What is Cybersecurity and Why Does it Matter?
Cybersecurity is the skill of protecting computer-based information from malicious threats to its security and integrity. Cyber criminals, who may be working as individuals, within organizations, or even for foreign governments, can mount attacks in a variety of ways in order to steal data, slow down systems, and interrupt the functioning of networks. Cybersecurity professionals learn to recognize vulnerabilities, design systems that are less likely to be attacked successfully, and monitor systems in order to recognize incoming attacks. When an attack has occurred, cyber security analysts investigate the attack in order to ascertain how it was conducted, mitigate its effects, and learn to prevent similar attacks in the future. Cybersecurity professionals also communicate with stakeholders within an organization to explain the importance of cyber-security practice, and encourage support for cyber security policies and guidance.
As more and more information is stored and transmitted by computer networks, cybersecurity is a key concern of both individuals and companies, particularly in information rich industries. It’s important to recognize that cybersecurity affects not only computer to computer communication, but also affects our use of mobile devices, smart home devices, intelligent vehicles, and other components in The Internet of Things. Cybersecurity is also a concern at the national and international level, as foreign actors increasingly turn to attacks on other nations’ information systems.
Job Prospects and Sample Job Titles
The cybersecurity job market is strong, and it is growing quickly. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2020, information security analyst jobs are set to increase 33% over the next 10 years. This growth will be seen across all sectors of the economy, since organizations across industry, education, government, national defense, and other sectors use enterprise-level computer and information systems which are subject to cybersecurity threats. Even small businesses need cybersecurity expertise, particularly in the area of identity theft protection and financial data projection. Therefore, individuals with a Master’s degree in cybersecurity are likely to be able to choose from a range of jobs upon graduation.
As you might expect, cybersecurity skills are most in demand in industries where threats to computer systems will result in catastrophic losses, either of money, information, or in rare cases, life itself. Software development, consulting, finance, insurance, and national defense workplaces will likely place high value on a well-trained and well-compensated cybersecurity workforce.
According to geographic data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect to find a strong cyber security job market in areas where technology in general is booming, particularly in California and the Northeast. However, cybersecurity jobs are also plentiful in cities in the national capital region, due to the government’s need for cyber security professionals, particularly in National Defense. Cybersecurity professionals can also find excellent job prospects in smaller cities located in regions with innovative and energetic technology sectors, such as in Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, and the Midwest.
Looking at job postings can help you get a better understanding of the cybersecurity job market. Consider searching for these job titles:
- • Cybersecurity analyst
- • Cybersecurity consultant
- • Cybersecurity manager/administrator
- • Software developer/engineer
- • Systems engineer
- • Network engineer/architect
- • Vulnerability analyst/penetration tester
- • Cybersecurity specialist/technician
- • Incident analyst/responder
Industry Certifications and Designations
You will find as you read through our listings of top programs that many programs offer preparation for industry certification exams. For example, programs can design their curriculum around the expected material on these third-party examinations, and/or offer students discounts on taking the tests. While obtaining formal industry certification is optional for cybersecurity professionals, successful completion of exams provides a transparent and easy way for potential employers to recognize your skills and capabilities. Therefore your choice of graduate program may be influenced by your desired certification goals.
Examples of entry-level industry certifications include:
- CompTIA Security+
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Certifications focusing on the technical skills of hacking and cyber defense include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
General and more advanced cybersecurity industry certifications include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
You may also wish to check whether a program of interest has been designated a National Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency of the United Stat . Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity skills for maintaining national security and defense, the NSA, in co-operation with the Department of Homeland Security, sponsors the NCE program in order to “reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and expertise in cybersecurity.” In order to be designated by the program, universities must demonstrate that their curriculum conforms to a detailed list of requirements set out by the NSA and DHS in co-operation with industry experts.
What is it like to be a student in an online graduate program?
If you’ve never taken a course or completed a degree in an online program, you may have lots of questions about what to expect. The first thing you can expect in an online program is a greater amount of flexibility for you, the student. This is especially true if your program does not include classes that take place at scheduled times, and if your program offers the choice of many elective courses. Students in online programs will likely find it easier to fit their studies into busy lives, as they have more control over when and where they complete their work. Mobile-optimized learning systems have made this even easier.
The second big difference between online and on-campus learning is that online learning requires self-motivation. When you have a big paper due in two days, and a midterm next week, the main person telling you to get organized and study is you. Therefore students in online programs need to be well-organized, keep close track of their course requirements, and be assertive about asking questions in class to stay on track. But don’t let this need for independence discourage you! If you are self-motivated, chances are most of your classmates will be too, and all that enthusiasm and drive will enrich everyone’s learning experience.
