Best Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

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Updated June 25, 2024

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Thinking about pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity? Explore some of the best accredited cybersecurity master's programs and available jobs for graduates.

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Prepare to serve as a cybersecurity specialist on the front lines of national security, corporate defense, or technological advancement. This in-demand role offers excellent job security at the intersection of business, technology, and cybercrime prevention.

A master's degree in cybersecurity can provide you with the tools and skills you need to safeguard data, cash, and other assets. This degree covers topics like cryptography, network security, cloud security, and cyberoperations. You can often focus on a specialization track, such as artificial intelligence, or take a generalist approach to prepare for a security leadership role.

Use this guide to learn more about earning your master's degree in cybersecurity, including our data-centric list of the top graduate programs, budgeting tips, and opportunities after graduation.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Master's in Cybersecurity Degrees

This list of the top five master's in cybersecurity programs can help you find your ideal program. We rank schools based on factors such as retention rate, post-graduation student debt, and return on investment. Visit our ranking methodology page to learn more.

View our ranking methodology

#1 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

Sacred Heart University

  • Fairfield, CT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

This Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, provides a liberal arts education focusing on career development. Founded in 1963, SHU serves more than 10,000 students.

MS in Cybersecurity

Sacred Heart University, the first National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense-designated school in Connecticut, offers an MS in cybersecurity. Faculty research interests include digital signal processing, cloud computing, and network security.

The MS can prepare learners to prevent and respond to cyberattacks in 12-18 months. Students develop practical experience by using cybersecurity tools, performing research, and learning risk management techniques. The program includes three tracks: computer science, information technology, and data science. 

SHU also features a bachelor's-to-master's cybersecurity 4+1 dual degree option. The School of Computer Science & Engineering, which delivers the cybersecurity MS, accepts applications to the thesis-optional program year-round.

Applying to SHU

Admission requirements include an online application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and includes spring, late spring, and fall start dates. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Tuition: $965/credit
  • Required Credits: 30-36 credits
  • Program Length: 12-18 months
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,080
Out-of-state
$44,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$34,806
Out-of-state
$34,806
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
9,313
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

John Jay, founded in 1964, operates within the City University of New York system. The school delivers liberal arts and career-focused education with an emphasis on justice, enrolling more than 15,000 students.

MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity

The MS in digital forensics and cybersecurity from John Jay College of Criminal Justice combines computer science, criminal justice, and law. The on-campus program offers part-time and full-time options to welcome recent graduates and working professionals. Students can engage in small classes and participate in faculty research, cooperative education, and internships.

The curriculum includes classes in forensic management of digital evidence, network security, and digital forensic applications. Students can take electives like applied cryptography, risk assessment and management, and cybercriminology. The program requires two capstones with choices of faculty-mentored research, a seminar with fieldwork, or a research practicum.

Applying to John Jay

Each applicant needs a background in computer science, a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other requirements include three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a personal statement. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $5,545/semester (in state); $855/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 36
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
15,766
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Regent, a Christian higher education institution in Virginia Beach, serves about 13,000 students. The school features more than 150 academic programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

MS in Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Management

Regent University's fully online MS in cybersecurity - cybersecurity management degree explores cybersecurity ethics, network security, and disaster recovery. Students take classes like cybersecurity compliance, organizational development, and information security management. The program develops leadership skills as learners gain expertise in identity management, organizational change, and systems security. 

Potential careers for graduates include cybersecurity manager, security architect, and digital security project manager. The MS program also offers concentrations in cybersecurity policy and cybersecurity practitioners. The school's Institute for Cybersecurity includes a multimillion-dollar Cyber Range that provides practical experience for online and on-campus students through advanced cybersecurity training. 

Applying to Regent

Admission requirements include an online application, a completed admissions questionnaire, unofficial college transcripts, and a photo of a government-issued ID. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Tuition: $695/credit
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,552
Out-of-state
$15,552
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
10,483
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

Robert Morris University

  • Moon Township, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Moon Township, Pennsylvania's RMU offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates. Learners can choose from over 120 organizations and clubs.

MS in Cybersecurity

Students can complete MS in cybersecurity degrees from Robert Morris University's School of Informatics, Humanities, and Social Sciences online or on campus. RMU holds a designation from the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

The cybersecurity MS curriculum requires operating systems security, cybersecurity strategy and governance, and software and application security courses. The degree's final semester includes a cybersecurity capstone. Students learn to use cryptography to protect data, understand legal and ethical issues of cyberinfrastructure, and respond to cyberattacks with relevant techniques.

Applying to RMU

Each candidate must provide official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.75 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. The program also requires an essay explaining the applicant's interest in cybersecurity.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $800/credit
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,830
Out-of-state
$30,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
4,134
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

University of Baltimore

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

As a part of the University System of Maryland, UBalt offers more than 70 academic programs and certificates. The university strives to expand access to students who may find it difficult to attend traditional college programs. 

