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Best Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs

Explore top-rated online cybersecurity master’s degrees and see what it takes to enroll in, pay for, and graduate from your program.

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2024’s Best Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs

Master’s level cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals, companies, and governments against online threats. As online study options for cybersecurity master’s degree programs continue to increase, it can be challenging for prospective students to choose the right program. To assist in this process, we have compiled a list of the top online cybersecurity programs for 2024. Our rankings are based on several essential program components, including proper accreditation, flexible course delivery, affordability, and student support. Learn more about today’s top programs below.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
  • Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Cybersecurity is an in-demand and rapidly evolving field. To keep up, Capitol Technology University offers a dynamic curriculum taught by experts with real-world experience. This model ensures that students learn about cutting-edge technology and practices they can apply to their postgraduation work. Online students benefit from the school's Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis, which connects students to researchers and industry professionals and helps with publishing, internships, and career placement. Capitol also stands out for its flexible schedule. Condensed, eight-week course sessions allow students to immerse themselves in a single subject instead of managing multiple classes. Because the terms are shorter, students can also take breaks during their studies without falling too far behind.

Program Highlights:

Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity

  • Credits: 36-39
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $630/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 100%

2

New York University

New York, New York

NYU's Tandon School of Engineering offers two excellent cybersecurity master's degrees. In the master's of technology management, students can opt for an emphasis in cybersecurity that focuses on cybersecurity in business. Students in the cybersecurity M.S. program have further opportunities to specialize. Through a huge range of electives, students can pursue their interests in classes like digital forensics, machine learning, and penetration testing. Even better, Tandon is home to one of the few National Centers of Academic Excellence training programs. This program lets students apply their elective credit to certifications in cyber defense or cyber operations.

Program Highlights:

Management of Technology, M.S

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $2,335/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Cybersecurity, M.S.

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $2,335/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 8:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 49%

3

Champlain College

Burlington, Vermont

Champlain College's MBA with cybersecurity specialization prepares students to keep pace with emerging technology in the business world. Students will combine business-focused coursework with classes in security, automation, threat intelligence, and other specialized topics. This unique program gives students the background and skills to excel in IT management and other tech-related positions.

Alternatively, students can fully immerse themselves in tech in Champlain's online master's in information security. In this program, students can opt for an operations or management track by selecting electives that fit with their goals. Regardless of which track you choose, students benefit from dedicated academic advising and the expertise of faculty who still work in the field.

Program Highlights:

MBA with Cybersecurity Specialization

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: About two years
  • Cost: $595/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Information Security

  • Credits: 30-33
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $595/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: NECHE
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 100%

4

La Salle University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 70%

5

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 68%

6

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 64%

7

Fontbonne University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 86%

8

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 74%

9

St Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 88%

10

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 84%

11

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 90%

12

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 79%

13

Hood College

Frederick, Maryland

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 60%

14

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 88%

15

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 81%

16

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 97%

17

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 23:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 97%

18

Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

19

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 63%

20

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 89%

21

California University of Pennsylvania

California, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 91%

22

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 49%

23

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 100%

24

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 68%

25

Mercyhurst University

Erie, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 75%

26

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

27

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 41%

28

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 73%

29

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 95%

30

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 72%

31

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

32

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

33

Fordham University

Bronx, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 57%

34

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 75%

35

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 46%

36

Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 76%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 100%

38

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 81%

39

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 46%

40

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 46%

41

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, Maryland

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 8:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 11%

42

Marymount University

Arlington, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 69%

43

University of Dallas

Irving, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 71%

44

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 43%

45

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 56%

46

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 35%

47

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 45%

48

University of Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

49

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 27%

50

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 29%

Exploring the Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

The subject matter of cybersecurity lends itself well to online study, and many schools offer most or all of their master’s degree courses in a fully online format. The affordability, convenience, and flexibility of online study make cybersecurity master’s degree programs increasingly popular. Many students pursuing these degrees are also working professionals who maintain full-time jobs while studying. Continue reading to discover more about the benefits of earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity and how online programs can help students achieve their goals.

