Deciding to get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime can be overwhelming due to the cost, time commitment, and commute. Some of the best online cyber crime master’s degrees, however, allow online students to get the knowledge, skills, and expertise that come from a graduate program while gaining the hands-on experience that cyber security career paths can offer.
To take the guesswork out of choosing the best online graduate degree, we’ve outlined and described each online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime in our top ten list. Plus, we’ve sourced the best high-paying cyber crime master’s degree jobs for you to help you navigate the professional and graduate world of cyber security and cyber crime.
Where Can I Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Online?
You can get a cyber crime master’s degree online from many institutions, such as Arizona State University, Liberty University, University of South Florida, Drexel University, and Southern New Hampshire University.
What Schools Offer the Best Cyber Crime Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University Online
- Boston University Metropolitan College
- Drexel University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Liberty University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime consist of submitting official academic records, letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, a resume, and taking graduate tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Graduate programs do have some specific requirements that can vary based on the school or program of study. For example, you may have to submit a portfolio or prove a certain undergraduate GPA for institutions with a lower acceptance rate. However, academic records, an essay, and exam scores are typically required for all graduate program applicants.
Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Submit your academic records, proving you have a bachelor’s degree
- Submit any required testing, such as your GRE score
- Provide your current resume
- Submit letters of recommendation, generally two or three
- Submit a personal essay or statement of purpose
How to Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Online
The best way to get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime online is by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements, such as completing a minimum of 30 credit hours within the necessary classes and having a 3.0 GPA. Below, we will outline some common degree requirements for an online cyber crime master’s degree.
Cyber Crime Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 30 credit hours
- All graduate classes must be completed with a B or higher grade or a GPA of 3.0
- Complete classes focused on cyber crime, cyber forensics, and cyber security
- Complete classes on criminal justice and law enforcement
- Complete classes focused on information technology
Best Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security – Cybersecurity Policy and Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University Metropolitan College | Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Liberty University | Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Cybercrime Investigation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Michigan State University | Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Cybersecurity | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Stevenson University Online | Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics | Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities |
| University of Detroit Mercy | Master of Science in Cybercrime | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Rhode Island | Master of Professional Science in Cyber Security | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of South Florida | Master of Science in Cybercrime | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Cyber Crime: Top Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs
Below, we have listed the best schools for online cyber crime master’s degree programs. We have also included the average tuition, graduation rate, and a breakdown of each degree so that you can find the graduate program that is best for you.
What Is an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
An online cyber crime master’s degree is a program that spans the fields of forensic investigation, information technology, and cyber security. Students take all the required courses online after completing a bachelor’s degree or after having related professional experience in the field of cyber criminology.
An online cyber crime master’s degree could cover courses or areas of study such as cyber operations, cloud security, forensics programs and procedures, forensic psychology, and cloud computing.
Online vs In-Person Cyber Crime Degrees
The main differences between an online and in-person Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime include the learning formats such as time, cost, scheduling flexibility, and facilities. Deciding between an online vs an in-person cyber crime degree can be difficult, but most schools teach the same curriculum in both their online and in-person degree formats, and the degree you receive will be at the same level.
Online and in-person cyber crime degrees both offer students the opportunity to participate in forensics programs while continuing their education. Below, we’ve listed the benefits of each, starting with the online program.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime
- It is usually cheaper than on-campus programs. Tuition fees for online education are generally cheaper than their online counterparts, letting you bag a postgraduate degree on a budget.
- It has a pace that will suit you. Learning at a college or university can feel overwhelming. That’s why online classes can be taken at a pace and a schedule that fits you.
- It is flexible. Learning and working are a difficult combination for any professional, but online master’s degrees are so flexible that many students earn them while still working full-time in public or private sectors.
- No commute is needed. Going back and forth from an apartment or dorm and finding parking can eat up valuable time in your day and become expensive. Online degrees can be obtained from the comfort of your own home, a coffee shop, or a library.
- It has engaging online classes. The core courses of any cyber crime degree involve solving and preventing cyber threats. An online class format allows for students to engage with the material and learn hands-on ways to combat cyber security threats.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime
- Access to campus resources. An in-person degree allows students to take advantage of resources like libraries, gyms, cafeterias, or guest lectures all in one place.
