50 Best Schools of 2024: Online Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

Sure, there are some legends from the early days of cybersecurity, an elite class of professionals that managed to establish a name for themselves and a bulletproof reputation on the merits of experience alone. But for the rest of us, a master’s degree has become the de facto requirement to break into the field.

You can forget all about name recognition when it comes to finding the best schools. Government and private sector employers already know the schools in their region that produce the most qualified graduates. With critical information on the line and digital infrastructure to protect, they know the only thing that matters is how well a program prepares candidates for the challenges that await. This makes cybersecurity a field where quality is measured in results alone, allowing state schools to stand on equal footing with big name private universities.

This doesn’t make it any easier to identify the best options out there. Especially as new programs proliferate the education space in response to the growing need for professionals in the field.

Best of the Best in Online Cybersecurity Master’s Programs

There’s one thing that always seems to come up when discussing the merits of a cybersecurity grad program: Is it offered through a school recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)?

The CAE-CD is a designation jointly granted by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security to four-year schools and universities that stand out as leaders in education and research designed to further the goal of defending the nation’s critical information infrastructure. The designation is widely recognized as the gold standard, and CAE-CD alum are found in high level information assurance and cyber defense positions throughout the public and private spheres. From federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to the technology giants of Silicon Valley, the most elite cybersecurity teams all look to CAE-CD designated programs when they recruit new talent.

So how do you narrow down a list of more than 130 elite CAE-CD designated schools offering master’s programs to identify the best of the best? We did it by identifying the points that are most important to prospective grad students. Virtually all grad students need a program that is flexible enough to allow them to keep working, which means it needs to be offered at least partially online. All the programs here are offered either entirely online or as hybrid programs that blend online coursework with minimal on-campus requirements. We then looked at three primary points in assessing these programs:

  • Additional Designations – Grad students and employers give weight to how the school’s other NSA/DHS-CAE designations contribute to opportunities for research and experience, so we gave consideration to whether the school is also designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Research (CAE-R) or Cyber Operations (CAE-CO)
  • Focus Options – Many grad students are looking for programs that will prepare them for specialized roles, so we awarded points for programs that offer NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas
  • Cost and Affordability – And, of course, cost is always on the mind of grad students, so we also assessed schools based on a comparative analysis of cost in each state, looking at public and private schools separately. This ensured our assessment was based on a legitimate comparison instead of just identifying the lowest cost programs.

Learn more about how we assessed these CAE-CD designated schools.

Top 50 Schools Offering Online Cybersecurity Master’s Programs

Here’s the 50 schools offering online programs we think you should consider. We recognize that different aspects of these programs are more important than others to grad students with different career goals. With that in mind, we set out to provide the details you need to easily make a side-by-side comparison.

This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.

Naval Postgraduate School

Department of Computer Science
Monterey, California
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

CAE-CO

Master of Arts in Identity Management and Cyber Security

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

The Naval Postgraduate School is a unique institution with a specific mission: to provide advanced education to commissioned officers to improve their combat effectiveness. Increasingly, that combat has a cybersecurity aspect to it, and the MA in Identity Management and Cyber Security developed by the school comes in at the top of our list. With a rare Cyber Operations specialty designation from DHS/NSA (to be reclassified as CAE-CO Fundamental in early 2018), NPS is best-of-breed when it comes to West Coast cybersecurity schools.

The school has an illustrious history; established in 1909, graduates include more than 30 astronauts, secretaries of the Army and Navy, and the president of Albania. Mark Weatherford, the first deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity at DHS is a graduate; so is Vice Admiral Jan Tighe, deputy director of operations for Cyber Command. The school is home to Center for Information Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR), one of the foremost centers for cybersecurity research in the country. Students have the benefit of learning from faculty and staff from the center as well as participating in research there.

The education is obviously top-notch, and the tuition deal can’t be beat—attendance is free for everyone accepted. But there is a catch; unless you are a military officer or work in government, your only path into the program is through the DHS/NSA CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program. The scholarship comes with a $34,000 per year stipend in addition to the free tuition, but also requires that you enter government service for at least two years after graduation.

 

Northeastern University

College of Computer and Information Science
Boston, Massachusetts
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas:

  • Cyber Investigations

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $22,633 ($13,271 below state average for private schools)

Northeastern University has long had a strong and well-respected computer science program, so it should be no great surprise that their cybersecurity offering shows up near the top of our list of master’s degree programs. Graduates have gone on to top positions in government agencies including NSA, DHS and DoD; and businesses including IBM, Microsoft, and MITRE Corporation.

Experiential learning options offer the opportunity to build valuable professional work experience into the degree program. Another big plus is the option to combine your degree with a Master’s Certificate in Engineering Leadership through the Gordon School of Engineering Leadership. The Gordon School aims to fill a common gap found in traditional CS/IA education, which are heavy on technical knowledge but provide little program management or leadership training. With the Gordon certificate, graduates are primed for a fast track to cybersecurity management positions and the much higher pay levels those positions offer.

 

University of Rhode Island

Department of Computer Science and Statistics
Kingston, Rhode Island
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Professional Science Masters in Cyber Security

Online

Master of Science in Computer Science

Digital Forensics Concentration (Hybrid)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Cybersecurity Concentration (Hybrid)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $11,796 (Same as state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $24,206 (Same as state average for public schools)

A PSM (Professional Science Masters) is equivalent to a master’s degree but does not require a capstone project as most master’s programs do, making this University of Rhode Island program perfect for career-focused cybersecurity professionals. The flexibility of the online program is compounded by the fact that you can use your current job, if it qualifies, to fulfill the internship component of the degree program. This makes the PSM a perfect choice for working professionals who want to build their skill set and add to their cybersecurity credentials.

