This degree can prepare you for a variety of different roles in the security field, including security manager, security engineer, cybersecurity analyst, geopolitical analyst, homeland security consultant, and intelligence specialist. You will attain the skills you need to aid in keeping people and property safe.
The average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. Although normally a two-year program, some accelerated master’s in security programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Security Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be offered as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). MS programs involve more of an analytical and technical approach, while MA programs concentrate on interdisciplinary leadership training.
Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as physical security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, or risk management. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional 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 regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
In addition to accreditation, you should take the following factors into account for each program you’re considering:
- Find out the program’s graduation placement rate
- Discover how much the program will cost and if you can afford it
- Research the means of interaction between online students and teachers
- Find out if offline workshops are part of the experience
To learn more about any schools 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
Following the review of application requirements and deadlines, begin early because the program might be competitive. Maintaining a to-do list will keep you organized. Fill out all application materials, take required tests, and send official transcripts from previous colleges.
Application requirements vary by school and program. To apply, you may also need to submit letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Your personal statement must explain why you want to pursue a master’s in security degree and your achievement aspirations. Make sure your resume highlights security experience and any pertinent security certifications.
Most master’s in security degree programs require applicants to take the GRE. Some demand the GMAT instead. You might consider other tests that are security-specific, like CISSP or those designed for your breadth of study. Practice interview skills to make a good impression, as some admissions programs require an interview with an admissions committee or faculty member. And you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
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 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 programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Complete the FAFSA each academic year to determine if you’re eligible for need-based aid like institutional scholarships, federal work-study, state and federal grants, and federal loans. If you are working while attaining a degree, employer tuition assistance benefits may be another option. You might also be entitled to receive merit-based aid to fund your postsecondary studies. Contact the financial aid departments of the schools you’re considering to ask if there are any other assistance opportunities, including assistantships, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and work-study.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Security Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online master’s in security programs at top colleges across the country. 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 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 security programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, including U.S. News & World Report, 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 Security Program?
No two online master’s in security degree programs are exactly the same. But you can expect a typical program to require 30 to 60 credit hours and about two years of full-time study. Besides preparation for specific security roles, students will gain skills and knowledge to think critically regarding security issues and expand innovative solutions.
Specialized training may be required for cybercrime, profiling, and criminal justice careers. This degree prepares you for many protective service positions as well as management and leadership roles in law enforcement and security institutions.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in security degree program
- Criminology. This course focuses on why people commit crimes, covering the history of criminology as well as the latest theories and procedures. Within a security role, students learn how to implement these tools to prevent and respond to criminal activities.
- Urban Resilience. In this course, students learn how cities have dealt with events such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
- Cyber Conflict. Students review the different types of cybersecurity systems and the most common threats these systems must protect against.
- International Security. This course covers international security concerns such as nuclear proliferation, climate change, and human trafficking.
- Emergency Preparedness and Management. Students learn how businesses and government agencies can prepare for, respond to, and recover from both natural and man-made disasters.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Security?
Career outlook
Earning this degree is a strategic investment that allows you to navigate the complex landscape of the security industry. This advanced qualification equips professionals with the expertise to protect information, infrastructure, and organizations from evolving threats. There are many different career opportunities available to individuals with a master’s degree in security, including:
- Emergency management director — Prepare plans and coordinate responses for emergencies and natural disasters.
- Median annual salary: $83,960
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 900 annually
- Police officer or detective — Patrol assigned areas, investigate crimes, and arrest suspects.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 64,500 annually
- Information security analyst — Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, train staff on how to prevent security breaches, and recommend security upgrades.
- Median annual salary: $120,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New job openings projected: 16,800 annually
Online Master’s in Security Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in security degree program?
How much does an online master’s in security degree cost?
Tuition costs differ among schools. Attending a private school is usually much more expensive than attending a public school, though some public schools charge a higher tuition rate to online students enrolled in another state. The average cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513 per year.
Various factors might increase the cost of an online degree:
- Technology, lab, resource, and library fees are sometimes added to the tuition
- Students might need to buy tablets or software
- Potential lost wages during a student’s studies should be considered
- If an internship or a practicum is involved in the program, online students will pay more in travel expenses
If you are currently active as a U.S. military officer or employed in the public sector, you could be eligible to earn a master’s in homeland security degree by attending the Naval Postgraduate School. You may be able to enroll in the program for free, depending on the agency you work for.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in security degree?
If you are a full-time student, you can expect to complete an online program in one to two years. Part-time students typically take three years or more to earn their degree. Master’s in security degree programs tend to require between 30 and 60 credits. A program with more credit requirements may take longer to complete.
Is an online master's in security worth it?
Earning an online master’s in security is worth it, especially for students interested in a cybersecurity career. This advanced degree can equip professionals with the specialized knowledge, technical skills, and strategic insights that are essential for combating sophisticated cyber threats. The need for cybersecurity experts is rapidly increasing, providing plenty of job opportunities for workers in this field.
The interdisciplinary curriculum of security programs covers areas like risk management, compliance, and emerging technologies, ensuring graduates are well-rounded security practitioners. Networking opportunities, real-world projects, and access to industry-expert faculty further enhance the program’s value. The online format provides flexibility, allowing working professionals to enhance their expertise without disrupting their careers.