The professionals who are seeking an accelerated online Master’s in Information Systems Security degree are those who understand the necessity to keep all data safe, regardless if it’s online or in a physical location. They know that sometimes this field is the only way to prevent criminals or enemies of the state from obtaining access to information that they may use for nefarious purposes. They also realize that building ways to protect all sorts of data that is used by all Americans.
In order to do that, however, professionals need to obtain a graduate education. This can be a difficult feat, especially if they are working adults who have personal and professional obligations that bar them from returning to a traditional campus. They need accessible degrees, ones that they can earn online with little to no residency requirements, and ones that can be completed in two years or less. And since so many of these brilliant programs exist, it has come time to update this ranking to reflect new offerings and changes to existing programs.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Accelerated Information Systems Security Master’s
Fast Online Master’s knows working professionals need to see a return on their educational investment, so our editors focus on reputable, accredited colleges and universities. Programs in the Most Affordable ranking are presented in order of tuition cost, using current IPEDS information.
1. Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University offers an MS in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) with an academic track in Cyber Security and Privacy that ranks among the top information security master degree programs in the state. Southern Arkansas University’s Master of Information Security program that requires the completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits units over two years. This Masters in Information Security program in cybersecurity and privacy focuses on privacy compliance and security analytics.
Southern Arkansas University was established in 1909 as a public high school. The university’s rural campus in Magnolia covers more than 1,300 acres and serves about 3,400 students each year. Southern Arkansas University is organized into four colleges offering programs in business, engineering, education, and liberal/performing arts.
Degree: MS in Computer and Information Science – Cyber Security and Privacy Option
2. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers an MS in Information Assurance and Security that requires students to complete 36 graduate semester units. Graduates of Sam Houston State University’s Master of Information Security program increase their earning potential. Applicants to Sam Houston State University’s Masters in Information Security program must hold a baccalaureate degree in MIS or Computer science or a bachelor’s degree in any field with appropriate experience. Classes for this information security master degree program from Sam Houston include database security, business continuity management, and operating system security, to name a few.
Sam Houston State University is a public higher learning institution that was founded in 1879 as a normal institute. Sam Houston State University is a member school of the Texas State University System with a student enrollment that exceeds 21,100 students. Sam Houston State University is organized into eight colleges/schools covering these topics, business, criminal justice, education, arts/media, humanities/social sciences, engineering, health sciences, and osteopathic medicine.
Degree: MS in Information Assurance and Security
3. University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands offers a Masters in Information Security degree program (MS) that can be completed entirely online. Students enrolled in the University of the Cumberlands’s Master of Information Security program is organized into two primary areas – information assurance and cyber security. The University of the Cumberlands’s information security master degree program aligns with CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) criteria, plus the cyber security education requirements of the NSA and the DHS.
The University of the Cumberlands was established by Baptists as the Williamsburg institute in 1888. The University of the Cumberlands’s rural campus in Williamsburg (and online) serves about 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The school is located about 65 miles north of Knoxville and about 200 south of Cincinnati.
Degree: MS in Information Security
4. Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers an MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance which is a top-performing Masters in Information Security degree program in the marketplace. About seventy percent of graduates of WGU’s information security master degree program finish in about 22 months. In addition, degree candidates enrolled in this Master of Information Security program have the option of earning industry certifications like the EC Ethical Hacker or Computer Hacking Forensic, to name a few.
Western Governors University (Western Governors U) was founded in the late 1990s as an online school by the governors of nineteen states. The school’s administrative offices are in Millcreek, but nearly 120,000 students attend classes online from four colleges/schools in the areas of education, business, information technology, and health professions. Western Governors University operates as a competency-based school that offers certificates and degrees.
Degree: MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
5. University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver offers an MS in Information Systems with an academic specialty in Cyber Security and Information Assurance that is one of Colorado’s top Masters in Information Security degree programs. This fully online Master of Information Security program from the University of Colorado requires the completion of a minimum of 30 graduate semester units – as full- or part-time students. This information security master degree program includes coursework in ethical hacking, intrusion detection, IT risk management, and securing/protecting the enterprise, to name a few.
The University of Colorado in Denver was founded in 1912 and is a research member of the state’s Colorado system. Located in the Mile High City’s southwest section of downtown, the University of Colorado-Denver serves more than 13,450 students each year. The University of Colorado in Denver is home to the largest graduate schools in education and business.
Degree: MS in Information Systems – Cyber Security and Information Assurance
6. Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University offers an MS in Cyber Security and Information Assurance (CSIA) that can be completed entirely online. Students enrolled in Southern Utah university’s Masters in Information Security degree program requires 33 graduate semester units. This Southern Utah University Master of Information Security program offers a thesis, a capstone, or an additional two classes to complete the information security master degree program. Applicants without education or experience in cybersecurity may be required to take a foundational course before beginning this graduate degree program.
Southern Utah University was chartered as a state-funded school for teachers in 1897. Southern Utah University’s college-town campus covers more than 100 acres and serves approximately 11,100 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Highlight -The campus of Southern Utah University is home to the yearly Shakespeare festival, which brings in thousands of spectators.
Degree: MS in Cyber Security and Information Assurance
7. Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers an MS in Information Assurance (INFAS) that ranks among the most innovative of Iowa’s information security master degree programs. Iowa State University’s Masters in Information Security degree program requires students to complete at least 30 graduate credit units. Core classes for this Master of Information Security program include ethical and legal issues in computer security, computer security, intermediate computer programing, information warfare, and database management systems, to name a few.
Iowa State University of Science/Technology was established as a land-grant school in the late 1850s under the Morrill Land Act – the first school in the country to receive this designation. More than 33,250 students attend classes online and on the urban campus of Iowa State University. Iowa State University’s athletes represent the school as the Cyclones and have one various national Championship
Degree: MS in Information Assurance
8. Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University offers an MS in Computer Systems/Software Design (MSSD) Information Security and Assurance that is ranked among the best buy Masters in Information Security by geteducated.com. Jacksonville State University’s information security master degree program offers a studio and a non-studio option. Coursework for Jacksonville State University’s Master of Information Security program includes database management systems, advanced computer security, wireless networking & security, and applied software engineering 1 & 2, to name a few.
Jacksonville State University was established as a state-run normal school in the mid-1880s. Jacksonville State University’s suburban campus in Jacksonville is home to approximately 9,000 students each year vying for the certificate and degree programs from the Jacksonville State University’s six colleges/schools. Jacksonville State University’s campus is situated at the Appalachian foothills and covers more than 450 acres.
Degree: MS in Computer Systems/Software Design – Information Security and Assurance
9. James Madison University
James Madison University offers a Master in Information Security degree program (MS) that is among Virginia’s most innovative and cost-effective information security master degree programs. James Madison University is one of only seven original centers of academic excellence in information by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) & the NSA. Students explore coursework in their Master of Information Security program in the state of the art cyber-security laboratories that can be accessed remotely. Classes for this degree include 33 credit hours in object-oriented programming, data structures, and ethics, law, and policy in cyberspace, to name a few.
James Madison University (Madison) is a public university that was established in 1908 as an all-women’s normal school for teachers. James Madison University’s campus is located in the Shenandoah Valley and is home to more than 22,550 undergraduate and graduate students. US News ranks James Madison University as the second best public university in the south at the master’s level.
Degree: MS in Information Security
10. George Mason University
George Mason University offers an MS in Applied Information Technology with an academic Cyber Security Concentration that is among Virginia’s top Masters in Information Security degree programs. George Mason University’s Master of Information Security program requires students to maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the thirty required graduate semester units. Core classes for this information security master degree program include algorithms and data structure essentials, fundamentals of computing platforms, and database management systems, to name a few.
George Mason University is a research university that was established by the state assembly in 1949. The school is named to honor Virginia politician George Mason. George Mason University’s four campuses in Virginia serve nearly 40,000 students. George Mason University also maintains an international campus in South Korea.
Degree: MS in Applied Information Technology, Cyber Security Concentration
11. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers a Master of Information Security and Cyber Security (MICS) is ranked among California’s top information security master degree programs. Students enrolled in the University of California’s Masters in Information Security degree program requires the completion of a minimum of 27 graduate semester units in classes that include privacy engineering, managing cyber risk, and cryptography for cyber & network security, to name a few.
The University of California’s Berkeley campus was founded in 1the late 1860s and holds the distinction of being California’s first land-grant institution of higher education. In addition, this space-grant school serves more than 43,160 students online and on the school’s college-town campus in Berkeley. The University of California’s Berkeley campus is home to many scientific discoveries, including the discovery of elements and participation in the Manhattan Project.
Degree: Master of Information and Cybersecurity
12. Regis University
Regis University offers an MS in Information Assurance that is among the top information security master degree programs in the greater Denver metro area and beyond. This Master of Information Security degree program’s 36 graduate semester units is delivered in 8-week terms. Classes for Regis University’s Masters in Information Security degree program include enterprise information assurance, offensive cyber security, and managing a secure enterprise, to name a few. Grads find rewarding careers as IT consultants, Forensic Analysts, and Information Assurance Specialists, among others.
Regis University was established as Las Vegas College in 1877 in New Mexico. At present, Regis University’s urban campus in the Mile High City and online platform serve approximately 8,250 students each year. Regis University hosts a distinguished speaker program that includes Elie Wiesel and Desmond Tutu.
Degree: MS in Information Assurance
13. Our Lady of the Lake University
The School of Leadership & Business at Our Lady of the Lake University offers an MS in Information Systems and Security that has an NSA national designation. OLLU’s Master of Information Security degree program is accredited by the ACBSP. Coursework for this information security master degree program from Our Lady of the Lake University includes information systems development, telecommunications and networking, and special topics in information systems, among others. Degree candidates enrolled in OLLU’s Masters in Information Security degree program must complete thirty graduate semester credits to meet OLLU’s program requirements.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OL of LU) was established by the Congregation of Divine Providence in the mid-1890s. Located in San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University’s urban campus is home to more than 3,050 undergraduate and graduate students. Our Lady of the Lake University holds the distinction of being home to the oldest school of social work in Texas.
Degree: MS in Information Systems and Security
14. Norwich University
Norwich University offers an MS in Information Security and Assurance that is recognized to be among the best military-friendly Master of Information Security degree programs in the marketplace. Norwich University’s Masters in Information Security degree program requires a one-week residency, with students completing the coursework in about 18 months, on average. Degree candidates enrolled in Norwich University’s information security master degree program complete 36 graduate credits in classes that include information assurance technology, the foundation of information assurance, and information assurance management and analytics, to name a few.
Norwich University is officially known as Vermont’s Military College. Established in 1819, Norwich University now serves more than 2,050 students online and on the school’s rural campus in Northfield. Norwich University holds the distinction of being the ROTC’s birthplace – the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Degree: MS in Information Security and Assurance
15. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers an MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (IAC), which is one of Florida’s top Master of Information Security degree programs. Nova Southeastern University’s information security master degree program requires degree candidates to complete 30 graduate credit units, which can be completed in only twelve months of 8-week class terms. Nova Southeastern University’s Masters in Information Security degree program prepares graduates for careers as an information security analyst, security engineer, or chief information officer, to name a few.
Nova Southeastern University was established as a tech school in the mid-1960s. The university’s campuses in South Florida are home to more than 20,250 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Nova Southeastern University maintains a variety of educational facilities throughout the Sunshine State in Dania Beach, Tampa, and North Miami Beach, to name a few.
Degree: MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
16. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus offers Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences (MPSIS) – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance that is among the best Master of Information Security degree programs in the nation, according to US News. Students enrolled in PSWC’s Masters in Information Security degree program are required to complete at least 33 credit units at the graduate level. Penn State World Campus’s information security master degree program includes classes like cybersecurity, network management & security, and information technology, to name a few.
Penn State World Campus is the distance learning campus of Penn State that was founded in 1998. Nearly 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by Penn State World Campus. Penn State World Campus now offers more than 140 certificate and academic programs through the school’s online platform.
17. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology offers two of the Sunshine state’s best information security master degree programs with its Master of Science (MS) degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity or a Master of Science in Information Technology Cybersecurity. Florida Institute of Technology’s Master of Information Security degree program is offered by one of the nation’s Centers of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense Research. Classes for these PSWC’s Masters in Information Security degree programs include 30 credits in computer and information security, biometric authentication technologies, and cryptography, plus a capstone, to name a few.
Florida Institute of Technology was established as a private institution of higher education in the late 1950s. Originally known as Brevard Engineering College, Florida Institute of Technology now operates as a space-grant school with nearly 6,500 students. Florida Institute of Technology’s campus is located near the local airport and near Florida’s space coast.
Degree: MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity or MS in Information Technology Cybersecurity
18. University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy Online offers an MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that can be completed 100% online. The University of Detroit Mercy’s information security master degree program is offered by an NSA and DHS national center of excellence. Degree candidates attending the University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Information Security degree program are required to complete 30 graduate credits. Students enrolled in this Masters in Information Security degree program can complete the degree in only one year.
The University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit Mercy) was founded in the late 1870s as a private Jesuit school. The University of Detroit Mercy is recognized to be the largest Catholic institution of higher education in the state of Michigan, with a student body that nears 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Detroit Mercy maintains three campuses and offers programs in psychology, business, health science, nursing, liberal arts, and dentistry, among others.
Degree: MS in Information Assurance
19. University of Denver
The University of Denver offers an MS in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with an academic concentration in Cybersecurity Management that can be completed in only 1.5 years. The University of Denver’s information security master degree program is ranked among the top of all national universities, according to US News. Class terms for this University of Denver Master of Information Security degree program are ten weeks. Coursework for this Masters in Information Security degree program includes ICT business foundations, ICT technical foundations, and enterprise architecture, plus a capstone project or seminar, to name a few.
The University of Denver was founded by the Methodists in 1864 as a seminary. Currently, the University of Denver is nonsectarian with a student enrollment that nears 13,000 students. The university’s campus is about fives from Denver’s downtown and nightlife.
Degree: MS in Information and Communications Technology: Cybersecurity management
20. George Washington University
George Washington University offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management that is recognized to be among the most affordable and accelerated top Masters in Information Security degree programs in the nation’s capital. Students enrolled in George Washington University’s Master of Information Security degree program are required to complete a minimum of 36 graduate credit units in as few as sixteen months. Classes for George Washington University’s information security master degree program include cyber investigation, digital forensics, and fundamentals of information technology, plus a practicum, to name a few.
George Washington University was established as a research university in the early 1820s. Currently, the school’s various campuses and online platform serve more than 27,000 students each year. George Washington University is one of five schools that began with a congressional charter at the federal level.
Degree: MPS in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
21. Champlain College
Champlain College offers a Master of Information Security degree program that is among the most affordable in New England. Students enrolled in Champlain College’s military-friendly information security master degree program are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits, with some students needing to complete pre-program requirements in addition to those credits. Champlain College’s Masters in Information Security degree program offers two academic tracks – the operations track or the management track.
Champlain College was established in the late 1870s as a private business school. Champlain College’s multiple campuses (and online distance learning platform) serve nearly 3,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Highlight -Students enrolled in Champlain College’s various degree and certificate programs hail from 44 states and are offered an impressive 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Degree: Master of Information Security
22. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers an MS in Computer Security that is among California’s most affordable information security master degree programs. Degree candidates enrolled in USC’s Master of Information Security degree program are required to complete at least 32 graduate semester units. Core requirements for USC’s Masters in Information Security degree program include analysis of algorithms, applied cryptography, security systems, and advanced operating systems, to name a few.
The University of Southern California (USC) was established in 1880 and is recognized to be the oldest of research schools that operate privately. The University of Southern California is a sea and space-grant institution of higher education that serves more than 48,250 students each year. The University of Southern California holds the distinction of being named the internet’s birthplace.
Degree: MS in Computer Security
23. Purdue University
Purdue University offers a Professional Master’s in Information Security that is among the most affordable of accelerated information security master degree programs in the market. A student enrolled in Purdue’s Master of Information Security degree program completes classes in network security, software security, data security, and privacy, and foundations of information security, to name a few. This 30 credit unit Masters in Information Security degree program offers a wide breadth of information security topics to meet the professional master’s degree requirements.
