Top Online Master’s in Information Assurance Degree Programs for 2020

New York University began enrolling students in 1831, aiming to make higher education accessible to everyone, including those who historically couldn't afford it. NYU now enrolls over 58,000 students, ranking as one of the largest private higher education institutions in the nation.

The online cybersecurity master's degree NYU's Tandon School of Engineering follows a 30-credit curriculum, covering computer science and security core. Electives allow students to pursue their own interests, as well. Elective options include digital forensics, machine learning, penetration testing and vulnerability analysis, and cloud security. NYU also offers a cyberfellows scholarship for these master's students, which covers 75% of tuition.

Master's candidates can pursue either a research project or a master's thesis to complete their degrees. The research project serves as a preliminary step to obtaining a Ph.D., while the thesis allows students to defend their research to a faculty committee.

Moreover, distance learners can also pursue a cyberops concentration. This pathway combines computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering with courses focusing on operating systems and cryptography. Students who choose this specialization participate in a 12-week summer program, which includes an internship.

Prospective students may apply if they hold a "superior undergraduate record," though NYU does not specify a minimum GPA. Applicants should have completed math and science courses for their bachelor's degrees. They must also submit their GRE scores and a statement of purpose.

The National Security Agency designates this program as a center of academic excellence in cyberoperations and cyberdefense research. NYU also holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

With a campus in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, James Madison University educates about 20,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. Learners can often pursue these programs, including JMU's web-based MS in information security, through distance learning.

The curriculum requires 33 credits of coursework in a cohort model, so students follow a planned-out course schedule. Learners enroll in five semesters plus a summer session. They graduate in about two years.

Courses cover topics like secure programming, computer forensics, network security, and cryptography. Incoming students without computer science backgrounds or who need a refresher should also complete non-credit preparatory courses before beginning the program. At the end of every semester, students take a final exam for each course.

Before graduating, master's students decide whether to follow the thesis or non-thesis option. Thesis students carry out their own research during the last semester, while non-thesis learners take two special topics instead. In addition, non-thesis candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate.

JMU does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, but the school does recommend it for those aiming to strengthen their applications. Prospective students should submit their undergraduate transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate JMU as one of the first seven national centers of academic excellence in information assurance/cyberdefense. JMU also holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

When the Rochester Institute of Technology opened its doors in 1829, it began as the Rochester Athenaeum, a cultural center offering public lectures and debates. It later merged with a technical training institute and granted the first bachelor's degree over a century after its 1955 founding. Now, RIT offers several bachelor's and master's degrees on its campuses in New York state and online.

The online MS in computer security at RIT educates students with theoretical foundations and equips them with professional skills in the information security field. The program consists of 30 credits, starting with the nine-credit MicroMasters graduate certificate program. Full-time students complete the MicroMasters program in one year, while part-time learners take two years.

This certificate acts as a prerequisite to the remaining 21 credits of coursework. These advanced-level courses include cryptography and authentication, computer system security, and research courses.

At the end of the program, students can choose from three pathways: Write a thesis, complete a professional project, or enroll in a capstone course. The thesis allows students to carry out original research and submit it to a journal or conference. The professional project involves executing an initiative in the computer security field, which students must defend in front of faculty. The capstone course requires students to solve real-world problems in information assurance.

Prospective students may apply if they hold a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. RIT recommends but does not require GRE scores. RIT is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Champlain College began as the Burlington Collegiate Institute and Commercial College in Burlington, Vermont in 1878. Though the school started as for-profit, it now operates as a nonprofit private college offering degrees in more than 150 subjects.

The online master's in information security prepares students for jobs as forensic experts, chief infosec officers, and security consultants. The degree comprises 30 credits, which students complete through eight-week courses. The program allows professionals to continue working part or full time. To begin the program, distance learners take 12 credits of core courses like managing risk in IT organizations and threat and vulnerability analysis.

