Compare online master’s in cybersecurity programs

What can you do with an online master’s degree in cybersecurity? 

As technology progresses and grows, so do cyberattacks. For this very reason, organizations across all industries see a fast-growing need for cybersecurity experts to keep their systems and data, and the data of their customers, safe from cyberattacks and threats. 

To answer this ever-growing demand, and join an exciting profession — as a cybersecurity analyst or a cybersecurity engineer, for instance — you need to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge that comes with learning cybersecurity to not only enter the field with confidence, but to keep up with constant updates and remain relevant throughout your career. 

Cybersecurity degree requirements for admission 

Typical admission requirements for an online master’s in cybersecurity program include, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or in a related field. Most online master’s cybersecurity programs don’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission. Many strong applicants come equipped with basic knowledge of the industry — this, however, is not a requirement. Some applicants may have previously enrolled in a cybersecurity boot camp prior to applying. Specific admission requirements will differ by program. Consult each online master’s in cybersecurity page for more information.

How to apply

Visit each online master’s degree in cybersecurity to explore specific application instructions.

Cybersecurity curriculum

While many entry-level jobs in IT fields only require completion of certain bachelor degree programs, some companies may prefer to engage with candidates who have finished master’s programs or earned a certificate.^{Footnote 1} Online master’s cybersecurity programs can potentially improve a candidate’s cybersecurity job outlook and set them up for potentially lucrative cybersecurity jobs such as cybersecurity analyst or cybersecurity engineer. Often, programs allow credit transfers for anyone wishing to complete an online master’s degree in cybersecurity in a shorter period of time. Boot camps may serve as a degree substitute for some employers.

Course topics you’ll likely cover as part of a cybersecurity online master’s include: 

• Applied cryptography

Learn the building blocks and design principles of writing and solving codes. This will include familiarization with authenticated encryption, digital signatures, and pseudorandom functions.

• Information security strategy and policies

Learn broad cybersecurity management policies and models for national, global, and localized threats. The course will cover approaches to governance, diplomacy, and organization.

• Network security

Learn common methods to protect computer networks through watermarking, authentication, firewalls, and information hiding to meet individual client needs.

• Secure computer systems

Study the design and development of secure computer systems as well as built-in features like secure kernel design, secure databases, mandatory/discretionary security functions, and authentication methods which impact cybersecurity measures.

Cybersecurity jobs you can pursue with a master’s in cybersecurity

An online master’s in cybersecurity often offers electives and specializations that allow learners to pursue more specialized professional roles. Some of these cybersecurity jobs include: 

• Cloud security architect

One of the possible cybersecurity jobs available to graduates of online master’s in cybersecurity programs is a cloud security architect. This role designs and implements security protocols and measures for cloud-based systems.

• Forensic analyst

Successful graduates of online master’s in cybersecurity programs may choose to investigate and analyze digital evidence to identify and assess security breaches and cybercrimes.

• Cybersecurity analyst

An option for those holding cybersecurity online master’s degrees includes monitoring and analyzing network traffic and data to protect against potential cyberattacks and threats in the role of a cybersecurity analyst.

• Cybersecurity consultant

A cybersecurity consultant provides expert advice and recommendations to organizations on improving their overall security posture.

• Information security manager

In this role, graduates of a cybersecurity online master’s program oversee the development and implementation of an organization's information security policies and procedures.

• Ethical hacker

As an ethical hacker, the graduate of an online master’s cybersecurity program conducts authorized simulated cyberattacks to assess an organization's security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

• Security architect

Upon completion of an online master’s degree in cybersecurity program, graduates may choose to design and implement secure systems and networks to protect against potential cyberattacks and threats as a security architect.

• Incident responder

In this position, online master’s in cybersecurity program graduates handle and manage the response to security incidents and breaches in real time.

• Security operations center (SOC) analyst

Graduates of online master’s in cybersecurity programs in the role of security operations center analyst monitor and analyze security incidents in real time and provide immediate response and mitigation.

• Cybersecurity engineer

People with a cybersecurity engineer position design and implement security measures for an organization's network infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access and attacks after obtaining an online master’s degree in cybersecurity.

• Cryptographer

Some graduates of cybersecurity online master’s programs may go on to design and implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols to secure data and communication as cryptographer.

• Security researcher

Another potential role upon completion of a master’s in cybersecurity online program, security researchers conduct research to identify and address emerging security threats and vulnerabilities.

• Cybersecurity educator

A cybersecurity educator holds an in-person or online master’s in cybersecurity degree and educates or trains individuals and organizations about cybersecurity best practices and techniques.

• Compliance analyst

As a compliance analyst, online cybersecurity master’s program graduates ensure that an organization adheres to relevant security regulations and standards.

Cybersecurity job outlook

Because of the increase in reliance on computers and data systems, the cybersecurity job outlook appears to grow along with technological advancements. For one, organizations that rely on technology may sooner or later need to hire cybersecurity analysts to help them protect their data. For these reasons, graduates of online master’s programs in cybersecurity could potentially have many opportunities to contribute to the protection of emerging digital assets and infrastructures.

Case in point: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the need for information security analysts will grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.^{Footnote 2}

Master’s in cybersecurity salary

The salary range for someone with an online master's in cybersecurity can vary widely depending on factors such as one’s professional role, years of experience, location, industry, as well as the size and type of one’s organization.

The average annual wages for information security analysts in industries like information, finance and insurance; computer systems design and related services; management of companies and enterprises; and management, scientific, and technical consulting services from $108,440 to $131,910.^{Footnote 3}