MS in Cyber Forensics

The University of Baltimore's MS in cyberforensics program explores issues like data recovery and analysis, evidence preservation, and investigation of computer and digital crimes. Students take classes like advanced Python for forensics, ethical hacking, and money laundering. The 30-credit program also includes internship and capstone experiences. 

UBalt's digital lab provides practical experience opportunities with cybersecurity industry software. Classes take place on campus at night, making it easier for working professionals to enroll in the program. Graduates can apply for jobs like computer forensics investigator, cyberanalyst, and cyberproject manager. 

Current or prospective Maryland police officers may qualify for scholarships for this program.

Applying to UBalt

Each applicant needs a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program requires a complete online application, letter of recommendation, statement of personal interest, and official transcript. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public 
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $2,397/3 credits (in state, part time); $3,474/3 credits (out of state, part time)
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,014
Out-of-state
$19,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,824
Out-of-state
$20,034
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
4,169
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Why Get a Master's Degree in Cybersecurity?

Digital crime is skyrocketing, and as a result, so is cybersecurity. The research team at McKinsey & Company projects that the cybersecurity industry will grow by $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Smaller companies are at the greatest risk.

While federal and state governments are taking action to shore up digital asset protection, the talent gap in the field continues to grow. Cloud security, automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are all critically under-resourced areas of concern.

The cost of a data breach could put many companies out of business, creating an opportunity for highly skilled security professionals to help prevent these disruptions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that information security analyst employment will grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, far outpacing the average for all occupations.

Earning a master's in cybersecurity can help you take advantage of the following benefits:

  • Advanced Knowledge: A cybersecurity graduate degree explores cryptography, penetration testing, network security, and digital forensics.
  • Specialization: You can add a specialization in a technical area such as AI or an adjacent field like cybersecurity policy.
  • Research Opportunities: If you plan to work in research, a master's degree can prepare you for the Ph.D. you will eventually need.
  • Increased Income: According to Payscale data from May 2024, graduates with master's degrees in cybersecurity earned an annual average of $19,000 more than bachelor's degree-holders in the field.
  • Industry Recognition: Your graduate degree can prepare you for research in security studies, write articles for top-brand cybersecurity journals, or lead a professional association in the industry.

What to Expect From a Cybersecurity Graduate Program

A cybersecurity graduate degree focuses on the tools and skills you need to protect and defend information from hackers, phishers, and other bad actors. This 1-2 year program usually requires 30-36 credits in cybersecurity, computer science, and advanced mathematics. Your program may include an internship, practicum, thesis, or applied research project. Expect to pay about $11,000 per year for your education.

Most cybersecurity degrees emphasize the discipline as a whole, but some programs offer concentration options in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or cybersecurity. A few cybersecurity programs are concentrations within larger computer science degrees.

Learn more about about cybersecurity programs in general

Admission Requirements

Each school sets specific admissions requirements. In general, you need the following:

  • A completed application with a fee (not all schools charge a fee)
  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field
  • Prerequisite courses such as calculus, discrete math, Java, data structures, and a machine language
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Acceptable GRE scores (not all schools require test scores)

Degree and Concentration Options

Most master's degrees in cybersecurity operate as master of science (MS) programs, but you can also find MBAs and master of engineering (M.Eng.) in cybersecurity. The MS is a general cybersecurity degree, while the M.Eng. focuses on cybersecurity for engineers. The MBA emphasizes business leadership with a subset of cybersecurity courses.

Engineering programs often require a relevant background, and an MS in cybersecurity usually requires an academic foundation in computer science. However, an MBA may not make the same technological demands of its applicants.

A master's in cybersecurity may include concentrations such as:

  • Risk Management: This interdisciplinary concentration blends business, law, and technology as they relate to cybersecurity.
  • Networks: Students explore cloud computing and network security, including program architecture and protocol design.
  • Assured Autonomy: This concentration focuses on security for intelligent vehicles, robotics, and autonomous computing.

Popular Graduate-Level Courses

Cybersecurity degree programs offer a variety of courses depending on the program's focus, the faculty's expertise, and student demand. Popular courses include:

  • Malware Analysis and Mitigation: Students learn what motivates malware creators and how they behave, as well as the role of malware in the cybersecurity landscape. Enrollees also discover how to extract host- and network-based indicators from malicious programs.
  • Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics: Digital forensics comprises acquiring, evaluating, preserving, and presenting evidence in computer crimes. Students learn the tools and techniques to authenticate digital evidence, along with the laws governing its treatment and use.
  • Cryptography: An ancient art with ultra-modern applications, cryptography refers to the methods of protecting information through codes, algorithms, and symbols. Topics in this course include symmetric block ciphers, public key cryptosystems, digital signatures, and quantum-resistant cryptography.
  • Assured Autonomy: In an increasingly connected and machine-driven world, autonomous vehicles and other intelligent machines pose uniquely serious safety and security threats. This course covers what you need to know to keep these machines safe and secure. Topics include machine intelligence, effective human-machine interaction, and technology's lifecycle.