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Options

Cybercrime is a significant issue in today’s world, affecting everything from individual computers to complex global digital banking, security, and military systems. Cybersecurity encompasses the protection against threats across all digital sectors and requires experts with specialized knowledge in various security-related fields. Consequently, specialized training is a crucial component of online cybersecurity master’s degree programs, and most offer students a variety of concentration options to choose from.

Additionally, online cybersecurity students seek out degree programs with built-in study flexibility and shorter completion times that allow for quick advancement in their careers. Below is a look at how schools are accommodating all of these needs in their online master’s in cybersecurity programs.

Traditional Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

When
most people think about the program length of a master’s degree
program, they’re picturing the traditional four semesters put
together into two years of full-time study. But, part-time study
options that allow students three-to-five years for completion are
not uncommon. Part-time programs are particularly popular with
students who continue full-time employment while working on their
degrees. Semesters typically begin each fall and spring, however,
some programs feature summer sessions during which students can pick
up extra program credits that count toward the completeion of their
degree, thus speeding-up graduation time.

Traditional
online cybersecurity master’s programs, both full-time and
part-time, commonly require successful completion of 30 to 36 credits
of coursework.

Accelerated Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

Accelerated cybersecurity master’s programs are designed to be completed in less time than traditional programs, typically 18 months or less, with some programs designed to completed in just a year. Each accelerated cybersecurity master’s program differs in its structure and length. Some allow for the transfer in of a substantial number of previously-earned college credits that can be applied toward degree requirements. Others combine bigger course loads during the fall and spring semesters with full course loads in the summer to shorten overall program lengths. Regardless of means, accelerated programs require completion of the same number of course credits as traditional standard-length programs and are just as rigorous.

The main advantage of an accelerated program is time. Students earn their degrees sooner, allowing them to get on with their professional careers more quickly. Additionally, some (not all) accelerated programs cost less than their standard-length counterparts. However, study in accelerated programs can be more intense than with traditional programs, and this is not recommended for students intending to maintain full-time employment while working on their degrees.

Online MS in Cybersecurity Programs with No GRE

GRE General Test scores are a common admissions requirement for master’s programs of all kinds. However, GRE scores are not always required for admission to many online cybersecurity master’s degree programs. Some programs waive the requirement for applicants who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum cumulative GPA on previous college coursework, a previously-earned master’s degree in another major, or relevant professional work experience. Others simply do not require standardized test scores, relying instead on the strength of a combination of other requirements. Some programs without this requirement allow the option of submitting GRE scores by applicants who believe the scores will strengthen their chances of admission, though it is not mandatory.

Types of Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

The popularity of online cybersecurity master’s programs continues to increase, with more programs becoming available each year. The two most common degree titles at the master’s level are the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and the Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity. Here’s a brief look at both:

By far the most popular degree title in the cybersecurity master’s field is the Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The coursework in these programs is designed to provide the specialized knowledge and skills required to meet current industry needs, allowing graduates to take their careers to a higher level. Areas of study include:

  • Analysis of the breadth and scope of security issues on individual, corporate, national, and international levels
  • Compliance, ethics, and legal issues in cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity theory
  • Data analysis
  • Leadership and communication
  • Project management principles and their application to security-related risks

In many programs, students choose from a selection of specialization options to better tailor their studies to meet individual interests and career goals. Specializations available vary substantially from program to program. Examples include:

  • Computer
    Security
  • Cyber
    Intelligence
  • Cyber
    Operations
  • Digital
    Forensics
  • Government,
    Risk Management and Compliance
  • Health Care
    Security
  • Information
    Assurance

Another very popular online cybersecurity degree offering is the Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity. MBA in Cybersecurity degree programs prepare students for management roles related to information security across all industries within the business sector. Curriculums consist of a combination of courses that provide a solid foundation in business management, economics, and cybersecurity industry-specific knowledge. MBA in Cybersecurity students should expect to gain knowledge and skills regarding:

  • Risk
    assessment from a system point of view, allowing them to understand
    the impact of data loss, and make recommendations to effectively
    reduce vulnerability.
  • Techniques
    for securing and managing computers, networks, and enterprise
    computer systems.
  • Participation
    in long-term security assessment and evaluation projects within
    business organizations.
  • Cryptology
    and network protocols, including cryptographic algorithms and their
    relationship to authentication, communications, and e-commerce.
  • Leadership
    and management within organizations and in the global marketplace.

