The 10 Best Online Cyber Security Master's Programs of 2021

Earning a master’s degree will help you gain specialized knowledge in your field. You can gain new skills, which can make it easier to transition into more senior positions. With an online Master’s in Cyber Security, you can become a specialist in a single area of network security or even become a consultant or a university professor.

The best way to secure a career in tech is by earning a master’s, and the most efficient way to earn a master’s is by studying online. Below you’ll find the 10 best online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security, along with the schools that offer them and how much they cost.

There are a ton of institutions that offer cyber security master’s degrees online. However, browsing the Internet to find one that suits you might be a bit tedious. To help you find the right program, we’ve done the research for you.

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The information in the table below was sourced from the official school websites. Individual tuition figures apply to the most recent academic year for which information is available.

One of the most immediate benefits of earning a Master’s in Cyber Security online is that you can learn new skills from the comfort of your home. Not only that, but cyber security degrees tend to qualify students for a wide range of computer science and information systems positions.

There are a lot of other reasons why you should enroll in an online cyber security master’s degree program.

Each school has different requirements for enrolling in a cyber security master’s program. However, most such programs require a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security or a related field. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll just need a computer and a steady Internet connection.

Scouring the Internet to find the best schools with the best cyber security master’s programs can be time-consuming. This list takes the guesswork out and gives you the top 10 cyber security master’s programs, all in one place.

DePaul University is a top university with approximately 21,000 enrolled students. This school offers a wide array of online courses in different fields. This particular course is designed for IT professionals who are looking to specialize in network security.

To enroll in this MS in Cyber Security, you need an average GPA of 3.0. This school boasts a 93 percent employment rate for master’s graduates.

DeSales offers a wide variety of online degrees for busy professionals. The online MS in Cyber Security has a 36-credit requirement. This program covers database management techniques, system analysis, design, and numerous other cyber security topics.

Before enrolling in this program, students are required to produce bachelor’s degree transcripts from an accredited US institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. You’ll also need to write a personal statement detailing your goals.

George Washington University is one of the top online schools for a Master’s in Engineering. This particular course runs for approximately two years. This degree consists of 30 credits.

This master’s degree is designed for students who are looking to solve network security problems in real-world scenarios. The program focuses on traditional information security methods while still equipping students with the skills to handle current threats and situations.

John Hopkins University is home to over 30,000 students. Although the school’s online branch primarily focuses on standalone online engineering courses, it features a comprehensive Master’s in Cyber Security as well. You’ll need 10 courses to graduate.

The MS in Cyber Security focuses on data analysis, assured autonomy, systems, computers, and networks.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is a nationally recognized private institution that offers comprehensive education. You can graduate in as few as 12 months, so this online program won’t take as long as others.

You’ll need 30 credits to complete this MS in Cyber Security. But before you enroll, you have to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit copies of transcripts and personal statements detailing your career goals.

Schools that compensate for the lack of on-site programs due to the COVID-19 threat tend to offer flexible distance learning options. NYU’s MS in Cyber Security program is no different. It has several learning options, including blended learning, which allows students to complete parts of the program on campus if they so choose.

The curriculum also meets the national training standards of the Committee on National Security Systems. Industry professionals deliver the classes with experience and clarity.

Saint Leo’s cyber security program prepares students for leadership roles in the computer security sector. The curriculum aligns well with the standards set by the National Security Agency (NSA). The curriculum is also designed to help students pursue professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CSSLP, and SSCP.

You’ll need a Bachelor’s or an Associate Degree in Cyber Security as a prerequisite for this program.

The MS-CSOL program from the University of San Diego covers the technical knowledge required to become a proficient cyber security practitioner. In just 20 months, you can complete this program online or on campus. You’ll need to complete 31 credit hours to graduate.

Students who enroll in USC’s online MS in Cyber Security will gain the skills necessary to manage risks, threats, and countermeasures. You will be prepared to help organizations ramp up their defense strategies.

This course focuses on topics like information security principles, network systems security, and Internet security. You’ll need to have a strong background in computer science and an undergraduate degree to prove it. The school also requires a minimum of a B average to enroll.

This MS in Cyber Security prepares students for top positions in both the public and private sectors. By the end of the program, graduates will be able to use the knowledge they’ve gained to analyze real-world problems.

The program curriculum features 36 credit hours, 21 of which are core courses. The remaining 15 are elective courses. However, after students have completed 12 credit hours, they must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to remain in the program.

After completing your bachelor’s degree program, the next step in your career progression should be to earn a master’s. Now that you’ve learned more about the programs, you might still find it a bit challenging to nail down your top school. This is especially true if you add the best online information technology schools and top network security schools to the mix.

However, there are several factors to consider when choosing the perfect master’s program.

Even though distance learning tends to be cheaper than traditional learning, you still have to consider the tuition costs because some of them are quite expensive. Before enrolling in a school’s online program, check out the tuition costs with your budget in mind. It would also be wise to check if the school has any payment plans or financing options.

The program’s curriculum is another component that you ought to consider. Some companies value certain degrees over others. In this light, be sure to check if the school and program are accredited by the appropriate bodies.

It could also help to get more insight into each school by reading the reviews left by former students who have gone through the same program.

Although most universities offer online learning, the scheduling options vary considerably. There are full-time, part-time, and self-paced options. Consider a course that has the learning option that best fits your schedule.

Shortly after graduating, you can start applying for jobs. You’ll get to apply for higher-paying jobs with a master’s than you would with a bachelor’s degree. But cyber security is a large field with a wide range of employment options.

Below are some of the top jobs you should consider applying for once you’ve completed your master’s program.

You’ll earn a higher salary with a master’s than your bachelor’s degree counterparts. According to PayScale, you can expect to earn an average salary of $87,643 with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security.

The salary you earn depends on the industry or company you are employed with. It also depends on your job description. Some cyber security graduates have experience in programming languages such as SQL, which gives them more options.

Getting a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security is worth it in 2021 for several reasons. For one, some careers in cyber security are growing at an exceptionally faster rate than normal. While compensation shouldn’t be the deciding factor, it certainly plays a big role in motivating cyber security professionals to add more skills.

Besides, educational technological trends show that online learning is growing in popularity. So, if you are looking for an interesting job with a great salary and a good job outlook, you should get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security. Explore the programs listed above to get closer to your dream job.