The internet has made the world a global village, along with it came cyber threats, hackers, and cyber terrorists exploiting people, companies, and even government institutions. As a result, those who want to combat cyber crime opt for cyber crime degrees. If this interests you, you may want to learn about the best cyber crime master’s degrees.
If you’re considering earning a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, this article will provide you with comprehensive information on everything you need to know. It will also feature cyber crime master’s degree jobs you can look forward to after graduation and the salary potential and job growth expectation for careers in this field.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
Some of the best schools to get a master’s degree in cyber crime include Michigan State University, University of Findlay, Liberty University, and the University of Arizona. These schools have respected accreditations, broad student services, and prestige in the field of cyber crime and cyber security.
What Schools Offer the Best Cyber Crime Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Boston University
- Liberty University
- Michigan State University
- University of Findlay
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime require a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, and a completed application form. You will also be asked for a personal statement that tells the institution why you want to obtain a degree, letters of recommendation, an academic resume, and official college transcripts.
The GPA requirement for admission may vary depending on the institution you are applying to, but most institutions accept a minimum of 3.0 GPA for a master’s degree program. Many schools now require students to take standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT, and some institutions may interview for assessment.
Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study
- A completed application form
- Personal Statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic resume
- Official college transcripts
How to Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree
You can get a cyber crime master’s degree by fulfilling all graduation requirements. Below, you will find details on how many credits you need for a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime and the degree requirements to get the necessary skills for a successful career in cyber security.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
You need around 30-33 credit hours and a graduate thesis for a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime. Some institutions may demand up to 48 credit hours for their program. To earn the minimum number of credits, graduate students must pass foundation courses, cyber security courses, elective courses, and a capstone project or master’s thesis.
Cyber Crime Degree Requirements
- 11 credits of general core requirements
- 16 credits of degree core courses
- 3 credits of electives
- Capstone project
Best Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force Institute of Technology | Master’s Degree in Cyber Operations | Higher Learning Commission |
| Arizona State University | MS Computer Science (Cybersecurity) | Higher Learning Commission |
| Atlantis University | Master of Science in Cyber Security | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Boston University | MS in Criminal Justice, Cyber Crime Investigation & Cybersecurity Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott | Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Liberty University | Master of Science in Cyber Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Michigan State University | Master of Science in Cyber Crime and Digital Investigation | Higher Learning Commission |
| Regent University | Master of Arts in National Security Studies – Cybersecurity Policy | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Findlay | Master’s Degree in Applied Security and Analytics | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Cyber Crime: Top Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs
If you want to get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, take a look at some of the best schools in the United States that offer a program in the field. Below is a comprehensive list of cyber crime programs you can choose from based on the curriculum, location, and financial considerations.
What Is a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
A cyber crime master’s degree is a graduate program for students who are interested in developing strategies to help prevent cyber threats with the digital investigation. With a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, students will develop technical and non-technical skills to aid in a career in cyber security.
A Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime takes an average of two years to complete depending on the university you choose. Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime will be equipped with knowledge in threat prevention, digital forensics, cyber security and analytics software, and ethical hacking.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
A Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime is important for those interested in preventing online threats in our digital age. From computers to mobile devices the cyber security field has never been more important.
As a graduate student with a cyber crime master’s degree, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills in a lucrative career such as network security, digital forensics, and cyber intelligence.
What Types of Degree Can You Get in Cyber Crime?
The types of degrees you can get in cyber crime include a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Crime, a Master of Science in Cyber Crime, and a PhD in Cyber Crime. These degree types put you on the path to a great career in cyber crime, and help stop cyber security threats.
With acceptable SAT scores and a high school diploma, you can qualify for a bachelor’s degree, you may also qualify for a cyber crime master’s degree if you reach the program’s minimum requirements. After your advanced degree, you may choose to continue your education with a doctoral degree.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
It is better to get a master’s degree in cyber crime. A master’s degree gives you a more advanced understanding of the topics and courses studied in your bachelor’s degree. With a master’s degree in cyber crime, you will learn specific skills in digital forensics, cyber security, and other security policies.
