Master’s in Cyber Security Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Admission into a master’s in cybersecurity online program is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements to have their application considered. Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution at a minimum, though most programs prefer applicants who studied computer science or a related field.
• Minimum GPA: Instead of requiring standardized test scores like the GRE, many master’s in cybersecurity online programs look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher on previous college transcripts.
• Prerequisite Courses: Even some students with a background in computer science may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before getting admitted into a master’s in cybersecurity program. Specific prerequisite course requirements vary by school.
• Professional Resume: While most programs set no professional experience requirements, applicants with several years of relevant work experience often submit stronger applications.
• English Proficiency/TOEFL: Students born outside of the country must prove English language proficiency. Most schools require foreign-born students to take the TOEFL.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) assesses a student’s ability to complete graduate coursework independently and is commonly required for university admissions. Fortunately, there is a growing trend among many schools to waive GRE scores. Institutions may adopt a more selective approach in such cases, setting higher criteria for minimum undergraduate GPA, work experience, certifications, recommendation letters, and other qualifications. Some examples of institutions that offer an online master’s in cyber security no GRE program are:

• Berkeley School of Information⁵
• St. Bonaventure University ⁶
• University of Houston⁷

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing global industry, and employers seek reliable, skilled professionals with credible credentials. Companies prefer candidates with accredited degrees, and selecting a college with accreditation is crucial. Accreditation is granted by independent organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) ⁸ and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) ⁹ , which includes six regional accreditation agencies:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) ¹⁰
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) ¹¹
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ¹²
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) ¹³
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) ¹⁴
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) ¹⁵

Beyond institutional accreditation, specific cybersecurity programs may hold programmatic accreditation. Accredited master’s in cybersecurity programs may carry recognition from bodies like the National Security Agency (NSA), which designates  Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE)¹⁶.

Graduate students continue to seek affordable options for college, and it’s noteworthy that some cybersecurity programs are free. While there are no fully accredited free master’s programs in cybersecurity, some offerings allow access to lectures and courses from reputable institutions. Students won’t earn a master’s diploma in cybersecurity from these courses, but they can gain knowledge equivalent to master’s students at other online institutions. All of this is available for free and 100% online. Explore the following programs below.

While online education can reduce the cost of a master’s in cybersecurity, students still must cover the remaining tuition costs and fees. To do so, students take advantage of different types of financial aid, including fellowships, internships, and student loans.

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on criteria such as academic merit, talent, or financial need. They provide support to help students pursue their educational goals without needing repayment, easing the financial burden of obtaining a master’s degree.

Fellowships

Fellowships, such as the New America Cybersecurity Fellowship ²⁰ and the Belfer Center Cybersecurity Fellowship ²¹, provide students with payment or a stipend in return for work, meaning students also receive experience.

Internships

Internships offer students college credits, payment, or both. Programs like the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Internship ²² also teach students critical real-world skills.

Student Loans

Student loans are financial aid provided to students to help cover the cost of higher education. They are typically repaid with interest after graduation and can be obtained from government programs or private lenders.

Scholarships for Master’s in Cybersecurity Online Students

Scholarships continue to be one of the most effective ways to reduce — or entirely cover — tuition costs. Thousands of internships are available, some specific to cybersecurity and computer science.

• Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security ²³ Who Can Apply: Women studying any degree related to information security may apply for this scholarship. Winners are selected based on financial need and academic merit.
  Amount: $2000
  Deadline: February 1 annually.
• CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service ²⁴ Who Can Apply: Any undergraduate or graduate cybersecurity students can apply for up to three years of full-tuition scholarships. In return, winners must work for the U.S. Government for the same lengths as the scholarship. Amount: Full tuition up to three years
  Deadline: Varies
• ISSA Education Foundation Scholarships ²⁵ Who Can Apply: With multiple awards available, the ISSA accepts applicants pursuing a security-related degree. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and submit a letter of intent. 
  Amount: $2,000 – $3,500
  Deadline: Varies

Cyber threats loom across major industries as businesses increasingly rely on network technology for daily operations. Online master’s in cyber security graduates secure diverse employment opportunities spanning large and small companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. The future for cyber security professionals appears promising, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an average annual addition of about 16,800 openings for information security analysts between 2022 and 2032. Graduates typically assume roles such as:

Acquiring a professional certification in cybersecurity serves as a valuable complement to one’s education and as tangible proof to employers of one’s qualifications for a given role. Specialized advanced certifications are designed to showcase technical expertise in specific subfields of cybersecurity. Various businesses and organizations provide general, vendor-specific, and vendor-neutral (third-party) certifications accessible to individuals with master’s degrees. It’s important to note that certain certifications may necessitate additional qualifications and work experience. Some examples of these certifications include:

GIAC Certifications ³⁰

GIAC Certifications is responsible for developing and overseeing top-tier professional cybersecurity certifications globally. A wide range of certifications covers intrusion, defense, cloud security, and more. Examples of these certifications include:

• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC),
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst Certification (GCIA)
• GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP)
• GIAC Enterprise Vulnerability Assessor Certification (GEVA)
• GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)

NICCS Certifications ³¹

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) furnishes the essential tools and resources through its cybersecurity certifications to guarantee that the nation’s workforce possesses the required training and education in cybersecurity. NICCS has curated a collection of widely recognized industry certifications beneficial for individuals engaged in cybersecurity. Some examples from this list include:

• AWS Security Essentials ³²
• Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge ³³
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) ³⁴
• Certified ISO 31000 Internal Controls Risk Analyst (ISO 31000 CICRA)³⁵

While working toward a graduate degree, cybersecurity students can network, improve their resumes, and prepare for their future careers with the help of professional organizations. Some organizations that master’s in cybersecurity students should consider include:

• International Association of Privacy Professionals ³⁶  
  IAPP is the world’s largest community for information privacy professionals. Members gain access to an extensive network, various certifications, and plenty of exclusive industry content.
• Information Systems Security Association ³⁷  
  Among the top international associations for cybersecurity professionals, ISSA offers members breaking industry information, access to content from experts, and educational opportunities.
• ISC2 ³⁸ 
  Along with online education and various types of training, ISC2 membership proves that professionals rank among the top in their field. Membership requirements are strict, however.
• ISACA ³⁹ 
  With membership options available for current professionals and students, ISACA’s members get exactly what they need, whether access to networking events or meeting with local chapters.
• CompTIA ⁴⁰ 
  A leading organization for certifying cybersecurity professionals, CompTIA’s student membership provides students with industry discounts, scholarship opportunities, and connections to internships and jobs.