Programs will vary as to exactly how they organize online coursework, and which systems they use to deliver content and communicate with students. Be sure to check the section “How Will This Program Fit Into My Life?” in each of our blog posts for information about how a particular program structures the online learning experience.
How Schools Were Selected
The schools in our list were selected through a comprehensive search of one of the web’s most respected educational directories, combined with savvy web searching and the insider knowledge of our writers. We didn’t restrict our search to only programs with “cybersecurity” in the title. What we looked for was deep coverage of the key competencies of cybersecurity, from vulnerability analysis to cryptography to penetration testing to secure software design to ethics and governance. Some of the programs in our list include general coursework in business, computer science, and/or engineering, but all of them cover cybersecurity in depth across the data lifecycle.
How did we Rank our Picks?
Ranking university programs for quality is a notoriously difficult task, and we know that everyone makes decisions about their education with different goals in mind. Some students might be looking for a small college where they can build connections with instructors and classmates, while others may not be interested in relationship-building but want access to a very wide range of elective courses at the cutting edge of research.
To give you a general idea of where these programs stand in terms of program quality and university reputation, we have chosen to include the Niche.com grade of each university listed. This grade applies to the entire university, not just the program. The Niche.com grade is based on Niche’s analysis of hundreds of public data sets and online reviews and surveys. We’re not affiliated with Niche – we just felt the grade for each school would be useful to our readers.
Top Five Tips for Choosing the Program that is Right for You:
1. Consider how the program fits into the rest of your life.
Are you interested in an online program because you are at a turning point in your career and you want to devote lots of time to building your skills? Is an online degree an option because you want to move ahead in your career but you don’t have the flexibility to relocate for the highest-quality education? Have you had positive experiences with online learning for professional development and know that you thrive as an independent and self-motivated learner? To choose the program that is right for you, it’s very important to consider how content is delivered.
In a synchronous class, students meet with their instructor online at a scheduled time within an online workspace or videoconferencing tool. The instructor may use the time for lecturing, discussion, or group activities. While you may be able to view the class later if you are ill, you are generally expected to keep the class time free every week and to attend the online class regularly. This model is less flexible, but students often find that the scheduled class time helps them to understand materials more fully and have a richer educational experience.
In an asynchronous course, instructors create learning materials such as lectures, activities, quizzes, assignments, and group discussions in weekly modules, and students are responsible for completing the module on their own schedule within the given week. Students can generally view video content on their own time and may even choose to rewatch materials that are confusing or especially important. Asynchronous instruction helps students to fit their education into their busy schedules and is well-suited to students who prefer to work at their own pace.
2. Consider the complete financial impact of the program on you, not just the sticker price.
Some programs are more expensive than others, and few have the luxury of choosing a school without looking at the price tag. While our listings provide the cost per credit of each program at the time of writing and the total cost of completing all required credits, these numbers can’t provide a full representation of the financial picture.
Consider how the length and flexibility of each program will impact your work and family life, and what you discover may change your view of each program’s cost. For example, a program that can be completed entirely online will likely have less of a financial impact than a program with required campus visits. Asynchronous learning means less scheduling, leading to more flexibility when it comes to childcare or balancing your career with your spouse’s career. If you are the type of person who just can’t work at home surrounded by noise, you may want to factor in additional costs for a shared workspace or a weekly trip to the coffee shop.
Programs that can be completed in less time can have a big impact on your earning potential in a shorter timeframe. Programs that offer flexible pacing can mean that you can take advantage of an opportunity to earn overtime at work and pick up online learning again when your workplace is less busy. And of course, if a program won’t get you the kind of jobs you are looking for, then it doesn’t matter if it is offered at a lower price. So keep your eye on the cost of your education, but don’t let it blind you to other important differences between your choices.
3. Keep in mind that some online programs have in-person components
Some online programs can be completed entirely online, with no requirements for students to visit their “home” campus. Others require students to attend learning experiences on campus, such as a launch weekend, week-long intensive immersion course, or capstone experience. Keep in mind that on-campus visits may represent an additional cost for students, but they can be extremely valuable learning experiences and help students create connections with classmates that last throughout the program and beyond.
A few programs listed here offer optional immersion experiences that may be at a university campus or other location. These enrichment programs are usually at extra cost to the student.
