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Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

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Online Cybersecurity Degree: An Overview

Cybersecurity professionals use technology to identify online threats and prevent security breaches. Since an increasing number of organizations rely on high-tech infrastructure for day-to-day operations, qualified professionals are needed to safeguard data networks. This makes an online master's in cybersecurity a valuable degree across a variety of industries.

Citing the global impact of security incidents, Gartner – a research and advisory firm – projects that worldwide spending on information security will reach $93 billion by 2018. With cybercrime becoming increasingly commonplace and with the vast majority of security operations managers overwhelmed, demand for cybersecurity professionals is likely to remain high.

An online master's in cybersecurity program offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. Web-based programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as brick-and-mortar options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students who must tackle additional commitments – such as child or family care – on top of their work and class schedules.

How long does it take to get an online master’s degree in cybersecurity?

Most full-time students can complete the online master’s in cybersecurity in two years. Online master's in cybersecurity programs generally require 30 to 36 credits of coursework.

How much does a master's in cybersecurity cost?

The cost of an online cybersecurity master’s degree depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Per-credit costs for an online cybersecurity degree typically range from $565 to $1,940. Students should expect to pay between $17,000 and $70,000 in total tuition.

Online master's in cybersecurity admissions requirements

Generally, an applicant to an online cybersecurity master's program should hold a bachelor's degree, preferably with a related academic background. Foundational knowledge of computer programming is important for success in online master's in cybersecurity programs. Most programs also require prerequisite coursework in science and mathematics.

Some cybersecurity master's degree online programs may require GRE scores.

Choosing an accredited online cybersecurity degree program

Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services.

A school's accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.

Online Coursework

Example courses
  • Cryptology
  • Operational cybersecurity management
  • Digital forensics
  • Foundations of algorithms
  • Application security
  • Computer networking
Classes for an online master's degree in cybersecurity build on foundational mathematics and computer science and skills. For example, courses in cryptology teach students about the cryptographic protocols, symmetric block ciphers and public key cryptosystems that are necessary to protect an organization's information.

Coursework in digital forensics prepares students to protect businesses and the public against cybercrime. In addition to providing the technical skills necessary to aid in investigations against hackers and other perpetrators of cybercrime, students earning their cybersecurity master's degree online gain the analytical skills necessary to become effective digital forensics examiners.

Courses in computer networking explore how data are transferred between different systems. Topics explored include the internet, client-server architectures, and HTTP and web applications. Students also learn about routing protocols, multiple-access protocols and network application development.

Cybersecurity degree specializations

Students can increase their marketability by choosing a concentration within their online master's in cybersecurity program. For example, a cyber operations specialization emphasizes skills in vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and malware analysis that can be applied to careers in financial services, defense contracting or critical infrastructure.

A concentration in networking and infrastructure teaches in-depth use of tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and virtual private networks to safeguard networks and data. Graduates may be involved in the design and implementation of network policies, as well as the continual improvement of network security procedures.

Students concentrating in governance, risk management and compliance study the three areas as they relate to cybersecurity, learning to help organizations maintain privacy and safeguard information while adhering to relevant laws and regulations. Graduates can manage an organization's online functions, creating and maintaining procedures and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

Example concentrations
Cyber operations
Networking and infrastructure
Computer security
Governance, risk management and compliance

Capstone experience

Some online master's in cybersecurity programs incorporate a capstone experience. These hands-on learning opportunities sometimes come in the form of a master's thesis or practicum, each requiring one to two semesters.

While completing capstone experiences, students typically apply skills and knowledge gained over the course of the program to practical problems, proposing solutions to issues relating to business, security threats and information technology infrastructure.

Professional Associations in Cybersecurity

Students earning their cybersecurity master's online may benefit from joining professional associations during their studies. These organizations offer networking opportunities – such as conferences, seminars and online discussions – which can help cybersecurity students find employment after graduation. Many associations also provide job boards to connect cybersecurity candidates with available positions.

