Information is the primary driver of today’s business environment. Emerging information quality and cyber threats make it challenging to secure a company’s profits, performance, and reputation. The best information assurance master’s degrees balance technical skills with practical skills in business management to aid cyber security professionals who aspire to leadership positions.
Most companies in the private sector and government sectors need critical infrastructure protection. You can add massive value with a comprehensive education in network security strategies. An assurance analyst with an information assurance master’s degree can be in high demand to protect company information.
This article outlines the top ten schools that offer a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. We also list the best information assurance master’s degree jobs and salaries. Read on if your career goals include an information assurance master’s degree.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
You can get an information assurance master’s degree at Davenport University, Florida Institute of Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Nova Southeastern University, and Wilmington University. These schools offer a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance in-person and online.
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have designated these schools’ information assurance master’s degree programs as National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE).
What Schools Offer the Best Information Assurance Master’s Degrees?
- Wilmington University
- Nova Southeastern University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Roosevelt University
- Davenport University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
The admission requirements for an information assurance master’s degree are a bachelor’s degree, resume, letter of recommendation, essay, and transcripts. The primary admission requirement for graduate students aspiring to pursue an information assurance master’s degree is a bachelor’s degree in computer, networking, statistical analysis, security foundations, or other related fields.
Other application requirements are a written essay or a statement of purpose, school seal-bearing transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from your undergraduate dean or immediate work supervisor. The admission department uses these documents to learn more about a prospective student. The registrar’s office expects to receive these documents following the submission of your application.
Information Assurance Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer, networking, statistical analysis, security foundations, or other related fields
- Transcripts
- Updated CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
How to Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree
You get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance by fulfilling all graduation requirements. Depending on the school, you’ll need to complete a required number of credits or prerequisite courses to earn your degree. Other information assurance master’s degree requirements are a thesis project, capstone project, and internship.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
You need 30 to 40 credits for a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance, depending on the school you’ll be attending. Most courses are two to three credits, while core subjects are at three to five credit units. Thesis projects and capstone projects range from five to nine credit units.
Information Assurance Degree Requirements
- Core Courses
- Tech-related Courses
- Business-related Courses
- Elective Courses
- Thesis
- Capstone Project
Best Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University | Master of Science in Management Information Systems with Concentration on Information Assurance | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Davenport University | Master of Science Information Assurance – Cybersecurity | Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Gannon University | Master of Science Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| George Mason University | Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Nova Southeastern University | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Roosevelt University | Master’s in Cyber Security and Information Assurance | Higher Learning Commission |
| St. Cloud State University | Master of Science in information security | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Central Missouri | Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance | Higher Learning Commission |
| Wilmington University | Master of Science in Information Systems Technology, Information Assurance Concentration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Information Assurance: Top Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
This section provides details on the schools that offer the best information assurance master’s degrees. Read on to learn about each program’s tuition, admission requirements, and application process.
What Is an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
An information assurance master’s degree provides expertise in protecting sensitive data. The program gives a core foundation of knowledge and applied expertise in information security controls, the regulatory environment, and information risk management and incident response.
Depending on the university, it can take one to five years with two years of preparation classes. The best information assurance master’s degrees cover a wide range of areas in computer science, computer security, Internet security, and cyber security.
A master’s degree allows students to hone skills beyond what a bachelor’s degree can with a specialization to become a subject expert. It can lead to an exciting and lucrative career at the forefront of technology. Master’s programs help students transition to leadership positions, move into in-depth cyber security, and strengthen skill sets.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance is very important as it offers many benefits, including networking with established professionals, peers, and possible employers. Some programs also help with job placement.
There is also an opportunity for accelerated or intensive courses that allow you to finish the degree sooner. A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance is good preparation for a variety of careers, including network security analysis, computer network architecture, computer and information systems management, and computer and information research science.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Information Assurance?
There is only one type of Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. It is a Master of Science degree. Most information assurance master’s degree programs are in the computer science department or the college of engineering.
Is It Better to Get a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Assurance?
Getting a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance is better than a bachelor’s degree because master’s degree graduates can enjoy increased salaries and advanced positions that undergraduate degree holders can’t. While a bachelor’s degree is a good credential to have for this field, employers will almost always prefer the candidate with the higher educational achievement.
What Is the Difference Between an Information Assurance Master’s Degree and an Information Assurance Graduate Certificate?
