Cyber Security Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

If you want to land a high paying cyber security or information assurance job, then you might want to consider gaining additional education. Cyber security master’s degrees allow students to gain advanced skills and advance in their careers. We’ve compiled a list of the top master’s degrees and career opportunities in cyber security to kickstart your lucrative career.

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is an IT field that deals with security analysis, management, and design in cyberspace. Experts in the field can work in several industries, including business intelligence, cloud computing, criminal justice, and information technology.

Depending on the specifics of your cyber security profession, your duties can include penetration testing, risk assessment, cloud engineering, and network security analysis. All cyber security experts help keep important data and information safe from potential risks.

What Is a Cyber Security Master’s Degree?

A cyber security master’s degree is a two to three year graduate program that covers computer networks, information systems, and cyberspace security topics. Depending on your specialization, you might learn system security, penetration testing, cloud security, systems analysis, and cybercrime prevention.

Cyber Security Master’s Degree Requirements

The academic requirements for a master’s degree in cyber security vary depending on the university’s required courses and thesis program guidelines. To meet the admission requirements, you will need a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related field.

Some schools require prospective students to pass a skills test or provide letters of recommendation to be admitted into a master’s program. You will also need to complete all required credit hours with the institution’s passing GPA to graduate.

How Much Does a Cyber Security Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the

average cost of a master’s degree between 2018 to 2019

was $19,314. This tuition cost will vary depending on the institution and the program.

Cyber Security Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Cyber Security Degree

There are several ways to finance your cyber security master’s degree, including employer sponsorships, private loans, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. You can contact the admissions department of your chosen school to learn more about your options.

Best Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Cyber Security: Top Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs

If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree in cyber security, check out some of the top programs in the country for professionals in the field. You can choose a program that meets your curriculum, location, and financial preferences.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Policy and Governance

| Boston College

Boston College is a private university best known for being the first higher education institution in Boston. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, and information technology. This cyber security policy and governance degree program opens up several career paths in the government and private sectors.

After graduating, you can enter the field of cyber security management, analytics, forensics, or threat management. The program covers many areas pertinent to cyber security, including cyber ecosystem, infrastructure security, cyber threats, security analysis, and risk management.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime, Investigation and cyber security Concentration

| Boston University Metropolitan College

Boston University’s metropolitan college offers in-person and online programs in cyber security. This graduate degree will provide you with the technical skills to enter criminal justice, digital forensics, and cyber security threat careers. You will learn notions of security in cyberspace, security analysis, cyberspace law, security ramifications, and secure networking protocols.

Master of Science in Information Security

| Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a globally recognized private institution known for its computer science, English, and economics programs. This information security degree could help you land several different professions upon graduation, such as network application developer, IT analyst, cloud security architect, or systems security master.

You will learn security policies, systems analysis techniques, public cloud security, and systems security. This advanced degree also prepares you for the Cyber Ops and Cyber Forensics and Incident Response certificates.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

| George Mason University

This master of science degree in cyber security could help you launch a career in ethical hacking, network security, cyber security, or security engineering. The program covers topics like cyber attacks, vulnerability assessment, networking components, security engineering, key cryptography, and systems management.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

| Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a research-based school famous for its social science, business, engineering, and healthcare majors. This master’s degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the cyber security field.

This degree teaches you the techniques necessary for a career as a chief security officer,

cyber security engineer

, cloud security architect, or information security analyst. Additionally, you will learn computer system security, cyberspace laws, cyber operations, and information assurance.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

| Stratford University

Some of the core courses of this master’s degree include computer information systems, security analytics, cyber law, digital forensics, and security risks. This degree prepares full-time students for several positions in the cyber security industry, including cybercrime analyst, cloud security engineer, and information systems analyst.

Master of Science in Cyber Security in Computer Science

| The George Washington University

The George Mason University is a public school that offers online, in-person, and hybrid programs in several subject areas. This computer science degree is an excellent option for both future cyber security professionals and IT professionals. You will learn information systems security, network security, wireless network, cloud security, and cyber security threats.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

| University of Houston

The University of Houston is a high-ranking public university primarily known for its groundbreaking research and innovation programs. Core classes cover critical cryptography skills, cyber security theory, risk analysis, penetration testing, and digital forensics to prepare you for senior jobs such as chief security officer or chief information security officer.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

| University of Missouri St Louis

University of Missouri St Louis is a public university best known for its molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and business programs. This cyber security degree offers two concentrations in information systems technology and computer science.

