Students pursuing an online master’s in cybersecurity will profoundly increase their knowledge of IT and computer security while learning new skills necessary to stay on the cutting edge of cybersecurity. Most programs last between 30 and 33 credit hours. Students can earn their graduate degree in as little as one year.
According to U.S. News, the cost for this degree can range from $17,000 to $70,000, though most online programs from public schools are on the lower end of that range. Depending on the school, this graduate program may be cheaper than the average cost of undergraduate education ($26,000). After graduating, students may qualify for an information security analyst job and earn an average salary of $102,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Program
Choose your area of study
Depending on the online master’s in cybersecurity program(s) that students apply to, they may be able to choose from several concentrations. These specialized areas of study may include cyber intelligence, cyber forensics, information assurance, and computer security fundamentals.
If prospective students already have a good idea of what career they wish to pursue after graduation, it’s advisable to choose a 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 graduation.
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.
For example, it’s always important to consider how expensive the program will be, and it’s even more important to verify that the school offering the program is accredited. Otherwise, the degree may not be worth the tuition the school charges. Students who need additional academic support should also explore if the schools in question offer any special tutoring or other support services for online students who may need help with their studies.
Prepare for tests and applications
Most online master’s in cybersecurity programs do not require you to complete the GRE or GMAT, though submitting GMAT test scores may improve the odds of getting admitted to a more competitive program. 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 students should verify whether the applications also require them to submit additional paperwork. This paperwork typically includes undergraduate transcripts but may consist of application essays and letters of recommendation. If so, students should ensure they have enough time to obtain these before applying.
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 students want to graduate with large loan debt. Students especially worried about debt should focus on schools that offer additional scholarships, grants, or assistantships to qualifying graduate students. Students may also focus on 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.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For students who need financial aid to pay for their online master’s in cybersecurity, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year is essential. The FAFSA will qualify students for federal loans and may help them to qualify for additional grants and scholarships. It may be possible for students to also qualify for scholarships or grants that are only available through the state or the school. 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.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs
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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 post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student 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 the 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?
The online master’s in cybersecurity is designed to challenge and engage students who already have a strong level of computer and IT knowledge. Accordingly, students entering the program should expect courses that heavily concentrate on developing or furthering skills in programming, computer networking, applied cryptography, and more.
Some programs will also foster skills in IT 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 IT world or to specialize in an area they are particularly passionate about.
The online graduate program typically takes full-time students two years to complete. Attending most programs part-time is possible, though this means it will take longer than two years to finish. Alternatively, students may focus on accelerated 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 in human history) 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. Note: students will need to have already 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.
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 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?
U.S. News reports that the cost for this degree can range from $17,000 to $70,000. Several reasons for this extreme variation include the fact that public schools are always more affordable than private ones. Additionally, students must pay more if they are out-of-state rather than in-state students, and the number of credit hours will affect the overall cost.
Fortunately, students who pursue this degree online will ultimately save money because they won’t have to pay the costs required to move to a new town, nor will they have to pay the many fees (such as parking fees) related to attending classes on campus.
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.