Find your perfect college degree
Earning an online Master’s in Information Systems Security program is an ideal step for those who want to advance their career in technology. This online program equips students with advanced knowledge of management information systems, covering identity and access management, management information systems, information security concepts, and strategies to implement access control procedures.
Although the minimum requirement to enter the field is a bachelor’s degree, it is becoming increasingly common for professionals to pursue advanced degrees. Online Master’s in Information Systems Security offers a convenient and flexible pathway to help professionals advance their careers in technology. This can potentially boost their salary and take their career in a new direction, preparing prospective students to become leaders in the IT industry.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts make a median of $120,360 per year. This field is also increasingly growing, with a projected growth of 32% between 2022 to 2032.
Additional Resources:
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Data Analytics
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in UX/UI
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Computer Forensics
Overview
Students who want to pursue an online Master’s in Information Systems Security degree will find the flexible learning format advantageous, allowing them to earn the degree at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. If you are passionate about helping businesses and organizations keep their IT systems and critical data safe, then the online master’s degree in information systems security degree is for you.
Methodology
The field of data protection & information systems security is set to remain in demand. With industries relying ever more on digital infrastructure for their core operations, there is a constant need to protect potentially sensitive data. Success in this highly technical and specialized field hinges on getting the best graduate-level educational preparation.
We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of graduate schools that offer online master’s in Information Systems Security degree programs, selected based on the following characteristics:
- Offers their degree programs primarily online, ideal for working professionals who need to make room for both education and career commitments,
- Features a well-designed online education curriculum that covers the fundamentals and key skills in data security, secure network development, mobile and cloud security, and similar concepts,
- Sharpens students’ soft skills, including attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership,
- Features an Information Systems Security curriculum that is developed, taught, and constantly kept up to date by faculty who are experts in the field with relevant industry experience,
- Offers competitive tuition rates, federal aid programs, and financial aid options, including grants and scholarships,
- Holds the relevant accreditation credentials for online Information Systems Security instruction at the master’s level.
Read our Methodology for details.
Best Online Master’s in Information Systems Security Programs
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Master of Information Management and Systems
When it comes to technological innovation and degree programs, the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the top choices. UC Berkeley is a large research university with more than 33,000 students annually. It offers a variety of degree programs but is mainly known for its health science and technology programs.
The online Master of Information Management and Systems at UC Berkeley has received multiple awards and recognition from different organizations. It offers a curriculum designed to enhance students’ knowledge of storing, organizing, retrieving, and analyzing information. In addition to technical expertise, this program will also equip students with skills to perform and manage a multiplicity of information-related tasks.
- It requires students to complete 48 semester units of study.
- Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester.
- Program completion time is two years.
- Courses span technology and science to economics, law, library studies, and communications.
- Students can specialize in a particular area of information management and systems.
This online MIMS program is one of the most flexible degrees online. It offers several concentrations each semester, allowing students to tailor their learning experience. Currently, the specializations offered are:
- Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Design
- Applied Data Science and Machine Learning
- Information Policy and Ethical Technology
- Social and Technical Innovation in Entrepreneurship
- Creative or Unique Research and Career Paths
The Free Speech Movement, a student-led demonstration in 1964 that pushed for the freedom of speech and political activism on campus, began at the University of California, Berkeley.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems – Emphasis on Security
Boston is a very competitive school, with a 14% acceptance rate and constant appearance across different college ranking sources. It offers more than 300 programs across 17 schools and colleges. Boston is a prestigious research university, one of the invited members of the Association of American Universities.
The MA in Computer Information Systems offered by Boston University has a concentration in Security. This program provides students with in-depth knowledge of security threats and solutions, allowing them to identify and develop secure systems and networks for organizations.
- Students in this program are expected to be proficient in risk management, including architectural solutions, asset assessments, and network security and cryptography.
- To earn the program, students need to complete a total of 40 credits, which can be done in 18 to 24 months.
