As the world becomes increasingly more reliant on digital information, the risk of that information being stolen, perverted or destroyed is rising drastically. As we’ve seen during this past election cycle, even at the highest seats of power, information is easily exploited and cybersecurity is failing. Recent reports say hackers are stealing approximately $250 billion a year in intellectual property, including weapons designs, source code, trade secrets and of course, internal communications. Protecting the integrity and security of information assurance isn’t something most people are trained to do. Therefore, those who achieve at a high level within these fields will find themselves increasingly in demand as organizations both private and public look to safeguard themselves from attacks. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 37% from 2012 to 2022. There’s a wide range of technical disciplines that you may have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in. The following programs in information assurance and cybersecurity will give you the chance to increase your knowledge, skill set while improving your career and earning potential.
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/4): the average estimated out-of-state (if applicable) tuition per credit hour.
- Number of Specializations (1/4): the number of focus points, specializations, or ways in which students may customize their degree.
- Time Until Degree (1/4): the time until degree for students who elect to accelerate their coursework.
- Academic Prestige (1/4): the academic prestige of the program and parent institution, as noted in other rankings of note.
1.)University of Denver
This four-year, independent private school is the oldest in the Rocky Mountains, founded in 1864. It offers a plethora of programs and degrees, including law, business, music, social work, education, and much, much more. DU has pioneered expansions in its programming throughout its history. In fact, its athletic program is known as the Pioneers! DU has grown alongside the city of Denver, booming in the post-World War II migration to Colorado. It now serves nearly 11,800 students. The University of Denver was ranked 86th among all public and private national universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2015-2016 rankings. The University College University of Denver is a school of professional and continuing studies that DU created in order to offer graduate certificates and master’s degrees in online formats. This school host’s the University’s master’s in information assurance and security.
In DU’s cybersecurity master’s program, students will how to deal with information security obstacles like creating a secure network, securing servers, defining application security requirements, and solving security breaches. From designing cybersecurity solutions and applications to using forensic analysis to determine how where and why systems were breached, students will prepare to offer organizations safety and continuity. This knowledge is equally applicable to public and private entities. The classes were designed to prepare students for CISSP certification developed by the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium (ISC)². Students have the option to attend the program full or part-time, and it can be completed in as little as 12 months if taken on campus, and 18 months if taken online or a combination of the two. This program was designed for those within the IT field looking to expand their prospects and knowledge. There are two closely related degrees that students can choose from: Master of Science in Information Systems Security (offered fully online or in combination with on-campus classes) and Master of Science in Cybersecurity (offered on-campus only).
2.)Iowa State University
Like DU, Iowa State University has been around for a long time. Founded in 1858, this public research university is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), encompassing 62 leading North American research universities. Iowa State has been given the special mark as an “Innovation and Economic Prosperity University,” which only 54 public universities in America have received. Iowa state offers 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 112 master’s degree programs, 83 at the Ph.D.’s, and a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine. In 2016, ISU ranked 111th in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of national universities. Most pertinently, ISU is the birthplace of the first electronic digital computer, invented in the late 30’s and early 40’s. ISU was also critical in developing nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan project.
Building on its strong technological tradition, ISU proudly offers a master’s in information assurance that can be taken entirely online. The program requires 30 credit hours, broken down into 18 credits of core courses, 6 credits of research for a master’s degree with thesis or 3 credits of creative component or capstone course for a master’s degree without thesis. The remaining 6 or 9 credit hours will be made up of elective courses at the student’s discretion. Core courses vital to learning master’s level cybersecurity procedures and problem-solving strategies include Advanced Computer Networking, Computer Security, Information warfare, Ethical and Legal Issues in Computer Security, Cryptography, Steganography, Forensics and Wireless Security.
3.)Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins is a premier private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Yet another historic school, JHU or simply Hopkins was founded by abolitionist entrepreneur Johns Hopkins founded the school and hospital of his namesake in 1876. JHU is ranked 10th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 11th globally by Times Higher Education World University Rankings, making it the highest ranked school academically on this list. It also gives a lot of choice to the student with multiple cybersecurity-related concentrations. This is one of the best staffed, funded and technologically-equipped schools in the world. If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge of information assurance, look no further.
Johns Hopkins vows to help students achieve the skills to defend information systems from attack through tracks including cybersecurity analysis, cybersecurity networks and cybersecurity systems. You’ll ensure confidentiality, availability and integrity of data while preserving and restoring systems. Students will develop advanced risk management skills, and be briefed on the wide and varied cybersecurity threats by professors who have fought and operated on the front lines of the information battlefield. The curriculum of this program is evolved to the sharpest cutting edge of technology and information assurance information, so you’ll enter the workforce prepared for just about anything. Upon graduating, students will demonstrate mastery over four areas of cryptology: encryption, hash functions, signature schemes, and authentication. From hardware to software, students will be able to assess, identify, and prevent risk. This program require 30 credit hours.
