If you are thinking of starting an information security (IS) career, learning about the best schools for information security is a good start. The best information security schools give you the knowledge and hands-on experience to thrive in the industry. Several schools offer degrees in information security, but not all schools are created equal.
This article gives you a comprehensive guide to choosing the best information security colleges based on your unique circumstances and career goals. It contains a list of the ten best information security universities, types of information security degrees, and job opportunities you should expect as an information security graduate.
Best Information Security College and University Rankings: Top 10 Information Security Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person, online, hybrid | 117 |
| Carnegie Mellon | PA | In-person, online, hybrid | 25 |
| Columbia University in the City | NY | In-person, online, hybrid | 2 |
| George Mason University | VA | In-person | 148 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | In-person, online, hybrid | 9 |
| Northwestern University | IL | In-person, online, hybrid | 9 |
| Purdue University Global | IN | Online | 49 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person | 117 |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | CA | In-person, online, hybrid | 22 |
| University of Southern California | CA | In-person | 27 |
Information Security School Rankings: Best Information Security Colleges and Universities
The best information security colleges and universities in the United States also have a global reputation due to their education quality. Many schools are well-known public research universities with a high graduation and retention rate.
Prospective students can choose between an in-person or online degree to gain professional experience in cyber security, ethical hacking, and software development. Any of these schools can get you started on a successful career path.
The Best Schools for Information Security: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for information security offer certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhD Degrees in Information Security. The one you choose will depend on your financial status, current education level, and career goals.
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Information Security Community College Certificate
An information security community college certificate program will focus on one specific study area. Often, colleges allow students to transfer certificates as credits towards an associate degree. You can also do a certificate course in a subject your degree did not cover to boost your credentials and expertise.
Information Security Associate Degree
An information security associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded by a community college. However, it holds more weight than a certificate and can help you start your career in entry-level positions. You will gain university credits that you can transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security or related fields.
The typical timeline for completing associate degree programs is two years. You may find an accelerated degree that runs for 16 to 18 months. The credit requirement ranges from 60 to 80 credits, and the cost is usually more affordable than a bachelor’s degree.
Information Security Bachelor’s Degree
The information security bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree awarded by a university. It is the standard for entry into most information security careers and a path to a master’s degree, professional graduate certificate, or PhD. While a bachelor’s degree holder may get entry-level positions, they can command a higher salary.
A bachelor’s degree runs for four years for most schools in the United States. Accelerated bachelor’s degrees take about three years, and part-time students may take up to five years to complete their degree. The credit requirement for a bachelor’s degree is between 120 to 180 credits.
Information Security Master’s Degree
An information security master’s degree is a graduate degree offered by a university. Master’s students must meet the requirements for advanced learning in their field. Most universities give students the option to specialize in certain areas of information security.
A master’s degree is a pathway to a doctorate, and you cannot typically get admitted into a master’s degree program if you do not have a bachelor’s degree. The degree takes two years to complete full-time.
You can get a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree that takes four to five years or an accelerated master’s degree that takes 16 to 18 months. A master’s program usually requires 30 credit hours.
Information Security Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate is an advanced credential that a university awards to students after meeting the requirements of specialized studies. It is not the same as a college certificate, and you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission into a graduate school.
You can complete a graduate certificate in one year or less. While it isn’t the same as a master’s degree, both options will prepare you for advanced specialization.
Information Security Doctorate
An information security doctorate is a research-focused graduate degree awarded by a university. The doctorate may run for three to five years, depending on the school and research topic. Doctorates in Information Security focus on complex and highly-specialized areas of cyber security.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Information Security Schools: Other Information Security University Rankings
The best information security schools offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, dual degrees, and accelerated programs. Depending on what the school offers, you can take these programs on-campus or online. The best schools for each degree type and learning format are listed below.
Best Online Information Security Schools
- Dakota State University. Dakota State University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Network and Security Administration. It also offers an associate degree in the same subject. You can enroll and complete the program 100 percent online.
- Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity beneficial for those chasing a career in information security. It is an interdisciplinary degree that combines a wide range of security topics and allows you to choose electives from other fields.
- Western Governors University. This school offers a wide range of information security degrees, including network operations and security, cyber security, and assurance. The school also offers top certifications to boost your resume.
Best Community Colleges for Information Security
- Central Texas College. This college serves residents of Coryell County and Bell County, Texas. It offers degrees in network cloud security, safety and security, computer information technology, and cyber security.
- Coastline Community College. This school has several mini campuses that offer various programs, including degrees in information security. It offers an Associate of Science in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity program.
- Harford Community College. Harford Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Assurance. The course includes cyber security, information systems security, and cyber defense.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Information Security
- Grand Canyon University. This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The program covers network security, cyber law, security-driven systems, cyber forensics, and ethical hacking. There is also a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity for those who want to study for an advanced degree.
- Kennesaw State University. With the increase of cyber attacks, cyber and information security is becoming one of the top in-demand degrees. This is a highly-rated affordable online bachelor’s program.
- Liberty University. Liberty University is one of the best online schools in the United States and one of the largest Christian universities in the country. It offers an accelerated 121-credit computer science cyber security bachelor’s degree.
Best Graduate Schools for Information Security
- Boston University. Boston University is a private research institution that offers a Master of Science in Computer Information System, Security Concentration. The 40-credit program takes 12 to 20 months to complete in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
- George Washington University (GWU). GWU is a private university and one of the oldest schools in the country. It has a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity in Computer Science. This is a 30-credit program that runs for two years full-time and three years part-time. The advanced program requires an admission GPA of 3.0.
