Best Cyber Security Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Boston College is a private university founded in 1863. It offers many undergraduate and graduate programs in fields including business, law, and information technology to its nearly 15,000 students. Many of its graduates work in the digital security field.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy Governance

This program can help you enter the field of cyber security management, analytics, forensics, or threat management. The program covers many areas pertinent to cyber security, including cyber ecosystem, infrastructure security, cyber threats, security analysis, and risk management. This cyber security policy and governance degree program opens up career paths in the government and private sectors.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy Governance Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition (and Fees): $1,968/credit (part-time); $30,962/semester (full-time)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 92%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy Governance Admission Requirements

• GPA: No official minimum requirement (3.0 or above is preferred)
• Standardized Tests: GRE
• Application Fee: $95
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts

Applying to Boston College

1. Complete the online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Submit official transcripts from any post-secondary education
4. Submit a copy of your resume
5. Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
6. Submit a personal statement

Boston University was founded in 1839. It now offers 300 degrees to its student body of over 35,000. Boston University is made up of 17 colleges and schools, including Metropolitan College, which offers a cyber security master’s degree. BU Metropolitan College offers its degrees on part-time and full-time schedules to suit students’ needs.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity Concentration

Boston University's Metropolitan College offers in-person and online programs in cyber security. This graduate degree will provide you with the technical skills to enter criminal justice, digital forensics, and cyber security threat careers. You will learn notions of security in cyber space, security analysis, cyber space law, security ramifications, and secure networking protocols.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity Concentration Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition (and Fees): $500-$955/credit (part-time); $30,525/semester (full-time)
• Required Credits: 32 credits
• Program Length: 8-16 months
• Learning Format: On campus or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 89%

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity Concentration Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume/CV

Applying to Boston University Metropolitan College

1. Complete an online application
2. Upload your unofficial transcripts during the application
3. Contact information is required for references but letters of recommendation can be submitted after you apply
4. Submit a 200 to 500-word personal statement
5. Submit a copy of your current resume or CV
6. Pay the application fee

Carnegie Mellon University is a globally recognized private institution known for its computer science, English, and economics programs. It was founded in 1900 as Carnegie Tech and offered Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. There are now more than 13,000 students enrolled in its programs, and there is a student-to-faculty ratio of five-to-one.

Master of Science in Information Security

In this program, you will learn security policies, systems analysis techniques, public cloud security, and systems security. Students also can opt to extend their studies by one semester and participate in an internship, so they can graduate with a master’s degree and relevant experience in the field.

This information security degree could help you land several different professions upon graduation, such as network application developer, security manager, cloud security architect, or systems security master. This advanced degree also prepares you for the Cyber Ops and Cyber Forensics and Incident Response certificates.

Master of Science in Information Security Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition (and Fees): $727/credit
• Required Credits: 123-165 units
• Program Length: 3-4 semesters
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 93%

Master of Science in Information Security Admission Requirements

1. GPA: No minimum requirement listed
2. Standardized Tests: GRE (not required but highly recommended)
3. Application Fee: $125
4. Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
5. Other Requirements: Professional resume, unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose

Applying to Carnegie Mellon University

1. Complete the graduate application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Submit unofficial transcripts
4. Send in a copy of your current professional resume or CV
5. Submit three letters of recommendation
6. Submit optional GRE scores
7. Complete your statement of purpose

George Mason University is a public school in Virginia. It was founded in 1949 as a part of the University of Virginia and became an independent university in 1972. It now has over 38,500 students enrolled in its bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and PhD programs. The university offers its students career and academic counseling and on-campus care for students’ children.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

This Master of Science degree in Cyber Security could help you launch a career in ethical hacking, network security, cyber security, or security engineering. The program covers topics like cyber attacks, vulnerability assessment, networking components, security engineering, key cryptography, and systems management.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition (and Fees): $13,382/year (in state); $29,366/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 1.5 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 72%

Master of Science in Cyber Security Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: College transcripts, goal statement, one letter of recommendation, resume

Applying to George Mason University

1. Complete an online application
2. Submit your unofficial college transcripts
3. Submit a goal statement
4. Submit one letter of recommendation
5. Submit a copy of your current resume

George Washington University is a public school that was chartered by an act of Congress in 1821. It is the largest higher learning institution in Washington, DC. There are more than 26,000 students enrolled across its online, in-person, and hybrid programs in many subject areas. Graduates can work at many esteemed organizations, including the National Security Agency.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science

This computer science degree is an excellent option for both future cyber security professionals and IT professionals. You will learn information systems security, network security, wireless network, cloud security, and cyber security threats. Thesis and non-thesis options are available to both part-time and full-time students.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition (and Fees): $1,995/credit
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 85%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE (requirement waived through Fall 2023)
• Application Fee: $80
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume/CV, online application

Applying to George Washington University

1. Complete the online application form
2. Submit your official post-secondary transcripts
3. Send in two letters of recommendation
4. Write and submit your statement of purpose
5. Submit a copy of your current resume
6. Pay the application fee

Northeastern University is a research-based school established in 1898. It is known for its programs in social science, business, engineering, and healthcare. Boston is a great city for pursuing a career in technology, especially healthcare technology or biotechnology. Students can get practical experience in and out of the classroom.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

