersecurity Engineering Specialization is designed for professionals in all engineering fields (e.g. computer, civil, electrical, biomedical, etc.) who want hard-core training in cyber security concerns.
The 33-credit degree can be completed in as little as 20 months:
- The core is a blend of technical training (e.g. cyber security engineering, hardware or software security) and information assurance (e.g. risk management and law & policy).
- You’ll also have a choice of five cyber security electives (e.g. cryptography, quantum computing, data analytics for cyber security) and two foundational electives (e.g. cloud computing, AI, etc.). An internship course is available.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in engineering or computer science (or a relevant field) and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Competition for spots will be tough—the engineering arm had a 32% acceptance rate in 2018.
The Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview has a breakdown of the student body, but keep in mind that these statistics will include other fields of engineering. Graduate students are usually male (~80%), employed, and mid-career (the average age of new entrants is 29 years). Minority students make up around 1/4 of the class.
Career Support & Outcomes
As we mentioned, this is an interdisciplinary degree for engineering-minded professionals. Many students are already working in relevant disciplines or they’re looking to improve their prospects as security engineers, architects, and the like.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
Texas A&M is a public university, and residents pay less than non-residents. The school tries to keep tuition rates reasonable, but there are additional engineering program fees. These can put a strain on the wallet. In 2016-2017, 63% of Texas A&M engineering graduates had student debt, with an average debt load of $37,602.
To offset costs, we recommend you look into company sponsorship—85% of Texas A&M graduate engineering students had some support from employers. The Financial Aid office has more info on federal loans & grants.
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Syracuse University
Like Texas A&M, Syracuse is a great choice if you love the engineering side of security. Its College of Engineering and Computer Science is involved in oodles of cyber security projects (particularly those that revolve around systems) and its Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) is all over network assurance. The experienced online faculty at [email protected] have multiple research & teaching awards. It’s also an NSA CAE university and a Top Cyber Security School.
Online Degree Options
- The Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity covers major fundamentals of secure design and development (e.g. operating systems, assurance foundations, etc.), but you can also choose electives (e.g. data mining, machine learning, and biometrics). It takes around 15 months to complete.
- Alternatively, you can customize the Online Master of Science in Computer Science or the Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering with cyber security electives. We especially like the fact that the engineering degree requires core courses in security.
It’s also important to note that Syracuse’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) has developed 2 online degrees for folks who want less technical work and more leadership instruction—the interdisciplinary Online Master of Science in Information Management and the shortened Online Master of Science in Information Management (Executive Track) for students with 6+ years of relevant full-time, professional experience. These programs take around 2 to 2.5 years to complete.
We’ve included them because MSIM students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Information Security Management with no additional coursework. Mandatory credits include an introduction to information security, leading issues in security, enterprise risk management, and a selection of information studies credits (e.g. managing info systems projects).
Online Admissions & Student Profile
As you might expect, [email protected] is looking for folks with technical smarts—typical applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Syracuse provides profiles of real-life online engineering graduate students, but you can also get some hard data on all 3 online programs (i.e. cyber security, engineering, and computer science) from the Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview. For example, the average GPA of successful applicants is 3.3 and that typical class sizes are nice and small (13 people). The acceptance rate is 61%, male students are a huge majority (~90%), and minority groups are well-represented (27%).
When you compare the MSIM using statistics provided by the university, you’ll see some differences. Class sizes are still reasonable and the acceptance rate is still high (85%), but the average age of students has shot up to 38 years. Around 30% of MSIM students are women.
Career Support & Outcomes
For the MS in Cybersecurity, start with [email protected]’s Career Services. The staff can provide you with info on job postings, career fairs, and career preparation workshops. Syracuse is also kind enough to supply a handy sponsorship guide to help you request employer support. According to the Engineering Program Overview, 98% of online engineering students were employed on enrollment and 40% were employer sponsored.
Meanwhile, over at the iSchool’s Career Services, you’ll find career training & counseling (via phone or Skype), networking events, career workshops (streamed live or recorded) and help with job searches. Plus, of course, a useful sponsorship guide. In 2017, the program stated it had a 96% placement rate over the past four years.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
In its section on Financial Aid, [email protected] states that MS students (national and international) are eligible to apply for university scholarships, though most aid at the graduate level comes through individual departments. Limited competitive tuition grants are available to select engineering students. Syracuse is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Over at the Financial Aid section of the iSchool, the same details hold true. The online MSIM, in particular, attracts a goodly number of veterans—9% use GI Bill benefits.
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George Washington University
GW is an NSA CAE school and a Top Cyber Security School with a long history in government & international affairs. Based in Washington D.C., it maintains close ties with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security (CCHS). But its security researchers are also involved in issues like surveillance & supply chain safety (Cyber Security and Privacy Research Institute (CSPRI)) and legality (Cybersecurity Law Initiative). You’ll typically see a lot of military & law enforcement officers in its student ranks.
Online Degree Options
- Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance: This multidisciplinary program consists of 30 credits/10 courses—12 credits in computer science & technical areas (e.g. security in mobile computing, secure cloud computing, intrusion detection, etc.) and 18 credits related to leadership skills (e.g. risk management & compliance, cybercrime, information security in government, etc.). Think of it as a training ground for security managers & CISOs. MEng faculty have strong engineering credentials and the entire degree can be completed in ~2.5 years.