- Highly structured. In-person classes are generally more structured than online classes and set class times, breakdown of material, and homework deadlines give students less to manage on their own.
- Opportunities to meet with professors. With available office hours and the ability to answer questions immediately, professors are a great advantage for students.
- Networking opportunities with peers. Studying alone may work for some, but for others, getting a study group together is a big advantage. Above the graduate level, your peers also can form a complex network of professionals to help you achieve your best.
- Access to workshops and working professionals. Attending university on campus means you’ll be able to attend any networking events or workshops the university is holding, and connect with professionals in real life.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Cyber Crime?
There are several types of online master’s degrees in cyber crime, including a Master of Science, Master of Arts, or a professional science master’s degree (PSM). These all confer the same level of award, but they have differences in curriculum and teaching methods.
A Master of Science degree is the most common type of cyber crime master’s degree, and it focuses on the practical and scientific aspects of the topic, often requiring a thesis at the end. A Master of Arts focuses on theory, seminars, and discussion. Meanwhile, a professional science master’s degree is aimed at practical professionals and usually involves work experience.
Is It Better to Get a Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree in Cyber Crime?
It is better to get a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime rather than a doctorate because a master’s is almost always required to obtain a doctorate. Doctorates are generally pursued by those with many years of prior industry experience, master’s degrees, and those wanting to teach in their chosen field.
Doctorates are great options for researchers wanting to advance in the field of cyber security. Cyber security is a combination of information technology, forensic science, and criminal justice. Master’s degrees in any of those fields, plus many years of on-the-job experience, can pave the way for students to obtain a doctorate degree in cyber security later on in their career.
How Much Does a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Cost?
A cyber crime master’s degree costs around $19,314, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This cost varies depending on the type of institution you attend and how many credits you take. For instance, a graduate degree at a public university costs an average of $12,000, while attending a private, non-profit institution can cost almost $28,000.
Regardless, many companies provide financial incentives for employees attending a master’s program, or they participate in partner programs with specific schools to get students into the workforce. Options like these help reduce the cost of a master’s program further.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Online?
It generally takes two years to obtain an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime. Depending on the course load, semester length, or the type of undergraduate degree you have, the time it takes to get an online cyber crime master’s degree can be less than a year or between three and seven years, on the extreme ends.
The type of undergraduate degree you obtained can have an impact on what classes need to be taken. If a student obtained a very thorough cyber security degree as an undergraduate or has industry experience, course credits could be transferred in place of certain classes for some schools.
Are Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degrees Respected?
Yes, online cyber crime master’s degrees are respected by many reputable agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security. Also, the nature of a cyber crime degree is structured in a way that lends itself to online learning more than many other degrees.
Is Cyber Crime Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, online cyber crime is hard to learn, but, in some ways, the online format makes studying this advanced degree easier for online students than for on-campus students. The online format allows for students to get hands-on experience in a virtual work environment, similar to what students will encounter in the professional world.
Cyber Security Bootcamp vs Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online cyber crime master’s degree is better if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject and you would like to significantly advance your knowledge and boost your earning potential. Meanwhile, a cyber security bootcamp is better if you would like a quicker, cheaper overview of cyber security without specialized cyber crime topics.
We’ll now elaborate on the benefits of each learning format below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree
- Specialized cyber crime topics. While a cyber security bootcamp covers core elements of cyber security, a cyber crime master’s degree teaches both cyber crime and cyber security topics in-depth. It usually has criminal justice courses, too.
- Boosted earning potential. With a cyber crime master’s degree, you can secure higher-paying jobs than you would as a bootcamp graduate without working your way up from an entry-level position.
- Access to more careers. Many cyber crime careers require applicants to at least have a bachelor’s degree. However, some will require a postgraduate degree, as well.
- In-depth courses. A cyber security bootcamp doesn’t have time to cover the breadth of topics that a cyber crime master’s degree does, and it doesn’t go nearly as in-depth. In a master’s degree, you’ll learn criminal justice theory and other academic topics, plus some elective courses.
