In 2021, Microsoft recorded a cyber attack on its Exchange email servers. High-profile cyber security incidents like this one contribute to the need for information assurance professionals, in order to keep computer networks safe. To join this field, you should consider getting an online information assurance master’s degree.
If you want to be a cyber security expert, this is your chance to kickstart your dream career. This article discusses the best online Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. It also gives insight into specific information assurance master’s degree jobs and their associated salaries.
Where Can I Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get an information assurance master’s degree online are Norwich University, Regis University, Iowa State University, and Colorado Technical University. You can earn your Master’s Degree in Information Assurance from colleges and universities that offer science-related degrees in about two years.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Assurance Master’s Degrees?
- Norwich University
- Regis University
- Iowa State University
- Colorado Technical University
- Nova Southeastern University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online information assurance master’s degree are a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from previous institutions. Some schools may require professional experience and a minimum GPA score requirement.
In addition, you must have a strong background in science, technology, and engineering. Furthermore, if you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, you likely have the aptitude to pursue an information assurance graduate degree program.
Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject
- Official education transcripts
- Strong background in computer science
- Recommendation letters
- Minimum GPA requirement
How to Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Online
You will get your information assurance master’s degree online when you meet all the graduation requirements for your program, like completing a certain number of credits, taking the required courses, and maintaining an average GPA. The section below will address all the graduation requirements you must fulfill to earn your degree.
Information Assurance Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 30 approved semester credits
- Approximately 15 units for core courses
- Approximately 15 units of concentration courses
- Approximately three units for a capstone project
- Compulsory orientation to graduate studies
Best Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | Master of Science in Information Security Leadership | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Colorado Technical University | Master of Science in Management – Information Systems Security | Higher Learning Commission |
| Davenport University | Master of Science in Information Assurance – Cybersecurity | Higher Learning Commission |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Norwich University | Master of Science in Information Systems | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Nova Southeastern University | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Sam Houston State University | Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Master of Science in Information Technology: Information Assurance | Middle States Commission on Higher Commission |
| Western Governors University | Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Information Assurance: Top Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
The section below delves into 10 of the ultimate graduate schools and their online information assurance master’s degree programs. The list includes public and private universities, and we’ll explore their accreditation, tuition, and graduation rates. Furthermore, we will give a short overview of their academic program and admission requirements.
What Is an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
An online information assurance master’s degree is a postgraduate degree that merges cyber security and information technology for development in managerial and technical areas, such as policies, risk management, software system security, database security, and network security.
This field is essential because it affords you the knowledge to manage information-related risks. Key areas under this degree also include forensic science and management science. In addition, an average Master’s Degree in Information Systems usually takes two years to complete.
Online vs In-Person Information Assurance Degrees
Universities and colleges have adapted to meet the evolving demands of information assurance as a discipline. This has led to the switch to online classes for students who either can’t or don’t want to take conventional courses.
However, this doesn’t downplay the necessity of traditional in-person classes. Some students may be more comfortable learning in a classroom or laboratory. Neither learning format is better than the other, because both have their pros and cons. In the sections below, we’ll get into the benefits of online and in-person classes, respectively.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Information Assurance
- Reduced costs. Online learning provides many ways for students to save money on things like transportation and accommodation costs, textbooks, and other hard copy materials. Also, tuition costs may vary between virtual and in-person classes.
- Technical skills. As an online student, you get the chance to utilize digital learning materials, use new tools and educational software, and troubleshoot common issues. These skills will also put you ahead of your peers when seeking employment.
- Immediate feedback. Unlike in-person classes, where you have to wait days or weeks after exams, online learning offers immediate feedback. Here, students upload assignments for review, and they receive feedback soon after.
- Time management. Online learning comes in handy for students who try to juggle work, family, and school. The lack of in-person classroom time creates the flexibility for students to work with their schedules.
- Self-paced learning. Another benefit of online learning is that you have more control when deciding your schedule. You can revisit past material or stop the class to perform additional research, or organize your notes when learning online.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Information Assurance
- Socialization. Students get to meet different people from all over the world. This allows them to develop meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers. Thus, they can build their personality, which is essential once they enter the corporate world.
- Individualized attention. Face-to-face student-teacher communication provides greater clarity and understanding than communicating through learning apps or email.
- Increased concentration. Successful teaching demands focus and attention. In addition, a subject like a capstone project requires distraction-free learning environments with all the devices and latitude you need to dedicate yourself to the lesson.
- Internship opportunities. In-person learning affords the opportunity for in-person networking events with cyber security specialists, and possible internships with information assurance professionals.
- Hands-on learning. Some students are visual learners who learn best from participating in lab work and watching their teachers first-hand. In-person learning serves these students more than online learning.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Information Assurance?
The types of master’s degrees in information assurance are Master of Science in Information Systems Security, Master of Science in Cyber Security, and Master of Science in Information Assurance.
The Master of Science in Information Assurance is the most popular degree in information assurance and security, and it is also available at several state universities in the nation. In addition, what most employers seek in employees is a degree in information assurance because it covers both information assurance and cyber security.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science in Information Assurance or a Master of Science in Cyber Security?