- Online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management: This 36-credit MPS was custom-built for military and homeland security professionals (and related roles in the private sector & public safety agencies). The 4-semester curriculum was created in consultation with the DHS, and it contains high-level credits in areas such as cyber defense strategies, cyber intelligence, enterprise architecture, law, and policy. A capstone project is required. MPS faculty come from a range of security backgrounds and the degree takes 1.5 – 2 years to complete.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
GW ‘s online cyber security offerings are relatively new, so statistics on a typical class profile are hard to come by. Generally speaking:
- For the MEng, GW is looking for candidates with a technical or engineering background and/or project management professionals with a strong interest in cyber security leadership. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an accredited bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline. However, GW will also consider candidates with significant work experience in an IT field. Prospective students are not required to have extensive coding knowledge to apply.
- For the MPS, GW wants to see applicants with an accredited bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Candidates must also have 2 or more years of relevant experience in security or public safety professions. Volunteer and military experience may also be considered.
Career Support & Outcomes
The GW Career Center is open to distance learning students, though there isn’t much in the way of dedicated career support in each program. The online MEng website has a list of potential career titles and links to industry resources, but the expectation is that you’ll already be employed when you enroll.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial Aid advice is available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance and the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships & Fellowships. Booz Allen Hamilton employees receive a 10% discount on most GW graduate courses, including classes in online cyber security degrees.
As you might expect, GW is known for being military friendly. It is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program and its Office of Military and Veteran Student Sevices is very active. According to GW, 20% of students participating in GW Veterans (i.e. service members, veterans, dependents, and supporters) are enrolled in online graduate courses & programs.
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University of Arizona
UA is one of the strongest state schools in the field of cyber security. Its Department of Management Information Systems (MIS) is right up there with CMU and MIT in terms of reputation; it has a dedicated Information Assurance and Security Center (IASEC) run by talented faculty; its Artificial Lab is doing some fascinating work into hacking; and it holds NSA CAE designations for both Cyber Defense Education and Research.
Online Degree Options
The online offerings are pretty good, too! UA often appears in the list of Best Online Graduate IT Programs, where it gets high marks for student engagement and faculty credentials. In UA’s 1.5 to 2-year programs, you can choose from the:
- Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity: UA’s interdisciplinary degree is intended for technical professionals who want to dig deep. In the common core of the MS, you’ll tackle 4 hardcore fundamentals (e.g. info security in public & private sectors). After that, you’ll be able to focus on security topics in either the Information Systems or Physical Systems track (engineers will want to look at Physical Systems.) While you’re studying, you can also choose to earn certificates in Enterprise Security and CNSS.
- Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems with an Emphasis in Information Assurance: The core of the MSMIS is built around business and info systems—analysis & design, enterprise data management, data mining, and business foundations. However, you can customize the degree with 3 courses on security management and a security master’s project. The curriculum also allows you to earn a separate certificate in Enterprise Security.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
In the MS in Cybersecurity, you’ll be among techies. For example, UA seeks out candidates with at least 3 years of technical work experience, a relevant industry certificate, or a strong (and recent) undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Python and statistics are prerequisites. Because of its broader focus, the MSMIS requires only 2 years of IT work experience.
To get a handle on a typical cyber security class, you could also consider broader stats from UA’s Online Graduate IT Program Overview. Across all Computer IT programs, 75% of applicants were accepted and those successful entrants had an average GPA of 3.4. Women made up 21% of the intake, but minority groups were well-represented (41%). The average age was 34 years.
Career Support & Outcomes
Career services are readily available from the Department of Management and Information Systems, which handles UA’s security degrees. You’re welcome to talk to the MIS career coordinator, the MIS online advisor, or one of the cyber security degree advisors about your job goals.
Granted, you may already know what you want—according to UA’s Online Graduate IT Program Overview, 98% of online graduate students were employed when they enrolled. Despite this, 61% of them still graduated with an average debt of $29,000. UA is a good school, and it’s in our top list for a reason, but make sure you ask your current employer about sponsorship programs at every opportunity.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
UA’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid has specific aid information for online students. UA is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Employees of UA, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University are eligible to receive qualified reduction tuition (QTR) for these degrees.
Unfortunately, UA merit tuition awards and fellowships are not available for online graduate IT programs—another reason to talk to your employer about sponsorship!
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University of Colorado—Boulder
CU Boulder may not be an NSA CAE school (that honor belongs to CU Colorado Springs), but its Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program (ITP) has a great track record. Co-founded by Frank Barnes in 1971, it is the oldest telecommunications program in the country, combining engineering research with disciplines like business, law, politics, and economics.
Online Degree Options
- Online Master of Science in Telecommunications – Cybersecurity Track: This 24-month MS is part of ITP’s Professional Master’s Program, and it’s designed for working professionals who don’t have a technical degree or engineering background. In addition to covering all aspects of network & systems, the curriculum includes courses on security management, policy, and cyber economics. To help folks gain hands-on experience, it also includes an on-campus network security project in the last summer semester.
- Online Master of Science in Telecommunications – Network Security Track: ITP’s traditional and more technical program is tailored to info security professionals and is offered both on-campus and online. Over 4 semesters (around 2 years), you’ll learn how to develop, build, and maintain secure telecommunications systems and devices. You can choose to complete a capstone or a thesis. Hands-on experiences are part and parcel of the degree.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
ITP applicants are expected to have an accredited bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. According to CU Boulder, many ITP students have backgrounds in electrical engineering and computer science, but it strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Having said that, the university recommends that you have taken an undergraduate course in calculus.
CU Boulder’s Online Graduate IT Program Overview covers computer science, computer engineering & telecommunications. There’s an acceptance rate of ~64% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6. The average age of entrants is 28 years, women make up ~31% of the class, and minority students are well-represented (55%).
