Top Online Cybersecurity Information Assurance Master's Degrees

The School of Information Systems and Management reports real value from technology. The program from this best college for cyber security requires a thorough understanding of the interactions with business processes and organizational culture. The School's curriculum integrates these disciplines into a comprehensive program of study.

Heinz College Is Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA and DHS.

The online MSIT: Information Security & Assurance program provides students a thorough understanding in areas such as:

• information assurance professionals
• security
• risk management
• data privacy

The University designed the curriculum for professionals from non-technical areas and professionals with technical backgrounds.

This best online cyber security degree makes use of expertise in security research, operations, and analysis from the prominent CERT Division of Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute. The CERT Division partners with industry, government, law enforcement, and academia to improve the security and resilience of computer systems and networks.

Credit requirements: Completion of 60 units of core courses and 84 units of elective coursework

Core courses for this cyber security degree online:

• Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
• Information Security Risk Management
• Intro to Information Security Management
• Network and Internet Security
• Privacy in the Digital Age
• Software and Security
• Telecommunications Management

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Students take the program on a part-time basis.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Candidates need to provide documentation of their completed undergraduate degree (a bachelor's degree or its equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation. They also must submit an essay.

Candidates must submit valid test results from either the GRE (General Test) or the GMAT from within the last five years. Applicants who obtained a prior graduate degree from a regionally-accredited university in a related field within the last 10 years can apply for a waiver of the GRE/GMAT requirement.

Of those 84 units required for the degree, students can have up to 12 units from an independent study related to the selected track and up to 24 units of transfer credit from previous graduate coursework.

Carnegie Mellon University has accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State is one of the top universities for cyber security. It includes seven research centers. The College's research centers, labs, and groups include national and international scholars who cover a wide range of research areas. This includes:

• the information society
• human-computer interaction
• information assurance
• cyber security

The online Master of Professional studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program incorporates real world business issues and simulations with coursework. Learn to manage systems that will protect sensitive information. The online degree program explores in-depth application of IT and business.

Students can also earn a certificate in information systems cybersecurity.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recognizes Penn State as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense.

Credit requirements: 33 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Network Management and Security
• Web Fundamentals
• Knowledge Management
• Information Security Management
• Intelligent Agents and Distributed Decision Making

Program length: Two years

Learning enrollment option: Part-time

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school and submit all prior official transcripts. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0.

The admissions team considers GRE scores but does not require them. Applicants must submit a professional resume with three references and a short essay.

Applicants may transfer up to nine graduate credits from an accredited institution.

Accreditation: Penn State University has accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State has one of the best cybersecurity masters programs. It provides an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Research focuses on five high-impact interdisciplinary areas:

• cyber infrastructure
• bioengineering
• energy infrastructure
• distributed sensing and decision making
• small-scale technologies

Iowa State University has one of the largest information assurance programs in the country. ISU is designated as a charter Center of Excellence in Information Assurance by the National Security Agency.

The online Master in Information Assurance covers information infrastructure and cyber security professionals. The program prepares students for system security specialist roles in:

• government
• private sector
• academia

Students may elect to complete a Master's thesis or a capstone course without a thesis.

Credit requirements: 30 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Advanced Computer Networking
• Computer Security
• Information warfare
• Cryptography
• Forensics

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Start dates: Beginning of each semester

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must submit all academic records and GPA. They must also submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a professional resume.

The program accepts up to six graduate transfer credits.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Iowa State University with accreditation.

James Madison University is one of the best online cyber security degrees. The Department of Computer Science provides students opportunities to study technological advances such as:

• cybersecurity and information security
• object-oriented software
• multimedia systems
• communication networks
• artificial intelligence

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recognize James Madison as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance.

The online Master's in Computer Science/Information Security program caters to students with prior professional experience or undergraduate study in the field. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and maintain secure modern information infrastructures and systems.

Students work on individual and team projects, participate in the weekly web-based classroom discussions, and log into our remotely accessible InfoSec labs to work on their projects including cyber defense exercises and computer forensics analysis.