4. Choose a program with the right mix of choice and structure for you.
In general, online graduate programs are divided into three types when it comes to course choice and program structure.
Lockstep programs offer very little choice for students and a lot of structure. All students take the same required courses, usually in the same order, and there are no electives offered. Some programs may allow students to take the required courses at a slower pace, such as taking only one course per semester instead of two.
Lockstep programs make it easier for students to make connections with classmates since even in an online setting you will recognize familiar faces and names. Such programs also make course registration easy and less frustrating. You can be assured that your instructors know which courses you have already taken, and will (hopefully) plan their teaching accordingly. Such programs tend to be more cost-effective than programs that offer more choice. Finally, you will have a predictable pathway so you can plan the rest of your life around courses that you expect to be more challenging.
The disadvantages of lockstep programs are obvious. With no choice of courses, students cannot pursue topics that interest them in-depth in electives. They also cannot choose to take courses in a different order that may make more sense to them than the order determined by their program. They may feel they are missing out on some of the exploration and excitement of graduate education because their choices are restricted.
Core plus Electives programs offer a balance of choice and structure. All students are required to take a suite of required courses that introduces them to key skills and fundamental techniques. As long as those courses are taken, all other courses in the program are the student’s choice from among a list of approved electives.
In this model, the core courses ensure that students have the necessary preparation for the workplace, while electives allow them to follow their own interests and take advantage of exciting opportunities to develop expertise. Students can change their minds about interests and goals throughout the program, as long as they complete the core courses.
A program structured in this way can have two disadvantages. If the core courses are not relevant to your goals and interests, you are stuck taking them anyways. So be careful to check the required courses for your program to make sure that they do not cover information that you already know, or that they seem to focus too much on an area that does not interest you. Secondly, students may find that it is difficult and confusing to choose electives, especially in larger universities. Student support and advising are key to make electives enriching for the student.
Core Plus Concentration programs offer a different way for students to meet their goals in preparing for a career. In addition to taking core courses, students choose a concentration (sometimes called a specialization) within the program. Each concentration requires another set of required courses, tailored to prepare you with specialized skills and knowledge. Some concentrations might even have different admission requirements than others within the same program.
In this model, students can feel reassured that the courses they are taking in both the core and concentration will meet the expectations of employers. Having a named concentration in your degree can make you a more attractive job candidate. Students will likely develop connections with classmates and instructors within their concentration.
However, this model of program may not be appropriate if you are uncertain about what area of the field interests you, or if you want to be able to change your mind about your interests or explore unusual topics. If you have a specific interest, be sure to look for programs with concentrations in that topic area.
5. Don’t take our word for it. Seek out the opinions and experiences of those with direct experience of each program.
Listings like ours will provide you with an excellent comprehensive overview of what programs are available as well as all the information you will need to make a shortlist of potential choices. But at some point, you are going to want to gather information from instructors, former and current students, student advisors, potential employers, and others who are familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each program. Contacting the program directly to ask your specific questions is always a good idea, and universities are usually willing to connect you with employers and alumni who can share their thoughts with you as well. Your experiences and needs will be unique, of course, but such conversations can be key in helping you decide your next step on your educational journey.
University of California Berkeley Master of Information and Cybersecurity
Location: Berkeley, California |
27 credits |
|
$73,224.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
For students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity, this respected university provides a more expensive option. The program follows an accelerated timetable, allowing students to complete their degrees faster and return to the industry with enhanced skills. All students perform a capstone experience to help them consolidate their learning throughout the program.
This program stands out from others because it focuses on the business, political, and legal aspects of cybersecurity. Its part-time academic arrangement may appeal to some applicants. This master’s degree, which is based at a large research-intensive university, offers a wide range of electives taught from various perspectives.
Tulane University Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
33 credits |
|
$38,214.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
The cybersecurity master’s program at this prestigious university is priced in the middle of the range for professionals looking to better their professions. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. There must be a capstone. Another distinguishing characteristic is the obligatory business course, which includes budgeting instruction.
This program will appeal to those seeking a business-oriented cybersecurity education that focuses on management strategies and the role of the cyber security department inside enterprises. The Tulane curriculum will particularly appeal to students who appreciate studying through case studies. Tulane’s two available concentrations – homeland security and emergency management – are also distinct, founded in the sociological reality of Tulane’s home state of Louisiana.
New York University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: New York, New York |
30 credits |
|
$60,630.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
For those who want to combine professional education with the prospects of a top-ranked research university, this respected university’s cybersecurity master’s degree may be an appealing alternative. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on engineering issues and sets high standards for undergraduate coursework and academic success.
