As the world becomes more technologically advanced, our digital identities and personal data need to be protected from potential cyber attacks. The cyber security industry is constantly shifting and evolving, and the best schools for network security will help you develop the skills you need to work in this fast-paced industry.
This article will provide you with a list of the best network security universities, including public and private schools, where you can get your higher education. All of the best network security colleges on our list offer an array of undergraduate and graduate programs to help you grow as a security professional.
Best Network Security College and University Rankings: Top 10 Network Security Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| DePaul University | IL | In-person, online | 127 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | In-person, online | 38 |
| Illinois University | IL | In-person, online | 202 |
| Northeastern University | MA | In-person, online | 49 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person, online | 117 |
| Temple University | PA | In-person, online | 103 |
| University of California, Berkeley | CA | Online | 22 |
| University of Maryland | MD | In-person | 59 |
| University of San Diego | CA | In-person, online | 93 |
Network Security School Rankings: Best Network Security Colleges and Universities
Many of the best network security colleges and universities also happen to be some of the top-ranked public and private universities in the country. Each educational institution listed below is accredited and offers a wide variety of courses that will prepare you to work in fields like network security technologies or cyber defense research.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
[query_class_embed] *subject-bachelors-degrees
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
The Best Schools for Network Security: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
There are different types of college degrees and university programs that can help you get started in network security. Below we have created a list of some of the most common degrees you can pursue.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
[query_class_embed] *degree-vs-*degree
Best Network Security Schools: Other Network Security University Rankings
The best network security schools offer a wide variety of degree and certificate programs. Below we have curated a list of academic institutions that offer online degrees and on-campus options.
Best Online Network Security Schools
- ECPI University. ECPI’s cyber and network security program offers you hands-on training in network security similar to a classroom experience. You will be taught to keep hackers at bay by building secure networks in Windows, Cisco, and Linux systems and implementing network security procedures.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most reputable technologically-focused schools in the world. It offers numerous professional courses and degree programs in network security and other tech fields.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is a prestigious private institution in California with the largest campus in the country. The school offers various network security and computer science programs at multiple levels, as well as a number of certificate programs.
Best Community Colleges for Network Security
- Anne Arundel Community College. This school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, Networking, and Digital Forensics which is accredited by The National Security Administration. This is a great degree for those looking to enter entry-level cyber and network security positions.
- College of Southern Nevada. The Associate of Applied Science in Computing and Information Technology – Cyber Security – Digital Forensics degree prepares students to investigate digital and computer crimes through courses in computer forensics, network forensics, and digital crime investigators training.
- Inver Hills Community College. The Associate of Applied Science in Network Technology and Security at Inver Hills Community College is a 60-credit program that equips students with the skills needed for rewarding careers in the fast-paced computer networking and security sector.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Network Security
- DePaul University. Courses in technical writing, applied network security, applied network engineering, network protocols, and voice communication technologies are all included in DePaul University’s Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Security program.
- Illinois State University. Illinois State University’s Bachelor of Science in Network and Telecommunications Management is a 120-hour program that combines technical and practical courses in network security, preparing students to enter the workforce or pursue a master’s degree after graduating.
- Rochester Institute of Technology. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computing Security at RIT learn about IPs and UDPs as well as how to administer, monitor, secure, and troubleshoot the computer system networks that employ these protocols and services.
Best Graduate Schools for Network Security
- Georgia Institute of Technology. The Georgia Institute of Technology offers three different Master of Sciences in Cybersecurity. The School of Computer Science offers an information security specialty in which network security is taught.
- Northeastern University. The cyber security doctorate degree at Northeastern provides its students with a strong technological foundation focusing on security policy and social sciences. The school’s goal is to advance state-of-the-art systems, networks, and the Internet through its faculty and students’ research.
- University of California, Berkeley. Cryptography, secure programming, network security, and the legal underpinnings of cyber security are all covered in UC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Cybersecurity curriculum. Students can also choose from various elective courses, such as engineering and cyber risk management.
Best Network Security Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Carnegie Mellon University | Kobe Information Security Dual Degree. This two-year dual degree program offered by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Hyogo combines instruction in information security technology with corporate management and policy.
- Eastern Illinois University | Dual Degree in MBA and MS in Cybersecurity. This dual degree is designed to provide students with the chance to gain advanced knowledge and abilities in leadership, management, and business activities while supplementing their expertise in cyber security.
- University of Arizona | MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity. This program is designed for working professionals who want to transition from a non-IT career to a cyber security position but lack the technical know-how. The first year of the program allows students to build a strong technical foundation in cyber security before taking on IT courses.
Best Schools With Accelerated Network Security Programs
- George Washington University | BA/BS Computer Science/MS in Cybersecurity. After completing their bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, George Washington University undergraduate students can earn a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity in just one academic year. As part of their undergraduate degree, students must complete two graduate-level courses.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | BS/MS in Computing Security. The BS/MS in Computing Security is a five-year program that allows students to earn both degrees. This BS/MS program allows you to expand your computing security expertise while also gaining advanced network security training.