Career Support & Outcomes
When it comes to your job future, you’re welcome to seek help from CU Boulder’s Career Services, which has some detailed advice for graduate students. If you’re in the Boulder area, the university also organizes a number of workshops, career fairs, and employer information sessions. ITP also maintains a separate job board for enrolled students.
In 2016, ITP completed a post-graduation survey. It found that 98% of its students were employed within 3 months of graduation. Hiring companies included big names such as Amazon, Cisco, HP, the U.S. Army, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, and Apple. The average salary was $85,000.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial Aid is available to ITP distance learning students, but it’s the usual story of filling out the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for federal graduate loans. CU Boulder is a state school, so tuition costss are pretty reasonable, especially for Colorado residents. It is also GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
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Iowa State University
Don’t believe the corn-fed clichés—Iowa State is a Top Cyber Security School and NSA CAE university. Its Information Assurance Center (IAC) has been in operation since 2000, and its research projects are wide and varied. ISU also plays host to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, which has a critical stake in energy security. Online IA programs have been developed in consultation with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Department of Computer Science, and the multidisciplinary faculty have solid credentials.
Online Degree Options
- Online Master of Science in Information Assurance (IA): This 30-credit program is composed of 18 core credits in technical subjects (e.g. network & computer security, cryptography, forensics, and information warfare) and a variety of electives. You can choose to complete a 6-credit thesis (if you’re interested in research and development) or a 3-credit capstone/creative component.
- Online Master of Engineering in Information Assurance (IA): Despite the name difference, this 30-credit program covers much of the same course territory as the MS. However, no thesis or creative component is required—you will only need to complete a capstone course. It’s designed for computing professionals who want to dig deeper into IA and cyber security.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
The MS program asks applicants to have an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, computer science, management information systems, political science, or a closely related field. Students with a degree in areas like statistics or physical sciences are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The MEng program is looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. Work experience is also a plus. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in a non-computing field and at least 3 years of work experience in an IT field are also considered.
Career Support & Outcomes
Online students are welcome to take advantage of ISU Engineering Career Services, Graduate College Career Services, and CyHire. According to a 2011-2016 ISU survey in Information Assurance Career Placement, 85% of IA master’s students were employed in their field after graduation. Typical job titles included Deployment Functionality Technician, Security Analyst, Systems Support Specialist, Senior Systems Engineer, System Security Engineer, Software Engineer, System Engineer, Research Systems Analyst, and Security Vulnerability Analyst.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Off-campus ISU students (i.e. students taking no face-to-face courses) pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. ISU is generally regarded as military friendly—it’s a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program and GI Bill certified—and its Iowa State Veterans Center is supportive of graduate students.
There’s also a small scholarship for online students in the military. The ELO Military Scholarship is open to military (active duty military, veterans, reserves, National Guard, and Gold Star Spouses) who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate online degree and taking three or more credits via ELO in a term.
- Online Master of Science in Information Assurance (IA): This 30-credit program is composed of 18 core credits in technical subjects (e.g. network & computer security, cryptography, forensics, and information warfare) and a variety of electives. You can choose to complete a 6-credit thesis (if you’re interested in research and development) or a 3-credit capstone/creative component.
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University of California—Berkeley
UC Berkeley makes the grade because of its strong research credentials and its emphasis on hands-on training. The College of Engineering is usually ranked in the top 3 of Best Engineering Schools; the School of Information (iSchool) has a dedicated Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) open to both campus and online students; and the university worked closely with 2U to create its distance learning platform.
Online Degree Options
The practical Online Master of Information and Cybersecurity was created with input from the iSchool, the CLTC, and the College of Engineering. The 9-course MICS takes around 20 months to complete and includes 3- to 4-day immersions in cybersecurity locations. If you’re in the California area, you’ll be right in the heart of the action.
The core curriculum is concentrated on technical matters (e.g. building secure systems), although it gradually expands to encompass leadership & management topics (e.g. privacy, economics of cybersecurity, government and national security, etc.). Better yet, in your capstone project, you’ll be required to evaluate and help secure a live computer system. Some students have assessed the security of firms such as Adobe, GitHub, and Square.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
In the admissions requirements, Berkeley suggests that candidates have a strong computational background (e.g. IT professionals who wish to become specialists in the field of cybersecurity). The MICS is a relatively new program, so detailed stats on the class profile are still being amassed.
Career Support & Outcomes
Online students can take part in personalized career planning meetings, interactive leadership sessions, and networking events. What’s more, the program’s immersions deliberately include networking events and visits to leading cyber security companies. All alumni have access to UC Berkeley network and career services, including job coaching.
Again, it’s a new program, so it’s difficult to find hard stats on career outcomes. In general, Berkeley suggests that graduates will be prepared for roles such as Director of Security, IT Security Consultant, Lead Security Engineer, Global Information Security Director, and CISO. Some companies provide full or partial tuition support for employees in the MICS program; the Admissions Counselor can help you craft a request.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
There are no specific scholarships for the online program, though graduate students—as always—can apply for federal loans. The MICS’s section on Financial Aid notes that MICS students are eligible for veterans benefits.
More Information
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Carnegie Mellon University
Thanks to its world-famous CyLab and the CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), CMU has a reputation as being a titan in the field of cyber security. Heinz College—which administers the MSIT—frequently appears in the #1 spot of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Information and Technology Management Programs, and its faculty are awash in research awards.
Online Degree Options
It’s important to note the word “management.” Heinz College’s School of Information Systems & Management has a business bent, and its Online Master of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Information Security & Assurance is tailored toward IT leaders looking at the intersection of security with corporate processes, strategy, and policy (i.e. not hard-core cyber geeks).