The curriculum follows a regular course schedule and offers an appealing combination of compulsory courses, depth electives, and breadth electives. The faculty’s depth of knowledge in various research fields will make the program particularly appealing to those interested in pursuing specialized research.
Johns Hopkins University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Baltimore, Maryland |
30 credits |
|
$47,550.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
This more expensive cybersecurity degree from a reputable university focuses on technical topics. The curriculum follows a typical academic schedule and includes four concentrations. All students perform a capstone experience to help them consolidate their learning throughout the program.
Academic rigor, which is backed by strong requirement standards, is likely to draw applicants to Johns Hopkins. JHU students enjoy a larger selection and number of elective courses than students in similar degree programs. Applicants interested in cybersecurity research or subsequent study should give the program considerable consideration.
Georgia Institute of Technology Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Atlanta, Georgia |
32 credits |
|
$9,920.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
The Georgia Tech cybersecurity master’s degree is a surprisingly low-cost alternative from a highly renowned top-tier institution, designed for working people. The curriculum is not for everyone, but it is well worth considering for those with strong computer science and engineering credentials. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and flexible, and it is a collaboration between the School of Computer Science, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the School of Public Policy. The compulsory practicum gives you practical experience.
Georgetown University Master’s of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management
Location: Washington, DC |
33 credits |
|
$50,391.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
This prominent university’s cybersecurity master’s degree is a more expensive choice that offers a unique take on cybersecurity education. The program has a strong emphasis on human aspects and management principles, as well as collaborative work and communication tactics. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program.
Georgetown’s connections to companies, scholars, and professionals in the national capital region, particularly in the area of national security, will entice applicants. The Georgetown approach will appeal to applicants who appreciate collaborating with others to solve challenges at the crossroads of technology and people.
Brown University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Providence, Rhode Island |
36 credits |
|
$110,016.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
While many applicants will be put off by the program’s expensive cost, it should be highlighted that it provides excellent value and unique features. Small class sizes, courses taught by prominent teachers at this Ivy League university, and the chance to participate in collaborative projects concentrating on both technical skills and human issues are just a few of the benefits. Applicants should look into financial aid and other funding possibilities, especially if they have a strong interest in international or global politics, which has drawn them to this distinguished school.
Boston University Metropolitan College Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Security Concentration
Location: Boston, Massachusetts |
40 credits |
|
$37,600.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A+ |
This prominent university provides a cybersecurity curriculum with a concentration on computer science approaches that is reasonably priced. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. Applicants who want a generalist curriculum without a capstone will be drawn to the program. The program also has a 15:1 instructor-to-student ratio, allowing students to engage with a strong peer group as well as professional teachers with substantial industry experience.
Syracuse University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Syracuse, New York |
30 credits |
|
$52,020.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This well-regarded university offers a cybersecurity master’s with small classes taught by innovative research leaders in exchange for a higher-than-average cost-to-degree. The program stresses engineering issues and includes a biometrics course as a requirement.
The National Security Agency helped establish the curriculum, and the program has extensive military connections. Despite the higher expense, most students complete the program in 15 months, allowing them to re-enter the profession with a higher earning potential.
University of Delaware Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Newark, Delaware |
30 credits |
|
$37,110.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This prestigious university’s cybersecurity program focuses on engineering themes. Students should enter the program with a strong technical foundation, ready to continue on to more specialized work in secure software and systems design, system security analytics, and secure business systems. The curriculum stands out among its contemporaries because of its emphasis on system design and higher-level thinking. The potential to tap into the University of Delaware’s strategic working ties with prominent companies in business, banking, National Defense, and government, especially given the university’s proximity to the nation’s capital, will also appeal to applicants.
University of Maryland Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity
Location: College Park, Maryland |
30 credits |
|
$31,470.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This well-regarded University’s online cyber-security Master’s degree is affordable and emphasizes engineering themes. The curriculum is designed to be very technical, and it is best suited for engineers. Within a big School of Engineering, the curriculum follows a typical academic schedule and provides many chances for research and innovation.
University of South Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Tampa, Florida |
33 credits |
|
$12,558.48 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This low-cost curriculum from a reputable university combines computer science, social science, and business methodologies to teach from an interdisciplinary perspective. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program. This program will appeal to applicants because of its affordable cost, 8-week courses, and potential for significant specialization within each emphasis.
