18 Best Cyber Security Master’s Programs

Cybersecurity professionals often pursue a master’s degree to prepare them for higher-paying jobs, leadership roles, or a job in an adjacent field. Learning about some of the best Cyber Security schools will help you to choose which one is the best fit for you.

When choosing a master’s degree program, it is important to compare schools and programs to find the one that best aligns with your situation and aspirations. To help you in your search for the best program for you, we’ve listed 18 of the best cyber security master’s degree programs below.

For each program, we will break down the following to help inform your decision:

• Tuition 
• Graduation Rate
• Job Placement
• Minimum Entrance GPA
• Average Graduate GPA
• Length of Program
• Return on Investment
• Accreditation
• Admissions Rate 

18 Best Cyber Security Schools to Earn Your Master’s Degree

The best cyber security schools are:

• University of Arizona
• George Mason University
• Iowa State University 
• University of Maryland 
• Georgia Institute of Technology 
• Webster University 
• Robert Morris University 
• Embry-Riddle 
• Syracuse University 
• Champlain College 
• Drexel University 
• New York University 
• University of Delaware 
• Lewis University 
• University of California Berkeley 
• University of San Diego 
• University of Dallas 
• John Hopkins University 

University of Arizona

This fully online program allows its master’s in cyber security students to also earn the Department of MIS’s Enterprise Security Certificate. 

This masters program combines the three strongest departments of the university:

• Systems and Industrial Engineering
• Management Information Systems
• Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

There are two concentration options: Information Systems Track and Physical Systems Track. Each track will have its own core courses of focus.

George Mason University

This cyber security master’s degree program offers students valuable education and boasts that it is the highest-ranked online program at George Mason. Its graduates have gone on to jobs like cyber security manager, business systems analyst, and senior IT consultant. 

Students specialize in either system or network security. Taking part in a week-long global residency is required. Students must also write a thesis or scholarly paper. 

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is the largest higher education institution in Iowa. A thesis will be required to graduate from its cyber security program. Classes are streamed virtually for maximum flexibility for students. Students may be able to transfer up to six credits.

Some of the courses in Iowa State’s cyber security program include:

• Information Warfare
• Advanced Computer Networking
• Cryptography
• Wireless Security
• A Capstone Project

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland and Global Campus is the largest public, online university in the US. Its cyber security management and policy program is specifically designed for students who are already working. The goal of the master’s program is to create cyber security professionals, so there is no IT experience or background required.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s master’s degree program in cyber security lets students choose a specific track: Energy systems, policy, or information security. This will you sharpen your knowledge base for your target job position. Its online classes also allow your education to be flexible. Georgia Tech’s cyber security master’s degree teaches students about privacy, security risks, and public policy laws. 

Webster University

Webster University was originally a women’s college, but is now open to all. Its Master’s Degree in Cyber Security program teaches students techniques to be a successful cyber security professional. This includes seven cyber security courses that focus on cyber intrusions, information assurance, and cybersecurity. The program also offers electives like cloud computing and social engineering.

There is also an option to get a dual degree. This would award you with a Master of Art in National Security Studies and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The program can be completed in just 54 credit hours.

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University was originally known as a Pennsylvania accounting school. Now students can choose from 27 online degrees the college offers, including a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. Students have the option to add a concentration in Enterprise Systems to their degree plan. Applicants must have received at least a C in a computer language, such as C++ or Java. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle offers a Master of Science in Cyberecurity Engineering. Students in the program take 18 credits of core classes. They then have the choice to take either 12 elective hours and a capstone project, or nine elective hours and a six-credit thesis.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field such as engineering or computer science. They will also have to submit GRE scores.

Syracuse University

A unique perk of becoming a student at Syracuse University is that it provides a LinkedIn Premium Career account. This aids in networking and the job application process.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. Syracuse University waives the GRE score for qualified applicants. Students must know about discrete mathematics, data structures, and programming languages. 

Champlain College

The Champlain College program offers cybersecurity students an education that will effectively prepare them for the workforce. The program is fully online and is designed for working professionals. Elective courses include encryption, malware analysis, digital forensics, digital forensic science, and more. 

Graduates of this program have gone on to work for companies such as PWC, Chevron, GE, and Verizon. They have filled positions such as criminal investigators, digital forensics specialists, and senior security engineers. 

Drexel University

This program features flexible course options. For example, you can choose courses that align with your specific career goals and online classes that fit into your schedule. Drexel University is unique in that it allows its master’s students to choose a minor.

GRE scores totaling 300 are preferred but not required for admission.

New York University

New York University’s Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity program offers nine credits of elective courses to complement nine computer science core courses and 12 security core courses. 

Admission requires one year of university-level science, a programming language, and an understanding of calculus. Applicants should keep in mind that a B grade is the minimum for transferring courses to NYU. 

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity equips students with the skills and experience they need to compete for positions such as chief information officer, data center manager, or IT director. Each course at the University of Delaware lasts seven weeks.

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Prospective students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit three letters of recommendation. Your GRE score should be a minimum of 150 for the verbal section with an overall score of 300. 

Lewis University

Lewis University is a Catholic college. The college features small class sizes that allow students to get an individualized education. The Master of Science in Computer Science is 33 to 51 credits, and its concentration in cyber security includes research projects and a thesis. 

Its nine elective credits can be used to focus on your professional area of interest, such as reverse engineering, penetration testing, or network forensics. 

The minimum GPA for prospective students is 3.0. If a student did not get a bachelor’s degree in either computer science or a related field, they can take an extra six courses. 

University of California Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley’s Master’s Degree in Information and Cybersecurity is an online program that provides students with a holistic approach to education. The courses available include privacy engineering, cryptography for cyber and network security, and operating system security. 

This program consists of nine courses that can be completed within 20 months. While the program is online, there will be one in-person immersion cyber security event on campus. Students interested in applying will have to submit two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts. 

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a private Catholic college and boasts a ranking as one of the best schools in the nation. Its Master of Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Leadership program is completely online and can be finished within 20 months. 

Courses include applied cryptography, cyber security management, cyber incident response, and computer network forensics, as well as a capstone requirement. 

The program seeks to equip students with lifelong learning skills, provide them with the ability to lead organizations in contested cyber environments, and foster collaboration with cyber security stakeholders. Graduates will know the ins and outs of creating and maintaining secure systems.

University of Dallas

Graduates of this program pursue jobs in digital forensics, penetration testing, network security, and cyber defense. The program prepares students for their CISSP exam.

Students can also earn their MiniMasters along with their degree. The MiniMasters badge is a great addition to your resume and can be added as a digital badge to your LinkedIn page.

John Hopkins University

There are three tracks within this master’s degree program so students can focus on courses relevant to their career aspirations. One of the following three tracks must be chosen by prospective students: Analysis, Networks, and Systems.

They also offer a post-master’s certificate that has five courses. No track is required for this program. This certificate is a fantastic addition to a resume, as it proves an individual’s expertise and drive.