The university also allows you to hedge your bets or ease into the program by starting off with a cybersecurity graduate certificate, which can later be upgraded to the full master’s credential. The certificate option can be applied to the PSM or to a conventional computer science degree, so if you are undecided on your eventual career path, the University of Rhode Island has you covered.

 

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, Arizona
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cyber Security

(Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $16,500 (Same as state average for private schools)

UAT may be the smallest school on our list, with only around 1,000 full-time students, 100 of whom are in graduate programs. But it punches far above its weight class when it comes to turning out qualified cybersecurity master’s graduates. Sometimes their capabilities exceed their common sense; a group of UAT students was prominent in the 2012 hacking of the Sony PlayStation Network. Although they were caught and punished, those youthful indiscretions are often indicative of superior talent and insatiable curiosity.

The university specializes in technology education and the Center for Information Assurance Education is broadly recognized as one of the foremost cybersecurity research centers in the field. This is the reputation that earned them a CAE-CDE designation despite their small size and relatively recent accreditation. By staying at the cutting edge, UAT gives graduates their own edge when they join the cybersecurity workforce.

 

Dakota State University

Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
Madison, South Dakota
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Computer Security (Online/Campus)

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Information Systems

Network Administration and Security Specialization (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $5,483 (Same as state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $10,368 (Same as state average for public schools)

Dakota State University is a great example of a small-state teacher training school that has evolved with the times to become a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 1881 in tiny Madison South Dakota, there was nothing to suggest that this humble college would one day top the list of best cybersecurity master’s programs in the country. But the MSIA degree from DSU is both affordable and comprehensive, with a holistic defense-in-depth approach to information assurance that has netted it CAE designations for both education and research.

Because the program is available entirely online, you can take advantage of the extremely low costs of a public midwestern university from anywhere in the country. But while you’re saving on tuition, you’re not skimping on education—DSU comes in near the top of our list for good reasons, including a balanced approach to information assurance education that places both technical skill and managerial skills in focus.

 

University of Arizona – Tucson

College of Engineering
Tucson, Arizona
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year

  • In-State: $11,372 ($281 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $31,124 ($3,822 above state average for public schools)

UAT’s multidisciplinary MSC program uses courses from three different departments to provide a solid engineering and systems foundation for cybersecurity professionals. The curriculum draws on expertise from:

  • Management Information Systems
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Systems and Industrial Engineering

Just because the curriculum is broad-based doesn’t mean it is basic, however. Three years of work experience are recommended for applicants to the MSC program. You’ll need that background, because the program dives right into building analytical and critical thinking skills for assessing and designing security systems in complex networks.

There are also two separate tracks available for students who want to specialize:

  • Information Systems – Computer and information assurance focus
  • Physical Systems – Access control and system design focus

Each of the tracks share certain core courses, and some of these can also be counted toward professional certifications such as the CISM, CRISC, and CISSP… all credentials that many cybersecurity positions require and that boost salary levels throughout your career.

 

Iowa State University

Colleges of Computer Engineering, Supply Chain and Information Systems, and Mathematics
Ames, Iowa
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Information Assurance

(Online, Campus)

Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance

(Online, Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year

  • In-State: $8,474 (Same as state average for public schools
  • Out-of-State: $21,786 (Same as state average for public schools)

Iowa State University’s Master of Science in Information Assurance is a unique, multidisciplinary degree that is supported by no less than six departments within the Colleges of Computer Engineering, Supply Chain and Information Systems, and Mathematics. The program is further strengthened by the university’s Information Assurance Center, recognized in the areas of outreach, teaching, and research.

Adding to the university’s longstanding commitment to cybersecurity (It developed one of the first cybersecurity programs in the nation.) is the Iowa Cyber Alliance, which has served the state of Iowa and the surrounding region with training, outreach, education programs and technical research initiatives in cybersecurity.

 

Capella

School of Business and Technology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security

(Online)

Master of Science in Information Technology

Cybersecurity Concentration (Online)

 

NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas:

  • Digital Forensics
  • Network Security Administration
  • Network Security Engineering
  • Security Incident Analysis and Response
  • Systems Security Engineering

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $14,526 ($841 above state average for private schools)

Capella University is the place to be in-depth education; the school has the largest number of supported NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas of any school in our survey, one-stop shopping if you’re planning on a deep dive in a security specialization. But Capella doesn’t stop there—the school also has five available concentrations for cybersecurity master’s students to choose from.

Capella may accept your existing industry certifications for credits toward your degree. The school takes a competency-based educational approach, which means a lot of practical, skill-focused learning and assessment. But their laser focus on real-world relevance in their curriculum doesn’t mean it’s rigid. In fact, Capella has two different paths to a master’s degree, GuidedPath and FLEXPath, to give you the maximum alignment to your personal learning style. GuidedPath has set deadlines and a traditional scheduling format for classes and coursework; FLEXPath allows you to work through the material at your own pace and with one-on-one engagement. Either way, 72 percent of alumni agree that a Capella degree has boosted their career.

 

University of South Florida

College of Arts and Sciences
Tampa, Florida
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $8,350 ($188 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $19,048 ($3,383 below state average for public schools)

The University of South Florida is a big school, with 14 colleges and more than 50,000 enrolled students, but it strives to remain a research-focused center for education at the cutting edge of modern advances in technology. The cybersecurity master’s degree reflects that ambition, involving interdisciplinary courses from three different colleges, including Behavioral and Community Sciences and Business and Engineering.