An undergraduate degree and a graduate degree can both lead to excellent educational and professional opportunities. However, earning a master’s degree may be beneficial if it corresponds with your personal goals and chosen profession.
What Is the Difference Between a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree and a Cyber Crime Certificate?
The difference between a cyber crime master’s degree and a cyber crime certificate is that a cyber crime master’s degree is a far more significant achievement that can lead to a doctorate. On the other hand, a cyber crime certificate provides useful skills and information about a subject field on a more basic level but does not lead to a degree.
A master’s degree takes one to two years to complete and provides students with a deeper comprehensive understanding of the specialization, whereas a cyber crime certificate takes less than a year to complete. Additionally, a master’s degree often requires 30 to 40 credit hours of coursework, whereas a graduate certificate requires 12 to 14 hours.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
The cost of a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime is on average between $565 and $1,940 per credit hour. Typically a program requires 30 to 36 credit hours, which puts the average cost of a cyber crime master’s degree between $17,000 and $70,000. Ultimately, it will depend on the school, financial aid options, and how long it takes you to complete your degree.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
It takes two years to get a cyber crime master’s degree. However, depending on the institution, it could take less than two years to complete the master’s program. Additionally, how long it takes to get a master’s degree will depend on the amount of credit hours, and if there is a required internship or final project.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
It is not very hard to get a master’s degree in cyber crime. Degrees in cyber crime are more demanding than non-research majors, such as humanities or business, but not as difficult as degrees in research or lab-intensive fields, such as science and engineering.
Why Should You Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
You should get a cyber crime master’s degree because it’s a lucrative field that is expanding and a graduate degree gives you hands-on experience, skills, and knowledge that can be applied to many careers. You’ll be able to work in risk management analysis, cyber security, digital forensics, and even for private sectors like the government.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Cyber Crime?
For a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, you will need to take courses related to that field of study. Some of those courses may include Cybersecurity Management, Network Security, and Cyber Intelligence. Students will also learn about digital forensics and cyber warfare. Below is a breakdown of what those courses may include.
Cybersecurity Management
This course helps students to understand the regulatory and legal issues that face organizations that experience cyber threats. Crisis planning and management, ethics, and a wide range of security-related subjects will be a part of this course.
Network Security
Network security is an important course in a cyber crime master’s degree because it assists students in leading network security teams. They will learn how to understand the most recent difficulties confronting security teams and the execution of security protocols.
Cyber Intelligence
The tracking, analyzing, and countering of digital security risks are all part of cyber intelligence. Students will learn about using modern information technology to combat digital threats aimed to steal private information such as hackers and viruses.
Digital Forensics
Digital forensics is used to reverse engineer cyber attacks and trace the threat back to its original source. The ability to comprehend and lead digital forensics teams is becoming increasingly important as cyber-attacks become more complex and originate from several sources.
Cyber Warfare
Cyber crime master’s degree students take this course to understand and learn how to prevent cyber warfare. Cyber warfare is a series of digital attacks that cause havoc on government and civilian infrastructure. It interrupts essential systems, causing state harm and even death. Students will be actively involved in learning how to recognize and stop these threats.
Continuing Education Paths for Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Graduates
Cyber crime master’s degree graduates may choose to further their education by obtaining a doctoral degree in cyber crime. They could also choose to get professional certifications in cyber crime studies to elevate their career and achieve career goals.
Related Cyber Crime Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs
The best things to look for in a cyber crime master’s degree program are accreditation, cost, student to faculty ratio, and graduation rate. Looking at the reputation of the school and program is also suggested.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important because signifies that a school has achieved outstanding student outcomes such as retention, graduation, and employment. It also helps students decide which universities are appropriate for enrollment, the merits of a program, and if there are transfer credits available.