A Master of Science in Information Assurance is better than a Master of Science in Cyber Security. This is because the former protects data in any form, such as client account information, financial information, or intellectual property, and it is the foundation for data security.
However, a Master of Science in Cyber Security will serve prospective students very well in this digital age where cyber security threats have increased critically. This increase in cyber attacks has led to many firms including information risk management in their overall risk management strategy.
How Much Does an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an information assurance master’s degree costs an average of $19,314. However, this figure could vary depending on your school, program, and learning format. Be sure to factor this into your estimates.
Information assurance master’s degrees are pretty expensive. Fortunately, there are resources, like financial aid, to reduce this cost. If you qualify for federal financial aid, it can either significantly of fully cover your tuition and required fees. Otherwise, you can apply for scholarships or federal student loans. You may also participate in student work-study programs to pay off part of your tuition.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Online?
It takes about two to three years to earn an information assurance master’s degree online because most students who take the online course are part-time students. To finish earlier, nonetheless, you may meet with an academic advisor to help you plan out your courses.
To graduate with a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance, you must complete at least 30 credits. Therefore, reaching the goal of graduating in one and a half years would require you to complete a minimum of 10 credits every semester.
Are Online Information Assurance Degrees Respected?
Yes, online information assurance degrees are respected because the essential skills they teach are the key to business continuity. Getting a degree in information assurance offers you the chance to build a successful career in information technology. In addition, getting an advanced degree qualifies you for a wide range of top positions in network and security firms.
Is Information Assurance Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, it is pretty hard to learn information assurance online since it is a complex and highly technical subject. However, suppose you find computers and technology fascinating and enjoy solving complex problems and embracing new things. In that case, you could discover that information assurance is an exciting and worthwhile course to learn online.
Information Assurance Bootcamp vs Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online information assurance master’s degree is better than an information assurance bootcamp. This is because the former helps build skills through writing, projects, classroom discussion, critical thinking, and the managerial and leadership training you will receive.
Conversely, bootcamps are complete training programs that prepare learners for entry-level cyber security jobs. These require a shorter time to complete than undergraduate and graduate certificates, but they do not offer the credibility and in-depth knowledge that is obtained through a master’s degree program. We will compare the benefits of each learning format, below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree
- Career Opportunities. A Master’s Degree in Information Assurance helps you stand out and qualify for cyber security analyst, security manager, and chief information security officer positions.
- Life-long skills. This degree offers students life-long skills through a hands-on approach, from understanding software threats to detecting potential security violations.
- Huge salaries. Due to the shortage of information assurance professionals, employers are willing to make substantial investments in qualified candidates. According to PayScale, a cyber security analyst earns an average of $77,235 annually.
- Applicable to various sectors. Establishments in every industry can be affected by cyber attacks. The financial and healthcare industries depend on cyber security professionals to secure and guarantee clients’ and patients’ privacy.
- Scholarship options. With cyber crime specialists in such high demand, schools offering cyber security graduate programs include scholarship options for those who wish to pursue a degree in information assurance and cyber security.
Top 5 Benefits of an Information Assurance Bootcamp
- Low tuition. Bootcamp tuition costs less than that of a master’s degree. Despite this, you still get good value for the money you’ve paid to learn the basics of information assurance.
- Training and exposure. Bootcamps offer you exposure to some of the latest security tools and technologies in the information assurance field. You also get to be trained by experts and professionals, be prepared for certification, and be assisted in your career.
- Faster completion. An average bootcamp lasts around 12 weeks with an appropriate curriculum. You don’t have to worry about taking a degree throughout the year.
- Flexibility. Bootcamps offer you the chance to choose between being a part-time and a full-time student.
- Entry-level jobs. After completing your bootcamp program, you can immediately apply for entry-level positions in the engineering, networking, and security industries.
Why You Should Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Online
You should get an information assurance master’s degree online because it equips you with the skills to manage risk throughout application and data usage. As an online student, you also get to focus on life outside your academics, with flexible learning and lowered costs.
Also, information assurance is important to organizations because it ensures that user data is secure in transit and storage. Note that IA has become an essential component of data security, because business transactions and processes consistently rely heavily on digital handling practices.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Information Assurance?
You need to take cryptography, network security, and cyber law and ethics courses to earn your online Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. The section below will introduce you to the basic courses you typically need to take for an information assurance master’s degree.
Cryptography
Cryptography deals with the techniques of secure communications that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to view its contents. This course teaches you how to protect the information in computer systems. Advanced knowledge of cryptography enables one to create more complex encryption so that encrypted files are only accessible to authorized users.
Network Security
Network security involves protecting a company’s network infrastructure from a variety of possible threats, such as unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. It also deals with security standards, access control, antivirus software, security firewalls, and VPN encryption.
Cyber Law
Cyber law covers the legal aspect of the digital circulation of information, the Internet, email, data storage devices, and websites. It also deals with computer user behavior, online privacy, what computers are programmed to do, and how such design affects society.
Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is a field that uses investigative techniques to identify and retrieve lost data from computer devices, crashed servers, or reformatted operating systems. It aims to extract data and information from computer systems to function as digital evidence for civic purposes or, in most cases, to prove cyber crime.