USF is located near the U.S. Army’s Central and Special Operation Commands, both hotbeds of cybersecurity activity as they take point on the Global War On Terror. The university is a Top 50 research university according to the National Science Foundation and was recently awarded almost $500 million in contracts and grants, so it’s a great venue for students who want to be in the thick of modern cybersecurity research and development. The program offers concentrations in:

  • Cyber Intelligence
  • Digital Forensics
  • Information Assurance
  • Computer Security Fundamentals

 

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

School of Graduate Studies
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Business and Science

Cybersecurity Concentration OR Information Technology Concentration with Cybersecurity Sub-Concentration (Hybrid/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $16,536 ($1,289 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $28,128 ($3,399 above state average for public schools)

As is clear from the degree title, the Rutger’s cybersecurity master’s program is as focused on the business applications of the security process as the scientific and technical elements. Although rare inside academia, this perspective is prized in the real world, where the textbook solution to security problems often has to take a back seat to financial or other operational considerations.

Consequently, Rutgers graduates are highly sought after by corporate headhunters looking to fill analyst and management track cybersecurity positions. Graduates have gone on to work for AT&T, Ikea, Kraft, and even the NFL. The program’s business focus also makes it accessible for applicants coming from a non-IT background… unlike many other cybersecurity master’s programs, the school encourages students without strong technical experience to apply.

 

Johns Hopkins University

Whiting School of Engineering, Information Security Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Security Informatics

(Online, Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $50,410 ($19,940 above state average for private schools)

Building on its long-standing reputation as one of the top research universities in the nation, Johns Hopkins offers the Master of Science in Security Informatics, a fully immersive program that features three semesters of educational, research and professional opportunities, including cutting-edge research in foundational science and applied technologies.

This flagship program is offered through the John Hopkins Information Security Institute (JHUISI), the university’s focal point for research and education in everything from information security to assurance and privacy to homeland security efforts in the areas of national defense, emergency health preparedness, and bio-terrorism.

 

Indiana University-Bloomington

School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Bloomington, Indiana
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management

Hybrid, Campus

Graduate Certificate in Secure Computing

Online, Campus

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $8,695 ($1,275 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $28,420 ($7,432 above state average for public schools)

Indiana University brought cybersecurity courses from no less than three top-ranked schools— the School of Informatics and Computing, the Kelley School of Business and the Maurer School of Law—together to secure a graduate level cybersecurity program with a strong technical foundation. This comprehensive program will prepare you with skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing secure information technology systems.

This results in a holistic education that focuses on privacy and intellectual property, cyber threats to national and international security, and information and systems security. Plus, while you’re earning your master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management, you have the option of earning the Graduate Certificate in Secure Computing, allowing you to graduate with two valuable credentials.

 

Marymount University

School of Business Administration
Arlington, Virginia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

Master of Science in Information Technology

Computer Security Track (Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas:

  • Cyber Investigations
  • Digital Forensics
  • Health Care Security
  • Security Policy Development and Compliance

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $16,920 ($3,072 above state average for private schools)

Marymount is a Catholic school that is pretty close to ground zero for American cybersecurity efforts. Although the world is increasingly a virtual place, the fact that Marymount is in Arlington, within miles of the CIA, NSA, FBI, and Pentagon inevitably leads to a lot of cross-pollination with cybersecurity experts from those agencies. Working professionals on the front lines of national cybersecurity efforts are regular guest lecturers and many faculty are involved in government security programs. Conversely, many students go on to employment with those agencies or private contractors the likes of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Marymount offers concentration in four NSA/DHS CAE focus areas, giving you a lot of options for specializing. Online multimedia presentations give the program a face-to-face feeling even before the final course, which is traditionally completed on-site as part of the hybrid program to allow direct interaction with government cybersecurity experts. This makes Marymount a great choice for networking in preparation for a government information security career.

 

Regis University

College of Computer and Information Sciences
Denver, Colorado
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $11,250 ($11,642 below state average for private schools)

As a traditional Jesuit private college, Regis might not be the first place you would look for a cutting-edge cybersecurity program, but this small Denver school checks all the right boxes for keeping up with the career path of the future. The College of Computer and Information Sciences was created in 2014 specifically to offer specialized technical training through online courses. They were one of the first ABET accredited programs to be made available 100 percent online. As if Regis needed bragging rights, Cisco CIO Guillermo Diaz, one of the biggest names in information technology, is an alum.

Two specialized concentrations are available within the MSIA program:

  • Cybersecurity- Focuses on implementation and technical aspects of information security.
  • IA Policy Management- Deals with intelligence and the strategic picture around information assurance.

Both tracks provide the foundational skills required for a variety of industry-standard certifications, including the in-demand CISSP and the management-level CISM.

 

Syracuse University

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Syracuse, New York
Website

CAE-CDE

CAE-R

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $34,632 ($9,691 above state average for private schools)

The Computer Science program at Syracuse University is the second oldest in the country, and the ECE department has turned out more than its share of famous graduates over the years, from astronauts like Eileen Collins, the first female commander of the Space Shuttle, to entrepreneurs like Mark Buff of Moho. The strength of that background in general computer science education has reinforced the MSC program, which stresses a vertical analysis of security issues from low-level system components all the way up to the user experience.

The format of the online master’s program combines live classes, interactive coursework, and group exercises. The combination provides room for individual pacing while still allowing students to forge close personal connections with both other students and their instructors… connections that are valuable assets over the course of a long career in cybersecurity.

 

Lewis University

Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Romeoville, Illinois
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Security

(Online/Hybrid)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Cyber Security Concentration (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $14,310 ($6,006 below state average for private schools)

Lewis is a Catholic University founded in 1932, but it has more than kept up with the times by building out one of the best private computer and math sciences programs in the midwest. With a student to faculty ratio of only 13:1, students in the MSIS program can expect a lot of interaction with instructors. The school also has a very practical approach to career development, ensuring that you are prepared to take the CISSP exam by the time you graduate.

Lewis offers two concentrations to the MSIS master’s degree:

  • Technical- Focuses on hands-on security implementation and technical details of implementing and enforcing cybersecurity policy.
  • Management- Prepares students for security management positions with lessons on governance, control, and design.

