Students pursuing an online master’s in cybersecurity will profoundly increase their knowledge of IT and computer security while learning new skills necessary to stay on the cutting edge in this field. Most programs last between 30 to 33 credit hours. Students can earn their graduate degree in as little as one year.
The average cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513 per year. After graduating, students may qualify for an information security analyst job and earn an average salary of $112,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Science (MS). Depending on the online master’s in cybersecurity programs that students apply to, they may be able to choose from several concentrations. These specialized areas of study may include cyber intelligence, cyber forensics, information assurance, and computer security fundamentals.
If prospective students already have a good idea of what career they wish to pursue after graduation, it’s advisable to choose a program and an area of study where they can learn the most relevant knowledge. This helps ensure the student is best prepared for their chosen career path after graduation.
Research schools and programs
Many different schools offer an online master’s in cybersecurity program, so prospective students need to develop specific criteria that narrow down the list of possible schools.
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized 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 accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
It’s also important to consider how expensive the program will be, and students who need additional academic support should explore if the schools in question offer any special tutoring or other support services for online students who may need help with their studies.
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
Application requirements vary by school and program. Most online master’s in cybersecurity programs do not require you to complete the GRE or GMAT, though submitting GMAT test scores may improve the odds of getting admitted to a more competitive program. Students doing so should be very wary of application deadlines because it can take up to three months to study for the GMAT and up to 20 days to receive test results.
Prospective students should verify whether the applications also require them to submit additional paperwork. This paperwork typically includes undergraduate transcripts but may also consist of application essays, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. If so, students should ensure they have enough time to obtain these materials before applying.
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to make sure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Even if students choose to apply to multiple online master’s in cybersecurity programs, they will need to develop additional criteria to determine which schools to apply to and which schools to skip.
For example, cost remains a primary consideration because no students want to graduate with a large amount of debt. Students especially worried about debt should focus on schools that offer additional scholarships, grants, or assistantships to qualifying graduate students. Students may also focus on programs with classes taught by professors who are influential in the field of cybersecurity. The right professors can help students learn more and may have the most relevant advice about getting a job within the industry.
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
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year is essential. The FAFSA will qualify students for federal loans and may help them to qualify for additional grants and scholarships. Students should contact the financial aid offices of any schools they are interested in attending and ask about aid opportunities to verify they have explored all possible financial aid options. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online master’s in cybersecurity degree programs at top colleges nationwide. 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 cybersecurity degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, 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 Cybersecurity Program?
Online master’s in cybersecurity programs are designed to challenge and engage students who already have a strong level of computer and IT knowledge. Accordingly, students entering the program should expect courses that heavily concentrate on developing or furthering skills in programming, computer networking, applied cryptography, and more.
Some programs will also foster skills in IT management, which is helpful because graduating students often obtain senior-level positions in highly-technical fields. Depending on the chosen concentrations or electives, students may learn more about specialized fields such as cyber forensics. This can help prepare graduates to be generalists within the IT world or to specialize in an area they are particularly passionate about.
This program typically takes full-time students two years to complete. Attending most programs part-time is possible, though this means it will take longer than two years to finish. Alternatively, students may focus on accelerated programs that allow them to complete coursework in just one year.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in cybersecurity degree program
- Foundations of Algorithms. This course provides foundational knowledge of algorithms, including their history (they have been around for nearly a millennium) and modern application. Algorithms are the cornerstone of modern computing, and students will learn about the algorithms that power cybersecurity for individuals and organizations worldwide.
- Artificial Intelligence. This course helps students learn more about the ever-growing field of artificial intelligence, including the fundamentals of neural networking and the practical application of AI within cybersecurity. Students will need to already have a high level of programming knowledge to be successful in this class.
- Data Processing at Scale. This course offers students a closer look at cutting-edge ways to process large-scale datasets, which can be helpful in the creation and maintenance of robust databases. Students will learn more about the use of scalable data and how such data is integral to any business hoping to reach its full potential.
- Mobile Computing. This course helps students learn more about all aspects of mobile computing, including app development, mobile technology management, wireless communication, and more. Because most people now access the internet via mobile devices, deep knowledge of mobile computing has become critical for any cybersecurity expert.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in cybersecurity is exceptionally promising. The cybersecurity field is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats.
Some of the possible career paths that individuals with this educational credential can pursue include the following:
- Information security analyst — Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, train staff on how to prevent security breaches, and recommend security upgrades.
- Median annual salary: $112,000
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New job openings projected: 16,800 annually
- Information systems manager — Assess an organization’s technology needs, plan IT projects, and hire and supervise IT staff.
- Median annual salary: $164,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New job openings projected: 46,900 annually
- Computer network architect — Design, implement, and upgrade data communication networks.
- Median annual salary: $126,900
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 10,200 annually
Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in cybersecurity degree program?
The best way to apply for an online master’s in cybersecurity degree is through the university website. Students can apply directly online, and the application will specify if students must include things like GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, and undergraduate transcripts.
It’s important to review each application carefully because some programs may have specific requirements that others do not. If there are questions about application requirements or anything related to the program, students should contact an admissions advisor for any schools they are interested in.
How much does an online master’s in cybersecurity degree cost?
Graduate school tuition costs $20,513 per year on average. Public schools are almost always more affordable than private ones. And at public schools, in-state students are usually charged lower tuition rates than out-of-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in cybersecurity degree?
It typically takes full-time students two years to earn an online master’s in cybersecurity degree. If such students only attend classes part-time, earning the degree may take three years or longer. Alternatively, if a student takes an accelerated program, they may be able to complete all required coursework in only one year. While it is often tempting to complete coursework as quickly as possible, students who have other responsibilities (including a career and a family) should focus on finding programs flexible enough to meet their unique scheduling needs.
Is an online master's in cybersecurity worth it?
The field of cybersecurity is experiencing significant growth, and the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the supply. This degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, from security analysis to leadership roles. Graduates with a master’s in cybersecurity often command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree, given their specialized knowledge and expertise.
Professionals with a master’s in cybersecurity are well-equipped to address compliance requirements and manage security risks effectively. They play a vital role in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information.
Earning your degree online can be an excellent choice for some students. Online programs offer the flexibility to access course materials and lectures at your convenience, which can be beneficial for those with other professional or personal commitments. Online programs attract a diverse student body from around the world, which can offer opportunities to network and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds and skill levels.