15 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY DEGREES
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.
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Iowa State UniversityLocation
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.
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Sam Houston State UniversityLocation
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.
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Western Governors UniversityLocation
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.
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Florida Institute of TechnologyLocation
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.
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Pennsylvania State University - World CampusLocation
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.
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Lewis UniversityLocation
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.
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Dakota State UniversityLocation
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.
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University of DenverLocation
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.
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National UniversityLocation
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.
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Robert Morris UniversityLocation
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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Nova Southeastern UniversityLocation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuition$18932
While the Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at Nova Southeastern is completable within two years, full-time students can earn a degree in even less time. Nova's IAC degree consists of 36 credits involving course topics such as database security, applied cryptography, and software engineering. Students with any prior experience may apply, but the program is specifically marketing toward students without solid academic backgrounds. The school offers an alternative master's degree that can be completed instead of or in conjunction with this degree. Nova designed its MS program for candidates who want to focus on Security Policy Development and Compliance and is called the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management.
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University of ArizonaLocation
Tucson, AZ
Tuition$31463
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at the University of Arizona is a 33 credit-hour program that is available entirely online. It is designed for professionals with three or more years of technical work experience in information technology and engineering and draws from the university's expertise in fields like Management Information Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Systems and Industrial Engineering. The program offers two distinct tracks: one in information systems and one in physical systems. Courses in both are both theoretical and interactive, covering topics like cyber warfare, ethical hacking, penetration testing, and business intelligence data mining.
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Norwich UniversityLocation
Northfield, VT
Tuition$17928
Norwich University's program in Information Security and Assurance is ranked second in the country by Ponemon Institute and third by Universities.com. It was also one of the earliest programs to be recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The school offers start dates four times per year, as well as enhanced classroom experiences and opportunities for practical learning. The school has an exclusive partnership with NBC Universal, allowing students to obtain an education from a school that has been a leader in information assurance instruction for well over a decade. As a result, U.S. News and World Report have ranked Norwich among the top 100 for Regional Universities in the North.
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Davenport UniversityLocation
Grand Rapids, MI
Tuition$13590
The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at Davenport University is a nationally recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, according to the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. This 34 credit hour program includes nine core classes, along with multiple opportunities for upper-level electives. Students of Davenport are also required to complete a Capstone project, which is a comprehensive thesis paper that encompasses the learning from the entirety of each student's coursework. Students will take courses in topics like Network Security, Legal and Ethical Security Topics, and Property Management and Risk Mitigation.
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Northwestern UniversityLocation
Evanston, IL
Tuition$52239
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Northwestern University can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and from any location in the country. Most students take two or three years to complete the degree, which provides students with an in-depth understanding of information technology, management, criminology, social sciences, and law. The program provides a natural pathway to the related Ph.D. in Information Assurance, an excellent option for candidates seeking a career in research.
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