Students pursuing an online master’s in cybersecurity will profoundly increase their knowledge of information technology and computer security and gain technical mastery of the skills needed to stay on the cutting edge in this field.
Most cybersecurity master’s programs last between 30 to 33 credit hours. Students can earn their master’s degree in as little as one year.
The average cost of tuition for a master’s degree program is $20,513 per year. After graduating from their cybersecurity program, students will be qualified to work as information security analysts and earn an average salary of $112,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Program
Choose your area of study
A cybersecurity master’s degree is typically offered as a Master of Science (MS). Depending on the online master’s in cybersecurity programs that students apply to, they may be able to choose from several concentrations. These specialized areas of study may include cyber operations, cyber threat intelligence, information systems, information technology, network security, and risk management.
If prospective students already have a good idea of what career they wish to pursue after graduation, it’s advisable to choose a cybersecurity program and an area of study where they can learn the most relevant knowledge. This helps ensure the student is best prepared for their chosen career path after successful completion of their cybersecurity master’s program.
Research schools and programs
Many different schools offer an online master’s in cybersecurity program, so prospective students need to develop specific criteria that narrow down the list of possible schools.
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
It’s also important to consider how expensive the cybersecurity program will be, and students who need additional academic support should explore if the schools in question offer any special tutoring or other support services for online students who may need help with their studies.
To learn more about any cybersecurity master’s programs that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Each cybersecurity master’s program has its own set of application requirements.
Most online master’s in cybersecurity programs do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), though submitting GMAT scores may improve the odds of getting admitted to a more competitive cybersecurity program. Online cybersecurity master’s students doing so should be very wary of application deadlines because it can take up to three months to study for the GMAT and up to 20 days to receive test results.
Prospective advanced degree students should verify whether the applications also require them to submit additional paperwork. This paperwork typically includes undergraduate transcripts but may also consist of application essays, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. If so, students should ensure they have enough time to obtain these materials before applying.
Before submitting an application to a cybersecurity program, always contact an admissions counselor to make sure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Even if students choose to apply to multiple online master’s in cybersecurity programs, they will need to develop additional criteria to determine which schools to apply to and which schools to skip.
For example, cost remains a primary consideration because no online cybersecurity master’s students want to graduate with a large amount of debt. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals who are especially worried about debt should focus on schools that offer additional scholarships, grants, or assistantships to qualifying graduate students.
Students may also focus on online degree programs with classes taught by professors who are influential in the field of cybersecurity. The right professors can help students learn more and may have the most relevant advice about getting a job within the industry.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your cybersecurity program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some cybersecurity master’s degree programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which are interactive classes taught remotely to a group of students in real-time — which of these two learning formats do you prefer? Your online master’s program should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year is essential for those earning an online degree. The FAFSA will qualify students for federal loans and may help them to qualify for additional grants and scholarships.
Students should contact the financial aid offices of any schools they are interested in attending and ask about aid opportunities to verify they have explored all possible financial aid options. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs
intelligent score 99.64
Award
Rankings
#1 Forbes Advisor
#1 Research.com
#2 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 8%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,757
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
410-516-2300
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 97.85
Award
Rankings
#1 Cybersecurity Guide
#9 Research.com
School Information
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$335
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-385-3500
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
intelligent score 97.58
Award
Rankings
#3 Cybersecurity Guide
#7 Best Colleges
School Information
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 50%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,200
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
833-330-1454
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 96.76
Award
Rankings
#4 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Springfield, IL
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$509
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-206-6533
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 96.75
Award
Rankings
#5 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Warrensburg, MO
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$425
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
660-543-4930
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 96.53
Award
Rankings
#2 Research.com
#6 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 12%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,573
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-687-6299
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 96.10
Award
Rankings
#8 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Laurel, MD
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 47%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36-39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$630
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-522-7486
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36-39
intelligent score 95.52
Award
Rankings
#9 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,682
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-373-2462
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
intelligent score 94.00
Award
Rankings
#10 Cybersecurity Guide
#15 Fortune
School Information
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$979
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
954-262-2031
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 93.89
Award
Rankings
#11 Cybersecurity Guide
School Information
Frederick, MD
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$510
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
301-696-3600
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 93.67
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,780
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-567-3020
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 93.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Denver, CO
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$976
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-944-7667
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 93.20
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pensacola, FL
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$425
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-473-7716
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 92.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$730
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-246-7800
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 91.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
Irving, TX
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,300
accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
972-721-5266
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 91.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bronx, NY
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,732
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
718-817-4416
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 89.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,290
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
619-260-4627
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 89.60
Award
Rankings
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,210
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-843-7205
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-39
intelligent score 89.46
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,332
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-621-0898
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 88.94
Award
Rankings
School Information
Syracuse, NY
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 52%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,945
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-797-4364
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 88.77
Award
Rankings
School Information
Owings Mills, MD
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$705
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-531-7118
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 88.76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $347
Out-of-State: $771
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-974-3520
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 87.00
Award
Rankings
School Information
Utica, NY
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$895
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-295-3106
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 86.78
Award
Rankings
School Information
Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$536
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-225-5948
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
intelligent score 85.17
Award
Rankings
School Information
Center Valley, PA
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$940
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
610-282-1100 ext. 1859
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 84.82
Award
Rankings
School Information
Virginia Beach, VA
Graduation Rate: 46%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$695
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-373-5504
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 84.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lynchburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$565
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-424-9596
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 84.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$955
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-362-8381
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 84.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
Berkeley, CA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 14%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,712
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-860-5259
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 84.19
Award
Rankings
School Information
Huntington, WV
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 98%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$509
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
304-696-4723
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 83.81
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$663
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-355-6288
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 83.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Durham, NC
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 6%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$3,299
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-660-5386
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 83.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$876
accreditation
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-798-7912
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 81.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Longmeadow, MA
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$880
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
413-565-1332
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 80.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$637
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-387-0861
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 80.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norfolk, VA
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $769
Out-of-State: $1,499
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-823-9454
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 77.73
Award
Rankings
School Information
Daytona Beach, FL
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$836
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-522-6787
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 77.02
Award
Rankings
School Information
Clinton, MS
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 40%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$695
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
601-925-7367
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 76.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Albuquerque, NM
Graduation Rate: 75.4%
Admission Rate: %
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$540
accreditation
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
505-431-0411
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 76.81
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hampton, VA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$695
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-224-0280
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 75.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,369
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-948-4863
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 75.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Valparaiso, IN
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$706
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
219-464-5313
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 75.19
Award
Rankings
School Information
Burlington, VT
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 62%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$595
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
802-357-5188
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 74.88
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 98%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$670
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-248-7001
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-36
intelligent score 74.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Leo, FL
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$785
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-707-8846
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 74.47
Award
Rankings
School Information
Highland Heights, KY
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$474
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
859-572-6930
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 73.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 13%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,335
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-642-7883
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 72.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mississippi State, MS
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$558
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-325-3473
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
intelligent score 72.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Charleston, WV
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$425
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
304-357-4750
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 70.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
Northfield, VT
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$799
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-684-7237
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
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How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online master’s in cybersecurity degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s cybersecurity program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in cybersecurity degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Program?