Learners' remaining credits fall within two possible concentrations: operations and management. The operations pathway focuses on technical security knowledge in game theory, security scripting, and malware analysis. The management specialization, on the other hand, focuses more on administration. Management students enroll in courses like project management; the self as a values-driven leader; and group dynamics, communication, and negotiation. Learners in both concentrations must complete a capstone.

Champlain designed this degree for individuals with at least two years of professional experience in a technology field. Prospective students should also hold a bachelor's degree in a related subject with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The information security program holds designation as a national center of academic excellence in cyberdefense education from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Champlain holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

With about 5,000 students, Robert Morris University defines itself as a small college with the academic priorities of a large research university. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based school offers 27 online programs, plus its traditional on-campus degrees. Students can complete the MS in cybersecurity and information assurance entirely online.

The degree consists of 30 credits. Students learn about operating systems, database management, computer network security, and secure programming. Distance learners who choose a concentration in enterprise systems must also take courses in cobol programming and enterprise transaction processing systems.

At the end of this master's in information assurance, learners complete a cybersecurity capstone and a noncredit program outcome assessment. The capstone allows students to take on a major project, like carrying out research, putting together a portfolio, or pursuing professional certification. Students may also opt to participate in an internship, which can count for up to nine credits of coursework.

Courses last eight weeks, so RMU runs six terms throughout the year. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, meaning students do not log on at specific times, except for in special cases.

Interested individuals can apply by submitting their undergraduate transcripts, a resume, two recommendation letters, and an essay outlining their goals for the program. This degree does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. RMU holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Chicago-based DePaul University represents the largest Catholic university in the United States. The institution enrolls about 22,000 students, marking significant growth since its first class of 70 students in 1898. Now, the school offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online MS in cybersecurity.

The 52-credit degree gives students three concentration options: networking and infrastructure; governance, risk management, and compliance; and computer security. Infrastructure students learn about the building blocks of network security, like firewalls and VPNs. Governance learners study information security risk management at an enterprise level. Finally, computer security students become experts in preventing software vulnerabilities and responding to threats.

Learners in all specializations must pass five foundational courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA before they can move on to more advanced subject material. Foundational courses cover topics like digital forensics techniques, governance policies in information assurance, and network security. Students also choose from a wide selection of electives within their specializations.

All students must take a capstone course, as well, though capstone requirements differ by concentration. Governance students must design and configure realistic enterprise computing and networking environments. Infrastructure and computer security students may choose that option, or they can complete a thesis or research project instead. Online courses at DePaul generally involve asynchronous learning. Students stream lectures online on their own schedule, though they take proctored exams within a specific time frame.

The program holds designation as a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. DePaul also holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Originally called the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, Iowa State University began in 1858. Located in Ames, Iowa State became home to the nation's first public veterinary school in 1879. It's since added more degrees and programs and now educates about 35,000 students.

The master of engineering in cybersecurity comprises 30 credits, including 18 in core coursework, six in thesis research, and nine in electives. Core courses include information warfare, steganography, and wireless security. Students can also take a capstone course instead of completing a thesis. The capstone only requires three credits, meaning students who go this route can take an additional elective. All students -- including distance learners -- must pass a comprehensive oral exam before graduating.

Iowa State's online learning platform is asynchronous, allowing students to watch streaming lectures at their convenience. Online students can access several resources to help them with online learning, including an academic resource center, a tutoring center, and a writing center. These resources can prove especially helpful for individuals returning to school after an extended period of time.

Prospective students must submit GRE scores and undergraduate transcripts. Individuals with three years' work experience in a related field may bypass the GRE requirement. All applicants should also submit a personal statement and recommendation letters. Iowa State holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The Los Angeles-based University of Southern California is a private university with about 48,500 enrolled students. USC started with much smaller statistics when it opened in 1880; 10 instructors taught 53 students when the university first opened its doors.

USC offers a 28-credit master of science in cybersecurity engineering. Students can complete the program online through the Viterbi School of Engineering. Alumni pursue careers in the fields of homeland security, computer engineering, information security, intelligence analysis, and network administration.