Minnesota State University Mankato Master of Information Security & Risk Management
Location: Lansing, Michigan |
30 credits |
|
$21,328.50 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
In terms of price, the cybersecurity is in the middle. This prestigious university’s master’s program promotes engineering approaches and talents. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program.
A considerable focus is placed on professional communication and management abilities as well as technical acumen. Both a mandatory capstone project and an internship provide abundant opportunities for students to practice their profession. The internship in particular is fairly rare in comparable programs.
Michigan State University Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation
Location: Lansing, Michigan |
30 credits |
|
$23,520.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This prestigious university takes a criminological, sociological, and policy-oriented approach to cybersecurity. Investigation and forensic skills, as well as communication skills, are stressed. The curriculum provides a unique education in criminology theory and practice in social and legal situations. In a mandatory capstone course, students hone their analytical skills. The curriculum follows a typical academic schedule, and the cost is comparable to other programs.
James Madison University Master of Computer Science – Information Security
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia |
33 credits |
|
$25,575.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This prestigious institution provides a cohort-based cybersecurity curriculum that emphasizes computer science methods. For comparable programs, the price is around the middle. The program uses a cohort-based course sequence and follows a regular course timetable. This is one of the most well-known cybersecurity programs in the country, with small class sizes, one-on-one attention, and considerable tuition help.
Brandeis University Master of Science in Information Security Leadership
Location: Boston, Massachusetts |
30 credits |
|
$34,140.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This well-regarded university’s cybersecurity leadership degree is affordable and emphasizes managerial skills and organizational structures. The program is part-time and follows a typical course schedule, and it is aimed at professionals who want to improve their job abilities. Because of its flexible entry standards, small class numbers, and part-time scheduling, the program may appeal to individuals with non-traditional academic backgrounds.
Auburn University Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
Location: Auburn, Alabama |
33 credits |
|
$18,018.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A |
This prestigious university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree focuses on engineering themes. The curriculum follows a regular course schedule, with an appealing combination of asynchronous sessions for flexibility and synchronous classes for human interaction. It is necessary to complete a capstone engineering project. The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have designated the program as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, and Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
University of Houston Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Houston, Texas |
30 credits |
|
$18,720.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
This recognized university’s cyber-security master’s program is targeted at professionals who want to advance their employment skills at a cheaper cost. An optional capstone experience is available to students. The valuable possibility to learn practical skills through an optional internship will most likely attract applicants.
Another distinguishing element of this curriculum is its focus on important management skills within the context of project management. Students can participate in applied research and earn industry certifications at the university.
University of West Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
30 credits |
|
$12,750.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
For students interested in pursuing a cybersecurity professional degree at a cheaper cost, this reputable university offers a lower-cost option. The program’s faster pace will entice applicants, allowing them to re-enter the profession with new abilities.
The program places a strong emphasis on engineering issues and teamwork. The offered electives with a Health Sciences in electronic medical records concentration are another unique characteristic of this curriculum. A big lure is the available National Security focus.
St Bonaventure University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: St Bonaventure, New York |
30 credits |
|
$23,970.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
At a cost comparable to peer programs, this recognized university provides a cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizing on computer science abilities and methodologies. The Franciscan heritage of the college, as well as its smaller size, may appeal to some applicants. Despite this, the program provides hands-on learning through a fast-paced curriculum that includes practical exercises and visits from working experts.
SBU’s cooperation with Amazon Web Services, a significant employer in the area, will be of special interest. Students can also seek a variety of industry credentials.
Liberty University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia |
36 credits |
|
$20,340.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
The cybersecurity master’s degree at this largely online university is affordable and focuses business and management issues. Because the university, which was founded by Evangelical preacher Jerry Falwell, is avowedly Christian, prospective students should consider whether this approach fulfills their interests.
The degree offers an accelerated curriculum with 8-week classes, allowing students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater abilities. A capstone project is required of all students.
Florida International University Master of Science Computer Engineering: Network Security
Location: Miami, Florida |
30 credits |
|
$25,000.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
This cybersecurity master’s degree is offered by a reputable university and focuses on engineering approaches. The pricing is comparable to other similar programs. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills.
FIU’s 10-month time-to-degree will appeal to a large number of applicants. The program’s cohort approach facilitates this speed by providing little flexibility and few breaks between intensive 8-week courses. Students who desire more flexibility and the ability to specialize and/or take elective courses should look into other programs rather than FIU.
Drexel University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
45 credits |
|
$60,390.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
This higher-cost cybersecurity master’s program emphasizes engineering topics and is offered by a reputable university. Students finish a flexible curriculum with unprecedented potential for technically intensive specialization while following a typical academic schedule.
