2023 Best Online Master's Programs in Cybersecurity

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance requiring the completion of 34 credit hours or competency units. The online program's pace is dictated by the student, with most full-time students graduating within 22 months.

All online courses at WGU are delivered through an internal learning management system. Classes are taken one at a time, online and asynchronously. This graduate degree focuses on advanced topics in cloud security, penetration testing, and enterprise architecture design, among other vital areas. Students have the option of earning several professional certificates during the program as well. The core class requirements are Governance, Risk, and Compliance; Secure Network Design; and Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering. Additionally, students must complete a capstone project. Job opportunities include cybersecurity managers, directors of information technology, and IT auditors.

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 51 credit hours. There are five areas of focus: (1) analysis, (2) assured autonomy, (3) networks, (4) systems, and (5) independent study. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years.

JHU uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees entirely online and choose between synchronous and asynchronous formats. The core curriculum explores the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques while teaching students to assess threats, provide protection recommendations, and ethically hack systems. Required classes include Data Structures, Computer Organization, and Foundations of Algorithms. Students are also required to complete a capstone or research project. Graduates can explore careers in information security, and risk management and compliance.

The University of Phoenix is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that requires 39 credit hours. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time.

At the University of Phoenix, students use Blackboard Ultra for remote courses taken once every six weeks, completed entirely online, and delivered asynchronously. This program teaches how to investigate threats, decrypt network keys, develop secure software, and manage security risks. Students will take seven core courses: Advanced Cybersecurity, Secure Software Development, and Threat Intelligence, among others. Before graduation, students must demonstrate skills with a capstone project. Career options include network security analysts, information security officers, and systems analysts.

Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity with three concentration options: Information Security, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Policy. This degree requires 32 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in approximately two years. GT notes that this program is designed to be taken at a part-time pace, with graduation expected within two to three years.

Students use Canvas as its primary learning management system, where they can complete courses 100% online and asynchronously, with occasional synchronous group project meetings. The curriculum develops risk assessment and awareness, data protection comprehension, and investigatory skills. Among the required classes are Introduction to Information Security; Information Security Policies and Strategies; and Secure Computer Systems. A five-credit practicum is also required. Career opportunities may be available in systems security at government agencies, academic institutions, and commercial or industrial facilities.

Purdue Global (PG) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management requiring 60 credit hours. There are seven concentrations available: (1) blockchain technologies and apps, (2) data analytics, (3) enterprise architecture systems, (4) Amazon web services cloud technologies, (5) critical infrastructure security, (6) project management; and (7) secure software development and quality assurance. Students studying on a full-time schedule can complete this degree online in around two years.

Students at PG use the Brightspace learning management system to access their courses, which are online and primarily asynchronous. The curriculum highlights security protocol development, implementation, and evaluation, preparing graduates to lead data protection efforts. Required courses include Ethical Hacking and Network Defense; Platforms, Applications, and Data Security; Computer Forensics and Investigations; and a capstone project. Graduates may earn career opportunities as computer and information systems managers, computer network architects, and database administrators.

George Washington University (GWU) is a private university offering an online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management that requires 36 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this online master's degree in as few as 16 months.

Students at GWU use the Blackboard learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online on flexible schedules. The core curriculum was designed in partnership with government, military, and law enforcement agencies to explore issues in cyberspace alongside forensic tactics, cybersecurity technologies, and incident response techniques. There are required courses, such as Network Security, Cyber Investigation, and Digital Forensics, as well as a capstone project. Graduates may earn career opportunities as risk management specialists, cyber risk analysts, and cybersecurity engineers.

GWU also offers a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics, which takes a STEM-based approach that focuses on practical learning.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology requiring the completion of 30 credit hours. Students can graduate in as few as 15 months while studying full time.

Coursework at UMGC is delivered through the LEO learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online through asynchronous course delivery. This multidisciplinary program will enable students to develop soft leadership and team-building skills while sharpening their understanding of cybersecurity attack, exploitation, and mitigation methodologies. The core requirements include Cyberspace and Cybersecurity Foundations, Prevention of Cyber Attack Methodologies, and Digital Forensics Technology and Practices. Additionally, students must complete a capstone. Students may find roles in information security, cybersecurity analysis, and cybersecurity consulting.