The program curriculum is designed to equip students with competence in security policies, technology, processes, and operations. The online MS in Computer Information Systems program is certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
Boston University has an award-winning faculty. The prestigious faculty includes Fulbright scholars, National Academies members, poet laureate, and leading scientists and researchers, among others.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
M.S. in Information Systems
Nova Southeastern University is a private research university primarily founded as an advanced technology institution. At present, NSU Florida is composed of 14 colleges, hosting a population of over 20,500 students. It is also classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”.
Nova Southeastern University offers an online MS in Information Systems degree program. This program is conveniently designed for working professionals who want to enhance their skills in data protection across the public and private sectors.
This master’s degree program is necessarily technical by nature, and the program is ideal for those who have a strong mathematical aptitude, as well as an interest in data structures and algorithms.
- The program consists of 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
- The program features accelerated 8-week courses that allow students to graduate within one year.
- Students can tailor their degrees and align them with their future goals by choosing one of the five concentrations:
- Cybersecurity Management
- Artificial Intelligence Application
- Technology Management
- Data Analytics
- User Experience (UX)/Human-Computer Interaction
Standout Features:
This is a STEM-designated program that is recognized by the US National Security Agency (NSA) and its affiliated federal agencies. Its curriculum is constantly kept up-to-date to respond to industry trends. It also features an interdisciplinary design that includes coverage of the areas of cybersecurity, computer science, UX, and more.
Since 2005, Nova Southeastern University has been a National Security Agency (NSA)-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) – Cyber Defense.
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
MS in Information Systems Security
The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian university sought after by students who want to integrate their faith into their education. Beyond a faith-based education, Cumberlands has been incorporating technology into its degree programs. In recent years, the university has earned its way into one of the country’s best grad schools for tech programs.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online MS in Information Systems Security program, a nationally recognized program that prepares students with skills in cybersecurity and information assurance. This degree program is intended for those who have a computer science/information technology-related bachelor’s degree and are already working in the field.
- The program contains a total of 31 credit hours.
- Classes are conducted in an 8-week term format, allowing students to study at their own pace.
- It includes topics such as access control, cryptography, application security, operations security, and more.
- Those who take 12 hours per semester can graduate in as few as 1.5 years.
- Students must also complete an information security project or an applied practical learning experience.
Standout Features:
This program is designed to align with the set of cyber security education standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). It also aligns with the Common Body of Knowledge standards for the CISSP certification.
The University of the Cumberlands was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS.
Did You Know?
The university is named after a set of nearby prominent geographic features: the Cumberland River, which runs along the campus, Cumberland Falls, and the Cumberland Gap, a historically important passage for pioneers and settlers going west.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New Jersey
MS in Information Technology Administration and Security
As the state’s public polytechnic university, the New Jersey Institute of Technology is committed to providing an exceptional teaching and learning environment. It currently has 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs on offer, spread out across six specialized schools. Its total enrollment number is around 12,000.
For students interested in taking leadership roles in organizations, a Master of Science in Information Technology Administration and Security degree program is an ideal choice. Students are equipped with technical and managerial skills that can help them succeed in this field.
- Students must complete a total of 33 credits.
- Courses include Systems Administration, Wireless Network Security and Administration, Database Administration, and Internet and Higher-Layer Protocols, among others.
- Several elective courses are available to help students customize their degrees, from Cryptography and Security to Organizational Behavior and many more.
The online master’s in information systems security requires completing a graduate capstone project. This gives graduate students the opportunity to work with industry or faculty-sponsored problems where they can encounter real-world examples of system administration and management.
The capstone project can be completed as a team. Options range from game programming, virtual reality, application or web development, and multimedia or web and network security.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology has achieved the Carnegie Classification R1 status, making it one of the leading research universities in the country. It is home to more than 140 research institutes, centers, and specialized labs. In the financial year 2021, the university’s research expenditure amounted to $166 million.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is officially a Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools (MSA)-accredited school.
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MS in Management – Information Systems Security
Colorado Technical University is a respected university with graduate-level programs designed for technologically demanding fields. This means students learn to embrace new technology and utilize it in innovative ways, providing them with an enhanced learning experience in the process.