For example, the MSIT requires core courses in software & security, telecommunications management, network security, risk management, and policy & governance—the building blocks of business. Electives are extremely interesting, but they’re not generally focused on cutting-edge security issues. The degree takes 2-3 years to complete.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
You’ll find a lot of expertise in an average MSIT class. For example, MSIT students typically have an average GPA of 3.3 and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science/IT, Engineering, or Business/Management/Finance. In addition, CMU requires applicants to have 3 years of relevant, full-time professional work experience. However, Heinz notes that the average work experience for the Info Security & Assurance concentration is closer to 8 years.
Trying to forge new business contacts? The MSIT has a split of ~67% national and ~33% international students (from 14 countries). As you’d expect, you’ll probably find a number of international students in the distance learning program.
Career Support & Outcomes
Heinz College has a large and comprehensive Career Services office, with a Job & Internship Search, info on Work Study Programs, and support for alumni. The MSIT website also has a long list of companies employing current students & graduates, along with typical graduate positions & titles.
A sample of MSIT employers might include Accenture, BNY Mellon, Boeing, Deloitte, General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Highmark, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, PNC, Qualcomm, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and the U.S. Departments of Defense & Justice.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Heinz provides a comprehensive list of MSIT Scholarships & Fellowships. Some of these scholarships are extremely generous (e.g. Women in Tech), so it’s worth applying. CMU is also GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- Government and Non-Profit Scholarship: MSIT students who are employed by U.S. federal, state, or local government or a non-profit organization are eligible to receive a scholarship equal to 25% of tuition costs.
- Heinz College CIO Institute Alumni Scholarships: Students who have completed a certificate in Heinz College’s CIO Institute are eligible for a tuition discount on the MSIT program.
- MSIT Program Scholarship: Even if you don’t qualify for any of the other scholarships, you may still be eligible for a merit-based scholarship for the MSIT. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of a student’s application and potential for advancing in their careers.
- Pittsburgh Regional Leaders Scholarship: Heinz College awards a limited number of scholarships to incoming full- and part-time students who have demonstrated a commitment to the Pittsburgh community.
- Regional Education Partners & National Education Partners Alumni Scholarships: Funds are available to master’s students who have completed their bachelor’s degree with a regional/national education partner of Heinz College. The scholarship covers at least 30% of tuition each semester.
- Strategic Partnership Scholarship: Heinz College has partnered with a large number of organizations (e.g. Americorps) to help members of those organizations attend graduate school. Heinz awards a scholarship of at least $6,000 per semester to eligible full-time students; part-time students receive the equivalent of 30% of their tuition. Students affiliated with Foundational Partners are eligible to receive $10,000 per semester.
- U.S. Military Veterans Scholarship: Veterans who are not receiving 100% tuition benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible to receive a scholarship of up to 25% of tuition costs.
- Women in Technology Fellowship: 2 half-tuition fellowships are awarded each year to women who demonstrate the potential for excellence and leadership in the field of IT and management.
More Information
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University of Maryland—College Park
If security engineering is your first love, put this NSA CAE university on your shortlist. Drawing on coursework & expertise from the well-known Clark School of Engineering, UMCP’s Office of Advanced Engineering Education (OAEE) has created high-level degrees that often appear in the top 25 of Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs. 100% of full-time online faculty hold PhD degrees and some of your potential OAEE professors have very useful industry connections.
Online Degree Options
UMCP’s banner degree is the Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity, which is also offered on-campus. This hard-core professional program was developed in collaboration with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, and the Maryland Cybersecurity Center. In addition to 6 core courses in secure programming, operating systems & networks, information assurance, tools, and protocols, you can choose from a huge range of technical electives. There is no thesis or research project requirement. It takes around 2-3 years to complete.
Not quite in your line? The University of Maryland-University College (UMUC) is overflowing with online cyber security masters’ programs for applicants of all skill levels. You could also consider University Maryland – Baltimore College (UMBC). Its Online Master of Science in Information Systems allows you to add security courses to the curriculum.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
OAEE is looking for cyber security applicants (3.0 GPA or higher) with an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or physics. Do you have a BS in a major such as IT information assurance or computer information systems? Then you’ll also need to hold a CompTIA Security+, GIAC GSEC, or a Certified Ethical Hacker certification.
If you fulfill the above requirements, your chances are good. According to its Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview, the OAEE has a 77% acceptance rate for all its online engineering programs; successful applicants have an average GPA of 3.3. Minority students make up 34% of the student body.
Career Support & Outcomes
When it comes to jobs moves, online students are welcome to seek assistance from the UMD Career Center and Clark’s Engineering Co-Op and Career Services. In addition, all OAEE graduates become part of the Clark Engineering Alumni Network.
Having said that, the MEng is a terminal degree (i.e. not progressing to a PhD), so around 80% of OAEE students are already employed when they enroll. Only 27% were sponsored, but it’s always worthwhile to ask if your employer can contribute to tuition costs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Another reason to think about employer sponsorship? The cyber security program offers no departmental assistantships or fellowships, though graduate students are always encouraged to think about federal financial aid. Both residents and non-residents of Maryland pay the same fixed tuition rate. UMCP is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
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Columbia University
Columbia is an Ivy League university for a reason. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) attracts millions in research dollars each year; the Department of Computer Science has 3 research labs devoted to security (networks, intrusion detection systems, and computer architecture & security technologies); and the Data Science Institute has its own Cybersecurity Center. More importantly, FEAS often lands in the top 3 of Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs and its experienced security faculty teach both online and on-campus.