The information systems technology program covers information security, cloud security, software testing, data integration, and security systems. The computer science concentration covers cyber threats, operating systems, computer forensics, modern cryptography, and IoT systems.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

| Washington University in St Louis

Washington University has a strong computer science and engineering program. Their cyber security engineering degree covers risk management, system analytics, operating systems, ethical hacking, and computer networks.

Best Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Cyber Security: Top Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs

There are several online master’s degrees in cyber security for those who learn best from the comfort of their homes or who are looking for a program with a more flexible schedule. Below are the top online cyber security master’s degree programs to help you succeed in your chosen career path.

Online Master of Computer Science- cyber security

| Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers this computer science degree with a cyber security concentration that will prepare online students for cyber security management and analysis careers. You will learn computer forensics, information assurance, operational security, security systems, modern cryptography, and secure networking protocols.

Master of Business Administration- Information Security Management Concentration

| Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a wide range of online and in-person degree programs. If you want to

become an information security analyst

or a business security systems specialist, this degree is for you. In particular, the program covers secure networking protocols, cyber security governance, modern cryptography, information security management, and risk management.

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security

| Capella University

Capella University is an online school that offers degree programs in business, education, nursing, public policy, and computer science fields. This online program provides health care security, digital forensics, and network defense concentrations. You can learn network security, cyber operations, information assurance, operational security, and security ramifications.

Online Master’s in Cyber Security Risk Management

| Georgetown University

Georgetown University is best known for its research, natural science, and humanities programs. If you want to build a career in security analysis, cybercrime investigation, or information systems management, then this degree might be for you. It covers cyber security ethics, cyber defense analysis, mobile device security, cyber threat intelligence, and cloud computing.

Master of Liberal Arts in Cyber Security

| Harvard University

Harvard University’s extension school offers advanced degrees in business, information technology, and economics. Harvard undergraduate and graduate students have excellent networking opportunities when they enter the job market. This cyber security degree covers application development, cloud security, risk assessment, Python, C++, and internet architectures.

Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation

| Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers many graduate and undergraduate programs in biomedical sciences, business, engineering, and psychology. This M.S. degree teaches economic cybercrimes, criminal justice, data systems, policy issues, and operational security.

After graduating with a cyber security master’s degree, students can pursue several cyber security jobs including digital forensics specialist, cyber security analyst, and computer security specialist.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

| Norwich University

Norwich University is a private military school based in Vermont that offers online courses. The master’s program prides itself on providing students with the job-ready skills necessary to enter the workforce upon graduation. This degree covers information assurance, risk management, computer forensics, cybercrime, and penetration testing.

Master of Engineering in Cyber Security Analytics

| The George Washington State University

The George Washington State University offers graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration, network application development, and computer science. This cyber security analytics degree covers cloud computing, security data visualization, network defense, and cyber forensics. Students learn the necessary computational techniques to become cyber security experts.

Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy

| The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers high-impact research and health care programs. Their master’s program in information security equips students with in-demand skills for a career in cyber security and to prevent potential security holes.

This information security and privacy degree covers critical concepts like secure systems, public policy, business governance, information risk and benefit analysis, security ramifications, and public cloud security.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership

| University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a private institution best known for its business and marketing programs. This leadership and operations cyber security degree prepares you for a managerial position in the cyber security industry.

Cyber security programs like this teach students how to identify and prevent cyber security threats, modern cryptography, risk management, operational policy, network visualization, and cyber intelligence.

What’s the Average Cyber Security Master’s Degree Salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the

average cyber security master’s degree salary

is $102,117. However, know that the median salary changes depending on your cyber security education and experience. Below are some of the top cyber security jobs and their corresponding salaries.

Top Cyber Security Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Cyber Security Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Cloud Security Architect

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $166,607
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  165,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Massachusetts, California, Virginia, Maryland

A cloud security architect is responsible for maintaining and designing the security systems of databases and cloud systems. They also design wireless security protocols and conduct regular system tests and provide upgrades for security solutions. To succeed in this field, you will need to master cloud security, risk management, and information security skills.

Chief Information Security Officer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $165,788
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

This is an executive position that involves team management and information security decisions. Their job includes overseeing disaster recovery and risk assessment processes. These professionals work with the organization’s CEO and other executive directors to set system security policies.

Cyber Security Architect

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $146,768
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  165,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Massachusetts, California, Virginia, Maryland

A cyber security architect is responsible for engineering the organization’s information security software and hardware system. They develop security solutions and design network software. They also perform regular penetration testing to find infrastructure weaknesses.