Software Development
Software development is a field of computer science that provides a sequence of steps for programmers to create programs. This course focuses on creating a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do while controlling specific hardware.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
After earning your master’s degree, you may decide to go further in your education by obtaining a PhD in Information Assurance and Cyber Security. In addition, you can take certification exams such as IBM’s Cybersecurity Analyst Professional offered by Coursera.
Related Online Information Assurance Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
Before enrolling in an information assurance master’s degree program, you should look for certain factors, such as the tuition cost and the program’s curriculum. In the list below, we explain five of the most important considerations to look out for when deciding on your college degree program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid options
Getting a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance might be quite expensive. Ensure you do your research properly to possibly get financial aid or scholarships that would give you a considerable discount on your tuition fees.
Accreditation
If your school is adequately accredited by a national or regional body, there will be no reason to doubt the quality of education you will receive, since this ensures that your program is up to industry standards. The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security will also vouch for certain cyber security-focused programs.
Curriculum
It is essential to check the school curriculum for your program. This is because the world of technology is constantly evolving, and you have to ensure your desired program will make you adequately qualified for the field of information assurance.
Student Support
Consider checking if your school offers student support in career development and employment opportunities. This is very important for students working towards a promotion in their career or considering switching to a new career.
Graduation Rate
An institution’s graduation rate refers to the percentage of students who complete their degrees in a particular period. By analyzing your prospective school’s graduation rate, you can see how well it executes campus services like student healthcare and career counseling.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online information assurance master’s degree is the Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity offered by Sam Houston State University. It costs $421.25 per unit. That means throughout your entire program, you will spend $12,637.50 on tuition, although this doesn’t factor in additional fees or student aid.
Can I Get an Information Assurance Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get an information assurance master’s degree online for free. However, you can start by taking certificate courses in information assurance or applying for scholarships and federal funding for your chosen accredited program, which could result in a fully-paid program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that information security analysts will experience a 33 percent growth in employment over the next decade. With such figures, it is evident that there are promising opportunities in this field. In the section below, we’ll discuss the general job outlook in this field, potential remunerations, and specific job options to consider.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an information assurance master’s degree, due to the extremely high job outlook for this field and your high-level, specialized degree. If you encounter difficulty, you can check out information assurance courses, training, and other resources to help further qualify you for a job. You can also liaise with your school’s career services.
What’s the Average Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a graduate with an information assurance master’s degree is $97,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, this number may vary depending on your experience and your industry. Also, you should note that graduates who choose to upgrade their degree by getting a doctorate degree in information assurance earn even higher wages.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
With your online information assurance master’s degree, you can get jobs across the business, financial, educational, commercial, and engineering sectors. You can become a cyber security engineer or information systems manager, for example. We’ll introduce you to some of the most popular and high-paying information security jobs in the section below.
Information Assurance Degree Jobs
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Information Systems Manager
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Security Consultant
- Computer Network Architect
Potential Careers With an Online Information Assurance Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree?
You can make between $80,600 and $159,010 per year with an online information assurance master’s degree. This amount could increase over the years as you gain experience in this field. In addition, if you upgrade your degree by getting a doctorate, you will certainly earn a higher salary.
Information assurance is an essential component of data security because industries and businesses rely heavily on digital handling practices. As a result, many employers are willing to pay well for the protection of their databases.
Highest-Paying Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| IT Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $80,600 |
Best Jobs for Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for information assurance master’s degree graduates include information systems manager, computer network architect, and network and computer systems administrator. The section below will explore five high-paying job titles in-depth, focusing on their salary, job outlook, and the highest paying states.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online information assurance master’s degree is worth it because it is an excellent qualification to get into the cyber security industry, which Allied Market Research projects to reach $478.68 billion by 2030. However, before earning your degree, you need to research your school and program and meet its admission requirements.
Once you’ve graduated, you can explore our list above for the best jobs to apply for with your information assurance master’s degree. Whatever career path you choose, your information assurance master’s degree will help you earn a comfortable living and open up new work opportunities.
Additional Reading About Information Assurance
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Online Information Assurance Master’s Degree FAQ
No, you don’t need to have a background in cyber security to be eligible for your Master’s Degree in Information Assurance. However, it is advisable that you have a strong foundation in science-related topics like statistics and computer science. You can also obtain professional certifications like the CISSP Credential, which would help throughout the program.
Yes, you might need to take the IELTS or TOEFL exams to show your proficiency in English if you are a non-native speaker. However, it still depends on the admission requirements of your school. While applying to your preferred school’s graduate degree program, check to see if this is a requirement.
Cyber security is a field that focuses on the prevention of and defense against cyber attacks on computer systems, including networks, programs, and data. On the other hand, information assurance is a discipline that covers the protection of digital and non-digital information materials, such as hard copy records.
Yes, graduates can get a high-paying job in information assurance. As the field is relatively new and growing at an incredible rate, there are a number of top positions you can apply for. Also, by building your portfolio and having prior experience, you can improve your chances of getting a job immediately after your program.
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.