Opportunities such as an optional thesis, optional internship, optional research lab experience, possible dual degrees, and optional co-op semester will appeal to those with a solid technical background and great ambitions. Students interested in pursuing cybersecurity research as a career path should strongly consider Drexel.
City University of Seattle Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Seattle, Washington |
30 credits |
|
$24,300.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: A- |
This curriculum stresses business and management topics as well as cybersecurity foundations at an urban institution. The price is comparable to other programs. Students explore all principles of cybersecurity in a standard course sequence, including a mandatory internship and optional practical. Although CityU is not as well-known as other universities, certain students with non-traditional academic backgrounds may find the curriculum more accommodating to their requirements and objectives.
University of North Dakota Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota |
36 credits |
|
$17,280.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
The lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree offered by this well-known university emphasizes engineering skills and approaches. Students must complete two of the three specialized concentrations as well as a generalist concentration. Completing a capstone project is required. The curriculum is designed to be completed part-time and follows a standard course structure. The chance to obtain a cybersecurity certificate at UND, which can be applied to the degree if one chooses to enroll, may entice applicants.
University of Nevada Reno Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Reno, Nevada |
36 credits |
|
$30,600.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
This low-cost curriculum is taught at a regional institution and focuses on business and management. The curriculum prepares generalist cybersecurity professionals for the job market with a typical academic schedule and an emphasis on leadership abilities. The compulsory game theory course may appeal to applicants.
University of Idaho Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Moscow, Idaho |
30 credits |
|
$16,470.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
This recognized university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizes engineering methodologies and abilities. The program follows a typical course calendar and includes a Master’s research project or thesis that must be completed.
In comparison to other lower-cost cybersecurity master’s programs, the University of Idaho’s offers more flexibility and electives, as well as competent instructors in a variety of research fields. As a result, it is an excellent investment for those interested in research and development.
Metropolitan State University Master of Science in Cyber Operations
Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
36 credits |
|
$17,091.72 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
Workers wishing to better their professions will benefit from this regional university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree. A strong network of alumni and a competency-based curriculum prepare graduates to enter the workforce and hit the ground running.
The accelerated cohort-based curriculum aids students in completing their studies more quickly. Completing a capstone project is required. Some applicants may be put off by the program’s accelerated pace and/or wish for more freedom than the cohort course style provides.
Maryville University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
30 credits |
|
$24,480.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
The cybersecurity online program at this regional institution focuses on business and management themes. It is comparable in price to similar programs and includes a curriculum focused on problem solving in a virtual setting. The fundamentals of business, management, and communication are emphasized.
The degree helps students to finish their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills by offering an accelerated curriculum with three concentrations. The program’s emphasis on industry certifications, as well as its charitable approach, which includes a student-led, cost-free cybersecurity consulting service, may entice applicants.
George Washington University Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance
Location: Fairfax, Virginia |
30 credits |
|
$34,500.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
The cybersecurity master’s program at this regional university stresses engineering approaches to the area and is in the middle of the price range. Applicants who are particularly interested in gaining in-depth technical expertise and who already have a good foundation in information technology, engineering, computer science, or similar subjects will be drawn to the program.
Because of its location in the nation’s capital and the necessary courses in data analysis and visualization, the program is unique. It places less focus on human issues, legal, and international contexts than some other programs.
Bellevue University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska |
36 credits |
|
$21,960.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B+ |
The cybersecurity program at this regional institution focuses practical information technology approaches at a mid-range cost-to-degree. Student guidance is robust, class sizes are small, and students can pursue their degree as part of a designated cohort to optimize their experience. The degree’s accelerated curriculum empowers students to complete their program faster and re-enter the market with greater skills. Students with little or no technical or academic experience can participate in the program.
University of Missouri St Louis Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
30 credits |
|
$19,380.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
This regional university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizes problem-solving, cooperation, and communication from a business and management viewpoint. The capstone project, which is done in collaboration with computer science students, is unique, as is the mandatory project management course. Students use an innovative virtual environment to study from faculty research experts.
University of Rhode Island Professional Science Masters in Cybersecurity
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island |
36 credits |
|
$37,980.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
In terms of price, the cybersecurity is in the middle. This regional university’s master’s degree is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program. All students are expected to do an internship, and one of the program’s appealing features is that the student can finish the internship at his or her existing work. The program’s emphasis on effective communication, practical experience, and preparation for standard industry certifications may entice applicants.