- Grand Canyon University. This school offers a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The 34-credit graduate degree program will teach you how to protect organizational systems from advanced cyber attacks. You will also learn the soft skills required to thrive in the information security industry.
Best Information Security Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- DePaul University | Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science, Combined Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree. DePaul University is a four-year public institution. It has two campuses and an online platform for distance learning. The school offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, but you must maintain a 3.3 GPA to remain in the program.
- Montclair State University | Information Technology/Cybersecurity-Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree. This research-based public institution offers students a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The dual degree is a five-year program that combines a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Information Technology/Cybersecurity.
- University of Houston | Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Degree Program in Computer Information Systems/Cybersecurity. This school is a public research institute with a reputation as the flagship university in Houston. The combined five-year bachelor’s and master’s dual program is for those who wish to continue their education after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Best Schools With Accelerated Information Security Programs
- Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Whether or not you have previous college credits, you can apply for this cyber security bachelor’s degree. The online program runs for three and a half years and is one of the most affordable options available.
- Norwich University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Norwich University is one of the oldest military colleges in Vermont. This school allows you to complete a 90-credit bachelor’s degree program in 18 months. You will need 30 credits as an admission requirement.
- Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Old Dominion University is a four-year public school and the largest university in Virginia. It offers an accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security for students with a minimum of 30 college credits.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Information Security Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for information security is worth it for anyone who wants to advance their career in information security, cyber security, and related fields. With a graduate-level degree, you can either pursue research or opt for higher-paying management positions.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Information Security Degree?
Jobs you can get with an information security degree are information security analyst, computer and information research scientists, cyber security engineer, network security engineer, software developer, and penetration tester.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Information Security?
You can earn an annual salary of $73,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security, according to PayScale. Master’s degree holders will make an average of $95,000 annually. Also according to PayScale, associate degrees make entry-level jobs possible with an annual salary of $63,145. Experience, location, job title, and specialization influence the median salary.
Highest-Paying Information Security Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $159,010 | #25 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Master’s Degree | $131,490 | #2 (tie) |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s Degree | $120,520 | #17 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s Degree | $110,140 | #38 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $102,600 | #2 (tie) |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $99,270 | #6 |
| Cyber security Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $97,766 | #22 |
| Network Security Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $92,724 | #47 |
| Penetration Tester | Bachelor’s Degree | $88,376 | #23 |
| Ethical Hacker | Bachelor’s Degree | $79,096 | #59 |
Best Jobs With an Information Security Degree
The best jobs for information security degree holders are in computer science, computer network architecture, information security analysis, and cyber security engineering. Other options are network security engineers, penetration testers, and computer and information research scientists. Those who choose career paths in information security can earn a high annual wage.
How Can I Pay for Information Security School?
You can pay for your information security school on your own, apply for federal financial aid, or secure a loan, grant, or scholarship. The option you choose will depend on your level of education or financial status.
- Pay Upfront. The most straightforward way to pay for college is upfront and out of pocket. However, it is also the most expensive route to take. When you pay upfront, you do not worry about repayment or interest.
- Federal Financial Aid. This option is available to students who cannot afford to pay for schooling upfront. There are different categories available under the federal financial aid program. Consult the student aid website to find out if you’re eligible.
- Student Loan. You must begin paying off the student loan once you start earning a salary. The terms of the loan and the amount may vary depending on the lender. You may apply for a living stipend in addition to the tuition if you have no alternative source of income.
- Grants and Scholarships. You do not need to pay back grants and scholarships. You need to meet the conditions stated. There are several STEM scholarships you can explore as an information security student. Graduate students get grants to research specific promising areas of interest.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Information Security School for You
When choosing the best school for information security, you need to consider costs, career services, and accreditation. You should also consider student outcomes, retention rates, and graduation rates.
Cost
While tuition is the most significant cost, it isn’t the only one you need to consider when enrolling in a school. You also need to consider the required fees, accommodation, transportation, lab dues, and food.
Career Services
Most higher institutions of learning provide career services for their students. Some even offer placement services. You can find out more from the official career services page of the school. You can also read the testimonials from students who successfully completed the program. This can give you an idea of what career opportunities you will have access to after graduation.
Accreditation
There are many benefits when a regulatory body nationally or regionally accredits a school for education. Firstly, prospective employers will see that your degree is credible. Other universities will recognize your college credits enabling you to continue your education.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Information Security?
Yes, the college you attend for information security matters since not all schools have the same curriculum or standards. This is why it is important to thoroughly research before applying to any university. The type of degree offered by the school is another crucial factor you need to consider.
Information Security University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Information Security
We ranked the best information security schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our information security university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of information security degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Information Security
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Best Information Security Schools FAQ
The bachelor’s degree best for cyber security is a Bachelor of Science degree. Most schools offer a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. Some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts, which usually includes a broader range of electives. Schools also offer cyber security Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Security and Assurance, computer science, and information technology management.
Cyber security is not better than computer science. Cyber security is simply a more specialized field in information technology. Computer science is a general degree that offers majors in cyber security. Cyber security takes you more in-depth into protecting information and what to do against cyber attacks.
No, information is not hard to learn if you’re technologically inclined. It is a technical subject that requires a practical element with lots of hands-on training. Information technology is in high demand with the increase in cyber crime. If you enjoy the idea of fighting crime online and you enjoy computer programming, it won’t be difficult to learn.
No, there isn’t a lot of math in cyber security, but you will need some level of math, especially as you advance in your career. There will be data analysis and reading of graphs, but this doesn’t require too much math. You should be comfortable with at least high school-level math for career advancement in cyber security.
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