The field of cyber security requires experts who can apply their technical skills and professional experience in combating cyber threats that plague our global economy. If you want to be a highly skilled expert and advance your career, you should find the best online cyber security master’s degrees. Earning a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security gives you more than an income boost and multiple career options.
A Master’s Degree in Cyber Security gives you a chance to lead innovative advancements in online security. Our list of online cyber security master’s degree programs below provides you with a convenient and affordable way to do so. Keep reading to learn about their entry requirements, application processes, and tuition rates. This article also covers the best cyber security master’s degree jobs you can get after graduation.
Where Can I Get a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online?
You can get an online cyber security master’s degree from accredited universities and four-year academic colleges offering online graduate degree programs in cyber security. Some of the best schools for online cyber security master’s degrees include Arizona State University, Drexel University, PennState World Campus, Southern New Hampshire University, and Syracuse University.
What Schools Offer the Best Cyber Security Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Drexel University
- PennState World Campus
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Syracuse University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online cyber security master’s degree include a completed online application form, official transcripts, and a satisfactory GPA. Some schools require a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or English proficiency tests TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo are the most popular English proficiency tests for international students.
Your graduate school’s master’s program application form will include attachment fields for uploading documents, such as letters of recommendation, a letter of intent or statement of purpose, and a resume. Ensure these documents are well-crafted as they very much affect the admissions decision process.
Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- Standardized test scores in GMAT or GRE (as required)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (as required)
- Letter of intent or statement of purpose (as required)
- Letters of recommendation (as required)
- English language proficiency test scores (as required for non-native speakers)
How to Get a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online
You can get a cyber security master’s degree online by fulfilling all the necessary graduation requirements. Most online cyber security program durations range between 15 months and two years. During this time, enrolled online students are required to maintain a certain GPA and complete 36 to 45 credit hours to qualify for the degree.
Some schools extend their completion period to three or five years to accommodate busy part-time students. Some of the common degree requirements for online cyber security programs are listed below.
Cyber Security Degree Requirements
- 3.0 GPA
- 30 to 45 credit hours, including core courses and elective courses
- 9 credit hours for concentration courses, as applicable
- A completion exam, capstone project, or a research paper
Best Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Online Master of Computer Science – Cyber Security | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Online Master’s Degree in Cyber Security | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The George Washington University | Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree – Cybersecurity Analytics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Norwich University | Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Penn State World Campus | Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | Master of Science in Cyber Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master’s in Cyber Security Online | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Syracuse University | Online Master’s in Cyber Security | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | Master of Science in IT, Cyber Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Master’s Degree in Cyber Security Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Cyber Security: Top Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs
Conducting an independent school search can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what factors to review. We detail below the top schools, their cyber security program offerings, tuition rates, and further data you need to make an informed decision.
What Is an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
An online cyber security master’s degree is a one or two-year graduate degree, typically pursued after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. It’s awarded to students who have completed the academic requirements for an advanced cyber security curriculum. In an online cyber security program, students are provided digital learning resources and are allowed to complete independent projects.
You’ll be expected to complete 30 to 45 credits within the one or two-year period, all of which will determine your graduation. In most cases, your degree will require nine credits or more in a cyber security concentration. Generally, students are awarded a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Business Administration degree.
Online vs In-Person Cyber Security Degrees
The difference between an online cyber security degree and an in-person cyber security degree is the way they are acquired. In an online cyber security degree program, you don’t have to attend classes on campus. All your studies and assignments can be completed through e-learning platforms from anywhere. Some classes are offered through webinars, and others are prerecorded.
On-campus programs require the physical presence of the student and occasional participation in hands-on group exercises. Both the online and in-person cyber security degree programs have their advantages. Some of which have been highlighted below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Cyber Security
- Study space autonomy. While you might miss out on the whole college experience with an online program, you gain autonomy over your study environment and work conditions. You can pick where, how, and when to study.
- Less class time. Working professionals trying to switch careers or advance their current position usually take online programs. As a result, most schools make real-time class attendance as minimal as possible. You may attend virtual class once or twice a week, giving you ample time to focus on other commitments.
- More student support. More virtual learning resources are usually offered to make up for the absence of in-person services. Students can always receive immediate face-time and chat responses from a faculty advisor, course counselor, or career coach, boosting their learning experience.
- Flexible program length. You won’t be forced to finish the program in two years. Some schools provide extensions easily for remote learners, especially for those students enrolled in part-time programs. You can spend as long as three to five years completing a program, especially if you enroll in the schools listed in this article.
