Career advancement, better pay, more options, specialized research, switching fields — these are just a few reasons why people decide to enroll in an online master’s in cybersecurity. In this fast-moving field, a master’s degree is a great way to stay competitive, learn the latest technology and tactics, and build a valuable professional network.
In this guide- Why an online master’s
- What you will learn
- Degree requirements
- Funding your degree
- Career paths
- FAQs
- School listings
The good news is online cybersecurity degree programs offer a number of options for students looking for flexibility while they study. In the end, students graduating from online cybersecurity programs obtain the same degree as their campus-based counterparts, and professionals with a master’s degree in cybersecurity are projected to be in high demand well into the future.
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Featured Cybersecurity Masters
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Online MS in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Master's in Cybersecurity | website |
| Syracuse University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | Complete in 15 Months | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Georgia Tech | Online MS in Cybersecurity | Tuition under $10k | website |
| Purdue Global | Online MS in Cybersecurity Management | website |
One thing is for sure, that given the diversity of options for graduate education in cybersecurity there is surely a program that is a good fit for several career interests, professional and academic backgrounds, and commitment level.
“Our graduate degrees are all online, 100 percent either asynchronous or synchronous…You can take them in-person or online. Our online offerings allow us to be truly global. For example, we have students in South America and Afghanistan, and an instructor in Australia.”
— Ralph Russo, director of the Professional Advancement Information Technology Program at Tulane University.
In fact, this guide is partly motivated by the fact that there are so many good options out there that prospective students often need to spend some time and energy finding the perfect fit.
Best online master’s in cybersecurity programs for 2023
A number of factors — related to overall excellence, student experience, and affordability — are all considerations used while determining the 2023 rankings for best online master’s program in cybersecurity.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
Program: Online Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $9,920/$310 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 19/1
Program Highlights:- Low tuition cost of $9,920
- Part-time and flexible
- Complete in 2-3 years
- Three tracks: information security, cyber-physical systems, and policy
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IndianaProgram: Online Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity
Tuition: $30,000/$1,000 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 13/1
Program Highlights:- Lab assignments feature cutting-edge security techniques
- Webinars allow prospective students to interact directly with faculty
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MarylandProgram: Online Masters in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $49,200/$1,640 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 6/1
Program Highlights:- 78 percent of enrolled students’ tuition covered by employer contribution programs
- Optional indepdent study project with expert faculty mentor
- State-of-the-art computing facilities
- Four focus areas: analysis, assured automony, networks, and systems
George Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance
Tuition: $34,500/$1,150 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 13/1
Program Highlights:- Approximately 2 years to complete
- Introduces students to methods and industry best practices in: cryptography, security systems, algorithms, software paradigms
- Accessible to professionals without a technical undergraduate degree
Wilmington University
New Castle, DelawareProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $18,432/$512 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 12/1
Program Highlights:- Compete in 1 year
- 2 Specialized Cybersecurity Concentrations to choose from: Cyber Terrorism, SCADA Cybersecurity
- Learn From esteemed industry leaders
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VirginiaProgram: Master of Science in Cyber Security
Tuition: $20,340/$565 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 17/1
Program Highlights:- Accredited by SACSCOC
- Complete in one and a half years
- Offers the perfect blend of flexibility, affordability, and rigorous academics
- Does not require the GRE or any other standardized tests for admission
Webster University
Webster Groves, MissouriProgram: Cybersecurity (MS)
Tuition: $25,200/$700 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 12/1
Program Highlights:- Selected US locations offer a dual degree option in: MA in national security studies/MS in cybersecurity
- Students may apply for sequential degrees
Georgetown University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management
Tuition: $50,391/$1,527 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 11/1
Program Highlights:- Affordable and convenient
- Cybersecurity and cloud experts at your fingertips
- Enable students to participate in live class sessions with faculty
- Three programs to choose from MS engineering in: cloud computing management, cybersecurity analytics, cybersecurity policy & compliance
New York University
New York, New YorkProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $63,060/$2,102 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 8/1
Program Highlights:- Option to take courses both on-campus and online
- Concentrations in cyber defense and cyber operations
- Become an NYU Cyber Fellow and receive scholarship of as much as 75 percent of tuition to both U.S. and non-U.S. residents.