- University support. When studying a cyber crime master’s degree program, you’ll have access to online university services, like career services and financial aid services. You’ll also have access to a network of professors and students.
Top 5 Benefits of a Cyber Security Bootcamp
- Shorter learning duration. A cyber security bootcamp will usually take a maximum of 26 weeks to complete, compared to the two years that are often required to complete a master’s degree program.
- Practical cyber security classes. Cyber security bootcamps are geared toward the employment of students, so they’re packed with practical, up-to-date classes to help students learn sought-after cyber security skills.
- Usually cheaper. The most expensive bootcamps usually reach around $15,000 for the full course. This is still cheaper than the average cost of a master’s degree, which is around $18,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
- Hands-on projects. Due to the practical nature of cyber security bootcamps, students will spend most of their time working on practical, hands-on projects, both as individuals and as part of a team. This makes the curriculum more engaging.
- Access to career services. The best cyber security bootcamps come with career services to help graduates find jobs after graduation. Some even come with a job guarantee, meaning your tuition is refunded if you don’t find a job within a certain length of time.
Why You Should Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Online
You should get a cyber crime master’s degree online because the format helps students with busy schedules work in an environment that will be similar to the environment of many cyber crime and cyber security workplaces. Online degrees allow for flexibility, learning using software, and obtaining a degree while working in the professional world.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Cyber Crime?
Courses you take in an online master’s degree program in cyber crime may cover criminal justice, cyber security, cyber forensic evidence collection, federal government investigations and operations, and cyber counter-terrorism.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice courses are half of the foundation of all cyber crime master’s degree programs. The basics of criminal justice form the backbone of criminology. Courses like forensic psychology, criminal behavior, and criminal justice ethics could all be covered in cyber crime programs.
Cyber Security
Cyber security forms the second half of the foundation of cyber crime master’s degree programs. Cyber security focuses on the information technology field and can consist of classes on topics like cloud computing, operating systems, and mobile device security.
Cyber Forensic Evidence Collection
In traditional forensic investigations, the convictions are based on evidence. Cyber crimes are no different, even if the techniques are. Classes on cyber forensic evidence collection can consist of learning the techniques for tracking, decrypting, and cataloging evidence that can be found on electronic devices.
Federal Government Investigations and Operations
Many of the schools on our list have training programs that meet standards for various government organizations. Federal and local investigations can be vastly different from one another, and classes like these help prepare graduate students to meet the challenges that federal agencies have to offer.
Cyber Counter-Terrorism
Many online cyber crime master’s degree programs contain courses on advanced concepts like cyber-counter-terrorism. Courses like this can cover concepts like hacking, threat assessment, national security protocols, and infrastructure security.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Graduates
Continuing education paths for online cyber crime master’s degree graduates include certifications, pursuing a doctorate, or attending a local or federal law enforcement academy.
Certifications can generally be obtained in addition to a master’s degree program, doctorates are generally required if you are pursuing a role as a professor, and The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) maintains a list of accredited law enforcement institutions in the US.
Related Online Cyber Crime Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best cyber crime master’s degree programs are accreditation, curricular content, and additional training options, among other aspects. The best programs usually also have courses in the areas of cyber security, cyber crime, cyber forensics, and criminal justice. Below, we’ll focus on five qualities you should look for in a cyber crime program.
Criminal Justice Programs
Criminal justice programs should make up about half of the curriculum of an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime. Attending a high-quality and reputable criminal justice school is paramount to understanding the law enforcement and criminal aspects of this degree.
Focus on Cyberforensics or Investigations
Many degree programs focus on cyber security instead of cyber forensics, but cyber forensics and investigation classes are just as important as cyber security classes. Find a school that doesn’t dismiss one or the other.
Recognition by Law Enforcement Agencies
Both federal and local law enforcement agencies recognize certain schools and can accept graduates from those schools. Law enforcement agencies can have partnership programs to help students get started with a career in law enforcement and investigations, all in one place.
Focus on Cyber Security
Like cyber forensics, cyber security is an important part of a cyber crime degree. All of the schools on our list offer classes in cyber security. Classes related to hacking, cloud security, and database management are all aspects that cyber security courses cover.