Southern Utah University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Cedar City, Utah |
33 credits |
|
$16,005.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
This regional university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizes computer science skills and techniques. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills.
An optional capstone experience and/or an optional internship are available to students. The program combines some flexibility with a strong core curriculum, which is distinguished by a mandatory research techniques course.
Sam Houston State University Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Location: Huntsville, Texas |
30 credits |
|
$19,290.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
The cybersecurity master’s degree offered by this regional university is less expensive and emphasizes computer science abilities and practices. It offers more flexibility than many low-cost programs, with four electives in addition to required courses. Managerial and communication skills are extensively emphasized.
The accelerated curriculum of the degree allows students to finish their program faster and re-enter the workforce with more skills. Lower-performing students may be required to take a comprehensive exam in addition to completing a capstone project.
Kennesaw State University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia |
30 credits |
|
$11,490.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
This regional university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree is geared at workers looking to advance their careers. The curriculum follows an accelerated course plan with 7-week sessions. An internship or a capstone course is required as a capstone. Although the program does not provide distinct specializations, all students must complete a generalist curriculum that covers a broad range of topics.
California State University San Marcos Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: San Marcos, California |
38 credits |
|
$22,572.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
The cybersecurity Master’s at CSU San Marcos is both demanding and interdisciplinary, and is geared at professionals who want to advance their employment capabilities. The program is cohort-based, with all students following the same course sequence. It is designed for working professionals. Administrative and interpersonal skills are prioritized in the program. It is necessary to complete a capstone internship and project.
Bay Path University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts |
30 credits |
|
$26,400.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B |
This cybersecurity master’s degree from a regional university is priced in the middle level and is aimed at professionals looking to advance their careers. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. The program’s hands-on emphasis and opportunities to partner with businesses and potential employers may entice applicants. The program has a capstone requirement and three concentration options for individuals with limited technical backgrounds but some computing expertise.
Utica University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Utica, New York |
30 credits |
|
$26,850.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This accessible institution offers a cybersecurity master’s degree based in the Department of Cybersecurity that is affordable. The curriculum is unique in that it offers seven different concentrations and a 6-credit capstone experience.
Some applicants will be drawn to the immersive 2-day online cybersecurity residence, while others will be drawn to the program’s focus on intelligence and international affairs concerns, as well as its cryptocurrency learning possibilities.
Stevenson University Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Location: Owings Mills, Maryland |
36 credits |
|
$25,020.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This affordable university offers a cybersecurity master’s degree that is taught from a criminology and criminal justice viewpoint. Students focus on digital forensics and data analysis as part of a typical course schedule, and they participate in hands-on exercises based on real-life occurrences such as data theft, cyber attacks, and other cyber crimes. The importance of communication skills and career planning is highlighted.
Southern New Hampshire University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire |
36 credits |
|
$22,572.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
The accessible Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree at Southern New Hampshire University is offered by a university with thousands of online students and is priced in the mid-range. Applicants can rest assured that the program will be run by academics and staff who are well-versed in the problems of online teaching as well as the needs of online students. The financial savings associated with transfer credits may appeal to applicants with non-traditional backgrounds, such as those transferring careers.
The degree’s accelerated curriculum allows students to complete their program faster and re-enter the workforce with enhanced abilities gained through in-class lab exercises and outside-of-class cyber competitions. The importance of leadership and management abilities is highlighted.
Southern Arkansas University Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Magnolia, Arkansas |
30 credits |
|
$8,790.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This low-cost online cybersecurity course is offered from a technical standpoint. It is an accessible alternative for students with non-traditional backgrounds, as it has lower GPA requirements than certain schools. The curriculum is continually updated to match the demands of industry and other employers in this high-demand profession, following a traditional course schedule. The possibility to take an optional internship to get professional experience may entice applicants.
Robert Morris University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
30 credits |
|
$24,000.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This accessible university’s program is focused on an interdisciplinary information science approach, and it costs around the same as peer programs. With a low minimum GPA and no prior courses, the program is a viable option for people without extensive preparation or a non-traditional path to graduate education.
The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. The program stresses hands-on learning from qualified specialists while providing some flexibility within a generalist framework. All students complete a capstone project.
Pace University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: New York, New York |
30 credits |
|
$31,500.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This computer-science centered master’s degree is affordable and provides accessible training in cybersecurity principles. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills.
In contrast to some more practical programs, the Pace University cybersecurity master’s degree allows students to choose from three concentrations and one elective. As a result, it may be appealing to applicants who want to pursue some level of specialty.