You also have the option of taking an MBA at the same time in a dual-degree program, a formidable option if you are interested in top management level positions or running your own cybersecurity company.

 

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Computer

Computer Systems Security (Online, Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $12,139 ($10,753 below state average for private schools)

At CTU, the Computer Systems Security Concentration builds on the MSCS to provide a distinct focus on systems security and the opportunity to gain competencies in security policy, monitoring and managing computer systems security, and implementing security measures. We love the flexibility that this program affords students, as course delivery is available at the university’s Colorado Springs and Aurora campuses, as well as through a fully online format.

The program continues to receive national recognition for its online programs, too—for the third year in a row, its MS in Computer Science online degree programs earned top ranking by U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Programs of 2017. It’s still a winner in 2024, easily earning a spot on our list.

 

Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Concentration (Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Management Information Systems

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management Concentration (Online/Campus)

 

NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas:

  • Network Security Engineering
  • Security Policy Development and Compliance

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $18,373 ($3,606 above state average for private schools)

NSU received its designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education in 2008 and has developed a curriculum for its MSIS degree to cover two focus areas, in Network Security Engineering and Security Policy Development and Compliance. This provides students with a broad range of security skills, from the strategic implications to the nuts and bolts configuration that goes into creating a secure network. Dedicated students can move through the program in as little as 12 months, but the school also supports working professionals with more flexible scheduling that can allow them to work through the program over the course of 24 months instead.

The school also has a cybersecurity concentration available for its computer science master’s degree. NSU also offers a unique cybersecurity management concentration as part of the master’s in management information systems, a management-focused degree that offers graduates a formidable combination of skills in both MIS and cybersecurity for executive career paths.

 

Saint Leo University

Donald R. Tapia School of Business, Center for Cybersecurity Education
Saint Leo, Florida
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online, Hybrid)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $9,630 ($5,136 below state average for private schools)

If you’re looking for a faith-based university with a long legacy that has also managed to set the pace in the ever-evolving world of information security, it pays to consider Saint Leo, the largest Catholic business school in the United States. There are no shortage of perks when it comes to earning your grad degree in cybersecurity at SLU, including its many support services, and facilities that include state-of-the-art cybersecurity and cyberforensics labs.

The faculty here are actively making important contributions to research in the field in vitally important areas like database security, mobile security, network security, and cryptography. Saint Leo is known for keeping tuition affordable and offering an exceptional value. You’d be hard pressed to find another school that provides grad students with so much at such a reasonable rate.

 

University of the Cumberlands

Department of Information Technology
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Systems Security

(Online)

Master of Science in Digital Forensics

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $5,670 (Same as state average for private schools)

The University of the Cumberlands is one of only three universities in Kentucky that hold the distinction of being designated NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). The MSIS degree there maps to the CAE standards but is also aligned with the CISSP certification requirements, one of the most respected and sought after industry certs. This means you graduate prepared to sit the CISSP exam once you have accumulated the required work experience. Conversely, if you already hold a CISSP or one of three other widely recognized professional certifications (the CISM, GIAC Information, and GISP), you may be allowed to count it towards certain courses in the required curriculum.

The university’s goal is to prepare graduate students for upper-level positions in the information security field. The online program wins plaudits for bringing students from the virtual cohort together into a cohesive class unit.

 

Davenport University

College of Technology
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science Information Assurance and Cyber Security

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Security Concentration (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $12,942 ($6,514 below state average for private schools)

Davenport University focuses on producing graduates with strong technical qualifications. To that end, applicants to the MSIA program who do not already have professional certifications or qualifying undergraduate courses in their transcripts have the opportunity to take the foundational courses in programming and cryptography they need to get up to speed as a part of their degree.

But Davenport is also well-known for its business school, a proclivity that shows up in the MSIA program offered here. Students get a holistic view of security as an important element of organizational focus, with extra helpings of business continuity and information assurance that go beyond the cops-and-robbers aspects of computer security and to the heart of securing customer and proprietary info while ensuring business operations go on uninterrupted.

 

Bellevue University

Department of Science and Information Technology
Bellevue, Nebraska
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

Security Concentration (Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Management Information Systems

Concentration in Cybersecurity OR Information Security Management (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $9,810 (Same as state average for private schools)

Since its founding in 1966, Bellevue University has focused on adult education and educational outreach. Even today, most graduates are over the age of 25, which makes BU a good place to find cohorts of professionals who are back in school to boost their careers after a period of time in the trenches. This can make a big difference in the tone and tenor of classes, where real-world experience is recognized for being able to instill practical, realistic lessons in cybersecurity.

The BU master’s program even offers an accelerated cohort option that allows you to blow through the degree program in 6 sessions of two classes each. If you have at least five years experience in IT or professional certifications and at least three years of experience, this can put an advanced degree in your hands inside of 36 weeks.

With additional security concentration options in both the MIS and Computer Science master’s program, Bellevue offers choices for any cybersecurity career path out there.

 

Mercy College

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Dobbs Ferry, Maryland
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $15,156 ($9,784 below state average for private schools)

Mercy College provides students with the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to graduate studies in cybersecurity. Not only is their 18-month MS in Cybersecurity offered through an online, hybrid, or on-campus format, they also offer a combination BS/MS program for ambitious undergrads that can be completed in just 5 years.

Your graduate education in cybersecurity is complemented and supported by the Mercy College Cybersecurity Center, which facilitates research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in New York. The faculty have earned their stripes and bring real-world experience to the students here. For example, Dr. Zhixiong Chen, cybersecurity professor, worked at the IBM TJ Watson Research Center and the IBM Pittsburgh Research Lab for six years before joining Mercy College.