Students in the online Master's in Computer Science/Information Security program receive certification in Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals and Information Systems Security Officers.

Credit requirements: 33 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Ethics, Law, and Policy in Cyberspace
• Operating Systems
• Information Security
• Secure Programming
• Networks and Network Security
• Secure Network Operations
• Cryptography: Algorithms and Applications
• Computer Forensics
• Advanced Network Security
• Thesis or two special topics in Information Security

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: Four to five semesters

Start dates: fall, spring, and summer with rolling admission

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Master in Computer Science/Information Security program must submit an online application along with unofficial undergraduate transcripts. The admissions team requires official transcripts upon acceptance into the program.

Candidates must submit a personal statement and professional resume. The admissions team recommends, but does not require, GRE scores.

Accreditation: James Madison University has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Oklahoma State University is one of the best cybersecurity universities in the nation. The Spears School of Business includes seven academic departments with over 100 tenure and tenure-track faculty.

The Spears School of Business offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The online Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree program provides a blend of technical and managerial measures through coursework and hands-on applications. This enables graduates to understand information assurance in business.

Credit requirements: 33 credit hours

Required core courses:

• Programming for Data Science and Analytics I
• Digital Transformation Strategy
• Predictive Analytics Technologies
• Scripting Essentials

Admissions and transfer credit information: Candidates must have a B.S. Degree (or soon to be completed) and submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of interest as to purpose in pursuing this degree, as well as a short statement of a possible research subject in the area (to assist in formulating a plan of study upon admittance).

The Higher Learning Commission provides Oklahoma State University with accreditation.

Norwich University is the oldest private military school in the United States and the birthplace of ROTC. It is one of the best online cybersecurity masters. Approximately two thirds of residential students join the University's Corps of Cadets. Norwich University has civilian residential and commuter students and an online graduate and continuing-education student body.

Students in the online Master's in Information Security and Assurance degree program develop business and management skills applicable to positions in the field.

The degree program includes five concentration options:

• Computer Forensics Investigation and Incident Response Management
• Cyber Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Cyber Crime, Project Management, and Vulnerability Management

The online Master's in Information Security and Assurance degree requires students to complete a one week-long on campus residency experience.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security recognize the program as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

Credit requirements: 36 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Foundations and Historical Underpinnings of Information Assurance
• Information Assurance Technology
• Human Factors and Managing Risk
• Information Assurance Management and Analytics

Program length: Averages18 months

Start dates: Four per year

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must submit all official transcripts from regionally or nationally accredited US institutions or its foreign equivalent.

Applicants must submit an online application form, professional resume, letter of intent, and one letter of recommendation from a professor or academic contact.

Accreditation: Norwich University received accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

FIT is one of the best cyber security colleges. The Harris Institute for Assured Information brings together computer science, psychology, biology and business disciplines in cutting-edge computer security research aimed at finding and solving problems.

The Harris Institute for Assured Information provides the 100 percent online Masters in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree. The program operates under partnership with global security leader Harris Corporation to meet the growing demand of cybersecurity experts.

Students gain knowledge of protecting and securing information from cyber intruders and recognizing threats and vulnerabilities through studying:

• complex attack models
• forensics
• operation processes cloud security
• biometric technology

The National Security Agency and the US Department of Homeland Security have designated the School as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance.

Credit requirements: 33 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Computer and Information Security
• Host and Application Security
• Secure Operating Systems
• Secure Data Communications and Networks
• Cryptography and Information Hiding

Program length: Two years

Admissions and transfer credit information:

Applicants to the online Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Master's degree program must submit the free online application. Additionally, applicants should complete and submit a transcript request form. The admission team does not require GRE/GMAT scores.

Applicants should contact their enrollment representative about transfer credit possibilities.

Accreditation: Florida Institute of Technology received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission

University College caters to the working professional student seeking to advance in their career. University College provides numerous career-focused degree programs available in the evenings and online.

The online Master's in Information and Communication Technology with a concentration in Information Systems Security is a best degree for cyber security. It provides technical skills graduates of the program can use regarding:

• security
• data breaches
• solutions

Students must complete four core courses, four concentration courses, and four elective courses.