The curriculum includes four required courses and three electives. Core courses cover security systems and computer systems assurance, while electives include applied cryptography, computer forensics, and secure systems administration. Full-time students graduate in 1.5-2 years, while part-time students can complete the program in 2.5-3.5 years.

Online students view recorded lectures, which on-campus USC students watch in person. In addition, distance learners can visit campus to watch lectures if they wish. Distance learners can receive additional assistance from the instructional support center.

Applicants should submit their GRE scores and undergraduate transcripts. USC may waive GRE scores for undergraduate engineering students who achieved a minimum 3.2 GPA at USC. The university holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Nova Southeastern University began as the Nova University of Advanced Technology in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1964. The institution initially granted graduate degrees in the physical and social sciences, but it expanded over the next 50 years to add programs in law, business, and other areas.

Students who enroll in the online MS in cybersecurity management pursue a 30-credit curriculum. This degree focuses on network security engineering, teaching students to design network infrastructure and carry out security analysis. Full-time students can graduate in 12-14 months, while professionals who enroll part time may need 16-24 months.

Learners follow a schedule of required courses rather than choosing electives. Those courses include applied cryptography, software engineering, and computer and network forensics. Students can choose to complete a thesis, which adds an extra three credits to their course load. In addition, incoming students without backgrounds in computer science may need to take 1-4 prerequisite courses in Java programming, math, computer architecture, and data structures and algorithms.

Interested individuals may apply if they possess an undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems, information technology, engineering, mathematics, or physics. They should also hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in all upper level undergraduate courses.

The program holds designation as a national center of academic excellence in information assurance and cyberdefense education from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. NSU is also regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With a main campus in Kingston, the public University of Rhode Island also educates its 18,000 students on campuses in Providence, Narragansett Bay, and Alton Jones. Students also can enroll in distance learning programs, including the online professional science master's in cybersecurity.

Run through URI's digital forensics and cybersecurity center, this 36-credit professional master's differs from a traditional master's degree, because it does not require a capstone course or thesis. Many distance learners enroll in the program while working full time. They can access recorded lectures on demand and participate in cloud-based labs. Students can graduate in 1-2 years, depending on their course load each semester.

The curriculum consists of five core courses and four electives. Incoming students without computer science backgrounds must complete a fundamentals course the summer before their enrollment. Possible electives include digital forensics, advanced incident response, and penetration response. Instead of a thesis, learners must complete an internship in the cybersecurity field. They may obtain this internship with their current employer or at a new place of work.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA, preferably in a field related to information technology. URI does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designate this program as a national center of academic excellence in cyberdefense education and research. In addition, URI holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Saint Leo University is a Catholic-affiliated institution in Florida. Established by the Benedictines in 1889, it remains the state's oldest Catholic university, but it offers many secular programs and degrees as well.

About 86% of students enroll in adult learning programs through web-based education; one such online program is the master's in cybersecurity. The program prepares students to work as cryptographers, security architects, and forensic auditors.

The program consists of 36 credits, and students take all required courses instead of choosing from electives or concentrations. An orientation prepares students for the rest of the curriculum, while other courses cover topics like secure software design, cloud computing technology, network security management, advanced penetration testing, and strategic planning for cybersecurity. Distance learners generally take two courses each semester.

The curriculum aligns with guidelines set by the National Security Agency. It also prepares learners for several professional certifications, including the certified information systems security professional, systems security certified practitioner, and certified information security manager designations.

The online learning system at Saint Leo keeps its distance learners supported with several web-based services. Students can access tutoring at their convenience, available 24 hours a day. They can also take advantage of career services, including career counseling and resume assessments.

Applicants should submit their undergraduate transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and recommendation letters. Saint Leo is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Based in Utica and Albany, the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute educates about 3,000 students through its five colleges. The institute remains relatively new, established in 2014 as a merger between two state universities in New York. The university offers several online programs, including a master's in network and computer security with a cybersecurity emphasis.