 

Drexel University

College of Computing and Informatics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $32,184 ($4,811 below state average for private schools)

Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics is a relatively recent addition at the university, but it brings together three different consistently top-ranked departments at the school: the old iSchool College of Information Science and Technology, the Department of Computer Science, and the Department of Computing and Security Technology. Putting all the programs together under one roof has given the college a shot in the arm, bringing together faculty expertise in every specialty. This makes Drexel’s cybersecurity program one of the best in the country, and one that aligns with multiple industries, from healthcare to finance to the military.

The online learning systems are some of the best out there and remote scholars can be assured they will receive the same excellent education as on-site students.

 

Hampton University

Department of Computer Science
Hampton, Virginia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Assurance

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Information Assurance and Cyber Security specialization (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $10,776 ($3,072 below state average for private schools)

Hampton’s MSIA program goes for a broad-based education in information assurance, preparing graduates for a career in any aspect of cybersecurity from the deeply technical to the strategic or policy-based.

The private university is well-known as one of the great historically black universities in America, with the great Booker T. Washington having attended. Even with a legacy that goes back to the post-Civil War era, Hampton has been among the schools setting the pace in Virginia when it comes to computer science. Hampton is also the alma mater of Mary Jackson, the NASA engineer made famous in the book and movie Hidden Figures. The school continues to have strong ties to the space agency, with guest speakers coming in to lecture students in the science departments. The school also has other strong collegiate and corporate partnerships, with many internship opportunities for MSIA students to gain valuable real world experience.

 

Norfolk State University

Department of Computer Science
Norfolk, Virginia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Information Assurance Emphasis (Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $7,148 ($1,675 below state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $17,784 ($4,759 below state average for public schools)

NSU is situated near Naval Station Norfolk, a major base responsible for supporting Naval operations across three oceans. This means a lot of cybersecurity work in communications and intelligence at a school with close ties to the intelligence community. Graduate students are well-represented on the list of past winners of National Security Certificate Awards.

To ensure plenty of contact between students and instructors, most courses have 20 students or fewer. Grad students often have the opportunity to travel to industry conferences and professional symposiums or job fairs around the country while they are enrolled in the program.

In addition to it’s CAE-CDE relationship with DHS and the NSA, NSU has numerous affiliations with cybersecurity-related organizations, including:

  • SANS Information Security Training
  • INFUSED Institute
  • EC-Council
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NSU has also entered into a collaboration with VMASC, the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center to create a Center of Excellence in Cyber Security to focus on modeling, simulation, and analysis. Students have the opportunity to participate in sophisticated modeling and analytical efforts that help them gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind and methods used to prevent sophisticated cyber attacks.

 

City University of Seattle

Department of Computer and Information Systems
Seattle, Washington
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Security

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $13,914 (Same as state average for private schools)

City University is an affordable option for cybersecurity students that doesn’t compromise on quality. Admission requirements are also quite minimal, with only a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required to enter the master’s program. Accessibility is a watchword for CU, both in terms of making coursework available online, and when it comes to allowing as many qualified candidates as possible into their programs. This makes CU a great choice for non-traditional students or anyone from a non-technical background looking to get into cybersecurity.

CU has specialty concentrations available in:

  • Cyber Security Environment
  • Information Security Audit

Partnerships with major corporations such as Boeing, Alaska Airlines, and US Bank give students practical, real world environments in which to learn and hone their skills.

 

National University

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
La Jolla, California
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $11,232 (Same as state average for private schools)

National University got its start in 1972 as a non-traditional university designed to provide in-demand degree programs to working adults. This has been a continuing focus for the school and makes the cybersecurity master’s program here an excellent option for students who are already working in the industry but want to boost their career prospects with an advanced degree. The flexibility in the online MS-CSIA course reflects this accommodation for working students, putting all course materials online 24-7 so you can do your work when you can get to it.

The NU MS-CSIA degree offers two specialty tracks:

  • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  • Information Assurance and Security Policy

Like many cybersecurity master’s degrees, one of these is more hands-on and technically focused while the other is aimed more at management and analysis roles. Unlike many of those other programs, however, selecting a specialization at NU is mandatory.

 

University of Delaware

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Newark, Delaware
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $30,960 (Same as state average for public schools)

The University of Dallas provides a truly flexible grad degree in cybersecurity. You can complete this program either online or on campus, with or without a thesis, and with a focus on secure software, secure systems, security analytics, and security management.

Complete your master’s degree in cybersecurity here and you’ll be part of the university’s Cybersecurity Initiative, a hub of research, education, and workforce training and development in cybersecurity. Partnerships cultivated here include government, private, and academic organizations, such as the U.S. Army, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and the Bank of America, among many others.

 

Wilmington University

College of Technology
New Castle, Delaware
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $8,190 (Same as state average for private schools)

Wilmington University might have the most affordable CAE-CDE designated cybersecurity master’s program on the East Coast. Although the online program will enroll students from anywhere in the world, the faculty and student connections that come with attending a school located along the I-95 corridor between Washington D.C. and New York can offer invaluable networking opportunities to graduate students on campus.

The MSC program has a strong set of core requirements in information assurance and the technical and policy aspects of cybersecurity, but it also offers two specialty concentrations that you won’t find offered at any other master’s program in the country today:

  • Cyber Terrorism Concentration – Covers risk management and cyber aspects of global terrorism
  • SCADA Cybersecurity Concentration – Covers industrial control systems and architecture

Wilmington is well ahead of the curve in offering these options, both of which are sure to be hot topics in the coming decades.

 

University of West Florida

Department of Computer Science
Pensacola, Florida
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $7,088 ($1,073 below state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $22,166 ($265 below state average for public schools)

A fully online course delivery ensures convenience and accessibility for students with professional obligations or geographical limitations. Still, you can be sure UWF carefully designed the grad program to ensure that it prepares graduates for everything the real world might throw at them by facilitating a seamless transition into the information assurance field with lots of hands-on experience.

