15 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY DEGREES

Updated December 1, 2022

Cyber crimes are on the rise and especially with individuals in business and within the private sector. Data breaches have often led to crimes involving identity theft, cyber bullying, sex trafficking, or access to private records. Earning a degree from Best Value School's 15 Best Master's in Information Systems Security Degree 2019 will allow students ...

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Cyber crimes are on the rise and especially with individuals in business and within the private sector. Data breaches have often led to crimes involving identity theft, cyber bullying, sex trafficking, or access to private records. Earning a degree from Best Value School's 15 Best Master's in Information Systems Security Degree 2020 will allow students to protect online users from cyber breaches and prepare for a career as an IT professional.

With a Master's degree in Information Systems Security, you will be prepared to work in a variety of industries, from the government to healthcare to corporate finance. Information Systems Security jobs are in high demand and industry growth expected to increase by 28 percent within the next six years.

Keeping computer networks safe is important - but what's even more important to you is being able to land a long lasting, high-paying job. That's why completing an online degree in Information Systems Security is so important. An online master's degree will allow you to advance your career without having to leave the comfort and financial security of your current job. You can work toward new, outstanding credentials while maintaining your work and personal commitments.

Selection Criteria

You're busy, and while you don't want to sacrifice the quality of your academic program, you also don't have time to sift through the thousands of schools that offer degrees in Information Systems Security. As a result, we created a list of the Best Online Masters in Information Systems Security noting some of the more important features a college degree should have. To be eligible, a school could be a private or public college but did need to have an online master's that was actively enrolling and graduating students.

Ranking Factors

Once we've compiled a broad list of online Master's in Information Systems Security, we then narrow down the most important characteristics of the best schools. We've examined the following traits while forming our final list:

  • Program Recognitions and Accolades
  • Overall Accessibility
  • Academic Rigor
  • Accreditation
  • Affordability

This list of qualifications is by no means comprehensive, however. If you're interested in learning more about our methodology process, be sure to check out our methodology page.

#1 Iowa State University Ames, IA
#2 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
#3 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT
#4 Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL
#5 Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA
#6 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
#7 Dakota State University Madison, SD
#8 University of Denver Denver, CO
#9 National University La Jolla, CA
#10 Robert Morris University Moon Township, PA

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Iowa State University
    Location

    Ames, IA

    Tuition

    $22656

    Iowa State University offers a degree in Information Assurance that will allow you to meet your goals regardless of your ultimate career plans. The Master of Science includes a research and capstone component, while the Master of Engineering relies solely on coursework to help you enhance your studies. Both degrees are offered asynchronously and include key topics like forensics and information warfare. The programs are unique in that students can take courses in any order and at any pace, allowing them to complete their studies in a way that makes sense for them. Courses are offered online and via digital streaming. At Iowa State, students receive access to exceptional support services, including technology resources, financial aid, advising, library services, and military resources.

  2. Sam Houston State University
    Location

    Huntsville, TX

    Tuition

    $12861

    While learners in the online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security at Sam Houston State are encouraged to have a bachelor's degree in computers science or prerequisite coursework, those who do not possess this experience may take STEM classes to make up for this deficit. Individuals with significant work experience may be eligible for GRE or course waivers, with core courses including topics like database security and organization system security. This degree is ranked among the Best for Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs by U.S. News & World Reports and prepares graduates to strengthen the security of information systems across all sectors. There are many scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities are available to qualifying students.

  3. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6500

    The Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance at Western Governors University is unique in that it tailors to the experiences of both skilled IT professionals as well as new entrants to the field. In addition to the degree itself, learners earn certificates in EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker and EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator. This program was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading information technology employers and meets all recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency guidelines. The program is highly regarded among industry professionals as well as recent alumni. In fact, 97 percent of graduates would recommend Western Governors to a friend.

  4. Florida Institute of Technology
    Location

    Melbourne, FL

    The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at the Florida Institute of Technology - Online is offered entirely online and through a partnership with global security giant Harris Corp. This program meets the growing demand for cybersecurity experts by training students on how to protect and secure information from cyber attacks. Required courses include topics like Biometric Authentication Technologies, Secure Operating Systems, and Host and Application Security, with all students required to complete an additional Capstone project in Information Assurance. Alumni of this program are highly successful, working all over the country in careers like computer forensics investigators, chief information security officers, and threat intelligence analysts.

  5. Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
    Location

    University Park, PA

    Tuition

    $20470

    The Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences at Penn State provides students with flexibility along with a relevant course curriculum. Each course integrates hands-on simulations and real-world issues to incorporate a multidimensional perspective on cyber-domains. This school is a leader among information schools, with faculty hailing from many different industries, including psychology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and computer science. The university is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense. With tuition starting at just $886 per credit hour, the value and affordability of this program are above comparison.

  6. Lewis University
    Location

    Romeoville, IL

    Tuition

    $14310

    At Lewis University, students can customize their learning by choosing one of two different concentration options: management or technical. While the management concentration focuses on the maintenance of information technology security systems and infrastructure, the technical concentration allows students to learn how to identify security breaches and to solve problems as they arise. Both tracks, however, provide students with the fundamental knowledge they need to succeed in cybersecurity. The program is available in both an online and hybrid format, with synchronous and asynchronous delivery options available for both. This university is nationally recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

  7. Dakota State University
    Location

    Madison, SD

    Tuition

    $10575

    This degree is offered to both full- and part-time learners, requiring coursework in key topics like data privacy, computer forensics, and intrusion detection. All courses are offered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to access their classes when it best suits their schedules. Most students can complete their studies in as little as two years. The degree requires certain lab assignments that can all be completed from a remote setting. All students receive access to industry-standard software for programs, allowing them to experience a top-notch education at a lower cost than comparable programs. Graduates of this program are highly successful, departing from a university that has a 99 percent job placement rate.

  8. University of Denver
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $47520

    The Master of Science in Information Systems Security at the University of Denver teaches students the skills necessary to navigate cybersecurity challenges, both those that currently exist as well as those that will appear down the road. Students learn how to solve security breaches and conduct computer forensic analysis, as well as how to set up secure networks for future use. Upon completing this degree, graduates may pursue CISSP certification. Each course lasts only ten weeks, with classes available online or during the evening. Most students can graduate in as few as eighteen months. The University of Denver is ranked as one of the country's Top 100 Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

  9. National University
    Location

    La Jolla, CA

    Tuition

    $14976

    The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at National University is offered both on-campus as well as online. IT has a required core set of classes, as well as a required specialization which can be selected from some alternatives. Available specialities include those in Information Assurance and Security and Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing. Students may begin their degree at any time where over the course of four weeks, they can complete one class at a time. Founded by veterans, National University is considered to be one of the most military-friendly universities. It has received a Yellow Ribbon recognition and offers exceptional support services and tuition discounts to service members and their dependents.

  10. Robert Morris University
    Location

    Moon Township, PA

    This program prepares graduates to both recognize and fix information systems threats. It is offered as a stand-alone degree, as well as with an optional Enterprise Systems Concentration. The 30-credit program includes coursework covering the management and administration of information security technologies. Students will take classes such as Enterprise Database Systems, Hardware and Operating System, and Microcomputing Technology. Nine credits of specialization may also be completed in areas of the student's choosing. Each student is also encouraged to partake in an internship to allow him or her to gain further valuable work experience.

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