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MississippiProgram: Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations
Tuition: $15,934/$514 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 16/1
Program Highlights:- Focuses on those aspects that are needed to operate in the cyber domain
- Offers thesis or non-thesis options.
- GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for entry
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TexasProgram: Masters in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $36,000/$1,200 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 11/1
Program Highlights:- Work with Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity
- Focuses on technical aspects such as cryptography, protocols and access control, the curriculum deals with the policy and management issues, integration and logistics, and budgeting.
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NevadaProgram: Online M.S. in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $11,304/$314 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 17/1
Program Highlights:- Study at an R1 Carnegie Classification research institution
- Includes techinal and leadership courses
University of Southern Maine
Portland, MaineProgram: Master’s in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $15,780/$526 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 12/1
Program Highlights:- Study full-time and finish in as few as 2 years or study part-time and finish in 4 years.
- Save money with reduced e-tuition for out-of-state students.
- Learn from full-time faculty and PhD-trained scholars who are recognized as leaders in their fields that stretch from the White House to the Pentagon.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Tuition: $16,106/$537 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 42/1
Program Highlights:- 70% of students finish within 22 Months
- Pay less by completing the program faster
- Flexible schedule
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FloridaProgram: MS – Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
Tuition: $23,310/$777 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 15/1
Program Highlights:- Positions students to interact with some of the most respected names in tech
- Flexible learning
- High-tech research facilities
- Mentorship opportunity
University of New Hampshire
Durham, New HampshireProgram: M.S. in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management (CPRM)
Tuition: $18,750/$18,750 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 16/1
Program Highlights:- complete in one year
- Guided by full-time faculty, practicing experts and senior executives
- Prior experience or undergraduate degrees in technical fields are not required
- Options: Capstone project and thesis
University of Arizona
Tucson, ArizonaProgram: Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $43,956/$1,332 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 15/1
Program Highlights:- All 3 Center for Acadmemic Excellence Designations (CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO )
- Students learn how to assess, prevent, and manage information and systems security-related risks by applying systems security management and post-breach practices through hands-on, interactive classes taught by the UA's excellent faculty
- Designed for working professionals who want to gain technical mastery in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity
Fordham University
Bronx, New YorkProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $47,790/$1,593 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 13/1
Program Highlights:- Bridge courses for students who lack a strong background in an essential area (e.g. programming, statistics)
- Can be completed in one year
- Small classes taught by leading experts in academia and industry
- Weekend, evening, online, and hybrid courses available
- Bridge courses for students who lack a strong background in an essential area (e.g. programming, statistics)
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GeorgiaProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $11,490/$383 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 22/1
Program Highlights:- Complete within one calendar year
- All courses are scheduled in 7-week sessions allowing students to take two classes at a time, completing the program in 5 sessions.
- The program is designed to support both professionals seeking career advancement and those seeking a career change to the cybersecurity field.
National University
La Jolla, CaliforniaProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $25,857/$442 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 16/1
Program Highlights:- Choice of two specializations – ethical hacking and pen testing or information assurance and security policy
- Simplified and streamlined application process
- Military-friendly
Pace University-New York
New York, New YorkProgram: Online MS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $32,550/$1,085 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 14/1
Program Highlights:- Opportunity to put theory into practice.