4.)Western Governors University
This private, non-profit university based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has over 77,000 students. It’s uses a competency-based learning model, in which students demonstrate through assessments that they have the knowledge and skill to earn their degree. Former United States Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan said of this kind of results-oriented online programming, “…programs [like WGU] are now the exception, I want them to be the norm.”. Western Governors University has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It’s a multiple winner of the 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association. It was established in 1997, and grew alongside the Internet, explaining some of its success at creating online programming. In the past few years WGU has become the nation’s top producer of science and math teachers. In 2013, it was ranked #28 out of the 50 most innovative companies in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Issue.
WGU’s cybersecurity and information assurance master’s program was designed in conjunction with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders. It’s goal: to give you the most up-to-date information, resources and training to keep infrastructure and information safe from those who’d look to do them harm. Not only will you learn to keep systems safe, you’ll gain skills to prevent and expose cyberattacks. This program was designed with cybersecurity skills and information assurance guidelines developed by top minds at Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Security Agency (NSA). It’s a flexible program, which asks for 15-20 hours of your time per week. In all, it takes 30 credit hours to complete this program. You’ll even learn ethical hacking and forensic investigating.
5.)Sam Houston State University
Founded in 1879, SHSU is the third oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. It’s part of the Texas State University system, and has over 20,000 students. SHSU offers 80 undergraduate, 54 masters’, and 6 doctoral degree programs. SHSU also offers more than 20 online bachelor’s and graduate degrees, and its online Bachelors programs were ranked 72 out of 1,200 by U.S. News & World Report. Its motto is, “The measure of a Life is its Service.” It’s an extremely well respected school, with nationally recognized programs in banking, performing arts, mathematics and criminal justice. Its alumni include over a dozen professional athletes, and former Texas representative Charlie Wilson, who was instrumental in supplying Afghanistan with weapons and training to fight the Soviet Union in the 80’s.
The SHSU information assurance and security master’s can be completed in 30-36 credit hours. Graduates will be qualified for pay increases and careers in commercial, industrial and governmental information assurance. Students will learn how to protect information resources, effectively increase/complicate network systems security, prevent network damage, perform risk assessment and plan for disaster recovery in the aftermath of a cybersecurity attack/system failure. SHSU’s program will help students network among likeminded professionals that generally hold bachelor’s degrees in Computer Sciences, Management Information Systems, and other quantitative areas.
6.)Northwestern University
NU is a private, research university based in Evanston Illinois. Northwestern has twelve schools and colleges that supply 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate/professional degrees. NU was founded in 1851, continuing the trend of historic, steeped-in-tradition universities that are leading the way in information assurance and cybersecurity on this list. It has the eighth largest university endowment in the United States, with a current value of $10.19 billion. Over 50 startup companies have been founded based on technologies developed at Northwestern. Many people look at information assurance and cybersecurity as opportunities to always be employed, but this education can lead to serious entrepreneurial opportunities, as demonstrated by NU, which has invested into all kinds of research including Astrophysics, Complex Systems, Nanotechnology, Sustainable Energy at Northwestern and more.
Within NU’s master’s in information science there are several specialities, including: Database and Internet Technologies, Information Systems Management, Project Management, Information Systems Security, Health Informatics Medical Informatics, Information Systems, and finally, Analytics and Business Intelligence. Students will complete three core courses and six elective courses based on their choice of specialization. When it comes to the application of systems/database/information assurance and cybersecurity in relation to the medical field, students are doubling down on two fields expected to see massive growth in coming years. All specializations lead to a capstone project, which may be completed independently or as part of a team. Students will either embark on an independent research project or a group presentation.
7.)Dakota State University
Dakota State University is a public university focused in technology. Their motto is, “Technically, we’re better.” Its main programs are in computer and information science, but also offers business, education, natural sciences, liberal arts and more in graduate and undergraduate degrees. There are over 3,100 students. It was founded in 1881. DSU is a very affordable school, with out-of-state tuition/fees coming in just under $12,000 a year. DSU’s online wing is extremely well respected, ranking 4th among online schools in the United States on Guide to Online Schools’ 2013 rankings. It also tied at #32 among top public schools in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report’s midwest rankings.
DSU’s master’s program in information assurance and computer security looks to aid students in an increasingly fragile, information-exposes world filled with people looking to corrupt, steal and destroy vital info. Students will learn to secure and protect information, prevent digital attacks, and develop security strategies for any organization with this degree. Classes revolve around data privacy, computer forensics, hacking, and intrusion detection. Students will gain advanced skills in leading strategic technical efforts and evaluating all aspects of a network in the position of their choice. Students will be qualified for jobs in, penetration testing, incident response, system administration, cyber security, and many other areas of cybersecurity. DSU applicants will benefit from low tuition, and brand new research and equipment. Both the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated DSU as an excellent purveyor of information assurance education.
