Find your perfect college degree
I had always wanted to further my education in cybersecurity. However, I had a problem: I did not have sufficient funds. This issue persisted until my need led me to research the most affordable cybersecurity masters available.
Join me as I share my discoveries and provide accessible routes for individuals seeking to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Masters
In no order of preference, here are the top 10 universities offering the most affordable cybersecurity masters:
Sam Houston University, Texas
A Master’s program in information assurance and security is offered by Sam Houston State University (SHSU), and it requires the completion of 30 to 36 credit hours. Learners who complete the curriculum will be able to protect data, improve and strengthen network system security, and create plans for disaster recovery in the event of a cyberattack or system failure.
Affordable, completely accredited, and adaptable online master’s programs are provided by SHSU. Students with an undergraduate degree in a comparable technical discipline and appropriate work experience, as well as those with a background in computer science or management information systems, are encouraged to apply to the online Master’s in Information Assurance and Security program.
Because of the degree’s technical focus, prior experience in a tech-related field is required. Important subjects covered in online courses include information assurance concepts and policies, database security, operating system security, and business continuity management. SHSU is acknowledged as the 249th top national university by U.S. News and World Report.
Features:
- Program: Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security
- Credits: 30
- CAE designation: CAE-CD
- Fee: $8,000 – $10,000
- Tuition Per Credit Hour: $526
- Delivery mode: Online
- GRE prerequisite: Not applicable
- Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 0.92
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology offers an affordable online master’s degree in cybersecurity that offers excellent teaching in public policy, energy systems, and information security. With online courses taught by the same brilliant faculty that teach on campus, the program maintains Georgia Tech’s illustrious reputation for offering top-notch education.
Georgia Tech University is ranked as the 29th top national university in the country by U.S. News and World Report. This program, intended for students who are enrolled part-time, requires that 32 credit hours be completed in the allotted period. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in order to graduate.
Important topics covered in the curriculum include network security, secure computer systems, applied cryptography, and information security policies and strategies. Distance learning is facilitated using the Canvas platform. The curriculum culminates in a five-credit practicum that is required, giving graduates a thorough educational experience.
Features:
- Financial aid recipients: 72%
- SAT average: 1310–1500
- GRE prerequisite: Not applicable
- Delivery mode: Graduate online
- Graduate Fees and Tuition: $12,088–$18,500
- Program: Cybersecurity Master of Science Online
- Designation for CAE: CAE-R
- Per credit cost: $310
- Credits: 32 credits
- Type of School: Nonprofit Licensed by SACS COC
Liberty University, Virginia
Liberty University, the largest nonprofit online university in the nation, presents a Master of Science in Cyber Security through its School of Engineering and Computational Science. This program delves into digital forensics, applied network security, security engineering, and web security, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding.
It emphasizes the analytical framework crucial for preventing, detecting, and recovering from cyber attacks and security vulnerabilities. Requiring 36 credit hours, the program permits the transfer of up to 50% of applicable credits. Classes, each lasting eight weeks, cover diverse topics such as applied cryptography, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and issues in anonymity, privacy, and security.
With 96% of Liberty students receiving financial aid, the tuition stands at $565 per credit hour for all students. This fully online program, comprising 36 credits, allows students to expedite their studies, completing degree requirements in just 1.5 years.
Features:
- Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
- Tuition Per Credit Hour: $565
- Application Requirements: Official College Transcript(s)
- Graduate Tuition range: $8,333 – $21,000
- Accreditation by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Recommended GPA: 3.0 or above (4.0 scale)
Bellevue University, Nebraska
A 36-credit online master’s degree in cybersecurity is offered by Bellevue University, with an emphasis on working professionals. This adaptable curriculum gives students the tools they need to defend against network intrusions, manage information security threats, and use investigative methods for digital forensics.
Courses are offered online and cover topics such as information security management, risk management studies, ethical hacking and response, computer forensics, and security architecture and design. A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution with regional accreditation and a minimum GPA of 2.5 are requirements for admission.
