The Best Online Master’s in Internet Security Programs

New York University

Not every student who wants to earn a master's in internet security degree has the prerequisite courses to begin the program. Fortunately, New York University provides preparatory courses for online students who don't have cybersecurity knowledge but want to get started in the program right away.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Tandon School of Engineering
Program Name: Cybersecurity, MS

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, science, engineering or similar
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 28

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California designed its master's in cybersecurity program for students with engineering experience. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering is ideal for students who want to increase their knowledge in secure networking, cryptography and secure operating systems to advance their careers in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Viterbi School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Accrediting body: WASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Credit Requirements: 28 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Fall, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall
GPA: 3.0

University of California - Berkeley

The University of California-Berkeley offers a master's in information and cybersecurity program with an emphasis on leadership and strategic management. Graduates are prepared for managerial roles in information technology and have the skills to manage a team and to assess cyber risks more effectively.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Information
Program Name: Master of Information and Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: WASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree.
Credit Requirements: 27 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 20 months
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 11
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Five years of significant work experience that demonstrates your quantitative abilities

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus was one of the first schools to offer online education and has an award-winning program for students who want to earn a master's degree in internet security. Students who want an established program from a reputable university with state-of-the-art online tools should consider PSU World Campus for their degree.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences
Available concentrations: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific discipline
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University provides an on-campus experience via an online learning system for the master's in internet security program. Students are able to collaborate with peers and professors in real time and access advisory support all from the comfort of their homes.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Whiting School of Engneering
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-site

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. One year of calculus, a mathematics course beyond calculus, a programming course using Java or C++, a course in data structures, a course in computer organization
Credit Requirements: 10 courses

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Syracuse University

Though Syracuse University's master's in cybersecurity program is delivered in a completely online format, it emphasizes collaboration between peers and professors. Students engage in collaborative projects and assignments with their peers, working together to learn the skills for combating cyberattacks and risks in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Computer Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Online
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware's faculty members are working professionals who are active in their careers and fighting cyberattacks on the front lines. Online students who want to gain real-world knowledge from industry professionals should enroll in this program not only for the in-depth courses but also for the faculty's expertise on the subject.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Liberty University

Transfer students who want an advantage in the master's in internet security program at Liberty University are in luck. The school accepts up to 50 percent of approved credit from a previous university, making it easy for students to take only the necessary courses to graduate.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business
Program Name: Master's in Cyber Security
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 14

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Norwich University

Norwich University prepares students for careers in computer forensics with its online master's in internet security program. Graduates are prepared to investigate and analyze data from computing devices and to preserve the evidence for use in court.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Information Security & Assurance
Available concentrations: Computer Forensic Investigation and Incident Response Team Management, Project Management, Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Crime, Cyber Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace, Vulnerability Management
Accrediting body: NECHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 18 months
Program start dates: March 4

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: February 4
GPA: 2.75

Wilmington University

Wilmington University designed its master's in internet security program with self-starters in mind. The online courses are laid out in a convenient format for self-motivated students to complete the coursework without a lot of direction from faculty members; however, students can get help at any time via chat and discussion boards.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Technology
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Available concentrations: Cyber Terrorism, SCADA Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Fall: September 4; Spring: January 14; Summer: March 4

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Drexel University

Drexel University partners with more than 500 businesses and educational institutions across the country, providing reduced tuition for employees who want to enroll in the online master's in cybersecurity program. Working professionals can complete all the coursework online at their own pace while maintaining full-time employment.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and College of Computing and Informatics
Program Name: Master's in Cybersecurity

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited domestic college or university
Credit Requirements: 45 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: January 7

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 10
GPA: 3.2

University of Arizona

Small class sizes make the master's in cybersecurity program at the University of Arizona appealing to online students. The class structure makes it easy for professors to engage students more personally, providing a unique one-on-one learning experience.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Eller College of Management and College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 3 years of technical work experience

National University

National University caters to distance learners in the master's in internet security program, providing them the flexibility to tailor the courses to their career or family schedule. Interactive tools support their individual learning styles and help them to complete the coursework online without ever visiting the campus.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Engineering and Computing
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Available concentrations: Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing, Information Assurance and Security Policy
Accrediting body: WSCUC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 58.5 credits

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Mercy College

Mercy College's online master's in cybersecurity program is designed for career development, providing an in-depth curriculum that covers all the foundational topics in security systems and policies. Students who graduate from this program are able to advance their careers in government agencies, IT departments and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Liberal Arts
Program Name: M.S. in Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Rhode Island