The curriculum meets the standards of the Common Body of Knowledge for CISSP certification.

The Colorado Springs and Denver chapters of Information Security Systems Association contributed to the development of the concentration.

The NSA/DHS recognizes the program as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education.

Credit requirements: 48 credits

Selection of required courses:

• ICT Business Foundations
• ICT Technical Foundations
• Enterprise Architecture
• Web Enable Information Systems
• Principles of Information Security
• Computer and Physical Security

Students complete the program with a Capstone Project/Seminar.

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: As little as 18 months, students have up to five years to complete the program

Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must submit an application form in addition to a personal statement, professional resume, official transcripts from each post-secondary institution, and two references.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides the University of Denver with accreditation.

The College of Computer and Information Sciences at RU is one of the best online schools for cybersecurity. It provides flexible degree programs to students of all backgrounds. Students at the College gain knowledge about the impact of technology in an increasingly digital world. The College of Computer and Information Sciences provides undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Master of Science in Information Assurance online degree program provides students IT skills including:

• protecting delivery systems
• diagnosing security issues
• creating effective IT solutions

The curriculum of the program holds to the standards the Committee on National Security Systems set.

Students in the online Master's in Information Assurance degree program can choose from two specializations tailored for career tracks in cybersecurity and IA policy management. Upon graduation students may sit for the following industry exams: (ISC)2, Cisco, ISACA, and Electronic Commerce Council.

Credit requirements: 36 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Information Technology Concepts
• Enterprise Architecture
• Managing a Secure Enterprise
• Risk Management
• IT Research Methods

Start dates: Five per year

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must have three or more years of relevant work experience or have a bachelor's degree within the past two years in a relevant computer information sciences field. Additionally, applicants must submit a current resume and an admissions essay.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Regis University with accreditation.

Embry-Riddle Worldwide has one of the best online cyber security degrees. It provides an array of associate, bachelor and master degrees, as well as Ph.D. and certificate programs in multiple sectors.

The online Master in Information Security and Assurance program prepares individuals to develop, coordinate, and protect information and access management and knowledge resources.

The program utilizes three important perspectives:

• enterprise
• knowledge management
• quality management

Studying in cohorts allow students to form relationships with their classmates.

The online Master's degree in Information Security and Assurance program provides three specializations:

• protecting business intelligence
• information systems security
• information assurance in a global context

Credit requirements: 30 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Assured Business Systems: Managing and Protecting the Information Systems Enterprise
• Risk Management and Business Continuity
• Informatics: Security Implications of Cross-Disciplinary Computing
• Enterprise Systems Architectures for Information Assurance

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must apply online. Applicants must send all undergraduate transcripts directly to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or through an approved online transcript ordering service.

The program accepts graduate transfer credits and evaluates transfer applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Accreditation: Embry-Riddle received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

NSU is one of the best cybersecurity universities. The College of Engineering and Computing offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to a diverse student body. Non-traditional students have access to a variety of online learning options.

The online Master of Science in Information Assurance degree covers a variety of relevant topics including:

• cryptography
• security modules
• trusted computer systems
• security management policies

The curriculum meets industry needs through training students in the necessary skills and abilities of designing and analyzing network traffic and network security infrastructure engineering.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security certifies the program.

Credit requirements: 30 credit hours

Selection of required courses:

• Operating Systems
• Computer Networks
• Software Engineering
• Secure Computer Systems

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Learning enrollment options: Full-time or part-time

Program length: 12-24 months or 16-24 months

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Master of Science in Information Assurance degree program must submit an online application along with proof of a prior bachelor's degree in an appropriate major with at least a 2.5 GPA from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must submit all sealed official transcripts as well as a professional resume.

Accreditation: Nova Southeastern University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lewis University, a private, not-for-profit university, has one of the best online cyber security masters. It provides more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Lewis University combines a liberal arts focused education with practical and relevant professional education. Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition. It is sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

The online Master of Science in Information Security program provides students with the technical skills required for IT positions through analyzing, planning, and implementing computer security strategies. The program teaches students how to counteract cyber-attacks and address vulnerabilities as they evolve.