- 2 concentrations (cyber operations & cybersecurity leadership) and a general track
- No GMAT/GRE Required
- Graduate in as little as one year
- Opportunity to put theory into practice.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NebraskaProgram: Cybersecurity, MS
Tuition: $13,500/$375 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 16/1
Program Highlights:- Choice between thesis or the capstone and an additional elective
- Supported by Nebraska taxpayers
- Lower tuition rates for Nebraska residents
- Ideal way for military, veterans, and dependents
- Choice between thesis or the capstone and an additional elective
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Tuition: $28,500/$950 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 17/1
Program Highlights:- Focuses on risk management and policies and procedures
- Learning opportunities for students through cybersecurity competitions
- Fast track
- complete in 1 year
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IllinoisProgram: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Tuition: $15,480/$516 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 12/1
Program Highlights:- Hands-on instruction and real-world projects that focuses on business and tech talents
- Affordable tuition
- $15,480
- As few as 12 months to complete
- No GMAT required
- Hands-on instruction and real-world projects that focuses on business and tech talents
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New MexicoProgram: Cybersecurity and Business Analytics (MS-CBA)
Tuition: $20,509/$622 credit
Student Faculty Ratio: 19/1
Program Highlights:- The program is 36 percent womens and 62 percent minority
- Accelerated online program
- Designed for students with a degree in: business, accounting, or computer science (CS)
- Taught in an application-oriented manner with case studies and examples
- The program is 36 percent womens and 62 percent minority
Ranking methodology:
- Programs have to hold the Center for Academic Excellence designation for rankings eligibility
- Tuition rates as reported by individual institutions
- Student-to-faculty ratio of the overall institution as reported to Integrated Postsecondary Education System IPEDs.
- The number of master’s degrees awarded from the institution according to IPEDs.
- Overall internet domain authority as measured by search metrics.
What is an online master’s degree and why get one?
An online master’s degree in cybersecurity is designed to provide the same education as an on-campus degree. The main difference is that the course content is provided online rather than via in-person classes.
The format of an online master’s degree provides more flexibility than on-campus options. Students can decide to take courses full or part-time, and they can take classes synchronously or asynchronously, enabling them to fit the courses into their schedules. Also, online coursework means that students can learn from anywhere.
Pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity may be essential for gaining promotions, and usually also accompanies comes with a a significant pay increase hike. According to PayScale, the average salary for an MS in cybersecurity is $87,292 compared to $71,033 for a BS in cybersecurity. The $16,259 difference in average pay can cover the cost of the most affordable online master’s programs in under a year.
Online master’s in cybersecurity coursework (what you will learn)
Online master’s degrees are designed to provide the same experience as in-person degrees. This means that these programs will likely cover the same core concepts, including:
- Foundations of Introduction to cybersecurity
- Network security
- Computer security
- Cybersecurity law and ethics
Beyond the core curriculum, students will also have the opportunity to take electives or pursue a specialization. Some examples of these include:
- Digital forensics
- Cyber crime
- Critical infrastructure
- Malware analysis
- Incident response
- Penetration testing
- Cryptology & cryptography
A cybersecurity master’s program should also provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in working in cybersecurity via labs, internship opportunities, and capstone projects. Through these opportunities and other career-building and networking events, students can meet people in the field and explore potential opportunities and job prospects for after graduation.
Online master’s in cybersecurity requirements
Like any other degree-granting program, an online master’s degree in cybersecurity has certain requirements for admissions. Some of the most common requirements include:
Bachelor’s degree: Many online cybersecurity master’s degree programs will include a bachelor’s degree in their admission requirements. In some cases, an applicant may be able to substitute demonstrated years of relevant work experience for this requirement.
Prerequisites: Cybersecurity master’s degree programs often require coursework or work experience in certain fields as a prerequisite. Examples of common prerequisites include computer systems, networking, and programming.
Recommendations: Many master’s degree programs require two or three letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process. These can be from professors or colleagues familiar with the applicant’s work.
Beyond these core requirements, different schools may have additional requirements for admissions into an online master’s degree program. Some programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Applicants may also be requested to provide a resume or CV, write an essay, or undergo interviews as part of the admissions process.
When evaluating potential online master’s programs, take a look at their admissions process. The admissions requirements and the acceptance rate can provide clues regarding the quality of the master’s program and how well respected the online degree will be.
Funding an online cybersecurity master’s
Paying for an online degree can be different from an on-campus degree. Two important considerations are the affordability of the degree program and the availability of scholarships and other financial aid.
Online degrees are often more affordable than on-campus ones for a few different reasons:
Synchronicity: Unlike on-campus classes, courses in an online degree can include pre-recorded lectures combined with virtual Q&A sessions and office hours. This can reduce the cost per credit because courses can be larger or more numerous.