Online master’s in cybersecurity programs are designed to challenge and engage students who already have a strong level of computer and information technology knowledge. Accordingly, students entering a cybersecurity master’s degree program should expect courses that heavily concentrate on developing or furthering skills in information systems, information security, network security, computer science fundamentals, machine learning, cyber operations, and more.
Some cybersecurity master’s degree programs will also foster skills in systems security management, which is helpful because graduating students often obtain senior-level positions in highly-technical fields.
Depending on the chosen concentrations or electives, students may learn more about specialized fields such as cyber forensics. This can help prepare graduates to be generalists within the information technology world or to specialize in an area they are particularly passionate about.
Cybersecurity master’s degree programs typically take full-time students two years to complete. Earning online master’s degrees part-time is possible, though this means it will take longer than two years to finish. Alternatively, students may focus on accelerated master’s degree programs that allow them to complete coursework in just one year.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in cybersecurity degree program
Foundations of Algorithms
This course provides foundational knowledge of algorithms, including their history (they have been around for nearly a millennium) and modern application. Algorithms are the cornerstone of modern computing, and students will learn about the algorithms that power cybersecurity for individuals and organizations worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence
This course helps students learn more about the ever-growing field of artificial intelligence, including the fundamentals of neural networking and the practical application of AI within cybersecurity. Students will need to already have a high level of programming knowledge to be successful in this class.
Data Processing at Scale
This course offers students a closer look at cutting-edge ways to process large-scale datasets, which can be helpful in the creation and maintenance of robust databases. Students will learn more about the use of scalable data and how such data is integral to any business hoping to reach its full potential.
Mobile Computing
This course helps students learn more about all aspects of mobile computing, including app development, mobile technology management, wireless communication, and more. Because most people now access the internet via mobile devices, deep knowledge of mobile computing has become critical for any cybersecurity expert.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in cybersecurity is exceptionally promising. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand due to the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats.
Some of the possible career paths for cybersecurity professionals include the following:
- Information security analyst — Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, train staff on how to prevent security breaches, and recommend security upgrades.
- Median annual salary: $112,000
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New job openings projected: 16,800 annually
- Information systems manager — Assess an organization’s technology needs, plan IT projects, and hire and supervise IT staff.
- Median annual salary: $164,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New job openings projected: 46,900 annually
- Computer network architect — Design, implement, and upgrade data communication networks.
- Median annual salary: $126,900
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 10,200 annually
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in cybersecurity degree program?
The best way to apply for an online master’s in cybersecurity degree is through the university website. Students can apply directly online, and the application will specify if students must include things like GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, and undergraduate transcripts.
It’s important to review each application carefully because some programs may have specific requirements that others do not. If there are questions about application requirements or anything related to the cybersecurity master’s program, students should contact an admissions advisor for any schools they are interested in.
How much does an online master’s in cybersecurity degree cost?
Graduate school tuition costs $20,513 per year on average. Public schools are almost always more affordable than private ones. And at public schools, in-state students are usually charged lower tuition rates than out-of-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in cybersecurity degree?
It typically takes full-time students two years to earn an online master’s in cybersecurity degree. If such students only attend classes part-time, earning the degree may take three years or longer. Alternatively, if a student takes an accelerated program, they may be able to complete all required coursework in only one year. While it is often tempting to complete coursework as quickly as possible, students who have other responsibilities (including a career and a family) should focus on finding programs flexible enough to meet their unique scheduling needs.
Is an online master's in cybersecurity worth it?
The field of cybersecurity is experiencing significant growth, and the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the supply. This degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, from security analysis to leadership roles. Graduates with a master’s in cybersecurity often command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree, given their specialized knowledge and expertise.
Professionals with a master’s in cybersecurity are well-equipped to address compliance requirements and manage security risks effectively. They play a vital role in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information.
Earning your degree online can be an excellent choice for some students. Online programs offer the flexibility to access course materials and lectures at your convenience, which can be beneficial for those with other professional or personal commitments. Online programs attract a diverse student body from around the world, which can offer opportunities to network and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds and skill levels.