Students can choose between two concentrations: technical or management.

The best degree for cyber security prepares students to sit for the CISSP Certification Exam.

Credit requirements: 35-41 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Computer Organization
• Principles of Programming
• Data Networking
• Encryption and Authentication
• Network Forensics

Online instruction style: Both synchronous and asynchronous aspects

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Master of Science in Information Security degree program must submit an online application, along with all necessary transcripts. Students must also submit a professional resume and two recommendation forms.

The admissions team requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Lewis University with accreditation.

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The College of Science & Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University has one of the best cyber security programs. It provides an array undergraduate and graduate degrees and graduate certificates.

The online Master's in Information Assurance and Security degree program provides students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with utilizing and cultivating:

• information technology knowledge and methods of risk assessment
• disaster recovery plans financial information

Students learn to protect information resources and how to secure network systems.

Credit requirements: 36 credit hours

Selection of required courses:

• Database Systems
• Algorithm Design and Analysis
• Operating Systems
• Language and Compiler Design
• Software Engineering

Start dates: spring, summer, and fall

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security degree must submit an online application, as well as records of all schooling and employment information. Students must submit all official transcripts, official GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation.

Students must have undergraduate experience in a related technical field or appropriate professional experience.

Accreditation: Sam Houston State University received accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The School of Business and Leadership is a versatile division of the University. It offers undergraduate and graduate studies in the areas of:

• finance
• healthcare management
• cybersecurity
• marketing
• accounting

The Master's in Information Systems and Security online degree allows students to practice technology mastery as they take a hands-on learning application approach. Students learn about subject material including database management, system analysis, and more.

The University also provides Information assurance and security graduate certificates for non-degree seeking students.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security certifies the online Master's in Information Systems and Security degree.

Credit requirements: 30 semester hours

Selection of required courses:

• Database Management Systems
• Information Systems Development
• Telecommunications and Networking
• Information Systems Hardware and Software Platforms
• Special Topics in Information Systems

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: One year

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must provide proof of an undergraduate degree in a technical discipline or have successful completion of OLLU's Cyber Security Boot Camp.

Applicants must have an undergraduate score of at least 3.0 GPA and 3.2 in the major field of study with a satisfactory score on either the GRE or GMAT within five years. Applicants must submit all official transcripts.

Accreditation: Our Lady of the Lake University has accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The School of Business and Leadership has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Champlain College Online provides more than 60 degree and certificate programs, all 100 percent online.

The online Master's degree in Information Security Operations is tailored for the working professional It prepares students to identify risks and determine the appropriate lengths for risks while anticipating future attacks to protect enterprises and critical information.

The program covers topics such as:

• system compromise
• data loss
• malware attacks
• cyber warfare
• cybercrime

Credit requirements: 30 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Managing Risk in IT Organizations
• Game Theory
• Security Design and Architecture
• Threat and Vulnerability Analysis
• Operations Management
• War Games Capstone

Transfer credit information: Candidates for the online Master's degree in Information Security Operations must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA for admission. Candidates must submit a written essay as well as college transcripts of all college/universities attended.

Candidates must have at least two years technical experience. They must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. It is preferably with a focus in:

• information technology
• computer science
• cyber security
• similar discipline

Candidates without this specific degree, but currently working in IT, or an IT-related field are encouraged to apply, however they may have to complete some preparatory coursework, which may include completing an undergraduate professional certificate prior to enrolling in the degree program.

Applicants must submit a professional resume.

Accreditation: Champlain College received accreditation from New England Association of Schools and Colleges

University of the Cumberlands is a private, religious school. It offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The online Master's in Information Systems Security program meets the educational standards of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA). These entities recognize the University of the Cumberlands as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

The curriculum prepares students to sit for the CISSP certification exam.

Students in the online Master in Information Systems Security degree program gain essential skills of business and leadership. They also gain understanding in:

• information security risks
• assessments
• minimizing losses

Credit requirements: 31 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Access Control
• Telecommunications and Network Security
• Information Security and Risk Management
• Application Security
• Security Architecture and Design

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must submit all official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The admissions team looks for a previous minimum GPA of 2.5 or above. Students must also submit a professional resume. The Master's program accepts up to nine transfer credits from a previous graduate school.