- Cost-effective. The cost of online education isn’t as much as that of on-campus education. Costs such as accommodation, transportation, or books can be significantly reduced or avoided in an online program.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Cyber Security
- Guided hands-on applications. There are more opportunities for hands-on exercises and lab projects in a campus program. These in-person activities make it easier for the student to develop the practical skills needed in the real world.
- Shorter program length. Most in-person programs are attended by full-time students. Full-time academic programs can have more classes, shorter course lengths, and more opportunities to complete more credit hours per semester. All of this could lead to full-time students finishing earlier than the online students.
- Opportunity for collaboration. In an on-site program, you have access to other graduate students within and outside your school. This allows you to collaborate better on class subjects or network with other professionals in line with your career goals.
- Direct access to student services. You don’t have to deal with the time gaps that remote students enrolled in an online cyber security program face. With an in-person program, you can easily meet the academic advisors or instructors when you need to.
- Full college experience. College can offer a wholesome experience. It’s an opportunity to explore a new location, new culture, new people, new facilities, and local attractions.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Cyber Security?
The types of online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security that you can earn are a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). An MA Degree in Cyber Security typically delves into using security for diplomatic relations and government intelligence and is offered by a School of Arts and Humanities.
In contrast, an MS degree in cyber security focuses more on the hard science or technical side of cyber security and is usually offered by a College of Engineering or College of Technology. The Master of Business Administration is a professional degree for those enrolled in a business school with a cyber security concentration.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Business Administration or Master of Science in Cyber Security?
It’s better to get an online Master of Science in Cyber Security vs a Master of Business Administration in Cyber Security. An MS postgraduate degree typically equips students with scientific knowledge and technical skills in cyber security. As such, it’s more suited to the nature of technical training that a cyber security professional needs for solving highly technical problems.
A Master of Business Administration focuses more on theoretical knowledge. It teaches students more skills such as leadership, decision-making, research, and management. It’s less focused on the hands-on application of technical areas like programming and product development, which is the reality of the cyber security field.
How Much Does a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Cost?
An online cyber security master’s degree program costs an average of $12,171 for tuition at a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Those who choose to enroll in nonprofit private schools pay an average of $27,776 per year, while for-profit private universities cost an average of $14,208 per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online?
It takes two years to get a cyber security master’s degree online. Within these years, you’ll be required to complete 30 to 45 credit hours within an average of two to four semesters. In each semester, you must complete six to 15 credit hours before progressing to another semester. Some schools allow you to complete your degree in as little as 15 months and as much as five years, depending on your preference and availability.
Are Online Cyber Security Degrees Respected?
Yes, online cyber security degrees are respected. More students are turning to distance learning because of its ease and comfort, and the ability to optimize productivity. Furthermore, accredited universities and colleges now offer online programs. With the recent move to more technology-based remote work environments, students who studied online could have an advantage in remote work opportunities compared to students who studied in-person programs.
Is Cyber Security Hard to Learn Online?
No, cyber security is not hard to learn online. It might seem challenging at first. However, if you already have the technical background, discipline, and passion to learn, it won’t seem all that difficult. To optimize your learning experience, you should ensure your workspace is designed for ergonomics and that you have access to an active cyber security community.
Cyber Security Bootcamp vs Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online cyber security master’s degree program is better than a cyber security bootcamp if you want to develop the concepts and technical knowledge from your bachelor’s degree. However, if you’re a beginner who wants a high-paying cyber security job and needs to build hands-on skills to enter the job market as soon as possible, a cyber security bootcamp is ideal. Both pathways have their benefits, a few of which are listed below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree
- Industry recognition. An advanced degree in a lucrative field like cyber security gets you a good amount of professional leverage. Master’s degree programs expose students with technical and cyber security backgrounds to advanced concepts in this field. It transforms them into professionals ready to proffer innovative solutions.
- Broader job options. Both large and small-scale companies actively seek competent cyber security candidates. Employers want professionals who can contribute innovative solutions to their data protection strategy and systems. With this degree, you too will become a highly sought-after professional and will have your pick of employers.
- High annual salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders have a higher earning potential than professionals with bachelor’s degrees. A Master’s Degree in Cyber Security enables you to negotiate an annual salary of over $80,000. Cyber security experts are scarce, so you can earn this much without prior work experience.
- Broader specialization opportunities. Most university programs ensure you’re not limited to one career path, as they provide cyber security concentration options to students. Some of the fields you can specialize in include cyber security management and vulnerability assessment.
- Flexible scheduling. A course can span for up to three months, giving you ample time to prepare or pay for the next course. Most schools allow you to define your course schedule or they provide you with one that’s fitting to your schedule. You can also transfer your credits to another program.