Infrastructure: Online courses require less infrastructure (classrooms, dorms, etc.) than in-person ones. This means that a college has less overhead for online courses, which reduces the price.
Housing: When pursuing a degree program on-campus, it is necessary to live by the school providing the degree. This requires either paying room and board on-campus or renting nearby. With an online degree, there is no need to move and rent to be nearer to a particular campus. Additionally, students can take advantage of geographic arbitrage, where they live in one location and attend a more competitive or less expensive college elsewhere.
To better compare and contrast program costs, and to learn more about which online master’s programs are the most affordable, check our most affordable online master’s page.
Scholarships and financial aid
While online master’s programs are often more affordable than on-campus options, they still cost money. However, a few options exist to help defray the cost of tuition.
A number of cybersecurity master’s scholarships are available from government organizations, reflecting the need for well-qualified professionals in both the public and private sectors. A few examples of cybersecurity master’s scholarship opportunities include:
The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This is not only a great funding opportunity but is a big resume-building opportunity. The fellowship is open to both master and doctoral students.
The Navy’s Information Assurance Scholarship is open to bachelor through doctoral students both as service members and civilians (although civilians are required to work for the Navy in a non-uniformed role upon graduation).
The Department of Defense provides the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program. This is also open to bachelor’s through doctoral students and cybersecurity is included as a critically important area.
The public sector is not the only source of potential funding for graduate school. Some additional sources of potential tuition assistance include:
Corporate sponsorship: The cybersecurity skills gap is a major concern for many organizations. For this reason, an organization may be willing to provide tuition assistance or full reimbursement for employees pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.
Private scholarships: Beyond the federal government, there are private scholarships as well. Some companies and professional societies offer scholarships to candidates pursuing degrees in particular fields.
Research positions: Research assistantships are a common source of funding for on-campus Master’s degree programs, and online students may be eligible for them as well. Cybersecurity is a field where graduate research can be performed off-site without access to a specialized lab.
Prize money: A number of different cybersecurity capture the flag (CTF) competitions are held each year. Some of these offer scholarships or other cash prizes that can be used to help pay for an online Master’s degree in cybersecurity.
Career paths with a cybersecurity master’s degree
The cybersecurity industry is experiencing a significant skills gap with an estimated 3.12 million unfilled positions worldwide. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to grow, creating many opportunities for qualified cybersecurity professionals.
The core curriculum of a cybersecurity master’s degree is designed to provide students with a broad grounding in cybersecurity. This positions a student well to work in various capacities based on the field in cybersecurity they choose. as a security operations center (SOC) analyst, which is a position designed to identify and remediate threats to an organization.
However, cybersecurity master’s programs also offer opportunities to choose electives and specializations. Taking advantage of these opportunities can enable a student to lay the groundwork for more specialized roles, such as a cloud security architect, forensic analyst, etc.
While cybersecurity professionals are needed in general, these specialized skill sets can be in even greater demand. Taking the opportunity to explore specializations and gain these skills during a master’s program opens up a variety of potential roles.
FAQs for online cybersecurity master’s programs
The average salary for an MS in cybersecurity is over $16k higher than the average for a BS in cybersecurity. This is more than the price of many of the most affordable online MS in cybersecurity degree programs. An advanced degree also can unlock additional career paths and opportunities.
A master’s degree in cybersecurity provides a thorough grounding in cybersecurity and the opportunity to explore various cybersecurity specializations through electives. It also provides hands-on experience through lab exercises, internships, and capstone projects. With an MS in cybersecurity, a student gains the skills and credentials needed to pursue a variety of career paths in cybersecurity.
An online master’s in cybersecurity is designed to be an accessible degree. With the required pre-requisites and/or equivalent experience, a student should be able to successfully work through the curriculum.
Most online graduate programs require between 27 and 45 credit hours. This equates to about one to two years of full-time schooling. However, online degrees are often designed to be taken part-time, so the actual duration depends on a student’s course load.
Cybersecurity is generally not a math-heavy field, and this is reflected in master’s in cybersecurity programs. An MS in cybersecurity student should be able to do some programming (which requires some mathematical knowledge), but advanced mathematics is not required.