Students become adept at resolving organizational issues, protecting technology and information assets, and handling security events. The program is designed for entry-level cybersecurity professionals; however, it also provides an accelerated timeline for experienced personnel based on their work history and qualifications.
Features and Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is required, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Recommended GPA: 2.5 or higher. The application requires official college transcripts. Graduate fees: $11,205, with $565 per credit hour. 92% of students receive financial aid.
Old Dominion University, Virginia
Old Dominion University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to cultivate proficient technology leaders with expertise in the technical aspects of cybersecurity, encompassing project management and team coordination. Offering flexibility with a curriculum that can be completed in just one year, ODU provides both online and on-campus options.
This dual-purpose program aims to prepare graduates for the workforce while serving as a stepping stone for those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies or teach cybersecurity at higher education levels. The program places a strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving and research opportunities in collaboration with faculty members.
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program equips students to advance their professional careers, pursue doctoral degrees, or teach cybersecurity courses at colleges and universities. The comprehensive curriculum covers cybersecurity, cyber defense, and team management, imparting advanced principles, techniques, and operations in cybersecurity.
Features:
- Program: Cybersecurity Master of Science
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)
- CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
- Tuition: $17,130
- Every credit costs $571
- Credit points: 30 points
- Method of delivery: Online
- GRE prerequisite: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education required.
- 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is the recommended GPA.
- Examinations for Admission: Application requirements for the GRE: Official transcripts from college, a statement of purpose or intent, recommendation or reference letter(s), and a CV or resume
American Public University, West Virginia
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies program at American Public University (APU) focuses on both preventing and responding to cyberattacks. The first step in this curriculum is to lay the groundwork for a basic understanding of both the technical and applied elements of cybersecurity.
The program’s 36 credits in total requirements are meant to be completed in two years with full-time attendance. Students with prior academic accomplishments can benefit from flexibility, as it allows for up to 15 transfer credits. All participants pay $350 per credit hour in tuition, and AMU guarantees financial aid to all of its students.
Designed specifically for those with prior IT expertise or relevant work history, the program strictly complies with industry certification requirements and standards, guaranteeing graduates have the abilities required in the sector. Students then explore the complexities of organizational structure and policy, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable parties.
Features:
- Cost per credit: $425
- Application fee: None
- Program: Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies (MS)
- CAE designation: CAE-CD
- Entrance Exams: None
- Tuition: $15,300
- Credits: 36
- Delivery method: Online
- GRE requirement: Not required
- Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 100%
- Transfer Credits: None
University of Central Missouri, Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers a comprehensive two-year cybersecurity master’s degree program where you’ll develop advanced skills in key areas: threat intelligence and incident response, advanced networking and security, cybersecurity policies, and cybersecurity and risk management.
This program provides a balanced mix of online and in-person courses. Completion of the cybersecurity master’s degree at the University of Central Missouri can position one for senior roles in cybersecurity and information assurance. Graduates of the program can successfully launch careers with industry leaders such as Cerner, the Federal Reserve Bank, H&R Block, Garmin, and more.
A Cybersecurity MS from UCM will empower you to master the science of problem-solving in the field, utilizing advanced technology and techniques. Throughout the program, you’ll gain expertise in designing and analyzing security policies and systems to meet information security requirements. Furthermore, you’ll learn to evaluate and maintain cyber systems, ensuring secure and reliable organizational operations.
Features:
The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program, named after its CAE-CD designation, has a credit cost of $394, totaling $11,820 for tuition. With a versatile delivery mode that includes both online and on-campus options, the program comprises 30 credit points.
Importantly, there is no GRE prerequisite for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of qualified applicants interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in the fields of information assurance and cybersecurity.
