Go to Page Section:
- 1 Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
- 2 Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU)
- 3 Georgetown University (GU)
- 4 Grand Canyon University (GCU)
- 5 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- 6 Western Governors University (WGU)
- 7 American Public University (APU)
- 8 Purdue Global (PU-G)
- Schools Summary Table
- Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $127730
- Salary Information by State
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields.
In fact, as of 2022, cyberattacks have increased by 38%, according to Check Point Research.
Yes, computers are a big part of cybersecurity.
This field requires quick thinking and the ability to apply broad knowledge to network defense through penetration testing, or state and federal agency coordination.
Digital defense also involves puzzle-solving and an understanding of human nature.
This wide application of knowledge makes a master’s in cybersecurity a high-profile, high-paying education that can be applied to almost any career field.
Luckily, several highly regarded universities offer master’s degrees in cybersecurity that are 100% online.
1 Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
About
Carnegie Mellon University, located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as a technical school.
Later, it merged with the Mellon Research Institute, forming a world-class interdisciplinary research institution.
There are roughly 14,000 students enrolled across 88 fields.
Courses Offered
Carnegie Mellon University offers an online Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance (MSIS) through the Heinz College.
Studies within the MSIS degree provide a comprehensive understanding of:
- Risk management
- Information security
- Data privacy
This 102-credit degree is top-ranked in cybersecurity, following education standards set by the NSA and DHS.
Heinz College is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Additionally, hands-on experience is provided through the CMU Software Engineering Institute.
Coursework of the MSIS Cybersecurity includes:
- Fundamentals of Computer Networks
- Introduction to Information Security
- Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
- Cyber Risk Modeling
- Malicious Code Analysis
The highly competitive degree also includes four professional preparation and exams.
The cost for the online MSIS degree is estimated at $6,078 per unit.
Students are also charged a $235 per-semester technology fee.
The total cost is $60,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Phone: 412.268.6591
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU)
About
The Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) is based in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
It is a private institution.
HPU Online offers 55 certifications and degrees ranging from associate’s to doctoral programs in business, marine science, and technology.
Courses Offered
The online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity focuses on computer systems with training in analysis, prediction, and ethical cyber threat defense.
The program has three start dates throughout the year.
Interested candidates do not need GSAT or GRE scores to apply.
The 30-credit program can be completed in 12 to 24 months.
Core cybersecurity courses include:
- IT Writing
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- IT – Law and Ethics
- Blockchain Fundamentals
- Computer Forensics and Investigations
As with many other similar programs, the MS requires completion of a Capstone project related to cybersecurity.
Preparation is also provided for several professional computer certifications:
- CompTIA CySA+ Security
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Server+
Costs for the online degree are $1200 per credit.
The 30-hour program averages $36,000, plus additional fees.
A non-refundable $200 deposit is required to hold enrollment.
This deposit will be credited toward tuition upon registration.
In addition to FAFSA, employer sponsorships and private loans are available to defray education costs.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: 866.764.4734
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Georgetown University (GU)
About
Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university in Washington, D.C.
It is the oldest in the United States, founded in 1789.
Currently, there are roughly 20,400 students enrolled across 56 fields of study.
The majority are pursuing graduate degrees.
Courses Offered
Georgetown University offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management.
Available completely online through the School of Continuing Studies, the program is recognized by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Both use an education framework approved by the National Security Administration (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The master’s degree is a 13-course, 33-credit-hour pathway.
It is expected to take between two and five years to complete.
The final course is a required Capstone project.
The program is designed as an interdisciplinary approach to cyber threats and includes studies in:
- Cyber Defense Analysis
- Ethics in Cybersecurity
- Disruptive Tech and Organizational Change
- Communication Strategies
- Cryptography
The cost of this program is estimated at $55,605, with additional fees for certification and graduation.
Students are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA).
Since the program is designed for working professionals, employer-based discounts and scholarships are available for eligible students.
Webinars further explaining the program are available for those interested in applying.
Contact Information
- Address: 640 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Phone: 202.687.8700
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Grand Canyon University (GCU)
About
Grand Canyon University is a faith-based, private institution, offering 349 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
There are over 101,000 enrolled in the system — both online and on campus.
GCU provides education in a range of subjects, including health, humanities, and information technology.
Courses Offered
Grand Canyon University offers three graduate degrees in cybersecurity:
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Each program consists of 34 hours of classwork and ends with a Capstone project.
All pathways are available 100% online.
At the master’s level, cybersecurity courses have a foundation in critical application analysis and making ethical decisions.
A few of the courses listed include:
- Finance and Economics
- Cyber Warfare and Applications
- Penetration Testing
- Infrastructure Innovation
- Threat Assessment
Online graduate programs are calculated at $603 per credit hour or roughly $21,000.