Online Degree Options
FEAS administers the Online Master of Science in Computer Science with a Track in Computer Security, which is delivered through the Columbia Video Network (CVN). Make no mistake—this is a hard-core technical degree. It includes breadth courses in theory, systems, and AI, and a healthy number of required credits in major security areas (e.g. network security, advanced engineering, operating systems, cryptography, etc.). You will be allowed to choose 2 electives in your chosen field of interest. Most students take around 3.5 years to complete the degree.
If this seems too “nuts and bolts”, Columbia’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) has a hybrid Executive Master of Science in Technology Management with a Focus in Cybersecurity that’s built for aspiring CISOs, cyber security managers, and business leaders. In addition to core coursework in technology management, the 16-month curriculum includes two security electives focused on areas like executive strategy and incident prevention. You’ll be expected to attend 5 multi-day residences in Paris or New York and complete a mentor-led master’s project.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
We weren’t kidding when we said the online MS was hard-core. Columbia expects you to have a minimum GPA of 3.3; most admitted students have GPAs of 3.5 and above. You’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a similar tech discipline (e.g. engineering, physics, math). For the latter, you’ll need to have completed at least 4 computer science and 2 math courses.
We particularly like that across FEAS, there’s a high acceptance rate for online engineering & comp sci programs and student retention rates are very strong from year-to-year. For your fellow classmates, think experienced tech professionals in their late 20s and early 30s.
The Executive MS attracts a different kind of candidate—the aspiring C-level executives of this world. Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years (10 years or more preferred) of experience in professional roles that have used technology to further business goals. Leadership potential is critical. But an IT background is not necessary and the curriculum doesn’t require technical expertise.
Career Support & Outcomes
According to its Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview, around 72% of FEAS online students were sponsored by their employers and a very low number (13%) graduated with student debt in 2016-2017. The high standard expected of FEAS applicants and the technical coursework may have something to do with these numbers! All online students have access to Columbia’s Career Education Center and the university’s alumni network after graduation.
If you’re considering the Executive MS, you’ll probably already have some firm career goals in mind. Your one-on-one mentor (usually a CIO or high-level tech executive) and the people that you meet during your on-campus residencies and online executive seminars will also be valuable sources of contacts and advice. According to Columbia, graduates go on to become entrepreneurs or work in companies such as HP, IBM, Pfizer, and Bank of America.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial aid is handled through the general Student Financial Services office, although CVN has separate financial aid advice for veterans thinking of distance learning and graduate students thinking about loans for their online degree. Columbia is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Apart from the SPS Master’s Scholarship for students in their final year, SPS does not offer institutional aid to MS students. Many get their funding from student loans, personal savings, employer sponsorship, and the like.
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New York University
NYU continues our theme of top online schools with a strong engineering focus. Its Tandon School of Engineering is one of a few with an NSA CAE-Cyber Operations designation; it has 3 active security labs (check out OSIRIS); and it’s often near the top 10 of Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs. In 2015, Tandon received a Quality Online Education award from the OLC. Online faculty may be labeled as adjuncts, but if you dig into their profiles, you’ll discover that most of them have PhDs, solid research backgrounds, and real-world security jobs.Online Degree Options
You can see why Tandon is doing so well in the distance learning field when you look at its Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. In addition to a solid core of computer science and fundamental security courses, the curriculum includes diverse security electives (e.g. digital forensics) and an optional research project or thesis under the guidance of a professor. There’s a Virtual Lab so you can get solid, hands-on experience in tools and software. You can even opt to complete a Cyber Ops Specialization to earn an NSA certificate. Full-time students usually finish within 2 years; part-time students take 2-3 years.
NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering also partners with the School of Law to offer a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy. This executive program can be completed online in 12 months, but it requires three one-week residency periods on the NYU campus.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Tandon likes to see applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, science, or engineering, but it will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis. If you have no computer science training whatsoever, you can go through the Cybersecurity Bridge to NYU Tandon prep program.
It’s still going to be a competitive landscape. In its Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview, Tandon noted that it admitted 31% of candidates to its online engineering degrees. The average GPA of those students was 3.4 and classes were small (an average of 12). Minority students make up a substantial portion of the online engineering student body (44%) and women represent ~27% of the class population.
Career Support & Outcomes
Tandon has developed a unique Cyber Community to support its online cyber security students. Each person is assigned a mentor on first enrolling; online tutoring is also available. Guest speakers talk about current security issues in recorded seminars. And Tandon arranges company site visits and virtual career fairs.
As you would expect, 82% of online engineering students are employed when they enroll (59% of those students are receiving sponsorship from employers—see the tuition discount options below). Only 15% of students from 2016-2017 graduated with debt, but those that did owed over an average of $58,000.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
You can begin your research in the School of Engineering’s section on Online Tuition and Financial Aid. Tandon also has some excellent advice & scholarship links for women. NYU is GI Bill Certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- Tandon Corporate Employee Discounts: The School of Engineering offers a 20% tuition reduction on its online graduate programs to employees of a number of corporate members (e.g. AT&T, IBM, Consolidated Edison, Goldman Sachs, Northrop Grumman, etc.).
- Tandon Merit Scholarships: Tandon will automatically review your application to see if you qualify for a merit-based scholarship. You must be enrolled as a full-time master’s student and maintain your academic standing. Scholarships are awarded for use for the Fall and Spring semesters only.
- Tandon Corporate Employee Discounts: The School of Engineering offers a 20% tuition reduction on its online graduate programs to employees of a number of corporate members (e.g. AT&T, IBM, Consolidated Edison, Goldman Sachs, Northrop Grumman, etc.).