Our Lady of the Lake University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: San Antonio, Texas |
30 credits |
|
$28,860.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This easily accessible university offers a cybersecurity curriculum that focuses on business and management strategies as well as cybersecurity basics. It is in the center of the price range for comparable programs.
The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. The curriculum is laser-focused on the skills needed for industry certifications, but unlike many other practical programs, it allows participants more freedom in course selection and order. The tiny size of the university will appeal to many applicants.
Davenport University Master of Science in Information Assurance
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan |
34 credits |
|
$32,606.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
The cybersecurity master’s at this accessible university is aimed at professionals who want to advance their employment abilities and lies in the center of the cost-to-degree ratio. The program is fairly rigid, with only one elective subject available to students during their studies. Students must complete a thesis and follow a standard course plan. Some applicants may be drawn by the school’s emphasis on research methodologies, statistics, and career counselling, as well as the lower necessary GPA for admission.
Dakota State University Master of Science in Cyber Defense
Location: Madison, South Dakota |
30 credits |
|
$14,115.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This accessible university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizes computer science skills and techniques. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program. All students must take a comprehensive test in place of a capstone. Despite its modest cost, the program has a reputation as a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated center of excellence.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina Master of Science in Computer and Information Science, Cybersecurity Specialization
Location: Burlington, Vermont |
33 credits |
|
$22,935.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This specialist military university offers a master’s program for professionals looking to advance their careers. Many pupils are likely to work in the military or for the government. The price point for this program is in the middle of the spectrum.
A typical academic schedule is followed by the program. Optional thesis preparation is available to students.
Champlain College Master of Science in Information Security
Location: Burlington, Vermont |
33 credits |
|
$26,235.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: B- |
This program, which is aimed at professionals who want to improve their job skills and is offered by an accessible institution, is comparable in cost to peer programs. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. There is a capstone requirement, and two concentrations are available.
Despite its small size, the college’s cybersecurity program boasts two prestigious military designations and an active cybersecurity research center. Some applicants, however, may want to attend a larger, more prominent college.
University of Wisconsin Green Bay Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin |
34 credits |
|
$28,900.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: C+ |
The cybersecurity master’s program at this prestigious university is priced in the middle level and is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers. This program distinguishes out because of its competent teachers from across the UW system, who provide four very relevant concentrations. The compulsory capstone, the regular course calendar, and the mandatory courses in Sociological Aspects of Cybersecurity and Communication for Cybersecurity may also appeal to applicants.
Norfolk State University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Norfolk, Virginia |
36 credits |
|
$26,856.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: C+ |
At a cost comparable to other similar programs, this prestigious historically black university provides a cybersecurity master’s program stressing technical methodologies and skills. A typical academic schedule is followed by the program. There must be a capstone. There are no concentrations available.
The curriculum is a suitable fit for individuals interested in cybersecurity for electronic medical records, medical research, or similar fields because it requires a course in healthcare information security. Applicants interested in government service or studying at a historically Black institution may also take a look at this program.
Hampton University Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Location: Hampton, Virginia |
37 credits |
|
$24,605.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: C+ |
This respected historically black university’s cybersecurity master’s degree is affordable and tailored for professionals eager to advance their professions. The accelerated curriculum of the degree allows students to finish their program faster and re-enter the workforce with more skills. This historically black college is small, with few online options. For certain students, though, the program’s small size may be an advantage.
Western Governors University Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Location: Millcreek, Utah |
30 credits |
|
$18,360.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: C |
This innovative university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s program focuses real information technology approaches. Applicants who are highly self-motivated and know they like to work alone may find this program appealing. Pupils with poor time management skills and/or students who prefer a highly structured or traditional method of learning may find it less acceptable.
Students with extensive work experience who believe they have acquired significant cybersecurity abilities on the job may find the WGU approach appealing. The curriculum may also appeal to students interested in working with Amazon Web Services.
Capella University Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota |
32 credits |
|
$33,360.00 total tuition |
University’s Niche.com Grade: Not rated |
The cybersecurity master’s program at this accessible university focuses on business and management themes, and the cost-to-degree is in the middle of the spectrum for similar programs. The accelerated curriculum of the degree allows students to finish their program faster and re-enter the workforce with more skills. Completing a capstone project is required.
The Capella program will appeal to people with non-traditional backgrounds due to the low required undergraduate GPA. Capella University, with its emphasis on hands-on learning and active student advising and career services, may be a good choice for students who need a little extra help getting into the industry.