Top 25 Online Master's in Information Systems Security Programs for 2019
An online master's degree in information security prepares degree candidates for jobs as IT professionals at private and public organizations. Graduates help companies build and protect computer systems by creating cybersecurity technologies. IT professionals work as computer systems analysts, managers, and technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in employment for computer and information occupations between 2016 and 2026. An online information assurance master's degree enhances salary earnings for all IT professionals.
What are the Best Online Master's in Information Systems Security Programs?
Top 25 Online Masters in Information Systems Security Programs for 2019
Admissions Rate
14%
Graduation Rate
94%
Online Enrollment
25%
Retention Rate
97%
Default Rate
2%
A recognized leader in graduate science education, John Hopkins offers its master's in information security online or on-campus. The online master of science in cybersecurity program offers each course in a 12-14 week learning module. In addition to three required foundational courses in algorithms, information assurance, and cryptology, students select a specialized track in analysis, networks, or systems and take at least three courses in their chosen specialization.
Course delivery is through Blackboard, and Adobe Connect is used for web conferencing. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school with a major in a related science or technical field, and a grade point average of B or higher. Applicants must have completed a full year of calculus, an advanced math course beyond calculus, and one course each in Java or C++ programming, data structures, and computer organization.
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How to Choose an Online Master's in Information Systems Security Program
A master's in information security online takes full-time students between one and two years to earn. Some schools require 11 units or credit hours; others require 36 credit hours or more. Courses include telecom clouds and mobile applications. Students also take courses on business fundamentals like business communication. Some programs allow students to choose a specialization, which include organization theory and design or ethical issues in management. Distance learners have the option to pay per credit or pay tuition in full. Online program tuition rates may differ from on-campus rates.
Careers for Graduates of Master's in Information Systems Security Programs
An online master's degree in information security makes you a valuable asset to most companies. Graduates possess the skills to develop, monitor, and troubleshoot information systems for businesses. Distance learners are prepared to acquire positions as IT directors, who lead entire technology departments. Companies are turning to information security analysts to fix cybersecurity issues, and the demand for IT professionals is increasing.
Information security analysts develop technology to help protect companies from cyber attacks and data breaches. Analysts thoroughly research the company's computer systems to spot technical vulnerabilities. They reinforce network firewalls and monitor computer hardware, like routers. Analysts implement protocols to protect company data and improve network security.
Median Salary: $70,000
Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Information Systems Security Master's Degrees
The BLS projects a 28% increase in information security analyst jobs between 2016 and 2026. Occupations in the information security sector are expanding at a rate much faster than occupations in other industries; the average job growth rate is 7%. Salary rate and growth depend on several factors, including job location and position. Information security analysts have the potential to make six figures with an online information assurance master's. Students work their way up to management positions by gaining experience in the industry. Experience leads to higher salaries and increased earning potential.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 100,000 | 128,500 |
Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Information Systems Security Master's Programs
Experience is one of the primary salary determinants for IT professionals. Many professionals started out as computer programmers or developers and worked their way up to senior-level positions. Workers develop information systems and detect weaknesses to prevent security breaches. IT professionals must be experienced due to the demands of their job. An information security master's degree online helps IT professionals gain experience, which can lead to higher salaries.
To determine the best online master's in information systems security programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in information systems security programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.