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George Mason University
How does GMU stack up in cyber security? Let us count the ways. It’s an NSA CAE university, a Top Cyber Security School, a center of cyber security training for the U.S. Army Reserve and—courtesy of the Volgenau School of Engineering and its strategic location in Virginia—deeply involved with the military and national defense. Just have a look at its security research centers. The online IT programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus and MS alumni benefit from the Department of Information Sciences & Technology’s close ties to intelligence agencies and defense contractors.
Online Degree Options
Volgenau has one distance learning program for IT professionals—the Online Master of Science in Applied Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration. This 30-credit program takes around 2.5 years to complete. The 12 core course credits are fairly general (e.g. database management systems), but the 18 credits in security are more relevant. There are foundation credits in fundamentals (e.g. network and systems security) and electives in new areas (e.g. emerging threats). You can also choose to write a master’s thesis in your chosen area of research.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
GMU unequivocally states that the MS AIT is intended for “aspiring senior leaders”—think wannabe intelligence analysts, cyber security engineers & architects, senior systems administrators, and CIOs. That means it’s looking for applicants with a relevant BS degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and 5-12 years of professional experience.
The MS AIT is the only degree in GMU’s Online Graduate IT Program Overview, which means the stats mimic a typical class. For example, in 2018, GMU accepted 41 candidates into the program—60% of these students were employed when first enrolling and 44% belonged to minority groups. Approximately 27% of students were female, 20% were international, and 2 were veterans or active service.
Career Support & Outcomes
Distance learning students can take advantage of online advising consultations and are welcome to use GMU’s Mason Career Services. According to its online program overview, 50% of MS AIT students receive employer sponsorship.
Volgenau also likes to point out that its alumni enjoy the highest average starting salary of all Virginia public universities. More than 80% of those Volgenau alumni live in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—something to keep in mind for networking purposes.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Mason Online has a short section on Financial Aid and answers to some common financial FAQs. GMU is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program. Because it’s a public university, it also offers VA state residents a huge reduction in the tuition rate (around 1/2 of the non-resident rate)—even for the online MS AIT!
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Harvard University
Bet you weren’t expecting this one! Yep, the Ivy League giant has a stake in information management through the Harvard Extension School (HES). Granted, HES isn’t a powerhouse school of engineering, but it’s an affordable option for those who want a sturdy degree. And most of the cyber security courses are taught by highly respectable faculty with strong work experience (e.g. Director of the Auto ID-Lab at MIT). Be sure to check who’s leading the class—for example, in 2017, Scott Bradner was co-teaching a course.
Online Degree Options
In terms of security, your sole option is the 12-course Online Master of Liberal Arts in Information Management Systems with a Cybersecurity Certificate. In the core coursework, you’ll focus on typical info management areas—databases, cloud computing, data communications, etc. But it’s in the 5 electives and the on-campus capstone project that you can really go to town on security. If you search for security electives in the course catalog, you’ll see a range of topics (e.g. networks, cloud, mobile, international issues, etc.). Taking at least 4 electives in security qualifies you to earn the graduate certificate as well as the ALM.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
HES doesn’t provide a detailed class profile for the ALM, but it does state that it’s looking for folks with a background in object-oriented programming using C++ or Java. If you don’t have programming fundamentals, you can complete a programming certificate beforehand.
The admissions process is fairly open (and therefore not as vigorous as some computer science & engineering degrees). You begin by enrolling in 2 field-specific admission courses (web principles and data communications or database management). If you complete those courses with a grade B or higher, you’ll be allowed to submit your official application and take the remaining 10 courses.
Career Support & Outcomes
For current students, HES’s Career Services offers free career webinars and call-in career advising (phone or Skype). Degree candidates and HES alumni get even more—access to Harvard’s Crimson Careers database of job and internship listings, individual career counseling, and invites to the HES alumni job fair.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
HES’s Student Financial Services handles financial aid and scholarships. International students should have a look at the International Study section for more advice. HES also has guidance for Veterans & Active Military. Harvard is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Most graduate aid is limited to federal student loans, but there is one-needed based grant available—the Harvard Extension School Grant. This covers half the total tuition per term during the academic year and tuition for one 4-credit course in summer. Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need.
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Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT is making a name for itself in technical programs. In addition to holding two major NSA CAE designations (CDE and R), it has an active Center for Cybersecurity with NSF-funded research projects. RIT’s College of Computing & Information Sciences (CCIS) is the biggest college on campus and home to a specialized Department of Computing Security. And in 2017, an alumnus gifted the university $20 million to advance RIT’s cyber security and artificial intelligence capabilities!
In the realm of U.S. News & World rankings, RIT is respectable. You’ll usually find it in the top 50 of Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs and the top 70 of Best Computer Science Schools. You can learn more about the distance learning arm of the university at RIT Online.
Online Degree Options
All students, regardless of their choice of master’s degree, must first take the 5-course Online RITx MicroMasters in Cybersecurity through EdX. It’s a comprehensive package of real-world fundamentals (e.g. network security, risk management, forensics, and the like) that’s taught by RIT professors. And it gives you the option to walk away with the MicroMasters if you feel you’ve had enough training.
Once you’ve completed the MicroMasters, you can transfer 9 credit hours into either of these two programs:
- The Online Master of Science in Computing Security is a 30-credit degree that draws on the expertise of CCIS faculty. You must take 3 courses in research, cryptography, and enterprise security, but you’ll be allowed to choose 2-3 electives in your area of security interest. You must also tackle a capstone experience (thesis, project, or capstone course). The whole program takes around 2 years for a part-time student to complete, and will set you up for a job promotion, a research role, or a PhD.