Top 5 Benefits of a Cyber Security Bootcamp
- Fast pace. If you’re looking to quickly break into the cyber security field, a cyber security bootcamp can help you achieve that in as short as three months. Most cyber security bootcamps last for a few months to one year. During this time, they provide students with the technical and soft skills necessary for a successful cyber security career.
- Focused and hands-on experience. A cyber security bootcamp curriculum covers only courses on cyber security. This allows you to hyperfocus on building the in-demand skills you need for a job in cyber security. The curriculum usually contains an introduction to cyber security technologies, hands-on experience, and guided projects with peer groups.
- Affordable tuition. A coding bootcamp is considerably cheaper than a master’s degree program. The average coding bootcamp tuition rate ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. Payment options are also available to students with financial needs, including deferred tuition plans and scholarships.
- Beginner-friendly. Several bootcamps offer free and paid introductory cyber security courses for students with little or no technical backgrounds. They methodically familiarize the student with technical concepts. Most classes start with a course overview before students progress to hands-on exercises.
- Career placement services. Coding bootcamps offer a wide range of career services. A good portion of the program helps students build soft skills that make finding and landing a job easier. Some of the career services available to students include resume building and critique, interview training, portfolio review, and employer networking opportunities.
Why You Should Get a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online
Getting a cyber security master’s degree online offers you convenience and autonomy over your study environment and learning outcome. You also have more access to student support services and course advisors, as you connect with them in real-time. The program length and schedule restrictions in on-campus academic programs are not as rigid as in online programs.
Online study reduces your financial burden since transportation, boarding, and other miscellaneous fees will be eliminated. It helps you build essential soft skills like time management and organization, as you’re personally in charge of boosting your motivation and organizing your schedule and workspace.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Cyber Security?
The courses you take in an online master’s degree program in cyber security are those that introduce you to advanced concepts in computer systems and networks. You’ll also take online classes on cyber threats and crimes and emerging technologies. Below are some of the best cyber security courses you will likely find in a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security program.
Applied Cryptography
Cryptography involves unraveling encrypted messages written in codes meant to be understood by the sender and the receiver. Studying applied cryptography helps you understand how best to secure, authenticate, or manage large amounts of digital data. Students with a background in mathematics and computer science may find concepts in this course easier to understand.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is an emerging innovation in the tech industry. This discipline helps students explore the capabilities of computer systems and machines in designing and developing self-directing systems that can aid humans in performing tasks. Through this course, students can learn how to build secure systems that can identify and resolve cyber security threats.
Computer Security
This course covers information, systems, and network security in computers. Students learn how to protect the computer from unauthorized access by implementing vulnerability assessment, incident response, and access controls. They also learn how to apply security measures in application development.
Information Technology
Information technology involves the study of operating systems, databases, and communication networks and how they are designed, used, and maintained. Information technology is a core course in cyber security because it helps students understand the entire computer system. This helps them know infrastructural make-up before security can be implemented.
Information Assurance
Information assurance is concerned with ensuring the authenticity, availability, and integrity of data. It’s closely related to risk management as students learn how to identify and manage risks associated with accessing, transmitting, and storing data. Students learn terms like data protection and user-level authentication in this course.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Graduates
After your master’s degree, you can pursue continuing education in the form of a doctoral degree in cyber security or earn a certification. A PhD in Cyber Security will prepare you to lead innovative research and inventions in the cybersecurity field. You could also pursue a professional certification with global providers, such as (ISC)², CompTIA, or EC-Council to specialize and build professional leverage.
Related Online Cyber Security Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs
The things you should look for in the best cyber security master’s degree programs include program reputation, curricula content, barriers to admission, funding, and career services. These factors improve your overall learning experience and make it easier for you to find good-paying jobs after graduation. As such, ensure your school search considers the factors listed below.
Barriers to Admission
A high application fee isn’t the only deterring factor to consider when reviewing master’s degree programs. If you have no technical background or you’re an international student, some schools could reject you. You may need to spend more money to build your foundational knowledge of computer science or information technology or gain proof of English proficiency in order to be accepted.
Program and School Reputation
Before choosing among universities for a master’s degree, a prospective student should find out the school and program’s reputation in their desired field. Academic awards and recognitions, research and innovations, retention rates, funding availability, and employment outcomes determine the program’s competence level. If these factors are present, chances are the program can provide you with a good learning experience.
Curricula Content
Ensure that the program’s curriculum is diverse and aligns with your learning and career goals. It should have topics that can help you build in-demand market skills. Based on Statista’s five-year projections in 2021, skills in application development security, cloud security, risk management are the top three fastest-growing cyber security skills.