  • Information Systems Security Association International: ISSA provides educational resources and networking opportunities for information security professionals. Aside from hosting web events, ISSA holds international conferences and local chapter meetings. The organization's reputation in the field helps it influence public opinion and government legislation regarding information security.
  • (ISC)2: With more than 125,000 members, (ISC)2 is one of the world's most prominent professional associations for cybersecurity and IT security professionals. Membership includes access to educational tools, local chapters, industry conferences and volunteering opportunities. Members improve their professional skills through local events, industry publications and expert-led webinars. To promote the field as a whole, (ISC)2 educates the public in online safety through its Center for Cyber Safety and Education.
  • ISACA: Previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA is a global organization that serves as a centralized source of globally accepted information systems practices. ISACA provides its constituency of more than 130,000 professionals with access to conferences, an online networking forum and opportunities to volunteer locally or abroad. ISACA members can also take advantage of a career center that matches employers with qualified job seekers.

    • Example courses

    • Cryptology
    • Operational cybersecurity management
    • Digital forensics
    • Foundations of algorithms
    • Application security
    • Computer networking

    Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates

    The job outlook for graduates of online master's in cybersecurity programs is highly favorable. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for information security analysts will grow 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, a rate that is much higher than the average growth rate for all other occupations.

    Cybersecurity professionals can also earn high salaries. According to online salary database PayScale, chief information security officers – a position for which master's degrees are often preferred or required – earn a median salary of $155,126. After 20 years in the industry, these professionals can earn a median salary of $191,000 per year.

    Similarly, the average pay for information security analysts rises from $63,000 to $91,000 over the course of a 20-year career. The projected job growth combined with increased earning potential for late-career cybersecurity professionals create a positive job outlook over the next decade.

    What can you do with a master's in cybersecurity?

    Because so many organizations rely on network technology for daily operations, cyberthreats exist across every major industry. Graduates of online cybersecurity master's programs work for small and large businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

  • Chief information security officer: These officers oversee cybersecurity for an organization. Typically, these professionals direct a team that develops information systems protocols and monitors security threats. Although a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for this position, many employers prefer a master's degree along with seven to 10 years of IT security experience.
  • Information security manager: This leadership position involves maintaining an organization's security protocols and creating strategies to optimize network security. Security managers may also set privacy rules and develop measures to prevent data corruption and identity theft. A bachelor's degree is required for this position, but a master's degree helps professionals pursue IT certifications that increase marketability.
  • Information security specialist: These professionals analyze existing security measures and suggest changes in policy and technology to improve security. They examine infrastructure and devices to identify security flaws and develop solutions. Information security specialists must have a bachelor's degree and a strong understanding of user-authentication methods, which is often developed during master's programs.
  • Security architect, IT: IT security architects oversee a company's computer security. Architects design elements of network security, delegate development tasks to a programming team and test the completed security structure. In the event of a security incident, architects analyze the network security system and develop necessary changes. Experience, such as that gained from a master's project or practicum, is often required.

    • Certification

    Graduates with an online master's degree in cybersecurity do not need additional credentials to secure entry-level positions, but earning certifications enhances competency in the field and positions candidates to be stronger job applicants. For example, the GIAC Security Essentials credential illustrates proficiency in password management, critical security controls and cryptography fundamentals.

    Professionals interested in pursuing high-level leadership positions can earn the certified information systems security professional certification offered by (ISC)2, which recognizes experienced cybersecurity professionals who possess skills in practical aspects of cybersecurity.

    How much are salaries for master's in cybersecurity graduates?


    Median salaries

    PayScale

    Job title Salary
    Salary
    Information security specialist
    $73,825
     
     
    $73,825
    Information security manager
    $107,477
     
     
    $107,477
    Security architect, IT
    $120,241
     
     
    $120,241
    Chief information security officer
    $155,118
     
     
    $155,118
    $0 $38,780 $77,559 $116,339 $155,118