Some cybersecurity master’s degrees programs award degrees by the area of specialization chosen by the student. The degree title you earn will depend on the specific school and program you enroll in. Examples of cybersecurity-related online master’s degree titles currently available include:

  • MS in
    Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
  • MS in
    Information Technology/Cybersecurity
  • MS in
    Information Assurance
  • MS in
    Information Security Engineering
  • MS in
    Cybersecurity Management and Policy
  • MS in Digital
    Forensics and Cyber Investigation
  • Master of
    Information Technology (with specialization options in
    Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Management, and Cybersecurity Policy).

Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Curriculum

The
typical cybersecurity master’s program curriculum consists of
coursework covering a range of core-subject topics, such as:

  • Information assurance
  • Cybersecurity engineering and architecture
  • Secure network and software design
  • Cybersecurity management
  • Ethical hacking
  • Forensics and network intrusion

Below
we’ve listed several descriptions of the types of courses you’ll
likely find in your curriculum:

Applied Cryptography

This course offers an in-depth exploration of modern cryptography, focusing on the theory and practical applications of “provable security” and “application case studies.” The course places particular emphasis on cryptographic primitives, including symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, hash functions, random oracles, pseudorandom functions, message authentication codes, digital signatures, and authenticated key exchange.

Cyber Law and Ethics

This course addresses the legal and ethical issues related cybersecurity, particularly e-business and e-commerce. Emphasis is placed on government approaches to a range of subjects, including access and jurisdiction regarding personal information, antitrust law, digital property rights, fraud, U.S. and international law, and more.

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Development of skills to divide and conquer algorithms, including algorithms for social networks, graph, greedy, and optimization algorithms, computational biology, randomization, and algorithm analysis. Project work and assignments emphasize performance guarantees and boundary cases, algorithmic thinking, efficient solutions to practical problems, and understanding how to analyze algorithms.

Foundations of Information Assurance

Survey of the broad fields of enterprise security focusing on the nature of enterprise security requirements through identification of threats to access control and open systems, and systems product evaluation criteria. The course also examines risk management and policy considerations in regard to the technical nature of enterprise security.

Hacker Tools, Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling

A comprehensive look at the ritical activity of incident handling by adopting the viewpoint of a hacker. Students learn to manage intrusions by examining the techniques employed by attackers who exploit systems, and developing responses that can be adopted in an organized way within the framework of the incident handling process.

Internet Security

In-depth study of network attack techniques and the methods used to defend against them. Threats and vulnerabilities covered include attacks on DNS servers, routing attacks, denial of service (DOS), vulnerabilities of TCP/IP protocols, and TCP hijacking. Defending mechanisms include anonymous communication, firewalls, intrusion detection, and tracing the source of attacks.

Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems

This course focuses on the application of modeling and simulation principles of complex systems (large-scale nonlinear systems consisting of interwoven or interconnected parts). An overview of complex systems is followed by modeling techniques based on networks, nonlinear differential equations, and stochastic models.

Principles of Operating Systems

This course provides a comprehensive review of classical operating system concepts, including device drivers, file systems, process and memory management, process coordination, starvation, and deadlock. Additionally, modern file system topics, such as distributed, log-structured, and memory-based systems, are covered. The course assignments emphasize operating system design, multiprocessor issues, and security-related aspects. Students also gain practical experience in inspecting and modifying operating system code.

Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree: FAQs

Achieving career success requires adequate preparation before beginning advanced degree studies. This preparation includes developing a consistent and disciplined work ethic and creating a thoughtful strategy for transitioning from study to professional practice upon graduation. The first step in this education is selecting the appropriate online cybersecurity master’s degree program. This entails understanding how these programs function, their associated costs, and the requirements for admission. Considering the answers to the following questions will help you learn more about online cybersecurity master’s degrees.

How Does a Master’s in Cybersecurity Work Online?

Each online cybersecurity master’s degree program features its own combination of curriculum requirements, program formats, and methods of course delivery. Let’s breakdown some of the options you will run into when choosing a program.