Fort Hays State University, Kansas
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a prestigious state university best known for its cyber-focused online Master of Professional Studies degree. It takes two years for full-time students to complete the 30 credit hours of coursework needed to graduate from this program. This curriculum is recognized by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Students have access to a flexible and convenient learning environment thanks to the Blackboard learning management system, which delivers the online curriculum. Network Security Firewalls, Linux in Networking, Research Methods in Informatics, and Foundations of Information Systems Security (CISSP Prep) are some of the core courses in the master’s program.
Offering a thorough curriculum that is in line with industry standards, FHSU makes sure that students get the information and abilities needed to succeed in the cybersecurity area. The program’s dedication to providing top-notch education in this quickly changing and important sector is demonstrated by the acclaim it has received from prestigious organizations.
Features:
With 96% of students benefiting from financial aid, the institution has an undergraduate online enrollment of 4,138 and an annual tuition of $4,478. The graduate enrollment is 2,462, and as a nonprofit, the school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Maryland, Global Campus, Maryland
The University of Maryland offers three distinct Master’s degrees in Cybersecurity, namely: a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, and a Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation. The courses are offered entirely online and are instructed by seasoned instructors.
The 36-credit program, which is intended for working students, trains students for professions in information security, board advising, technology, and cyber security analysis. Participants will learn how to find, gather, and present evidence for legal procedures. The advanced curriculum concentrates on the technical skills necessary for retrieving compromised data and looking into system security breaches.
The curriculum is designed for people with expertise in computer science, management information systems, or similar subjects, with a strong emphasis on risk assessments, network hardening, and disaster recovery planning. It is structured to expand the abilities of tech-related professionals and prepare them for advanced responsibilities in information assurance and cybersecurity.
Requirements And Features:
Graduate tuition at this university costs $659 per credit and ranges from $8,910 to $19,770. This 30-credit online program, which carries the CAE-CD designation and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), is available to students.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimal educational prerequisite, and the GRE is not required. Official college transcripts must be submitted by applicants, and it is thought that having programming and computer skills can help one get in.
University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
The University of the Cumberlands offers a master’s degree in information systems security for a competitive tuition fee of $315 per credit hour. Financial aid is provided to all students. This bachelor’s degree program, which is intended for working professionals, has earned the NSA CAE IA/CD designation.
Considered the most reasonably priced online master’s degree in cybersecurity, it covers subjects such as risk management, application security, and access control while adhering to DHS and NSA requirements. The university is accredited by U.S. News and World Report, which ranks it between 293rd and 381st nationally.
The Master of Science in Digital Forensics program offered online is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees who want to progress in their professions as cybercrime investigators. Students can recover and look into data lost to computer crime thanks to the curriculum’s coverage of ideas, tactics, and strategies.
Features:
For its graduate programs, the University of the Cumberlands costs $5,970 in tuition, which is computed at $315 per credit hour. The university, which has SACSCOC accreditation, guarantees financial accessibility because all of its students receive financial aid.
A bachelor’s degree is the entry requirement, and applicants are advised to maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Alongside the academic criteria, the submission of official college transcripts is part of the application prerequisites for prospective graduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Students Finance Their Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?
Students looking to reduce the cost of a master’s degree in cybersecurity might look into financial aid, grants, and scholarships, among other options. For further financial support, it’s critical to thoroughly investigate colleges for financing alternatives and look into business alliances and employer tuition aid programs. This way, you can get to graduate school without debt.
Are There Affordable Cybersecurity Master’s Programs With Industry Recognition?
Indeed, certain cybersecurity master’s programs earn recognition from industry bodies such as the NSA or DHS. This recognition ensures affordability and attests to the program’s credibility and adherence to industry standards.
Can International Students Find Affordable Options for a Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?
Certainly, international students have the option to explore affordable cybersecurity master’s programs by considering public universities, online programs, and great master’s scholarship opportunities. This allows them to secure quality education without compromising their financial constraints.
Conclusion
Obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity doesn’t have to be expensive. People may receive a good education without breaking the bank thanks to a wide range of affordable options, such as public colleges, online courses, and other financial assistance channels. This will help them have a bright future in the quickly developing industry of cybersecurity.
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