Cost and Availability of Funding
Whether you’re planning to enroll in a full-time or part-time cyber security master’s program, ensure you can comfortably afford your tuition and program fees. Stressing about the cost of your education should not affect your academic performance and completion. Find out if the school offers financial aid and how much of your tuition and fees the aid can cover.
Career Services
Availability of tailored career services makes it easier for you to break into your preferred industry after graduation. Some schools provide students access to employer databases and job boards. Some organize networking events and career fairs to help students build job and career connections. Others ensure students build professional resumes and portfolios and receive interview training.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online cyber security master’s degree is from Arizona State University. This online program only costs $500 per credit hour. This means that a 30-credit hour program costs $15,000 in total.
Can I Get a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a cyber security master’s degree online for free. However, many schools provide prospective students access to full and partial Master in Cyber Security scholarships. You may also explore other financing options to reduce the stress of funding an advanced degree.
If you can’t afford the cost of financing an advanced degree, you should apply for federal grants or check out online platforms that offer free cyber security courses. Some of the platforms to start with include standalone MOOCs and edX.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Graduates
Before you apply for your online cyber security master’s degree, you should know what pay scale and career outlook await you in this field. Fortunately, the cyber security field is lucrative, and the opportunities available for professionals are extensive. Below is information on top cyber security master’s degree jobs and their expected salary ranges.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a cyber security master’s degree. According to the 2021 survey by Statista, on a global scale, companies are experiencing a deficiency of cyber security personnel, especially in areas such as cloud computing, security analysis and investigation, and application security.
Obtaining an advanced degree in cyber security makes it easier for you to access these opportunities. As an online student in a cyber security master’s program, the quality of education and career services you’ll receive will make it easy to secure a job, even a high-paying one, as soon as you graduate.
What’s the Average Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security is $89,000 a year, according to PayScale. More than 40 percent of cyber security professionals earning this range are still in their early careers, and about 28 percent are at the mid-career level. The yearly salary amount may vary depending on the actual role.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online cyber security master’s degree are application security engineer, cyber security machine learning engineer, and information security manager. Aside from becoming a cyber security engineer, you can also be a cloud security solutions architect or network security architect. You can even be an apprentice to chief information security officers.
Cyber Security Degree Jobs
- Application security engineer
- Cloud security solutions architect
- Cyber security machine learning engineer
- Information security manager
- Network security architect
Potential Careers With an Online Cyber Security Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
You can make between $97,000 and $129,000 a year with an online cyber security master’s degree. However, your options are not limited to this salary range. Your actual income will depend on a range of factors, including location, experience level, job title, skills, and company.
Those who choose to work for top companies can expect bonuses, overtime pay, and tips, which can substantially boost their overall earnings. Those who become entrepreneurs in this industry may also benefit from high earnings based on the scope of their venture. Some of the highest-paying jobs for cyber security master’s degree holders are listed below.
Highest-Paying Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Cyber Security Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Cloud Security Solutions Architect | $129,630 |
| Network Security Architect | $126,166 |
| Information Security Manager | $119,336 |
| Cyber Security Machine Learning Engineer | $112,513 |
| Application Security Engineer | $97,684 |
Best Jobs for Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for cyber security master’s degree grads are those that provide opportunities for them to hone their critical thinking and analytical skills. These cyber security master’s degree jobs must also develop them for advancing their career. Below are some of the most popular specialized roles for cyber security master’s degree holders.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online cyber security master’s degree is worth it if you envision yourself in a career dedicated to protecting people and organizations from threats in the digital world. According to Statista’s 2021 survey, there is a global supply shortage for qualified cybersecurity professionals to combat cyber security issues.
Choosing to pursue this degree allows you to reduce that shortage and contribute to national security and organizational security. Also, the cyber security field is predicted to grow to $345.4 billion by 2026, according to Statista. Venturing into this field with a master’s degree boosts your earning potential and increases your access to top careers in cyber security.
Additional Reading About Cyber Security
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Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree FAQ
The best cyber security master’s degrees are programs that have a cyber security concentration. This will assure you that you will heavily learn about cyber security as a field. With a cyber security concentration, you can specialize in information security management or emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
No, a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security is not hard if you’re driven and passionate about making a positive difference in the field. Most schools demand that a prospective student undergoes training in programming, computer networks, and operating systems to ease into intense topics.
To secure a job in cyber security with no work experience, you have to build adequate academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Start by enrolling in a cyber security degree or certificate program. The curricula for these educational paths are usually designed with hands-on exercises to help current students quickly land roles in the industry even without prior work experience.
No, cyber security does not necessarily require coding. However, while it might not be a major requirement for entry-level cyber security jobs, knowing coding is essential if you’re interested in positioning yourself as a versatile tech professional. Also, most degree programs in cyber security give preference to students with programming 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.