The MS in Management with a concentration in Information Systems Security is offered at Colorado Technical University. This program equips students with management and leadership skills, allowing them to explore software information assurance, network security, security management, and cybersecurity threats.
- Students examine security technologies, cryptographic services, incident reporting, and more.
- Students must complete a total of 48 credits, with each course lasting five weeks.
- The average completion time is 1.5 years.
- The curriculum covers courses such as Contracting and Procurement in Project Management and Information Systems Auditing.
While the program does not have accreditation from ACBSP, the online MS in Management with an Information Systems Security Concentration gained the approval of the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.
Accredited by the HLC, Colorado Technical University has consistently ranked among universities that offer online degree programs. The university has a strong military commitment, making it a military-centric school. It was founded by Air Force Lt Colonel Robert Turkisher. It has since awarded millions worth of scholarships to active duty members and veterans since 2008.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
MS in Information and Cybersecurity
Purdue University stands as a renowned institution with a strong global presence. Purdue boasts a diverse range of programs across various campuses, including its esteemed Global campus. There are over 52,000 students enrolled annually at Purdue.
Purdue University offers the online Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity to help advance information security professionals’ careers in a dynamic and in-demand field. The program is designed for those with experience in programming and computer systems, especially for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related major.
- This is a 10-course, 30-credit hour program that can be completed in two years.
- Focus courses include Network Security, Software Security, and Security Analytics.
- Students gain competencies and skills that will help them build, evaluate, and maintain secure systems.
- The curriculum features assignments and projects utilizing cutting-edge security techniques and software, along with many real-world examples.
This online master’s program has a comprehensive curriculum covering cryptography, network security, security analytics, economic and legal components of cybersecurity, and data security and privacy, among others.
It is also possible for students to tailor their degree according to their career needs and goals by selecting elective courses. Their options include database systems, algorithm design, data mining, and analysis and implementation.
In 2013, Purdue’s president, Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., revealed the university’s Purdue Moves initiatives. This was aimed to help the university deliver higher education at the highest proven value. It has a demonstrated commitment to research, too, having reached a record year of sponsored research funding of $418.3 million in 2017 alone.
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Master’s in Information Technology, Specialization in Information Assurance
The University of Maryland Global Campus is known for its large online presence and decoration to adult education. UMGC offers online programs designed for relevant careers with its flexible and convenient learning format. To date, the university offers more than 125 degrees and certificates that provide students with real-world skills.
The University of Maryland offers an online Master’s in Information Technology with a specialization in Information Assurance degree program. It is designed to help mid-career professionals build relevant advanced skills in information assurance and cybersecurity.
- It requires completion of 36 credit hours.
- The curriculum provides students with a practical understanding of the principles of data protection, computer forensics, cryptology, and cybersecurity.
- Students must also complete a capstone course in information assurance.
- The coursework prepares students for certification exams such as CompTIA Security, Systems Security Certified Practitioner, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Students have the option to start with a test run by enrolling in a for-credit online graduate certificate in information assurance offered by UMG. Upon completion, if they choose to pursue the full master’s degree, they can seamlessly transfer 15 credits earned from the certification program toward their degree.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is known for its affordable tuition rates. Financial aid options, including military tuition assistance and benefits, are available to eligible students. Plus, the university has replaced every textbook with free digital course materials to allow students to complete their coursework anywhere. It is also meant to help keep their education costs down.
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Master of Science in Information & Communications Technology, concentration in Information Systems Security
The University of Denver is one of the best choices for pursuing grad programs in tech-related fields. UD has a long tradition of cultivating innovation in science and technology, proven by its “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” Carnegie designation.
The University of Denver offers a Master of Science in Information & Communications Technology program with a Concentration in Information Systems Security. This concentration area is designed to prepare students to be technically proficient in a number of key security areas and processes.
- This program covers skills in evaluating encryption standards and developing & implementing information security policies & procedures.
- Students will also focus on designing secure network applications and solutions.
- This master’s degree program consists of a total of 48 credit hours (12 courses) and has a completion time of as little as 18 months.
- Part-time students can also choose between a 24-month and 36-month completion time.