Students take 33 credits of required courses, and they may complete a research project or thesis research as well. Learners take courses like VoIP and multimedia security, wireless and mobile networks, and network firewalls and intrusion detection systems. To pursue either a thesis or research project, students need advisor approval, after which they design and carry out the research worth 1-6 credits on their own. Full-time students generally graduate in 18 months.

SUNY Poly designed this program for learners with undergraduate degrees in computer science, computer security, electrical engineering, or a similar field. Incoming students with different backgrounds may still enroll if they take prerequisite courses in calculus, discrete mathematics, computer systems, and programming.

Applicants should submit their undergraduate transcripts and GRE scores. SUNY Poly considers prospective students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and GRE scores of at least 153 on the quantitative section and 140 on the verbal sections. Applicants must also send in a resume and one reference.

SUNY Poly holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Founded in 1866, Davenport University operates as a private, nonprofit higher education institution with about 7,000 students. The university educates students on its main campus in Grand Rapids, but it also enrolls students on an additional 13 campuses across Michigan and in several web-based programs.

DU's online MS in information assurance and cybersecurity consists of 34 credits, including nine core courses, two electives, and a thesis. Courses include advanced computer forensics, project management and risk mitigation, and analytical statistics for management. Incoming students without academic backgrounds in computer science must also take up to six foundational courses in computer programming, information security, and statistics.

Elective courses cover a wide range of topics, which students can tailor to their professional interests. These include healthcare security, banking and financial security, and wireless and mobile security. Electives also include specific courses to prepare students for professional certification, including the project management professional certification. Finally, learners can complete an internship in place of one elective course. This internship requires about 150 hours of supervised work, and students must file weekly reports.

For a capstone, students complete a thesis or a comprehensive research paper covering everything they learned in the program. Distance learners must submit a thesis proposal before the last semester and work under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

This master's in information assurance holds designation as a national center of excellence for information assurance education from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. DU also holds Higher Learning Commission regional accreditation.

Established as a Jewish university in the Boston suburb of Waltham in 1948, Brandeis University remains committed to its religious roots while welcoming students of all faiths. The institution enrolls nearly 6,000 learners and considers itself a private research university with a liberal arts focus.

Brandeis offers a 30-credit MS in information security leadership for individuals with undergraduate degrees and work experience in computer science and security. Students pursue their degrees online on a part-time schedule, completing six required courses and four electives. Distance learners graduate in 15-30 months. After graduating, program alumni find positions as software engineers, systems support specialists, IT directors, and cybersecurity engineers.

Required courses cover the foundations of information security, computer incident response, risk management, and computer security leadership. Electives include a wider range of subjects, including launching fintech ventures, Python programming, cloud security, identity management and access control, and secure mobile applications and data. This program does not require a final capstone course, research project, or thesis.

Distance learning at Brandeis follows an asynchronous course format. Online students do not need to log on at specific times, but they must turn in weekly assignments. Courses do not exceed a 20-student enrollment, so distance learners can easily and virtually connect with their peers.

Applicants should submit their undergraduate transcripts, but Brandeis does not require GRE scores. Brandeis is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Originally called the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute when it was founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University originally prepared students for positions as radio and electronics technicians. Though Capitol began in Washington, D.C., it relocated to Laurel, Maryland, where it continues to operate as a private nonprofit institution of about 800 students.

The MS in cybersecurity at Capitol requires 36-39 credits of coursework, depending on whether students come in with an information technology background. Learners take 24-27 credits of required courses and 12 elective credits.

Electives fall into two categories: information assurance and project management. Students can choose electives in both of these categories, or they can stick to one as a concentration. Information assurance electives include SCADA networks and ICS security, healthcare information system security, and cloud network design and services. Possible project management electives include managerial economics and web analytics.

Courses last eight weeks and follow an asynchronous schedule, offering flexibility to students who work part or full time. Upon completing the program, students may take the certified information systems security professional certification exam.

To apply, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA. Capitol does not require GRE scores for admissions decisions, except in special cases. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designated this program a National Center of Excellence in Cyberdefense Education. The university also holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.