An information assurance master’s degree differs from an information assurance graduate certificate in the number of years for completion, the amount spent, courseload, and educational level. Graduate certificates take less time and money to complete since they only require 12 to 15 credits. Master’s degrees cost more due to the high academic rigor involved.
A graduate certificate allows you to gain knowledge about a single subject of study, while a master’s degree provides advanced study of an entire discipline. Additionally, although they’re both graduate programs, a master’s degree is a higher credential than a graduate certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance costs an average of $19,314. Some universities offer it for as low as $8,000. The cost depends on the number of credits needed to complete the degree, the institution, and the state.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
It usually takes two to three years to get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. Students can explore ways to shorten the duration of finishing the degree. Accelerated or intensive programs allow a full-time student to pack more courses into a shorter time frame. These accelerated programs are more work and more stressful but allow students to finish quicker.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
It is not hard to get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. Having technical knowledge and skills lessens the stress of learning. The challenging part is that many graduate students work full-time while studying.
Why Should You Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
You should get an information assurance master’s degree because it is a critical component of data security management in business and government. Business transactions and processes depend heavily on digital handling practices.
Having a higher degree strengthens your ability to stay employed during economic downturns. Graduates with a master’s degree earn more than the average bachelor’s degree holder. Unlike most certifications, a master’s degree does not expire.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Information Assurance?
Courses you need to take in a master’s degree program in information assurance include fundamental aspects of network forensics and cyber security programs. The curriculum varies depending on the school, but many courses are standard in several schools’ curricula. Below is the list of courses you’ll likely find in most information assurance master’s degree programs.
Network Security
In network security, students learn about network access control, virus and antivirus software, application security, network analytics, different types of network-related security management, firewalls, and VPN encryption. This subject teaches students to protect computer operating systems, networks, and data from various cyber security threats and exploitation. They’ll learn how to monitor computer systems, create a secure network design to reduce the risk of data theft and sabotage, and mitigate threats when they happen.
Project Management
The project management course teaches students about planning, practical budgeting, effective management strategies, effective time management, and managing stakeholders concerning information assurance. Students learn tech-suitable project planning to foresee challenges, identify and manage risks, prioritize accordingly, and run their projects to their end. Knowing how to manage a project from start to finish successfully is an increasingly in-demand skill that can boost a variety of careers into leadership positions.
Secure Software Design
Students learn the foundation of protected software and network systems in secure software design. They acquire skills in bug testing, debugging, restructuring, and changing the functionality in the software application to come up with a secured software design. They learn software system security analysis on flaws and vulnerabilities to discover data breaches and establish security policies to safeguard computer networks, software systems, and databases.
Database Management
The database management course introduces students to languages, applications, and programming to design and maintain business database security. Students learn to write programs, debug a system, check system performance, conduct reliability testing, and protect database structures and integrity. They acquire database management skills such as data and object modeling, relational algebra, relational data models, and application programming.
Cryptography
In cryptography, students study how to secure all transmitted information, develop authentication processes for people and devices, and receive the information to access and process it. Future information assurance professionals need to learn cryptology to mitigate data loss, theft, and exploitation.
Continuing Education Paths for Information Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
Continuing education paths for information assurance master’s degree graduates include pursuing a PhD or enrolling in certificate courses to hone skills and gain more valuable knowledge. Learning a foreign language is also a good option, especially for those who plan to work abroad.
It would also be best to get at least one information security certification. The best ones to tackle are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA).
Related Information Assurance Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in the best information assurance master’s degree programs are accreditation, learning format, cost, employment outcomes, and accelerated degree options. Read below to learn why you should consider these factors when choosing a degree program.
Accreditation
You must ensure that the higher education institution you plan on attending meets the educational standards set in place by accrediting bodies. An accreditation guarantees that the school provides its students with skills and knowledge that translate easily into a work setting. Also, students from an accredited school can apply and receive federal student aid from the US Department of Education for their post-secondary programs.
Learning Format
It is essential to learn about the school’s learning format to see if it fits your needs and schedule. Some schools offer in-person classes only, while others have transitioned into fully-online institutions. Other schools have opted to merge traditional and non-traditional study settings into a hybrid learning format. Regardless of the format you choose, ensure the universities you’re considering offer the learning format that works best for you.
Cost
Cost should be one of a student’s priorities when planning on pursuing higher education. You have to learn the total cost so you can budget your finances. Knowing how much you’ll need can help you realize if you’ll need to apply for financial aid or look into scholarship options to finish your degree.