Specific degree paths may incur additional fees.
However, there is no admission fee.
Financial Aid (FAFSA) and grants are available for eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017
- Phone: 602.639.7500
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
About
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) began offering online degree programs in 1995.
Considered an education innovator, SNHU teaches 184,000 students across 200 degree programs.
Courses Offered
SNHU offers two graduate degrees with a focus on the human element in cybersecurity:
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity – IT Management.
Both pathways require 36 hours and are designed to be completed in as little as 15 months.
There are multiple term start dates throughout the year.
Each course lasts 8 weeks.
Graduate-level cybersecurity courses include:
- Network Assessment and Defense
- Investigation
- Digital Forensics
- Cyberlaw
- Ethics
- Incident Detection and Response
Tuition costs at SNHU are some of the lowest online.
A graduate degree costs $23,000 or $637 per credit hour.
Books and college fees are not included in this cost.
Financial Aid and payment plans are available at the graduate level.
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106
- Phone: 800.915.7648
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Western Governors University (WGU)
About
In 1997, 19 U.S. State governors founded Western Governors University to provide affordable, high-quality education.
Applicable skills and competencies are a foundation at the university.
WGU currently serves over 185,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 80 degree pathways.
Courses Offered
The WGU M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is offered 100% online.
This award-winning degree is designed to focus on real-world situations and solutions.
And aligns with DHS and NSA requirements for the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE).
These are a few of the 10 courses listed in the master’s in cybersecurity pathway:
- Security Foundations
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Penetration Testing
- Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering
- Cloud Security
Five additional computer certifications are supported by the curriculum, such as:
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
Also required for graduation is the successful completion of a graduate-level Capstone project.
The 1.5 to 2-year, 33-hour program costs an average of $4,655 per six-month term.
This includes e-books.
However, additional fees may apply for specific courses.
FAFSA and scholarship grants are available for eligible students, as are payment plans.
Contact Information
- Address: 4001 S 700 E, Suite 700. Salt Lake City, UT 84107
- Phone: 877.435.7948
- Website: Visit School Website
7 American Public University (APU)
About
American Public University combines the American Military University education with career-focused programs.
The university is recognized by
There are roughly 39,000 students enrolled in over 200 degree programs worldwide.
Courses Offered
American Public University offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies.
It focuses on a comprehensive understanding of large-scale threats and defense measures.
The 33-credit-hour degree can be completed in two years.
A few classes listed on the program’s syllabus include:
- Emergency Management of Cybersecurity Perspectives
- Cyber Intelligence
- Computer Forensics
- Intrusion Detection
- Incident Management
Completion of a final Capstone project in Cybersecurity studies is required for graduation.
Graduate degree costs at APU are calculated at $455 per credit hour.
Additional program fees may apply.
Military veteran discounts are available, and e-textbooks are free to all active military personnel and veterans.
APU works with FAFSA, the GI Bill, and state-based programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Phone: 877.310.3181
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Purdue Global (PU-G)
About
Purdue University Global is the online division of the Purdue University System.
Roughly 28,000 are enrolled.
Purdue University-Global is a result of the university’s 2018 purchase of Kaplan University.
Courses Offered
Purdue University Global has been recognized by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and offers a strong focus on management and leadership in cybersecurity.
It offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management. Available completely online, the degree is housed in the College of Information and Technology.
The pathway also allows four areas of concentration:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Technologies
- Data Analytics
- Project Management
- Secure Software Development and Quality Assurance
The two-year degree consists of 15 courses that total, depending on the chosen concentration, 60 to 80 quarter credit hours.
The degree pathway ends with an IT Capstone course.
In addition to statistics and data analysis courses, graduate cybersecurity coursework includes:
- Foundations in Data Analytics
- Cryptography Concepts and Techniques
- Ethical Hacking and Network Defense
- Legal and Ethical Issues in IT
- Computer Forensics and Investigations
Education costs for the MS degree are calculated at $420 per credit hour.
Financial Aid is available for select online programs.
Transfer credit can reduce costs by reducing the time spent on a degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Ave, STE 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 844-PURDUE-G
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Salary
The demand for cybersecurity professionals, often referred to as Information Security Analysts, is growing, ensuring a stable job market for the next decade.
Cybersecurity professionals are well-paid.
Salaries for individuals with master’s degrees range from $80,000 to $122,000, making it a lucrative field.
Factors affecting compensation packages include location and cybersecurity specialty.