Cost and Payment Options for Master's Degrees

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for an online master's degree in a computer science field is $10,877 per year. However, your tuition can vary from less than $10,000 to more than $50,000 for the entire cybersecurity degree.

Factors such as school prestige, public vs. private status, and state residence can all affect tuition. Your budget should also account for non-tuition direct costs and indirect costs, such as loss of potential side income while you're studying.

Employers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools can help cover educational costs. While you cannot receive a Pell Grant as a graduate student, you can apply for scholarships, veterans' benefits, employer reimbursements, and student loans.

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Jobs for Master's in Cybersecurity Graduates

A master's degree in cybersecurity could open up highly technical security careers or positions in technology leadership or management. Earning a certification from a non-vendor-specific agency may help direct you to your area of greatest interest. Some of the highest-paying jobs are in security engineering and technology leadership. Consider the fields below:

Penetration Tester

Sometimes called "white hat hackers," penetration testers imitate bad actors trying to crack secure systems. Although particularly valuable in financial, healthcare, and national security agencies, penetration testers work in nearly every industry. With experience and education, they may pursue work as information security managers and chief technology officers.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Average Annual Salary (May 2024): $94,460

Information Technology Manager

In small companies, information technology managers may oversee entire IT departments, while in larger organizations, they could lead specific technology sectors, such as security or database technology. These professionals usually have wide-ranging technical experience, leadership skills, and degrees in technology or management-related fields.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Average Annual Salary (May 2024): $93,120

Information Technology Director

IT directors manage and direct their companies' information technology teams. Depending on the size and scope of the company, they may be responsible for budgeting, team building, selecting software, and training for IT staff. IT directors need skills in people management, IT security, and infrastructure development.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Average Annual Salary (May 2024): $125,930

Chief Technology Officer

As the senior technology professional in an organization, a chief technology officer (CTO) serves as part of the executive leadership team. The CTO leads all the technology departments of an organization, relying heavily on research, analysis, and planning. To become a CTO, you usually need graduate education and many years of experience in the field.

  • Required Education: Master's Degree or Doctorate
  • Average Annual Salary (May 2024): $176,170
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): +3%

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are disaster recovery experts who specialize in technology and data. While they may provide security for any kind of business, analysts are particularly valuable in e-commerce settings, where phishing can quickly wipe out revenue, and healthcare, where hacks can put patients' lives at risk.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $120,360
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): +32%
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Selecting the Right Master's in Cybersecurity Program

With many online master's in cybersecurity programs to choose from, the following factors can help you decide on the right school.

  • Accreditation: Only consider schools with institutional accreditation from agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. ABET, the programmatic accreditor for undergraduate computer science programs, does not accredit graduate degrees.
  • Location: While online degrees are usually location-independent, you may find that attending a nearby school has its benefits. You can appear on campus for special events, networking opportunities, and career fairs, for example.
  • Reputation: Will your prospective employers recognize your school, and as a result, will they believe your education stacks up well against other applicants' backgrounds?
  • Career Services: Does this school offer help with networking, creating a portfolio, and building a credible online presence? Will the professors help you secure admission to a Ph.D. program?

Should You Get Your Cybersecurity Master's Online?

In 2021, 56% of graduate students took at least one class online, and 40% pursued their entire degree online, according to the NCES. While they may not form face-to-face relationships with peers and professors, these students can tap into resources to help turn their online degrees into paying careers.

A study from Wiley, a higher education research institution, found that 84% of graduates from online programs said their degree was worth the cost. Online learning may be especially effective in computer-related fields like cybersecurity.

However, be sure to consider your current job, family responsibilities, professional network, personal budget, and career ambitions when deciding between on-campus and online education.

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FAQ About Master's Degrees in Cybersecurity

What can I do with a cybersecurity master's degree?

A master's in cybersecurity can prepare you to pursue a career as a security architect, cybersecurity manager, or information security analyst. The best industries for cybersecurity experts include finance, insurance, healthcare, and energy — the target of 39% of critical infrastructure attacks. With a master's degree, you can also teach cybersecurity courses at the undergraduate level.

Can I get a cybersecurity master's degree online?

Yes — many schools offer cybersecurity master's degrees online. You can also pursue an online computer science degree with a concentration in cybersecurity. Some universities offer online doctoral degrees in cybersecurity or a related field.

Will a master's in cybersecurity help me get a job?

A master's in cybersecurity can help you get a job in this fast-growing field. The BLS projects that information security analyst jobs will grow by 32% from 2022-2032. Once established, according to Payscale data from May 2024, professionals with master's degrees in cybersecurity earn $19,000 more than those with four-year degrees in the field.

How much can I make with a master's in cybersecurity?

Payscale data from May 2024 indicates that professionals with master's degrees in cybersecurity earn an average annual salary of $96,000. Cybersecurity engineers, information security managers, and IT security architects all earned much higher average wages.

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