Employment Outcomes
Netting gainful employment is one of the main reasons people choose to undertake higher education. Having an advanced degree guarantees a significant pay bump. You must ensure that your chosen school has career services that help students with positive employment outcomes.
Accelerated Degree Options
Check if the school has an accelerated degree option. An accelerated degree allows students to take double coursework and graduate earlier. This would suit full-time students who want to get into the job market quicker.
What Is the Most Affordable Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
The most affordable information assurance master’s degree is offered by Bowie State University, with a tuition rate of $8,558. Following Bowie State is University of Central Missouri with a tuition rate of $9,071, and Saint Cloud State University comes in third with a $9,170 tuition rate.
Salary and Job Outlook for Information Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
Technology drives human interaction today. More and more people are choosing to go online for chores and daily activities, from bank transactions to food deliveries. Due to the increasing online activities, cyber attacks are becoming more prevalent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 13 percent growth rate from 2020 to 2030 in employment opportunities in various computer and information technology industries.
With the projected 667,600 new entry-level positions to mid-level jobs, higher managerial positions are also opening. A master’s degree combined with technical knowledge and relevant work experience is an easy way for an information technology professional to advance in their career to higher managerial and business leadership positions.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an information assurance master’s degree. Information assurance is one of the most in-demand computer specialties with diverse job opportunities. Information assurance jobs in big global companies are rarely entry-level positions. Employers prefer security students with an in-depth science background who have completed a graduate program concentrating on information assurance.
What’s the Average Information Assurance Master’s Degree Salary?
The average annual salary for someone with an information assurance master’s degree is $97,000. Aside from a master’s degree, the pay range is also affected by professional experience, location, and company.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
The types of jobs you can get with an information assurance master’s degree include database manager, assurance manager, information security officer, cyber security analyst, network security manager, or cyber security consultant. A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance will prepare you for various information and computer security job titles, including higher-paying managerial positions like a chief technology officer.
Information Assurance Degree Jobs
- Database managers
- Information security officers
- Cyber security analysts
- Network security managers
- Cyber security consultants
Potential Careers With an Information Assurance Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance?
You can make between $58,000 and $309,000 per year with a master’s degree in information assurance. Most higher-paying managerial and business leadership positions require an advanced degree. An information assurance master’s degree combined with technical knowledge and relevant work experience is a marketable combination that can help bump up your pay range and position.
Highest-Paying Information Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Information Officer (CIO) | $168,620 |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | $168,534 |
| Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $166,018 |
| Information Security Manager | $119,305 |
| Information Security Officer | $94,389 |
Best Jobs for Information Assurance Master’s Degree Grads
Some of the best information assurance master’s degree jobs comprise chief information officer (CIO), chief information security officer (CISO), chief technology officer (CTO), information security manager, information security officer and a systems manager.
A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance provides an easy way for someone already working in the information technology field to advance to these higher managerial and business leadership positions. Learn more about these careers below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance is worth it. Cyber security and information assurance professionals remain in very high demand in a world of growing cyber crime and cyber warfare, where data is a valuable commodity. Not only do jobs in cyber security and information security tend to be more stable than others, but they also pay higher than most jobs.
Information assurance and cyber security is a field that is in demand in nearly any industry. Cyber crime impacts finances, brand reputation and trust, and everyone’s daily lives. Small and large corporations, governments, and academic institutions look for cyber security experts to keep up with the rapid change and sophistication of cyber crime.
Additional Reading About Information Assurance
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Information Assurance Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, you can apply for a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance program even if your bachelor’s degree is from an unrelated field. Schools will check your transcripts for any required courses you might have taken and the admissions team will use discretion when admitting students. Most schools offer bridging classes for any lacking core courses you must complete before the end of the first semester.
No, a background in IT is not needed for an information assurance master’s degree, however, it is preferable to have one. There are technical skills and key aspects of programming languages needed to follow and understand the advanced courses in an information assurance master’s degree program.
Yes, there is financial aid offered for a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. Schools provide different types of financial aid, discounts, and scholarship options. The most common is FAFSA, which is government aid that will partially or fully cover your degree program. There are also discounts for active, honorably discharged, and retired service and military personnel and their spouses.
Yes, an information assurance master’s degree program requires coding and knowledge of programming languages. You need these foundational courses and skills to develop and test security programs, secure software, and network design. Most mid-level and upper-level information assurance jobs need coding skills.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