This master’s degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the cyber security field. You will learn the techniques necessary for a career as a cyber security engineer , chief security officer, cloud security architect, or information security analyst. Additionally, you will learn computer system security, cyberspace laws, cyber operations, and information assurance.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition (and Fees): $1,690/credit
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 90%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

1. GPA: No minimum requirement
2. Standardized Tests: GRE (not required through 2023)
3. Application Fee: $75
4. Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
5. Other Requirements: Online application, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts

Applying to Northeastern University

1. Apply online
2. Pay the application fee
3. Upload a copy of your resume
4. Submit your statement of purpose
5. Send in two professional or academic letters of recommendation
6. Submit official transcripts from post-secondary education

Stratford University is a private higher education institution. It has a small student body of 1,947, which allows the school to have a nine-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. Only about 300 of its students are enrolled in graduate programs. In addition to its main campus in Virginia, there are campuses in Baltimore, Maryland, Woodbridge, Virginia, New Delhi, India, and online.

Master of Science in Cyber Security

Some of the core courses of this master’s degree include computer information systems, security analytics, cyber law, digital forensics, and security risks. This degree prepares full-time students for several positions in the cyber security industry, including cyber crime analyst, cloud security engineer, and information systems analyst.

Master of Science in Cyber Security Overview

• Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
• Tuition (and Fees): $495
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 15 months
• Learning Format: On campus or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%

Master of Science in Cyber Security Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, application

Applying to Stratford University

1. Complete the online application
2. Submit the enrollment agreement
3. Submit your official transcripts
4. Pay the application fee

University of Houston is a high-ranking public university founded in 1927. It is primarily known for its groundbreaking research and innovation programs. There are over 47,000 students enrolled in the school’s 255 undergraduate majors, 111 master’s degree programs, and 51 professional and PhD programs.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

This degree is designed to prepare students with undergraduate degrees for leadership and management roles in cyber security. Core classes cover critical cryptography skills, cyber security theory, risk analysis, penetration testing, and digital forensics to prepare you for senior jobs such as chief security officer or chief information security officer.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition (and Fees): $642/credit (in state); $1,150/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: On campus or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 62%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, demonstrated understanding of cyber security and statistics, personal narrative statement

Applying to University of Houston

1. Complete an online application
2. Submit your official transcripts that include prerequisite courses in cyber security and statistics
3. Submit three academic or professional letters of recommendation
4. Write and submit your personal narrative statement
5. Pay the application fee

University of Missouri - St. Louis is a public university best known for its molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and business programs. The school currently has more than 15,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. Its St. Louis campus is 470 acres and has opportunities for student leadership and sports.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

This degree offers two concentrations in information systems technology and computer science. The information systems technology program covers information security, cloud security, software testing, data integration, and security systems. The computer science concentration covers cyber threats, operating systems, computer forensics, modern cryptography, and IoT systems.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition (and Fees): $522/credit (in state); $1,282/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 56%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, application

Applying to University of Missouri - St. Louis

1. Complete the online application
2. Submit your official transcripts
3. Pay the application fee
4. Additional documents may be required if your GPA is below 3.0 or your bachelor’s degree does not prove competency in programming and mathematics

Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university that was founded in 1853. It has a total enrollment of over 15,500 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of seven-to-one. The school has well-funded research programs in the medical, environmental, and entrepreneurial fields.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering

Washington University has a strong computer science and engineering program. Its cyber security engineering degree covers risk management, system analytics, operating systems, ethical hacking, and computer networks. It also has student resources to help graduate students reach their career goals.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition (and Fees): $2,105/unit
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: On campus
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 94%

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume/CV

Applying to Washington University in St. Louis

1. Complete an online application
2. Submit unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
3. Input contact information for your references who will provide letters of recommendation
4. Submit a short statement of purpose
5. Submit a current copy of your resume or CV

A cloud security architect is responsible for maintaining and designing the security systems of databases and cloud systems. They also design wireless security protocols and conduct regular system tests and provide upgrades for security solutions. To succeed in this field, you will need to master cloud security, risk management, and information security skills.

• Average Salary: $166,607
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 165,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland

This is an executive position that involves team management and information security decisions. Their job includes overseeing disaster recovery and risk assessment processes. These professionals work with the organization’s CEO and other executive directors to set system security policies.

• Average Salary: $159,877
• Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 141,200
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Maryland, Iowa, District of Columbia

A cyber security architect is responsible for engineering the organization’s information security software and hardware system. They develop security solutions and design network software. They also perform regular penetration testing to find infrastructure weaknesses.

• Average Salary: $146,768
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 165,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland

Like a cyber security architect, a cyber security engineer works to secure a company’s hardware and software infrastructure. They conduct vulnerability testing, screen software for potential malware, and implement network security solutions. In addition, they communicate with team members about pertinent technical problems and solutions.

• Average Salary: $120,708
• Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 141,200
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Maryland, Iowa, District of Columbia

A computer network architect position is one of the many jobs you can apply for with a cyber security master’s degree. Your primary job responsibility includes designing an optimal network and data communication system. In addition, you will work with wireless networks, databases, and intranets.

• Average Salary: $116,780
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 165,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland