Best Online Master’s in Information Systems Security

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Great pay and job security can coexist. The Best Online Master’s Degrees in Information Systems Security is where you should start.  

We all know how prominent technology is in our lives. The faster technology grows, the faster hackers learn how to acquire our information. The field of Information Systems Security involves using technology to protect organizations’ information systems.

Getting your master’s in Information Systems Security can get you to where you want to be. You could work for a prestigious financial company or get a high-level government position. The median salary for this position starts at just under $100,000. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is an Information Systems Security Master’s degree?

A master’s Information Systems Security shows employers that you know cybersecurity. It proves that they can trust you with securing their information. This field gives you opportunities in jobs such as consulting firms or firms who handle a lot of financial information.

In this field, you will learn how to develop technical skills in order to solve breaches in security. You’ll also learn how to set up secure networks. You will also be able to provide solutions to others for their security needs.

If it’s the networks and data banks that you’re the most excited about, consider a degree in Database Management. If you want a broader degree that you can potentially specialize, consider the Best Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science.

How much can you earn with a Master’s in Information Systems Security?

Getting your master’s in Information Systems Security can earn your a pretty decent living. The median salary for Information Security Analysts is $98,350 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This industry is growing fast and you won’t find a shortage of jobs. It has a projected growth rate of 28 percent from 2016 to 2026. That’s four times the average growth rate of 7 percent. The demand for cybersecurity isn’t slowing down and a master’s can help you get into a competitive position.

What is required for a Master’s in Information Systems Security?

There are certain prerequisites you must fulfill in order to get your MS in Information Systems Security. You will need to have your Bachelor’s in a technology-related field. You may have to take prerequisite courses if you have a non-IT degree.

Most schools prefer that you have professional experience in cybersecurity and IT. Most schools also require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. GRE or GMAT scores are required by some schools.

What are the best Information Systems Security degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

National University

National University

Quick Facts

  • Can enroll year-round
  • Hands-on experience
  • Requires minimum GPA of 2.5
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Programs Offered Online

46

Median Debt

$30,961

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

5%

100%OSR Score

At this university, you can choose a certain concentration such as ethical hacking and penetration testing. National University makes it feel like a community with interactive tools that link professors and students. The program requires 58.5 credits. 

Western Governors University

Western Governors University

Quick Facts

  • Can finish in as little as 6 months
  • Alumni provide career support
  • Coursework aligns with National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

65%

Programs Offered Online

29

Median Debt

$12,066

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

13%

98%OSR Score

You will earn the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker and EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator certificates with your degree. You’re allowed to take assessments for courses at your own pace. Thirty credits are required for graduation. 

Dakota State University

Dakota State University

Quick Facts

  • Low tuition
  • Minimum GPA required is 2.7
  • Asynchronous learning format
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

70%

Acceptance Rate

84%

Programs Offered Online

11

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

37%

88%OSR Score

Dakota State’s program allows for online and on-campus students to work on projects together. This is a 30 credit program. The degree is designed for students who have full-time jobs with flexibility in mind.

Lewis University

Lewis University

Quick Facts

  • Offers Technical and Management concentration
  • Application fee is $40
  • 2-year program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Programs Offered Online

8

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

4%

83%OSR Score

Lewis University allows students to choose between the asynchronous or synchronous format (depending on course materials). Its program requires 35-41 credits for graduation. You get hands-on experience as professors simulate threats and you address them.

Nova Southeastern University

Quick Facts

  • Minimum GPA required is 2.5
  • Application fee is $50
  • Can apply for any term
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

8

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

1%

82%OSR Score

NSU’s program is geared toward those who want to focus on Network Security Engineering. Students are given Thomson Research software to help create bibliographies. This program only requires 30 credits for graduation. 

Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Quick Facts

  • No application fee 
  • No GRE or GMAT required 
  • Courses are interactive and media-rich
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

11

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

22%

81%OSR Score

Florida Institute of Technology’s online master’s program is designed under the partnership of  Harris Corp, a global security leader, in order to meet the demand for this growing field. Thirty-three credits are required for graduation. You can study topics such as biometric technology or application security.

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Quick Facts

  • GRE score isn’t required
  • Can take classes completely online
  • Offer professional development services
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

42

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

12%

80%OSR Score

Penn State has over 100 years of experience in online degree programs. You must complete a final project or research paper at the end. This program requires 33 credits for graduation.

Davenport University

Davenport University

Quick Facts

  • Doesn’t require a background in technology
  • Tuition rate is on the low end
  • Retention rate at 74%
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

69%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Programs Offered Online

23

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

11%

76%OSR Score

Davenport University meets standards set by the National Security Agency and Committee on National Security Systems. This is a 34 credit program. It also has a 91% employment rate.

University of Denver

University of Denver

Quick Facts

  • Can get a degree in as little at 18 months
  • GRE or GMAT isn’t required
  • Minimum GPA is 2.5
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

69%OSR Score

Denver’s program is designed for those already in the field and those looking for a new field. This program requires 48 credits for graduation. Its coursework aligns with the Common Body of Knowledge for CISSP certification created by the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State

Quick Facts

  • GRE score requirement may be waived
  • Can start any term
  • May be eligible for $1,000 scholarship
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

1%

69%OSR Score

SHSU online classes are taught through Blackboard and can be taken at your own pace. U.S. News & World Report ranked this school as the best in the country for online graduate programs. Thirty-six credits are required for graduation.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.