The innovative “Shrinking the Campus” initiative, which has resulted in smaller student cohorts, is just one example of how UWF puts students and learning first. This program has resulted in better student retention rates and a stronger sense of community.

 

Middle Georgia State University

School of Information Technology
Macon, Georgia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Technology

Information Security and Digital Forensics Concentration (Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $4,680 (Same as state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $8,652 ($5,599 below state average for public schools)

With a razor-sharp focus on producing the next generation of cybersecurity experts, Middle Georgia State University offers an MS in Information Technology with an Information Security and Digital Forensics concentration with the full backing of the Middle Georgia State University Center for Cybersecurity Education and Applied Research.

The Center’s mission is simple: produce graduates who serve and enhance the region’s cybersecurity workforce. To augment technical skills, the degree focuses on leadership abilities, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to produce graduates who are prepared to take on leadership roles.

 

Capitol Technology University

School of Business and Information Sciences
Laurel, Maryland
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cyber and Information Security

(Online)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Network Security Specialization (Online)

Master of Science in Cyber Analytics

(Online)

Technical Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $10,530 ($19,940 below state average for private schools)

Capitol was one of the first schools in the country to receive a CAE-CDE designation in 2003 and their focus on information assurance and cybersecurity has been strong and consistent—they have successfully been redesigned twice, and their first doctoral degree offering was also in cybersecurity. A specialized technical MBA focused on cybersecurity provides a solid option for business-oriented security professionals to get an advanced credential in the field.

The location of the school, in the middle of the Baltimore/Washington technology and defense contractor corridor, puts it in the ideal place to draw faculty from some of the best real-world cybersecurity experts available. The networking opportunities for anyone looking to go into national security work are also superb; graduates have gone on to work at Northrup Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed, the NSA, DIA, and McDonnell Douglas. The school is consistently ranked as among the most military-friendly in the country for its efforts to accommodate veterans to the program.

Five different specialized labs give students an ability to zoom in on the nuts and bolts of various cybersecurity practice areas:

  • Cyber Lab – Education and outreach
  • Digital Forensics Lab – Malware and antivirus evaluation and research
  • Identity, Credentialing, and Access Management Lab – Security controls testing and evaluation
  • Secure Wireless Lab – Mobile device security testing
  • Fusion Lab – Faculty and students from various departments combined problem solving efforts

 

Walden University

School of Information Systems and Technology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Concentration

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $12,844 ($841 below state average for private schools)

For more than 45 years, Walden University has been nationally recognized for its high-quality online programs, and the Master of Science in Information Technology is no exception. Students of this graduate program enjoy convenient, online course delivery that is supplemented with practical, hands-on experience via virtual labs. The engaging learning environment afforded to students here is led by world class faculty who are active in the field and well versed in the legal, ethical, professional, and social implications of technology.

 

Excelsior College

School of Business and Technology
Albany, New York
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $9,675 ($15,507 below state average for private schools)

Excelsior College is well-known for generous policies when it comes to accepting transfer credits, which make this school an excellent choice for any applicant who already has some credit hours under their belt. Aimed from the start toward educating working adults, Excelsior’s online programs have flexible options designed to fit the schedules of career professionals who are extending their education. The school is noted for how it accommodates students who are active-duty service members. Courses at Excelsior also help prepare graduates for industry certifications such as the CISSP.

The Excelsior MSC offers three available specialty concentrations:

  • Information Assurance
  • Medical Data Security
  • Policy Administration

The virtual Excelsior College Cybersecurity Club is another positive aspect of the program. The club participates in cybersecurity competitions and promotes cybersecurity education.

 

Utica College

Department of Information Technology
Utica, New York
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cyber Security

(Online)

Master of Professional Studies in Cyber Policy and Risk Analysis

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $17,483 ($7,339 below state average for private schools)

Utica’s Department of Information Technology prides itself on maintaining a dynamic curriculum that adapts to the current state of affairs in cybersecurity. That’s one reason the college has five different specialty concentrations available for cybersecurity master’s students:

  • Intelligence
  • Computer Forensics
  • Cyber Operations
  • Electronic Crime
  • Malware Analysis

It’s also the motivation behind the related MPS in Cyber Policy and Risk Analysis, an excellent choice if you are heading into management or planning for a career in cybersecurity specifically.

A partnership with CompTIA, the authority behind the wildly in-demand Security + certification, puts you on a path to be ready to take the test, something that would make you very employable as soon as you graduate. Utica is also designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the EC-Council, another popular certifying body. It has partnerships with more than a dozen other security bodies that provide both real-world expertise and excellent networking opportunities, including:

  • CyberWatch
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Information Institute (AFRL/RI)
  • Consortium of Digital Forensics Specialists (CDFS)
  • International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA)

 

Our Lady of the Lake University

Computer Information Systems and Security Department
San Antonio, Texas
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Systems and Security

(Online)

Information Assurance and Security Graduate Certificate

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $15,390 ($13,438 below state average for private schools)

Our Lady of the Lake University prepares cybersecurity grad students to hit the ground running in the public or private sector through either a master’s degree in Information Systems and Security and Information Assurance or a Security Graduate Certificate. Both programs are offered in a fully online format. The school puts a degree in cybersecurity within reach for people from diverse fields by accepting new students into the MS program even without an undergraduate in a STEM field. These students can complete the Cyber Security Boot Camp, an online, six-credit-hour program as a way to prepare for their grad degree.

While the programs are delivered via distance education platform, Our Lady of the Lake places a decided focus on student support, with instructors making themselves available for consultations throughout the program.

 

Champlain College

Champlain College Online Department
Burlington, Vermont
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Security Operations

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: ($1,318 below state average for private schools)

You don’t have to actually relocate to frigid, snowy Burlington to take advantage of the excellent MS in Information Security Operations offered by Champlain College. The program offered at Champlain is one of the few in the country that attempt to balance the tactical and strategic aspects of information security operations to produce well-rounded graduates capable of handling everything from securing a firewall to designing information access policies for major corporations.