Additional Certification Options
Many schools offer additional certifications on top of a cyber crime master’s degree. Many agencies and companies have a list of preferred qualifications and additional certifications that a university can help you obtain before, during, and after graduation.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online cyber crime master’s degree program is from the University of South Florida, which has a tuition rate of $431.43 per credit hour for state residents. For a 30-credit program, this would place the full tuition at $12,942.90. Tuition costs are significantly more for out-of-state students, however.
Can I Get a Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Online for Free?
Unfortunately, you cannot get a free online cyber crime master’s degree. Because master’s degrees are a more advanced program and the options for obtaining one are more limited. Depending on the school, scholarships may be available to reduce the cost for some students, which could make your degree free in certain circumstances.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Graduates
When a student graduates from an online cyber crime master’s degree program, the career possibilities are endless. Jobs with local law enforcement, federal agencies, the military, private security, and international agencies are available, thanks to university connections, master’s program internships, and a bolstered resume.
Let’s check out some high-paying jobs for master’s degree graduates below.
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 upon graduation since cyber crime is a growing threat in our current world. For example, many local and state police departments are responding to this rise in crime by hiring those with master’s degrees or experience at an increasing rate of seven percent, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Cyber crime master’s degrees also prepare students for the workforce by partnering with companies to offer internships, giving them access to industry connections, and teaching them cyber security skills that employers desire. Also, the university will usually have career services that can help students improve their resumes, find job openings, and prepare for interviews.
What’s the Average Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime is $89,000 per year, according to PayScale. This can vary because salaries tend to be different in the public or private sector.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online cyber crime master’s degree are FBI agent, detective, or private investigator. You can also get a position in cyber security, but the most common job is as part of a local police force.
Cyber Crime Degree Jobs
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
- Information Security Analyst
- Police or Detective (Federal & State)
- Police or Detective (Local)
- Private Detective or Investigator
Potential Careers With an Online Cyber Crime Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree?
You can make between $53,320 and $114,040 per year with an online cyber crime master’s degree. Most jobs you can obtain with an online cyber crime master’s degree also offer benefits packages that can include retirement plans, health insurance, and life insurance.
Below, we’ll discover five high-paying jobs you could bag with a Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, detailing the job outlook and the highest-paying states for each position.
Highest-Paying Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent | $114,040 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Police or Detective (Federal and State) | $93,970 |
| Police or Detective (Local) | $66,020 |
| Private Detective or Investigator | $59,380 |
Best Jobs for Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Grads
The best online cyber crime master’s degree jobs all are focused on investigating crimes committed using technology. Whether you work as an FBI agent, information security analyst, US Marshal or state trooper, member of the local police, or private investigator, cyber crime jobs are all about helping to solve modern-day criminal issues.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online cyber crime master’s degree is absolutely worth it for graduate students. If you already have a degree in a related field like computer science, criminal justice, or previous experience in law enforcement, an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime can absolutely be the right choice on your career path.
With an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime, the possibilities are only limited by your desires. Many local law enforcement departments could use your knowledge and skills. On the other hand, the private sector can lead to a safe and rewarding career. No matter what path you choose, an online cyber crime master’s degree is a great choice for graduate students.
Additional Reading About Cyber Crime
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Online Cyber Crime Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, a Masters in Cyber Crime is absolutely worth it for students who want a career in criminal justice, fraud detection, or cyber security. There are many jobs that cyber crime professionals can obtain that are rewarding and fulfilling.
The best degree for cyber crime is an online Master’s Degree in Cyber Crime. A degree like this can help graduate students obtain a job with the FBI, local law enforcement, or state agencies.
Yes, it can be difficult to obtain a Masters in Cyber Crime or Cyber Security. Both degrees require at least 30 credit hours and include classes in law enforcement, programming, computing, and forensics. With dedication, however, a Masters Degree in Cyber Crime or Cyber Security can be obtained in under a year.
No, cyber security is not hard if you have the proper training. An online Masters in Cyber Crime can help give you the knowledge and skills to achieve your career goals. Cyber security can be challenging, but it can also be one of the most rewarding careers out there.
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.
