Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN CYBERSECURITY

Find top-ranked online master’s in cybersecurity degree programs to prepare students to hold supervisory positions, such as chief information security officer, computer information systems manager, IT auditor, and cybercrime investigator.

Top 10 Online Master's in Cybersecurity

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  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Arizona
  3. Syracuse University
  4. Arizona State University
  5. Southern Methodist University
  6. University of Delaware
  7. Baylor University
  8. Saint Louis University
  9. DePaul University
  10. Florida International University
  1. Marshall University 98%
  2. University of New Haven 94%
  3. University of Texas at Tyler 94%
  4. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  5. Roger Williams University 91%
  6. New Jersey City University 91%
  7. Arizona State University 88%
  8. Quinnipiac University 88%
  9. University of Texas at Dallas 87%
  10. University of Arizona 87%
  1. Florida International University 25 to 1
  2. University of Texas at Dallas 25 to 1
  3. University of Missouri–St. Louis 19 to 1
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell 19 to 1
  5. University of Texas at Tyler 19 to 1
  6. Marshall University 18 to 1
  7. Arizona State University 18 to 1
  8. University of New Haven 18 to 1
  9. DePaul University 17 to 1
  10. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  1. University of Southern California $61,503
  2. Southern Methodist University $60,236
  3. Syracuse University $57,591
  4. Quinnipiac University $51,270
  5. Baylor University $50,232
  6. Saint Louis University $48,824
  7. University of New Haven $42,898
  8. DePaul University $42,012
  9. Roger Williams University $39,594
  10. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  1. University of Southern California $60,446
  2. Syracuse University $41,616
  3. Baylor University $37,674
  4. Southern Methodist University $30,672
  5. Saint Louis University $21,960
  6. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  7. Quinnipiac University $19,530
  8. DePaul University $17,951
  9. University of New Haven $17,820
  10. Roger Williams University $17,476
  1. New Jersey City University
  2. University of Texas at Tyler
  3. Mercy College
  4. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  5. Roger Williams University
  6. National University
  7. University of Southern Maine
  8. University of New Haven
  9. Mississippi College
  10. Quinnipiac University
  1. University of Southern California 13%
  2. Mississippi College 49%
  3. Southern Methodist University 53%
  4. National University 55%
  5. University of Missouri–St. Louis 57%
  6. Baylor University 57%
  7. Syracuse University 59%
  8. Florida International University 64%
  9. DePaul University 69%
  10. Saint Louis University 70%
  1. Saint Louis University 9 to 1
  2. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  3. Southern Methodist University 11 to 1
  4. University of Southern Maine 12 to 1
  5. New Jersey City University 14 to 1
  6. Mississippi College 15 to 1
  7. Quinnipiac University 15 to 1
  8. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  9. Baylor University 15 to 1
  10. University of Delaware 15 to 1
  1. Florida International University $4,721
  2. University of Texas at Tyler $7,020
  3. Marshall University $7,190
  4. University of Southern Maine $8,064
  5. Arizona State University $10,710
  6. University of Arizona $10,990
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,015
  8. University of Delaware $12,980
  9. New Jersey City University $12,992
  10. University of Rhode Island $13,250
  1. University of Texas at Tyler $6,264
  2. Marshall University $7,520
  3. University of Southern Maine $7,776
  4. Florida International University $8,912
  5. Arizona State University $11,720
  6. Mississippi College $12,060
  7. University of Arizona $12,106
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,528
  9. New Jersey City University $13,938
  10. University of Rhode Island $14,454

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

The master’s in cybersecurity offers specialized studies in computer and network security, including computer engineering, digital forensics, systems engineering, information security, and cyber-physical systems.

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Students can study online or on campus, taking courses like Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Psychology, Offensive and Defensive Strategies, and Practical Applications in Security.

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Most programs are about 30 credit hours, though some universities also provide opportunities for accelerated degrees.

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Upon graduation, students can hold supervisory positions, such as chief information security officer, computer information systems manager, IT auditor, and cybercrime investigator.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in computer science.

We recently interviewed one of the world’s most influential cyber security experts, Dr. Isaac Ben-Israel. Dr. Ben-Israel says that cyber security is one of the most important fields of study today, and one of the newest. In 2011 cyber security programs in colleges and universities were scarce. Today, they are offered at colleges and universities around the world, and in some cases cyber security is making its way into core curriculum. Why? Dr. Ben-Israel’s answer is simple: As long as computers are the dominant technology of our time, this is the anticipation, the need for cyber security will only grow.

Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Median Salaries of Similar Careers in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Information Security Analysts in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Annual Salary
57650Computer User Support Specialists
71350Computer Network Support Specialists
102210Computer Systems Analysts
113270Information Security Analysts
142650Computer and Information Research Scientists

25 Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Online Degrees

    MS in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cyber Security Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Online Degrees

    MS, in Cyberseccurity

    Online Cybersecurity Program at University of Arizona | Interview with Jason Denno

    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    73K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/24

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Big Data Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    18K

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 48-60
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    22K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Online Degrees

    MA in Global Affairs

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity And Technology Policy
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Online Degrees

    MS in Security Studies

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #14

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Analytics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Evidence-Based Decision Making
    • Information Systems
    • Organizational Development
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 27-33
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #16

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Information Assurance And Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Information Assurance And Cybersecurity Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Disaster And Emergency Management

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Education Law

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Health Law

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    LLM in Law

    Concentrations

    • Ip
    • Cybersecurity
    • And Technology Law (Online)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Law And Policy

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #20

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    25K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #22

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    6K

    Online Degrees

    MS in National Security Studies

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity/Information Assurance
    • National Security
    • Corporate Security
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.