- Students can further tailor their learning experience by choosing electives.
This program’s concentration area in Information Systems Security features a curriculum that emphasizes key technical skills, along with a wide range of electives that let students concentrate on specific areas of interest. Likewise, the program also aligns with the Common Body of Knowledge for CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) Certification.
This MS in Information & Communications Technology program is also offered with a concentration in Cybersecurity Management, a leadership-oriented concentration area that builds on students’ expertise in cybersecurity with insights on governance, compliance, and regulatory aspects of the field. Information Systems Security is also offered as a Graduate Certificate.
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, South Carolina
Master of Science in Information Systems Technology, Concentration in Security
Coastal Carolina University is an intimate public research university enrolling over 10,000 students only annually. It’s one of the best schools when it comes to information technology support services and educational experience. CCU houses some of the best IT professionals, ensuring students receive top-notch support for their technological needs throughout their academic journey.
CCU offers a 100% online Master of Science in Information Systems Technology that covers the field’s academic and practical application aspects. The highly intensive curriculum prepares students for positions in information security and data analytics.
- The program consists of 33 credit hours with an average completion time of two years.
- The curriculum is divided into core courses, elective coursework, and a capstone experience.
- Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option.
- Students in the thesis option must complete a defense through an oral presentation and written thesis report.
Standout Features:
CCU houses some of the best tech support services, and centers focused on helping students and graduates excel in the field of information systems technology. The university’s dedicated IT support teams provide round-the-clock assistance, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their coursework and beyond.
Coastal Carolina University is one of the 34 universities that are part of the National Sea Grant College Program, a consortium dedicated to coastal and marine research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cybersecurity and information system security?
Cybersecurity is a subfield of information systems security. Information security includes all methods of protecting data, while cybersecurity is solely concerned with online and computer security.
What can I expect from an online master’s in information systems security degree program?
The specific coursework, pacing, and requirements will vary from program to program. Nevertheless, these programs will be focused on
- developing the skills necessary to plan innovative security operations,
- building networks and apps,
- maintaining business continuity in the event of a crisis,
- carrying out computer forensics and assessing encryption.
In addition to lectures, exams, and assignments, online master’s programs in information systems security often incorporate simulations for real-world network security events.
What are the popular career possibilities for graduates of online master’s in information systems security programs?
Information Systems Security graduates who earned the online master of information security programs can be well-prepared to take on managerial and leadership positions in the field. They can also increase their earning potential. The most popular career options include:
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
| Information Security Analysts | $120,360 |
| Networking Security Consultants | $120,809 |
| Information Security Managers | $140,968 |
| Security Architects | $154,225 |
| Chief Information Security Officers | $213,383 |
Does this master’s program require a practicum course?
Some universities offering online master’s in information systems security programs require the completion of a practicum course. This is where they can take on an applied learning experience, usually arranged by the program director. Others have the capstone project requirement, giving students the chance to apply the core concepts and concentration area courses. Students may need to choose a topic to focus on, providing them the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge and skills.
How long does it typically take to earn an online master’s degree in information systems security?
Full-time students can often complete their master’s degree in 18 to 24 months. Part-time enrollees often have up to three years to complete degree requirements.
Do you need a license or certification to work in information systems security?
There isn’t a specific license required to work in information systems security. However, there are industry-recognized certifications that employers highly value. Here are some of the most popular of the bunch:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- CompTIA Security+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Key Takeaways
- Businesses and industries are overwhelmingly reliant on digital technology, particularly data storage, and the projected growth in this regard also means a rise in demand for experts that cater to various data security needs.
- The field of Information Systems Security is concerned with safeguarding data from external security threats and vulnerabilities, including natural and human factors. Major skills include designing & testing particular security architectures, analyzing security issues, developing specific security measures & data recovery plans, conducting data analysis, risk management, and more.
- Well-designed online master’s degree in information systems security programs are typically aligned with the standards set by a number of industry certifications such as CISSP and help prepare students to earn these. Some government agencies also designate a number of universities as national centers of excellence in cyber security.