This flexibility can also be seen in the fact that Champlain offers six different start dates each year, and no set structure for class meeting times. This means you can build the program around your existing schedule. Motivated students can complete the master’s in as little as 20 months.

 

East Carolina University

College of Engineering and Technology
Greenville, North Carolina
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Network Technology, Information Security Concentration

(Online/Campus)

Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $4,656 ($171 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $17,547 ($240 above state average for public schools)

The Master of Science in Network Technology is part of East Carolina University’s Professional Science Master’s programs, aimed at helping grad students develop workplace skills while providing the advanced training needed to be an asset to employers in government or industry.

While completing the practicum, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside mentors in the field. The program partners with businesses to see to it graduates are prepared with the skills needed to design, deploy and mange security protocols necessary to protect vital information and communication infrastructure. Few programs out there place as much emphasis on career readiness.

 

Pace University

Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
New York, New York
Website

Degrees

Master of Science in Internet Technology

Cybersecurity Concentration (Online)

Master of Science in Computer Science

Network Security Concentration (Campus)

Master of Science in Information Systems

Security and Information Assurance Career Path (Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $28,680 ($3,498 above state average for private schools)

Pace University does not offer a specialized cybersecurity master’s degree, but it does provide network security, information assurance, or cybersecurity concentrations or career paths in three different CS or IT master’s programs. Because the school is designated as a CAE-CDE by the joint DHS/NSA program, that gives those credentials a little extra heft when they’re being evaluated by potential employers.

Because there are three different degree options open, this also offers you an opportunity to customize your selection on the basis of the career path you are planning to follow. A Computer Science masters will put you on the right track for a programming or system design career in cybersecurity, while an MSIT will prepare you for network security and cybersecurity analysis.

The Computer Science and Information Systems master’s program are only available on campus, in either New York City or Westchester, while the MSIT is currently available only online.

 

Jacksonville State University

Department of Mathematical, Computing, and Information Sciences
Jacksonville, Alabama
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Computer Systems and Software Design

Information Security Assurance (Online/Hybrid)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $8,904 ($120 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $17,808 ($2,568 below state average for public schools)

As a graduate student of the Master of Science in Computer Systems and Software Design at Jacksonville State University, you’ll benefit from the university’s extensive education and research network. For example, this program was born out of the Mathematical, Computing and Information Science Department, which also established the Center for Information Security and Assurance (CISA).

The CISA is the epicenter for research and education in computer and network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and information security management (among others) and is supported by the university’s other specialized laboratories, including the Critical Infrastructure Security and Assessment Laboratory, which contributes to critical infrastructure security and assessment research.

 

Augusta University

James M. Hull College of Business
Augusta, Georgia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Security Management

(Hybrid/Campus)

Cyber Defender Certificate

Advanced Cyber Defender Certificate

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $5,144 ($458 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $17,544 ($3,293 above state average for public schools)

Ideally situated in the growing hub for cyber innovation, there is no better place in the southern U.S to prepare for a career in cybersecurity than Augusta University. Pursue your graduate education in cybersecurity here and you’ll be part of the brand-new Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, a world-class cyber range and training facility that also houses the new Augusta University Cyber Institute. This $50 million, 150,000-square-foot investment will be a statewide hub for cyber research and education. What’s more is that the university’s cybersecurity grad programs are housed within the James M. Hull College of Business, recognized among the top business schools in America.

 

University of Maryland University College

Department of Cybersecurity
Largo, Maryland
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology

(Online/Hybrid)

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy

(Online/Hybrid)

Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation

(Online/Hybrid)

Master of Science in Information Technology, Information Assurance

(Online/Hybrid)

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management and Policy

(Online/Hybrid)

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology

(Online/Hybrid)

Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance

(Online/Hybrid)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $8,244 ($208 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $11,862 ($2,174 below state average for public schools)

The University of Maryland University College’s Department of Cybersecurity offers a wide array of grad degree programs in cybersecurity, producing graduates who go on to work in Maryland’s vast cybersecurity network, which includes 12 military installations, more than 400 federal, academic, and private research centers, and more than 50 federal agencies.

Maryland is also home to arguably the largest lair in cybersecurity: The Department of Defense’s Cyber Command. As a grad student here, you can also become involved in the university’s globally recognized cybersecurity competition team: The UMUC Cyber Padawans, which consists of students and faculty who participate in forensics, computer network defense, and penetration testing with employers like eBay, Verizon, PNC Bank, Lucent Technologies, and the National Security Agency.

 

University of Dallas

Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business
Dallas, Texas
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

MBA with Cybersecurity concentration

(Online/Campus)

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

(Online/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $30,200 ($1,371 above state average for private schools

If you want to complete your grad degree in cybersecurity through a nationally recognized liberal arts college, then the University of Dallas should be on your radar. This institution has been recognized in the 2017-18 Colleges of Distinction Guidebook for the eighth consecutive year among nearly 400 of America’s best liberal arts institutions.

The College of Business at the University of Dallas focuses on a real-world cybersecurity education for the working professional. The intensive graduate program here follows a trimester system that includes fall, spring, and summer classes. They also offer intermester classes that are held two evenings a week and Saturdays for three to four weeks.

 

Norwich University

Northfield, Vermont
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

(Online)

 

NSA/DHS CAE-CD Focus Areas:

  • Computer Forensic Investigation/Incident Response Team Management
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Crime
  • Cyber Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace
  • Project Management
  • Vulnerability Management

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $17,073 ($1,318 above state average for private schools)

Students of Norwich University’s Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance enjoy a number of unique benefits: Classroom experiences are enhanced with information security and assurance projects offered through a partnership with NBCUniversal…the program is delivered through a flexible, online platform…and four start dates each year (March, June, September, and December) allow students to start the program when it’s most convenient for them. Plus, the cutting-edge content is delivered by faculty who are leaders in their field. For example, George Silowash, Associate Program Director of Academics, is not only Chief Information Security Officer for the university, but he also held the role of cybersecurity threat and incident analyst at the Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University before arriving at the university and spent more than a decade in the information technology field.