Purdue University is a land-grant institution of higher education that was established by John Purdue in the late 1860s. In addition, Purdue University is a space- and sea-grant school with a student enrollment that exceeds 45,750 undergraduate and graduate students. Purdue University’s campuses and online platform offer more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Degree: Professional Master’s in Information Security
24. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an MS in Information Security & Assurance that is ranked among the most affordable information security master degree program in the marketplace. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Master of Information Security degree program is organized into three parts, quality management, enterprise, and knowledge management. Students enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Masters in Information Security degree program offers three academic tracks – information security systems, information assurance in a global context, or protecting business intelligence.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was established in 1926 as a private school. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University now maintains dual campuses in Florida and Arizona, plus a robust online platform. More than 33,550 students attend classes offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University holds the distinction of being the largest school dedicated to aerospace/aviation.
Degree: MS in Information Security & Assurance
25. Boston University
Boston University offers an MS in Computer Information Systems Concentration in Security that is considered among the top accelerated information security master degree programs in New England and beyond. Students enrolled in Boston University’s 40 credit Master of Information Security degree program typically complete Boston University’s program in 18 to 24 months, depending on time availability. BU’s Masters in Information Security degree program has received certification from the Committee on National Security Systems.
Boston University (BU) was established in Vermont by the United Methodists in 1the late 1830s. The university maintains various campuses throughout Boston, plus an online distance learning platform. The university’s campuses and online platform serve nearly 35,000 students each year. Boston University’s men’s hockey team plays as the Terriers and has won numerous national ice-hockey championships.
Degree: MS in Computer Information Systems – Concentration in Security
Why Should I Get My Information Security Master’s Online?
Earning a Master’s degree in Information Security degree online will give you the advanced skills you need to move forward in your career. Even if you are not working in the information or communication field, the skills you learn will be beneficial. They will allow you to explore new opportunities and expand your responsibilities. Moving up the ladder will also increase your earning potential quite rapidly. With this type of online degree, you can maintain a school schedule and a work schedule simultaneously.
With an online degree, you can continue to advance your education and explore many of the opportunities that you may be offered at your job. Going to school online allows you to look into other job opportunities that may fit better with your new degree. The fact is, that information security skills can be used in almost any industry to protect confidential and sensitive information. Utilizing these skills can be used to create a stronger, more secure network.
What Is Information Security?
Information security involves protecting all kinds of sensitive and confidential information from access by unauthorized users. This includes all types of digital data, images, and financial records. Information security also includes the protective measures that are used to secure the information. Understanding how information is used and what measures are taken to secure it as it moves through the World Wide Web are extremely important. It’s also important to understand what practices are used to fully protect the information.
One of the biggest issues when trying to protect sensitive information is the use of mobile apps and unsecured, public networks. An online Master’s in Information Security is designed to help you build secure networks and protect the information you use on a regular basis. It also allows you to effectively manage multiple networks that may be working simultaneously in your company. The goal of an information security system is to make your company more secure on a digital level.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Information Security?
Earning an information security Master’s degree will plant you firmly in the IT industry in many different positions, including IT security engineer and an IT security consultant. You also have the option of focusing on the skills of a Security Systems Administrator, Information Security Analyst, or Forensic Computer Analyst. Any of these positions will give you more responsibility and a higher-than-average earning potential that you can rely on. Choosing what to do with your degree will boil down to what type of work you really like to do. The degree will give you all of the skills you need. You just have to apply them.
If you are already working in the IT field, moving up to a Master’s in Information Security using an online learning platform will help you advance your career rather quickly. You will be able to work online to complete all of your homework and still be able to work at your primary job. You can use what you are learning to gain the experience you need to apply for higher-end jobs that will allow you to enjoy new opportunities long before you actually graduate. This makes the most of both your time and money giving you a chance to always keep moving forward.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Information Systems Security?
You can start increasing your earning potential long before you graduate if you are already employed in the IT industry and are taking your classes over an online learning platform. Because you are working and attending school at the same time, you can begin to use the experience you already have as a valuable bargaining tool when it comes to applying for new jobs. Starting pay for a new graduate with a Master’s in Information Systems Security averages approximately $99,000 per year. If you have 10 or more years of experience to go along with an advanced degree, that number can go as high as $155,000 per year.
The fact that more and more companies are utilizing mobile devices as part of their regular business practices means that the need for information security professionals is increasing dramatically. The need to protect confidential information has always been there, but in today’s world where hackers are able to override many of the most efficient security protocols, having a reputable information systems security team is vital to keeping your business up and running.
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Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Computer Information Systems Online