Accreditation: University of the Cumberlands received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Davenport University, is a private, non-profit, university. DU provides associate, bachelor, and master degrees; diplomas; and post-grad certification programs.

The Master in Information Assurance and Cyber Security online degree focuses on the importance of building secure systems through risk management of organizational and individual information assets. The program builds on the importance of protecting confidentiality and integrity digital information.

The Department of Homeland Security has designated Davenport University as a Center of Academic Excellence in cyber defense education.

The online Master in Information Assurance and Cyber Security program provides hands-on, experiential learning.

With a CAE designation, students are eligible to receive candidacy for government career opportunities.

Credit requirements: 34 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Introduction to Programming
• Information Security and Assurance
• Cryptography
• Data Communications and Networks

Students must complete a Master's thesis.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must provide all undergraduate and high school transcript information.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Davenport University with accreditation.

The School of Communications and Information Systems focuses on:

• designing, delivering, and interpreting information
• safeguarding and improving the technology for sharing information

The School of Communications and Information Systems offers a comprehensive, Master's in Cyber Security and Information Assurance online degree. The degree program provides students with hands-on, relevant experience in the information systems field and utilizes the current standards of the field. Students gain an understanding of the issues related to information security professionals, to access control and the principles of good information security policies.

Credit requirements: 30 credits

Selection of required courses:

• Hardware and Operating Systems
• Enterprise Operating Systems
• Microcomputing Technology
• Database Management System

Admissions and transfer credit information: Candidates must submit all official undergraduate transcripts from all college and universities attended, as well as two current letters of recommendation and a current resume. Applicants must also submit a brief essay outlining goals for the program.

Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides Robert Morris University with accreditation.

The Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics offers undergraduate and graduate level programs.

The Master in Computer Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online degree program caters to all computer science and security professionals everywhere. The program provides a broad foundation in cybersecurity covering subjects such as:

• cyber warfare
• preventing attacks
• recovering compromised information

Professors encourage students to participate in the cybersecurity summit conference.

Students must complete 24 hours of core classes and six additional elective graduate courses.

The College also provides a six course certificate program.

Credit requirements: 30 semester hours, or 10 courses

Selection of required courses:

• Computer Security
• Cryptography and Network Security
• Computer and Network Forensics
• Ethics and Law in Information Security
• Wireless, Mobile, and Cloud Computing
• Development, Assessment, and Implementation of Information Security

Program length: Five semesters

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must provide proof of a bachelor's degree consisting of at least 18 hours of coursework in computer science. The admissions team looks for a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the relevant major or coursework.

Accreditation: Mississippi College has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

University of Maryland, University College offers a broad spectrum of degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

The online Master's in Information Technology degree with an Information Assurance concentration prepares students to sit for the CompTIA Security+ and the (ISC)2 Associate, SSCP, and CISSP certification exams. They can become cybersecurity experts.

Students gain first-hand experience with:

• cryptographic methods
• risk analysis
• firewalls
• virtual private networks
• intrusion/attack detection and prevention
• data management
• forensics
• cyberlaw
• software assurance
• protecting digital information

Professors emphasize team leadership and project management through group projects.

This program is a Professional Science Master's Degree. This program along with other UMUC cybersecurity programs have been designated as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense by NSA/DHS.

Credit requirements: 36 credits

Required core courses:

• Information Technology Foundations
• Computer Systems Architecture
• Information Systems Infrastructure
• Information Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design
• Information Technology Project Management

Specialization courses include:

• Foundations of Information Security and Assurance
• Network and Internet Security
• Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention
• Cryptology and Data Protection
• Computer Forensics
• The Law, Regulation and Ethics of Information Assurance

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: Up to five years

Start dates: fall, winter, and spring

Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must submit prior official transcripts showing the completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. The admissions team strongly recommends prior experience in the IT field.

The program accepts up to six transfer credits.

Accreditation: University of Maryland University College received accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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