Cost
When choosing a cyber crime master’s degree, an important factor to consider is cost. Obtaining a master’s degree can be quite costly, but it should be considered an investment for a future career. It’s advisable to choose a program according to your budget and look into if there are financial aid options available.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
In a master’s degree program a low student-to-faculty ratio is beneficial because it allows instructors to devote more time to students. Professors can better manage their students in smaller classes, providing time to interact with each student’s needs, and key concerns, and identify areas for growth.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates are important to look at when applying to schools for a master’s program. The rate shows if students completed their degrees on time. Generally, higher graduation rates mean more committed students, teachers, and all-around experience. It also gives you an idea of the overall quality of the school.
School Reputation
The reputation of a school is important because it signifies the institution’s perceived excellence, which influences prospective student decisions when choosing a school or a program. When choosing a cyber crime master’s degree program, it is pertinent to choose a program from a school that has a solid reputation for ensuring a great learning experience.
What Is the Most Affordable Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
The most affordable cyber crime master’s degree is the Master of Science in Cyber Security program at Liberty University. This program costs $545 per credit hour and requires students to complete a total of 30 credits before graduation. The program cost per credit multiplied by the total number of credits required for graduation is $19,620.
Salary and Job Outlook for Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Graduates
A cyber crime master’s degree prepares graduates to advance their careers investigating or responding to cyber crime in law enforcement, government, and private sectors. Once you have the technical skills and experience a job in cyber crime requires, there are many opportunities in the job market.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a cyber crime master’s degree. The number of jobs in this industry is expected to grow by more than 30 percent over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For entry-level candidates, most hiring managers put a priority on soft skills, with the majority of technical skills developed on the job.
What’s the Average Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Salary?
The average annual salary is around $90,000 for someone with a cyber crime master’s degree working in cyber security. Qualified professionals with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime are often guaranteed a high salary.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
The best cyber crime master’s degree jobs are in the private or local sectors, either independently or in a computer security company. Some of the best jobs in cyber crime are risk management analyst, chief security officer, and systems manager. You may also work as a security architect or as a cyber threat detection engineer.
Cyber Crime Degree Jobs
- Risk Management Analyst
- Chief Security Officer
- Systems Manager
- Security Architect
- Cyber Threat Detection Engineer
Potential Careers With a Cyber Crime Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime?
You can make between $97,855 and $166,069 with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime. There is room for advancement in your career if you are qualified for the job and willing to improve your technical skills. This could lead to a considerably larger salary.
Below is a table of the highest-paying cyber crime master’s degree jobs and salaries. You will also find a comprehensive description of these jobs, the number of jobs, and the states that pay the highest for these jobs.
Highest-Paying Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Information Security Officer | $166,069 |
| Cloud Security Architect | $160,000 |
| Computer Network Architects | $116,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | $103,590 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $97,855 |
Best Jobs for Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for cyber crime master’s degree graduates are chief information security officer, cloud security architect, computer network architect, information security analyst, or cyber security engineer. Below is a detailed analysis of these jobs.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in cyber crime is worth it because it provides you with the necessary skills to learn how to combat cyber crime. Some programs also give you the opportunity to specialize and branch into various career paths.
Most employers today look for a combination of education and experience, and while a master’s degree is not a requirement for all employees, the benefits of earning a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime include increased income, job stability, and job prospects.
Additional Reading About Cyber Crime
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Cyber Crime Master’s Degree FAQ
A cyber crime master’s degree can be more challenging than some other degrees. If this is an area that interests you, with dedication, perseverance, and time management it should be no more difficult than any other degree.
Yes, cyber crime jobs pay well. Annual salaries could range from $65,000 – $139,000. However, the median salary for a cyber crime professional is $92,000, according to PayScale.
The skill requirement for a cyber crime job includes an understanding of operating systems, cloud computing and networking, and network architecture. Other skills such as observation, assessment, and communication skills are also required for this job.
Yes, a job in cyber crime is fun. Many professionals find the work in cyber crime to be engaging and fast-paced. If you enjoy problem-solving and working on issues that matter, this is the right field for you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