American Public University System (APUS) is a private institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. Students graduate from similar programs in approximately two years while studying full time.

All online courses at APUS are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system, allowing students to study 100% online and asynchronously. During this degree, online students learn how to prevent cyber attacks on a large scale, including the latest technologies, tools, and procedures used by the public and private sectors. Core requirements include the following classes: Security Risk Management, Advanced Cybercrime Analysis, and Information Assurance. Additionally, all students must complete a six-credit capstone project in order to graduate. Students may be hired as cybersecurity specialists, cybercrime investigators, and information managers.

National University (NU) is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 59 graduate units. Specializations include ethical hacking and pen testing as well as enterprise cybersecurity management. In general, full-time students complete similar programs in two years.

Students at NU use the Brightspace learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and in four-week sessions. The curriculum stimulates technical and managerial skills through practical experience in building information systems infrastructure. There are required courses — such as Cybersecurity Technology, Cloud Security, and Cybersecurity Toolkit Utilization — as well as a final project. Graduates may gain employment as network engineers, systems administrators, and IT auditors.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private institution featuring an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management requiring 30 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately one year for full-time students. However, master's degrees are typically completed in two years.

At NSU, students use Canvas as their learning management system. Courses are delivered entirely online and mostly asynchronous, with some live video sessions. The core curriculum for this program teaches students the skills needed to manage risk within organizations. Students will engage in case study analysis to learn how to respond to cybersecurity threats and develop policies to protect valuable data. Here are three examples of required courses: Information Systems Project Management, Human-Computer Interaction, and Information Security Governance. Students must complete a three-credit final project to meet all graduation requirements. Career opportunities include chief information security officers, information security engineers, and cybersecurity analysts.

Regent University Online (RU) is a private Christian university that offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Concentrations include cybersecurity practitioner, management, and policy. This online master's degree requires 30 credit hours, which can generally be completed in two years while studying full time.

The primary learning platform RU students use for their coursework is Canvas. Classes are completed 100% online and asynchronously. This curriculum emphasizes cybersecurity defense strategies, network security, disaster recovery, and identity management. Among the required credits are classes such as Cybersecurity Ethics, Information Security Management, and Cybersecurity Compliance, all taught through a Christian worldview. Jobs for graduates may be available as network and systems administrators, computer programmers, and digital forensics engineers.

Saint Leo University Online (SLU) is a private institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring the completion of 30 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time.

All online courses at SLU are delivered through the Desire2Learn management system. This software allows students to study entirely online, with most courses offered in a live, synchronous format. This online graduate degree teaches students data protection strategies for organizations and national infrastructure. Research is also a significant curriculum component, with students engaging in internships and practical research projects. Database Security, Cybersecurity Risk Management, and Advanced Penetration Testing classes are among the core requirements. Internships are considered optional electives beyond the core requirements. Graduates with this master's degree are often qualified for jobs as information security analysts, quality assurance analysts, and computer network architects.

Drexel University is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that requires 45 credits. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time.

At Drexel, students use Blackboard for remote courses completed online and on a flexible study schedule. This program begins with a theoretical foundation before advancing into business-related skills building and technical training. Core classes include Principles of Cybersecurity, Security Engineering, and Information Policy and Ethics. Elective courses are available in three areas: Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; and Information Science. Graduates may explore roles as security analysts, network security engineers, and information security managers.

Wilmington University (WU) is a private institution featuring an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that totals 36 credit hours. Concentrations include cyber terrorism and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) cybersecurity. The typical completion time for master's degrees is approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

At WU, students use Canvas as their learning management system, with courses delivered 100% online. The core curriculum explores cyber counter-attack principles related to investigations, forensics, intelligence, infrastructure preservation, and counter espionage. Here are three examples of required courses: Protecting and Securing the OS, Cyberthreat Intelligence, and Network Security. Students must also complete a capstone project and research seminar. Career opportunities include security management specialists, information security analysts, and network and computer systems administrators.

Indiana University - Bloomington (IU) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management that requires 30 credit hours. This degree can be completed in approximately two years while studying full time. IU allows up to five years to graduate for part-time students.