Cyber Security Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $120,708
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

Like a cyber security architect, cyber security engineers work to secure the company’s hardware and software infrastructure. They conduct vulnerability testing, screen software for potential malware, and implement network security solutions. In addition, they communicate with team members about pertinent technical problems and solutions.

Computer Network Architects

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $116,780
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  5%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  165,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Massachusetts, California, Virginia, Maryland

A computer network architect

position is one of the many jobs you can apply for with a cyber security master’s degree. Your primary job responsibility includes designing an optimal network and data communication system. In addition, you will work with wireless networks, databases, and intranets.

Information Security Director

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $111,379
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

An information security director is a senior managerial position that requires you to oversee all decisions related to cyber, network, and information systems. You approve comprehensive security solution strategies and help establish a disaster recovery protocol. Your job also includes setting budgets and department policies.

Information Security Analysts

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $103,590
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  33%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

The demand for information security analysts continues to rise across several industries, and the job outlook reported by BLS is a testament to that. As an information security analyst, your job is to analyze the computer’s network and security systems to deter potential attacks. Some of your responsibilities include penetration testing and software update implementation.

Penetration Tester

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $87,737
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

A penetration tester is a cyber security expert who performs ethical approved hacking on the organization’s cyberspace to find potential weaknesses and malicious code. These computer security professionals try to breach the current network and cyber systems and implement security measures accordingly.

Network Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $75,399
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  5%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  350,300
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Maryland, California, New Jersey, Washington DC

A network engineer is responsible for designing and developing digital and data communication systems and architecture. These technical experts monitor network performance, troubleshoot network issues, and implement network solutions for various companies.

Cyber Crime Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $73,500
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC

For those interested in the criminal justice sector, this cyber crime analyst profession might be for you. This job requires you to investigate crimes committed in cyberspace, such as identity theft, fraud, and phishing scams. You are responsible for collecting cyber evidence and conducting digital forensics analysis.

*Job outlook data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on computer network architects.

**Job outlook information from BLS report on information security analysts.

Cyber Security Bootcamp vs Cyber Security Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?

The benefits of a cyber security bootcamp verses a cyber security master’s degree vary depending on your specific career goals and education preferences. A coding bootcamp is a short-term tech training institution that prepares you for an entry-level job, whereas a master’s degree is a lengthier academic and financial commitment.

Benefits of a Cyber Security Master’s Degree

• 
  Highly recognized programs.
  
  A master’s degree in cyber security is a highly recognized advanced degree across all industries that qualifies you for several lucrative tech jobs.
• 
  Various job opportunities.
  
  A master’s degree will make you eligible for a wide range of sought-after cyber security jobs. Security analysts, cyber security experts, and chief security officers often hold master’s degrees.
• 
  High annual salaries.
  
  A master’s degree allows you to land senior and executive jobs that come with a competitive salary package.
• 
  Various specialization opportunities.
  
  Depending on your career goals, you can specialize in business intelligence, database management, or criminal justice along with your cyber security graduate degree.
• 
  Pathway to a doctoral program.
  
  For those interested in cyber security research and education professions, a master’s degree will help you kickstart your career by qualifying you for a doctoral degree.

Benefits of a Cyber Security Bootcamp

• 
  Short term.
  
  
  A cyber security bootcamp
  
  will last you for a few weeks or months and will provide you with the skills necessary for a technology career.
• 
  In-demand skills training.
  
  A cyber security bootcamp curriculum covers several procedures and topics, including risk assessment, network security, cloud computing, and ethical hacking.
• 
  Affordable tuition.
  
  A coding bootcamp is a cheaper alternative to a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and will qualify you for lucrative entry-level tech jobs.
• 
  Beginner-friendly.
  
  Several bootcamps offer introductory cyber security courses that a tech novice can take to gain hands-on experience.
• 
  Career placement services.
  
  Bootcamps offer many career services, including resume critique, interview prep, and employer networking opportunities.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security?

Yes, if jobs like chief security officer or information security analysts sound interesting to you, then you should get a master’s in cyber security. This graduate degree will make you eligible for several senior and managerial security careers.

However, know that you can still enter this field with an associate degree or a coding bootcamp diploma. With these qualifications, you can apply for entry-level jobs such as network administrator, security technician, and junior penetration tester.

Cyber Security Master’s Degree FAQ