The master's in internet security program at the University of Rhode Island includes an internship for hands-on experience. Students partner with a URI organization to put what they've learned into practice.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Professional Science Masters in Cyber Security
Accrediting body: NEASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Dallas

The University of Dallas offers a comprehensive master's in cybersecurity program for distance learners who want to soak up as much information as possible about the field. This program covers everything from digital forensics to network defense, giving students a well-rounded skill set for future career advancement.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Gupta College of Business
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program
Accrediting body: AACSB

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 1-2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder's master's in cybersecurity program is ideal for distance learners who want to pursue careers as network security specialists. Students can focus their studies in the network security track and develop the skills to secure networks for private, public and military institutions.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master in Interdisciplinary Telecom
Available concentrations: Wireless Networking, Network Engineering, Policy and Strategy, Network Security, Open Option

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 34 credit hours

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.2

Lewis University

Lewis University offers an online Master of Science in Information Security program and is ideal for IT professionals who want to advance their careers. Students learn the skills to implement security solutions, procedures and policies and to resolve security problems at their respective organizations.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Computer and Data Science
Program Name: M.S. in Computer Science
Available concentrations: Cyber Security, Intelligent Systems, Software Engineering
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Students looking to pursue a career in enterprise architecture should enroll in Maryville University of Saint Louis. The master's in cybersecurity program prepares graduates for leadership roles as enterprise architects and develops their skills to perform penetration testing, to implement cloud security and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business
Program Name: Master's in Cyber Security
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers an online master's in cybersecurity program with numerous resources to help students get the most out of their time in class. Online students have access to library resources 24 hours a day, including online tutorials and other tools to help them complete the coursework and projects.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Homeland Security and the NSA
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Students must have at least 3 years experience in IT; recommend at least 5 years.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Robert Morris University

Students in the master's in cybersecurity program at RMU get the most out of their time in school thanks to excellent student support. This program not only includes all the coursework needed to advance their careers but also 24-hour support for any questions or concerns that students have along the way.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Communications and Information Systems
Program Name: Master of Science (M.S.) in Cyber Security and Information Assurance
Available concentrations: Enterpr Syst Conc, Cyber Security and Information Assurance

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

University of Detroit Mercy

Criminal justice lawyers who want to advance their careers in the field of internet security should consider Detroit Mercy's Master of Science in Information Assurance program. The major in cybersecurity is perfect for understanding cyberlaw and gives graduates the skills to handle cases of fraud and copyright infringement related to computer and internet crimes.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Liberal Arts & Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Information Assurance
Available concentrations: Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston offers an affordable master's in internet security program but also provides an even lower tuition rate for military members. Students who are active in the military or have earned veteran status can enroll in the program and complete their degree without the heavy financial burden.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business and Leadership
Program Name: Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS)
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelors degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 terms

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Maryland University College

The University of Maryland University College is popular among students around the world. Face-to-face classes are also offered to service members on US Military bases and government installations around the world.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

La Salle University

La Salle University offers a multidisciplinary program for students earning their master's in cybersecurity degree. The curriculum is delivered asynchronously and includes engaging courses in cyberwarfare, cybercrime and digital forensics, developing the students' knowledge and skills for successful careers in internet security.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Western Governors University

Western Governors University approaches online learning differently than other schools that offer a master's in internet security program. Students may advance to subsequent courses by demonstrating their ability in a given subject, which makes it quicker to move through the program and to spend more quality time learning new material.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Information Technology
Program Name: Master In Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Accrediting body: NWCCU

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 20 months
Program start dates: December 1

Admission Requirements

Excelsior College

Excelsior College promotes real world experiences by hosting discussion groups to mimic collaboration efforts in the cybersecurity industry. The online master's in cybersecurity provides a consistent, focused approach to security; and prepares students with advanced techniques and knowledge to safeguard an organization's property.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: National Cybersecurity Institute
Program Name: Cybersecurity Master's Degree Programs
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

East Coast Polytechnic Institute

Students who live near an ECPI campus can take advantage of the school's hybrid option and attend some classes in person. Many students opt for this option, giving them the convenience of completing coursework online but also gaining hands-on experience in the classroom

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Technology
Program Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Available concentrations: Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity Policy
Accrediting body: SACSCC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 45 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 16 months
Program start dates: September 10

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: September 9