At IU, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online and asynchronously. There are no course sequences to follow, allowing students to plan their schedules — although some courses may be available only on campus. This curriculum focuses on three main areas of study: technical cybersecurity, information technology risk management, and cybersecurity law and policy. Required classes include IT Risk Management, Security for Networked Systems, and Information Privacy. A hands-on practicum and capstone project are also required. Graduates may explore roles at local government and schools.

Georgetown University (GU) is a private institution with an online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management requiring 33 credit hours. Students can study part time or full time, with completion times ranging from two to five years.

GU uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on an asynchronous schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum explores robust security systems development while examining the ethics, laws, and compliance policies that drive the industry's best practices. Required classes include Information Security, Cybersecurity Governance Frameworks, and Information Security Laws and Regulatory Compliance. Students are also required to do a capstone. Career paths include information security managers, cybersecurity administrators, and chief information security officers.

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that requires 30 credit hours. Concentrations are available in data security, national security, security management, and software and systems security. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time.

At UWF, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. This program features practical learning experiences through UWF Cyber Range, a virtualized computing system where students learn how to prevent, manage, analyze, and address cybersecurity issues. Required classes include Advanced Legal, Ethical, and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity; Cybersecurity Principles; and Seminar in Cybersecurity. A research seminar is also required. Graduates may explore roles as network administrators, information security analysts, and database administrators.

Northeastern University Global Network hosts an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity as a part of Northeastern University (NU). Students may choose a concentration in criminology. This program requires 32 semester hours, which can be completed in two to three years on a full-time schedule.

NU students use Canvas as its primary learning management system, where they complete 100% online, flexible coursework. The curriculum features computer science fundamentals, object-oriented design, and additional mathematics, algorithms, and computer systems courses. Required classes include Foundations of Information Assurance, Applied Cryptography, and Network Security Practices. Students are also required to complete a collaborative capstone project. Career opportunities may be available in government and military agencies, technology corporations, and telecommunications companies.

The University of South Florida Online (USF) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 30 credit hours. The optional National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) certificate adds nine credits. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years.

USF uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online. The core curriculum covers various disciplines to protect data loss and prevent cyber attacks, including securing computer systems, networks, and infrastructure. Required classes include Data Network Systems and Security, Advances in Object Oriented Programming for IT, and Cryptography and Data Security. Students are also required to complete cybersecurity training via a practicum. Graduates may find work in network security design, software security, and cyberphysical systems security.

USF offers similar programs through the Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Cybercrime.

The University of Arizona (UA) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring the completion of 33 credit hours. There are two tracks available: (1) information systems and (2) physical systems. Typically, master's students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time.

All online courses at UA are delivered through EDGE Learning. This learning management system allows students to study completely online and mostly asynchronously. This degree teaches how to manage security systems and prevent intrusions at the individual, corporate, national, and international levels. Along the way, students can earn an Enterprise Security Certificate. Core requirements include Data Mining for Business Intelligence; Systems Cyber Security Engineering; and Information Security in Public and Private Sectors. Capstones are required for the information security track. Graduates of similar programs are hired as information managers, security analysts, and IT security specialists.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU) is a private institution with an online Master of Aviation Cybersecurity requiring the completion of 30 credit hours. Full-time students can finish in one year, while part-time students may take up to two years to graduate.

All online courses at ERAU are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study entirely online while taking classes in any order they choose. This degree is an aerospace- and aviation-focused curriculum that covers various technologies used by the industries, ranging from in-flight entertainment systems to supply chains. The core requirements are foundational courses in aviation operations and management, followed by a broad exploration of cyber threats and risk mitigation. Coursework includes Foundations of Aviation Cybersecurity, Security Engineering and Management, and Cybersecurity Applications in Space. Students may be hired as aviation operations directors, cybersecurity officers, and cybersecurity strategists.

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university that hosts an online Master of Business Administration - Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Policy. Graduation requirements state that students must complete 33 credit hours, which can be done in one to two years on a full-time schedule.

Online students at UWA use Blackboard to complete their coursework, delivered entirely online. Outside of the core business, accounting, and marketing courses, students gain a professional understanding of cybersecurity issues at organizational and societal levels. Required courses include Cybersecurity Organizational Policy and Management Issues; Software and Systems Reliability and Safety; and Globalism, Cybersecurity, and Cybercrime. Students must also complete a final project and thesis in cybersecurity, cybercrime, and policy. Graduates may find employment as cyber risk analysts, information security policy analysts, and cybersecurity risk managers.