- St. Joseph’s University | BS Computer Information Technology/MS Cybersecurity. This program prepares its graduates for jobs as network security analysts. Students can save time and money by enrolling in this five-year accelerated degree program. The university provides its students with numerous internship opportunities throughout the length of the program.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
[query_class_embed] colleges-that-don’t-require-*modifier
Is Graduate School for Network Security Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for network security is worth it. Graduate school will allow you to engage with cutting-edge research and develop your network security theory and practical skills. While some careers in network security only require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree will highly improve your career and earning potential in the long term.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Network Security Degree?
The jobs you can do with a network security degree are information security analyst, software security engineer, cyber security architect, or chief information security officer. You can also work as a cryptographer, digital forensics specialist, malware analyst, data protection officer, and more. A degree in network security or a related field is the best way to give yourself an advantage when applying for these positions.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Network Security?
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security, you can earn an annual wage of $71,000, according to PayScale. Meanwhile, a graduate degree can boost your earning potential dramatically, as you can get an annual salary of $103,000 with a master’s degree. Additional qualifications, the company you work for, and your location and job title will also affect your pay.
Highest-Paying Network Security Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Information Security Analyst | Master’s degree | $168,687 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Master’s degree | $159,010 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $97,766 |
| Security Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,327 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $80,600 |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $77,177 |
| Forensic Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $66,943 |
Best Jobs With a Network Security Degree
The best jobs with a network security degree are chief information security analyst, computer and information systems manager, information security analyst, and cyber security analyst. The jobs available will depend on the degree you have. A master’s or doctoral degree can qualify you for jobs with higher pay.
How Can I Pay for Network Security School?
You can pay for network security school by using scholarships, grants, and student loans. Most educational institutions, including online colleges, offer financial aid for students. You should visit the financial aid web page or student support services of your school and find out what financial aid opportunities you are eligible to apply for. You can also work part-time or full-time while in school to help pay for your education.
- Scholarships. There is a wide range of scholarships available for students in network security programs. The NSA and CIA offer scholarships to students studying cyber security at an undergraduate level and interested in working for the government. A high-grade point average (GPA) will increase your chances of getting one of these scholarships.
- Grants. All students are eligible to apply for grants through the US Department of Education. Grants differ from scholarships because they are need-based, while scholarships may be need or merit-based. Grants don’t need to be repaid.
- Student loans. Students studying network security are eligible to apply for student loans via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid portal (FAFSA). These loans will need to be repaid when the student graduates and begins to work.
- Employment. Many cyber security schools offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time jobs to help pay for their education.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
[query_class_embed] how-to-pay-for-*modifier-school
Choosing the Best Network Security School for You
When choosing the best school to study network security, there are many factors to consider, the most important of which is the quality of the program. You want to make sure that the school has a well-respected program that will prepare you for career opportunities in network security. Other factors include the school’s reputation, cost, concentration options, and flexibility.
Course Content
The course content of your network security degree should be relevant and help you learn about cryptography, network security, computer security, and information security. These courses should also be taught by instructors who have experience in network security. You can always look at a program’s curriculum on their website before applying.
Flexibility
Depending on your needs, your chosen school should offer flexible scheduling options so that you can schedule your classes around your work schedule. If you can’t study on campus, you should pick a school that offers online programs or hybrid courses.
Specialization/Concentration Option
The school you choose should offer a specialization or concentration in network security so that you can specialize in the area that interests you most. Some schools offer network security as a course within a cyber security program. Some network security degrees have additional options you can choose from to expand the scope of your degree.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation is an important factor to consider when choosing where to apply. A school with a higher reputation will usually attract more experienced and well-respected professionals to its faculty. Moreover, a reputable school will be more impressive to future employers.
Cost
The cost of your education is one of the most vital things to keep in mind. When choosing which programs to apply to, make sure to look at their tuition and fees, as well as what financial aid opportunities they offer compared to other schools. Don’t forget to include the cost of living and transportation when budgeting for your higher education.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*subject-school
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Network Security?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for network security. You want to make sure that you choose a school with a well-respected program that will prepare you for a career in network security. Other factors to consider are the cost of tuition and other expenses, the course content, the instructors, the location, and the specialization options.
No matter what college you choose, make sure that you get the most out of your education by taking advantage of internships offered by the program, as well as any work-study opportunities a school provides.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-bachelors-degrees
Network Security University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Network Security
We ranked the best network security schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our network security university ranking methodology, we considered things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of network security degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Network Security
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/network-security/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/online-network-security-courses/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-network-security-analyst/
Best Network Security Schools FAQ
The best way to learn about network security is to study this field at a university or college. Alternatively, you can take courses or get certifications in network security. You can also learn the basics of network security by attending a cyber security bootcamp, reading books and articles, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.
Network security is important because it protects businesses and individuals from data breaches, cyber attacks, and other threats. By implementing security measures, businesses can prevent or mitigate the damage caused by these attacks.
Cyber security is the practice of protecting networks, computers, and data from unauthorized access or theft. Network security is a subset of cyber security that protects networked systems from these same attacks. Network security is a more specialized field of study and work than cyber security.
The most important skills for network security professionals include knowledge of firewall configuration, encryption, and intrusion detection. Other important skills are problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills.
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.