Individuals with real-world and management experience have a mean annual salary of $169,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Average Salary: $127730
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,290 | $112,800 | $54.23 | $165,120 | $61,020 |
| Alaska | 210 | $111,900 | $53.80 | $159,930 | $85,010 |
| Arizona | 4,170 | $123,780 | $59.51 | $173,000 | $72,300 |
| Arkansas | 1,010 | $96,080 | $46.19 | $130,960 | $57,660 |
| California | 15,800 | $152,640 | $73.38 | $220,100 | $73,030 |
| Connecticut | 1,160 | $127,740 | $61.42 | $169,550 | $84,800 |
| Delaware | 630 | $130,860 | $62.91 | $165,600 | $79,750 |
| D.C. | 2,010 | $132,790 | $63.84 | $173,840 | $83,730 |
| Florida | 13,770 | $117,500 | $56.49 | $167,920 | $71,930 |
| Georgia | 6,480 | $126,380 | $60.76 | $171,860 | $73,590 |
| Hawaii | 580 | $128,310 | $61.69 | $212,210 | $68,900 |
| Idaho | 870 | $145,880 | $70.14 | $219,530 | $60,920 |
| Illinois | 4,560 | $119,540 | $57.47 | $169,520 | $70,870 |
| Indiana | 2,540 | $91,740 | $44.11 | $150,220 | $62,710 |
| Iowa | 1,180 | $116,710 | $56.11 | $173,890 | $66,520 |
| Kansas | 1,380 | $100,850 | $48.48 | $152,080 | $46,270 |
| Kentucky | 1,790 | $102,820 | $49.43 | $166,130 | $55,540 |
| Louisiana | 580 | $101,280 | $48.69 | $132,410 | $63,370 |
| Maine | 270 | $99,420 | $47.80 | $137,000 | $60,590 |
| Maryland | 8,770 | $145,450 | $69.93 | $206,980 | $80,100 |
| Massachusetts | 5,780 | $129,350 | $62.19 | $178,810 | $79,290 |
| Michigan | 3,120 | $107,630 | $51.75 | $164,100 | $61,310 |
| Minnesota | 2,550 | $126,150 | $60.65 | $168,960 | $79,300 |
| Mississippi | 560 | $89,910 | $43.23 | $134,520 | $50,810 |
| Missouri | 2,560 | $107,250 | $51.56 | $158,880 | $59,530 |
| Montana | ** | $99,560 | $47.86 | $137,540 | $70,920 |
| Nebraska | 1,120 | $103,310 | $49.67 | $142,470 | $67,990 |
| Nevada | 1,570 | $111,340 | $53.53 | $172,440 | $49,550 |
| New Hampshire | 730 | $128,040 | $61.56 | $181,260 | $74,920 |
| New Jersey | 4,730 | $141,130 | $67.85 | $198,050 | $83,840 |
| New Mexico | 1,760 | $131,220 | $63.09 | $178,370 | $83,840 |
| New York | 8,860 | $139,540 | $67.09 | $211,230 | $80,540 |
| North Carolina | 6,850 | $122,310 | $58.80 | $172,470 | $65,260 |
| North Dakota | 340 | $101,200 | $48.66 | $113,600 | $68,240 |
| Ohio | 5,070 | $115,600 | $55.58 | $165,970 | $67,150 |
| Oklahoma | 1,270 | $92,390 | $44.42 | $154,670 | $33,910 |
| Oregon | 1,370 | $132,430 | $63.67 | $219,040 | $77,940 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,420 | $114,870 | $55.22 | $169,390 | $62,270 |
| Rhode Island | 880 | $117,010 | $56.26 | $160,820 | $71,970 |
| South Carolina | 1,470 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| South Dakota | 430 | $104,120 | $50.06 | $139,730 | $74,430 |
| Tennessee | 2,730 | $111,840 | $53.77 | $164,970 | $67,260 |
| Texas | 14,730 | $126,800 | $60.96 | $173,350 | $72,490 |
| Utah | 1,720 | $101,430 | $48.76 | $158,780 | $48,900 |
| Vermont | 80 | $95,800 | $46.06 | $147,420 | $60,720 |
| Virginia | 18,670 | $136,680 | $65.71 | $202,720 | $76,080 |
| Washington | 6,830 | $144,140 | $69.30 | $202,270 | $73,220 |
| West Virginia | 270 | $103,770 | $49.89 | $141,660 | $61,940 |
| Wisconsin | 1,760 | $106,260 | $51.09 | $161,330 | $64,170 |
| Wyoming | ** | $122,570 | $58.93 | $192,380 | $63,700 |
| Puerto Rico | 470 | $62,190 | $29.90 | $99,080 | $29,460 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $152,640.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Information Security Analysts, OCC Code 15-1212, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Leave a Reply