 

James Madison University

College of Integrated Science and Engineering
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Computer Science

Information Security Concentration (Online)

Master of Business Administration in Information Security

(Hybrid)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $9,648 ($825 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $26,688 ($4,145 above state average for public schools)

Complete a master’s degree in information security through James Madison University and you’ll benefit from this university’s long-standing reputation for excellence. In fact, it was one of the original seven universities to receive the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation.

Online course delivery options, enhanced by small class sizes and state-of-the-art, remotely accessible cyber security labs, make graduate study in cybersecurity here a sure bet. Plus, the MBA in Information Security boasts a unique hybrid (blended) course delivery format and is supported by partnerships with Booz Allen and the National Defense University

 

University of Louisville

Department of Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Louisville, Kentucky
Website

CAE-CDE

Graduate Certificate in Network and Information Security Graduate Certificate

(Online/Campus)

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

(Online)

Graduate Certificate in Network and Information Security Graduate Certificate

(Online/Campus)

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:

  • In-State: $12,246 ($1,119 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $25,486 ($5,048 above state average for public schools)

The University of Louisville’s Graduate Certificate in Network and Information Security offers online delivery, along with support through the CyberSecurity Lab, a premier research center in computer and network security, forensics, and biometrics.

The university’s education and research efforts continue to grow, thanks to a $580,000 federal grant awarded by the National Security Agency to expand cybersecurity education. The university will use this grant money to bolster cybersecurity curricula, create virtualized training environments, and fill the skills gap in the cybersecurity workforce. Plus, the Graduate Certificate in Network and Information Security is part of the Louisville Cyber Security Initiative, a center for collaboration in cybersecurity across a number of disciplines.

 

University of Detroit Mercy

Department of Computer and Information Systems
Detroit, Michigan
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Assurance, Cybersecurity

(Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $27,666 ($8,210 above state average for private schools)

The University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Science in Information Assurance – Cybersecurity provides a fully online course of study that can be completed in just one year. Courses within this program provide cutting-edge inquiry into areas like ethical hacking, digital forensics, incident response, and software and system assurance, among others, while expert faculty bring their real-world experiences to the classroom. For example, Daniel Shoemaker, one of the program’s instructors, is one of the authors of the National Software Assurance Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) developed for the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Fordham University

Department of Computer and Information Science
Bronx, New York
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

Master of Science in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity specialization

(Online/Hybrid/Campus)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year: $32,160 ($6,978 above state average for private schools)

Fordham’s graduate offerings in cybersecurity boast the best in flexibility, featuring a combination of weekend, evening, online, and hybrid courses. These programs are enhanced and supported by the university’s Fordham Center for Cybersecurity, an interdisciplinary hub for education, research, and training.

Small class sizes here ensure close collaboration between faculty and students, and state-of-the-art research labs provide plenty of opportunities for extensive, hands-on experiences.

 

Pennsylvania State University

College of Information Sciences and Technology AND World Campus Department
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website

CAE-CDE

Master of Science in Information Sciences and Technology

(Online/Campus)

PhD in Information Sciences and Technology

(Online/Campus)

Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (Online)

Master of Professional studies in Homeland Security

With an option in Information Security and Forensics (Online)

 

Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year

  • In-State: $19,964 ($3,740 above state average for public schools)
  • Out-of-State: $34,266 ($8,016 above state average for public schools)

Penn State University is among the nation’s top universities, although its College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has garnered particular attention in recent years, thanks to the influx of funding for research initiatives in the areas of systems and software security, cloud computing and cyber forensics, among others.

Earn a graduate degree through the College of IST and you’ll have access to valuable partnerships the university maintains with select government agencies that encourage the exchange of data and information to support research and student internships. Current partnerships include the National Security Agency, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Office of Naval Research, and the National Science Foundation, to name just a few.

Program Assessment Metrics

These 50 schools are listed in descending order based on the points awarded using the scoring system below. But it’s important to mention that in the elite class of NSA/DHS CAE-designated schools, there is no universal measure for which program is best. Different schools offer different focus areas and degree options that align with specific career paths, whether in law enforcement and investigations, the software development life cycle, or in specific industries like telecommunications or healthcare. Some have a management and policy focus. Others have more robust research programs. Others, still, are deeply technical and grounded in computer science and engineering. Grad students are going to weigh the various aspects of these programs differently based on their individual needs and goals. This list represents the 50 schools offering online programs that we feel every prospective cybersecurity grad student should consider.

Specialty Options and Research Designation – 80 Possible Points

  • Offers NSA/DHS-Approved Focus Areas (three or more) – 40 points
  • Offers NSA/DHS-Approved Focus Areas (two) – 20 points
  • Offers One NSA/DHS-Approved Focus Area (one) – 15 points
  • Additionally Holds CAE-R Designation – 40 points

Cost and Affordability – 20 Possible Points

  • Same or Below State Average for Category (State or Private) – 20 points
  • Within 10% Above Average for Category (State or Private) – 10 points
  • Above 10% but Within 20% of Average for Category (State or Private) – 5 points

(For state schools, only in-state tuition was considered in scoring.)

Bonus Points

  • Additionally holds CAE-CO Designation – 30 points
  • Offers More Than One NSA/DHS-Recognized Focus Area – 5 points for each focus area above 3
  • Online + Hybrid + Campus – 10 points
  • Online + Campus – 5 points
  • Online Only OR Hybrid only – 2.5 points