- The Online Master of Science in Professional Studies is a 33-credit, “build your own” program. In consultation with an RIT academic advisor, you can choose 6 security-oriented courses in areas that match your career goals. You’ll also be required to complete a hands-on capstone project and a course in context and trends. The MSPS gives you a lot of flexibility, but keep in mind that it’s longer than the MSCS—a part-time student could finish in 4 years.
Want a shorter academic qualification? RIT also offers a 12-credit Online Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity for students who’ve completed the MicroMasters. You only have to take one 3-credit elective to finish the program.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Since this is a staggered program, admissions requirements vary:
- The MicroMasters program is open to students who have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a technical environment.
- At the master’s-level, all MSCS and MSPS candidates are expected to have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, some knowledge of networking & system administration, and a basic understanding of computing security.
- For the MSCS, students are expected to have taken one year of calculus, one year of programming, and have a solid knowledge of discrete mathematics. Bridge courses are available if you need these skills.
You’ll find useful admissions & class body data on computer science students in the Online Graduate IT Program overview. RIT is competitive—the acceptance rate in 2018 was 52% and the average undergraduate GPA of applicants was 3.6. Students tend to be male (76%) and on the older side (average of 35 years). International students make up a large part of the classes (68%).
Career Support & Outcomes
In the industry, RIT is known as a solid bet. It likes to boast that 95% of its graduates enter the workforce or proceed to higher degrees within six months of graduation. In addition to providing assistance with job searches, the Office of Career Services also posts a summary of Graduate Career Outcomes on an annual basis. In 2017, 90.2% of CCIS graduates were employed and 4.7% were involved in further study.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
Online graduate students receive 43% off the standard graduate tuition rate. Because of this special offer, RIT’s traditional scholarships and grants are not open to online students. However, other financial aid paths (e.g. loans) can be followed. RIT is GI Bill-certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program.
Bear in mind that RIT is a private doctoral university, so tuition is more expensive than some of the public options in our rankings. We strongly recommend that you look into corporate support or reimbursement. In 2018, 30% of RIT graduate students in IT subjects were sponsored by their employers.
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Northwestern University
Looking for a master’s that will prep you for a management role in security? Want to get some fundamental training in info systems before you tackle the hard stuff? The School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Northwestern has a program that’s worth investigating. It’s not as super-technical as other offerings in this list, but it’s a hands-on degree backed by leadership faculty who are currently working in the field.
Online Degree Options
The Online Master of Science in Information Systems-Information Systems Security Specialization takes 2-3 years of part-time study to complete and it’s divided into two parts:
- A core set of subjects in information systems & management (e.g. telecommunication networks, object-oriented programming, etc.), as well as a mandatory capstone project.
- A specialization with 4 security-focused courses (project management, network security, business continuity & disaster recovery, and management of information security) and 3 electives.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on corporate responsibilities. In addition to applied work (e.g. designing & implementing secured systems, intrusion detection, ethical hacking, etc.), you’ll be learning how to direct staff, draw up budgets, institute security policies, prepare for inevitable disasters, and so on.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
You’ll be expected to have a bachelor’s degree and a competitive undergraduate record, but you do not need a BS in computer science or IT to apply—the program is open to all. Good GRE scores and 3-5 years of professional experience are suggested, but not required.
As of 2018, Northwestern didn’t appear in U.S. News & World rankings for online programs, so student data can be hard to source. It’s worth remembering that SPS is fairly distinct from the main campus. Therefore a) students will tend to be working professionals with some experience behind them and b) professors are often adjuncts.
Career Support & Outcomes
SPS students are welcome to consult with an academic adviser if they need guidance on career goals and opportunities. The Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) office is also open to graduate students and recent alumni.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Students
Northwestern is a private university and tuition can be pricey. We suggest you ask your company for help—Northwestern has an Employer Reimbursement Plan (ERP) that allows participants to defer employer-covered tuition payments until the term is complete.
Most SPS Scholarships are limited to undergraduates, but current Northwestern employees are eligible for the University Circle Scholarship. In addition, SPS students qualify for federal loans as long as they are taking at least two units of credit per quarter. Northwestern’s Chicago Office of Financial Aid can assist online students with questions on loans, grants, and veterans benefits.
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Brown University
Like Harvard, Brown is another Ivy League that is put its interdisciplinary strengths to good use. Instead of offering an engineering or computer science degree, it’s decided to focus on the leadership side of the cyber security equation in the School of Professional Studies (SPS). The technical courses are still very rigorous, but there’s a 10,000 foot view of the challenges.Online Degree Options
Take the 18-month Hybrid Executive Master in Cybersecurity. It tackles every aspect of the cyber security field—from technology & info management to law, policy, privacy, and human factors. In particular, executives learn how to prevent breaches and problems before they occur.
Faculty are a judicious mix of comp sci professors and security experts, and the curriculum requires you to address a critical cyber security challenge for your organization. You’ll also be expected to attend 4 weeklong residential sessions and complete 1 week of experiential learning—great opportunities for building business contacts.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Brown provides a rundown of its ideal online candidates in the Applicant Profile. Generally speaking, it’s looking for experienced mid-career professionals—technical folks who want to move into management or policy domains, senior managers, or CIOs who need technical skills and know-how in cyber security, military leaders, practicing attorneys, cyber security consultants to big business, and so on.
Candidates may already have an advanced degree in tech or business, but only a bachelor degree is required. Brown tries to ensure each cohort represents a diverse mix of industries (i.e. not just tech).