  • Fully-online vs. partially online:
    The vast majority of programs feature coursework that can be completed 100% online, with others combining mostly online coursework and some on-campus course participation. Some programs also offer students the choice of fully-online or partially-online study.
  • Asynchronous vs. synchronous course delivery:
    Most courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning that students can access and complete all coursework (lectures, readings, quizzes, etc.) at any time they choose. Some programs include courses with synchronous components, like lectures, that must be attended and viewed online in real time according to a given schedule.
  • Full-time vs. part-time study:
    Program offererings can be either full-time or part-time, or both. Part-time formats are designed primarily for students who intend to continue full-time employment while pursuing their degrees and feature longer program lengths to accommodate them.
  • Field experience and other in-person requirements:
    Most programs can be completed without any in-person participation whatsoever. However, some programs require attendance at on-campus immersion sessions that feature activities such as guest speakers and collaborative workshops. These immersions typically last from two days to one-week, and are usually scheduled at the beginning of terms. Additionally, some programs require in-person participation as part of a capstone project, or an IT internship, typically in a government, industry, academic, or commercial setting.

Who Accredits Online Cybersecurity Master’s Programs?

Accreditation
is the means by which students can be assured that their degree
program meets or exceeds minimum standards of academic quality. There
are two types of accreditation that students should expect from any
master’s in cybersecurity degree program they are considering:

  • Institutional accreditation:
    Schools themselves are accredited by one or more agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional accreditation is additionally important in that it is required for student eligibility for federal student aid (scholarships, grants, and loans).
  • Programmatic accreditation:
    Currently, cybersecurity master’s degree programs in the U.S. are not strictly accredited. However, cybersecurity degree programs may receive one or more designations from the National Security Agency (NSA)-sponsored Centers for Academic Excellence’s Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) (co-sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security) and/or Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) programs.

Will You Get Accepted into a Cybersecurity Master’s Program?

Specific
admissions requirements for online cybersecurity master’s degree
programs vary from program to program, but the following basic
requirements tend to be similar across most programs:

  • Possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university, or international equivalent, earned with a minimum cumulative GPA. Most programs accept students with prior degrees in majors other than cybersecurity, but preference is for degrees in closely-related subjects such as computer science, science, mathematics, engineering, and (in some cases) business.
  • Prior college-level coursework or demonstrated experience in mathematics (discrete mathematics, linear algebra, or differential equations) and computer-related subjects such as programming (Java, C++), operating systems, and networking protocols.
  • Minimum GRE scores. Some programs offer waivers for this requirement if the applicant meets other specified criteria.
  • Current resume, letters of recommendation, and/or a written statement of purpose.
  • TOEFL exam meeting a stated minimum score may be required for non-native English speakers.

Some programs offer advanced standing status upon admission to students meeting specific criteria, such as previously-completed relevant college coursework or possession of GIAC certifications. Advanced standing students are typically able to waive a specified number of credit hours otherwise required for earning their degrees.

How Long Does an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Take?

Program
lengths vary depending on several factors, including format
(traditional vs. accelerated), full-time or part-time study, the
number of previously-earned credits that can be applied to the
program, and specific program requirements (total credits needed,
capstone vs. thesis, etc.). Below is an example of an academic plan
for a typical standard-length (four-semester) cybersecurity master’s
program:

Term Course Credits
1 Information Security and Assurance 2
1 Secure Network and Design 3
1 Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering 4
2 Ethical Hacking 4
2 Forensics and Network Intrusion 4
3 Cybersecurity Management I – Strategic 4
3 Cybersecurity Management II – Tactical 4
4 Secure Software Design 2
4 Capstone Project 3

What is the Cost of an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?

The total cost of obtaining an online master’s degree in cybersecurity can vary significantly depending on the particular school and program. Numerous factors impact program cost, with the most significant being whether the institution is public or private and whether the student is a resident of the state where the school is located.

This
chart provides examples of per-credit costs for five online
cybersecurity master’s degree programs, as of the summer of 2019.

School Name No. of Credits Cost/Credit* Total Cost*
Bellevue University 36 $585 $21,060
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) 32 $310 $9,920
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 36 $665 $23,940
University of Rhode Island 36 $855 $30,780
University of Southern California 28 $2,075 $58,100

*Additional fees may apply.