Villanova University (VU) is a private university with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 30 credits, with concentrations in policy, systems, and operations. Most students study part time and graduate in three years. Full-time schedules are also available.

VU students use Blackboard as its primary learning management system, where they complete courses 100% online. Classes can be taken synchronously through live discussions in the evening or asynchronously through recorded lectures. The curriculum covers threat detection and defense, cryptography applications, and ethical hacking, among other areas. Required classes include Control Systems Security, Secure Software Development, and Trusted Computing. The thesis option adds independent study and research courses. Graduates of similar programs find employment as cyber risk analysts, information security analysts, and IT security specialists.

Bellevue University (BU) is a private university that offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 36 credit hours. Generally, full-time students complete a master's degree in two years.

The Blackboard is the primary learning platform where BU students complete their coursework, which is 100% online and on a flexible schedule. This program is approved by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for providing a curriculum based on developing research and managerial skills alongside a strategic understanding of risk mitigation and security responses. Required classes include Ethical Hacking and Response; Security Architecture and Design; and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity. Graduates of similar programs enter careers as cybercrime investigators, penetration testers, and risk analysts.

Syracuse University (SU) is a private university with an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This degree requires 30 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately 15 months.

SU students use Blackboard as their primary learning management system. Courses are completed 100% online through synchronous classes in a collaborative virtual environment. Operating systems and algorithm analysis make up the foundation of the curriculum, while electives explore machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, and cryptography. Required classes include Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Principles of Operating Systems, and Computer Security. Career opportunities may be available as information security analysts, cybersecurity consultants, and cryptographers.

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public university offering an online Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity requiring 36 credit hours. Full-time students can graduate in one to two years.

Students at CMU use the Blackboard learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. The curriculum includes a business core focused on building management skills in the global market, followed by the cybersecurity concentration which explores the technical and legal skills needed to mitigate and prevent data loss. Students can choose from courses such as Cybersecurity Analysis; Advanced Cybersecurity, Systems, and Network; Governance, Risk, and Compliance in Cybersecurity. Graduates may earn career opportunities as information managers, cybersecurity consultants, and chief information officers.

Webster University is a private institution featuring an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 39 credit hours. Concentrations are available in data analytics and artificial intelligence. The typical completion time for master's degrees is approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

At Webster, students use Canvas as their learning management system. Courses are delivered entirely online through an asynchronous modality. The cybersecurity core explores technical theories and methodologies related to software and forensic analysis, social engineering, and information systems. Here are three examples of required courses: Cybersecurity Infrastructures, Cybersecurity Threat Detection, and Cybersecurity Forensics. Students must also complete practical research projects.

Webster also offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Operations and a Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity. Career opportunities for all programs include cybercrime investigators, information managers, and security analysts.

Excelsior University is a private institution featuring an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity requiring 30 credit hours. Students may focus their studies on information assurance or opt for a general concentration. The typical completion time for master's degrees is approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

At Excelsior, students use Canvas as their learning management system to deliver online and asynchronous courses. The core curriculum for this program teaches students the skills needed to protect against cyber crimes through an understanding of operational processes, risk management, software security, and defense technologies. There's also a focus on soft skills to prepare graduates for career advancement. Here are three examples of required courses: Strategic Talent Management, Ethical Leadership, and Information Assurance. Students must also complete a capstone. Career opportunities include chief information security officers, penetration testers, and senior security analysts.

Pennsylvania State University (PSU) is a public university that offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations requiring 33 credits. PSU notes that while it's possible to graduate on a part-time schedule in two years, it typically takes students two years to finish their master's requirements on a full-time schedule.

The primary learning platform PSU students use for their coursework is Canvas, which is completed 100% online. The key areas of this program are incident response, crisis management, technology, and strategic planning. In addition to the master's credential, students can earn an Information Systems Cybersecurity graduate certificate through shared program courses. Some required classes include Foundations of Software Security, Cybersecurity Analytics, and Cybersecurity Project Management. Students can choose whether to finish their degree with a capstone project or research paper. Jobs for graduates may be available as cybersecurity project managers, information systems directors, and intelligence analysts.