Career Support & Outcomes
Most students in this degree already have a solid career plan in place. Having said that, the face-to-face weeks provide some excellent opportunities to meet cyber security leaders and business executives. Graduates of the program can also attend the Executive Alumni Summit.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Executive degrees are usually self-supported, but U.S. citizens and permanent residents can look into federal graduate loans. Brown is GI Bill certified and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program and veterans are welcome to explore other benefits. SPS also has an Installment Payment Plan to help you stagger costs.
And it does offer limited scholarship support. Awards are typically granted to candidates with a record of achievements. In particular, applicants from government and the private sector should apply. You’ll need to complete a scholarship form and provide financial documents to outline your situation. Brown has listed an email and phone number to contact for info on scholarships.
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Drexel University
We’re fond of Drexel for a lot of reasons. It’s an NSA CAE school with a well-regarded College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) and its very own Cybersecurity Institute; it has a strong Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) full of faculty who are active in diverse cyber security projects; and it’s a National Reservist Cybersecurity Training Center. On top of that, Drexel Online has been the winner of a USDLA 21st Century Distance Learning Award and its programs get high rankings for Best Online Graduate IT and Best Online Graduate Engineering programs.
Online Degree Options
The Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (which is also offered on-campus) is the result of a special partnership between CCI and the College of Engineering. Over the course of ~2 years, you get the best of both worlds, including:
- 5 foundation courses in networking, data, and cyber security principles. Courses are taught by CCI faculty and include coverage of policy issues such as privacy, ethics, and cyber law.
- 6 courses of technical electives (e.g. counterintelligence, information forensics, intrusion detection, etc.).
- 4 general elective courses in anything from engineering to computer science to mathematics.
Alternatively, you could customize the Online Master of Science in Computer Science or the Online Master of Science in Software Engineering with security courses.
Online Admissions & Student Profile
Drexel wants folks with IT skills. It’s looking for candidates with an accredited bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a closely related field. Lacking a strong technical background? You have the option to take the Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science as preparation for the MS.
An undergraduate GPA is not specified on the program website, but if you look at Drexel’s Online Graduate Engineering Program Overview and the Online Graduate IT Program Overview, you’ll see that the average GPA is high for online degrees in the computer science line (e.g. 3.4). A lot of students are in their early 30s; women and minority groups could make up anything from 20%-30% of the class.
Career Support & Outcomes
General advice can be found in the Career Development Center. Philadelphia-area residents should also check out the tech career fairs organized by the Steinbright Career Development Center.
A cautionary note—Drexel is a private university and even its online degrees can be expensive. For example, 37%-43% of online students in engineering and IT graduated with debt in 2016-2017 and the average debt of those students was very high (~$48,000 for IT students and ~$41,000 for engineering students). To avoid the graduate loan trap, do your research on employer contributions or sponsorship (Drexel has an employer reimbursement plan).
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Online Students
Drexel University Online is known for being particularly military-friendly. In addition to being GI Bill certified, it has no cap on the number of veterans who can enroll through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Active military personnel, veterans, National Guard, or Reserve, and their immediate families are eligible for a 10%–40% reduction on tuition rates. There’s also a waiver on the new student matriculation fee.
What’s more, Drexel Online offers 15%-30% tuition reduction to alumni and 10%-40% tuition savings to students associated with 500+ partner organizations. However, it’s important to point out that these special tuition rates can’t be combined.
Find the Right Program
Schools in our top 25 have outstanding credentials. They hold NSA CAE designations, they’ve got great professors, they’re concerned with real-world challenges—these hallmarks are a given. But we’ve also highlighted other aspects that will influence your decision:
- Degree Options: An MS or MEng degree from a School of Engineering or Department of Computer Science (e.g. USC, JHU, etc.) will give you a concentrated degree with a lot of technical coursework. You can even choose to specialize in a certain field (e.g. Penn State & Homeland Security or CU Boulder & Telecommunications). An MS in Information Systems or Information Management from a School of Business or Professional Studies is often less tech-heavy and more management-focused.
- Curriculum: We’ve included details on “bonus” areas. 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 (e.g. CNSS), CPE units, and/or credits toward professional designations (e.g. CISM)?
- Online Admissions & Student Profile: This section will tell you whether the program is 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 CISOs, or executives who need a 10,000 foot view of info security (e.g. Brown)? Is the program friendly to veterans, women, and minorities? Pay attention to the acceptance rates and the average GPA—they are often good quality markers for technical programs.
- Career Support & Outcomes: Career assistance is a huge plus in an online degree—especially if you’re working toward a promotion. How many students in your class are being sponsored by 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 stats on job placement rates and graduate debt.
- Financial Aid: Online degrees in cyber security can be tricky when it comes to financial aid—many schools expect you to be in a well-paying job. Nevertheless, you may still be able to 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 cyber security is just one option. We didn’t include some great schools (e.g. University of Pittsburgh, UVA, Stanford, UCLA, etc.) that only offer online cyber security graduate certificates. Check out our directory of Online Certificate Programs for alternative ideas.
Methodology
The best online programs build upon existing security expertise—i.e. coursework taps into cutting-edge research and top-notch faculty. That’s why our ranking factors included in each school’s position are:
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Computer Science Programs and Best Graduate Engineering Schools.
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate IT Programs
- Our own list of Top Cyber Security Schools (a strong marker of research quality)
This gave us our list of 25. And though it didn’t affect the ranking position, we also had a close look at whether the university had earned any recognized distance learning awards (e.g. Online Learning Consortium) and whether its MEng security degrees appeared in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.
Finally, we dug down into the statistics that schools supply to U.S. News and World Report in their Online Graduate IT or Engineering Program profiles. In some cases, the online cyber security degree was the only program included in the profile, so it gave us a real sense of the student body, admissions data, and debt levels for graduates.