8.)Stratford University
Stratford, a public benefit corporation that was established in 1976, is known for its drive to provide distance education, especially in developing countries. The school provides placement assistance for students and graduates, offering degrees from undergraduate through doctoral. Stratford attempts to keep its curriculum employer-centric, while delivering its instruction in a student-centric fashion. Stratford has been a leader in allowing international students to access its programs, and sponsoring their visas. In 2010 it was noted for having more F-1 visa students than the entire Ivy League. Stratford offers many certification programs in computer science, including Oracle, MSCE, .Net Framework, Cisco, Linux, and more for students and IT professionals. Its motto is,”knowledge is power,” which is extremely resonant to its cyber security program.
Stratford offers students a foundation in technology and practice of information assurance in its master’s degree of cyber security and computer forensics. In 15 months, Stratford will give graduates practical experience preventing and detecting cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Both theory and strategy of prevention will be explored in depth. Stratford also focuses on how to respond to and recover from successful cyber-attacks or intrusions. In order to beat a hacker, you must first understand them. Stratford addresses that through instruction on the psychology of hacking. Stratford emphasizes the importance of the human elements in cyber security, along with the hard science. Students will also learn the basics of cybercrime investigation and digital forensics.
9.)Boston University
BU is a private research university founded in 1839. It is one of Boston’s largest schools, employers, and serves over 33,000 students. Graduates of BU have gone on to become Nobel Laureates, and winners of Pulitzer Prizes, Academy Awards, Emmy’s and Tony’s. It’s also very highly ranked by a variety of sources. U.S. News & World Report put it 39th among national universities and 32nd among global universities for 2017. It also ranked many of its programs highly, including 10th among public health graduate schools, 12th among social work schools, tied for 20th among law schools, tied for 29th among medical schools (research), 35th among engineering schools, tied for 41st among business schools, and 45th among education schools.
In 2014, BU’s QSB undergraduate (business) program was ranked 23rd by Bloomberg Businessweek. In 2016 ranked Boston University 89th overall in the world by QS World University.
BU’s MS of the Computer Information Systems Concentration in Security confronts emerging security threats and solutions in an effort to give tech wunderkinds the tools to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks which support organizations. Graduates will be ready to enter or advance careers as information security analysts, system analysts, or information system leaders, and more. Topics covered in depth include information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, database systems security, network security and cryptography. Students will be more than proficient in asset assessment, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
BU was ranked #3 by US News Ranking of Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs in 2016, and is certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
10.)Regis University
Regis is a Roman Catholic private, and co-edu university. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1877, Regis split into five schools: Regis College, The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, the College for Professional Studies, the College of Computer and Information Sciences, and the College of Business and Economics. The school has a long record of excellence, and in 2013 it received a distinction earned by few: it became a top-tier ranked U.S. News & World Report school for 19 years in a row. Almost 2,000 faculty member serve nearly 9,000 students. Regis has been identified as a top school for friendliness to Military members. In 2014 Regis created its College of Computer and Information Sciences with programs in Computer Science (CPS), Computer Information Systems, and Computer Networking are ABET accredited. ABET is a well-respected evaluator of science, computing, engineering and engineering technology programs. Regis offers the only ABET accredited programs of their kind that are offered in the classroom and entirely online.
Regis’ master’s in information assurance, combined with the industry certifications it prepares students to receive will put those in this field ahead of their competition. In comparison to those with informal or bachelor’s training, those with a master’s in IA will have increased their skills in confidentiality, security, integrity and availability of data whether it is in storage, processing, or transit. Regis offers two specializations, one in cybersecurity (focusing on securing networks and network/computer forensics) and another in information assurance policy management (plan for physical security breaches, disaster recovery, risk management and more). Upon graduating, students will be prepared to sit for exams and receive certifications from (ISC)2, ISACA, Cisco, and Electronic Commercial Council.
11.)Lewis University
Lewis is a Roman Catholic university in Illinois that was established in 1932. It’s 6,800 students have access to over 80 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programs. Lewis began as an men’s only, aviation technology school, but quickly grew into co-ed school of science and technology. In the past two years, it’s become one of the best ranked colleges in the midwest region by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News and World Report ranked Lewis among its best Midwest master’s-level universities, most recently placing 58 out of a total of 144 institutions. The Princeton Review called Lewis one of the “Best Midwestern Colleges,” with Lewis making a premier list of 23 Illinois colleges and 158 Midwest institutions.
Lewis offers two concentrations within its master of science in information security. Its technical concentration was created for IT professionals looking to identify security breaches, implement security solutions and resolve security problems wherever they might be. It’s hands-on, functional, and hits the nitty-gritty of securing information, including information processing systems, secure operating systems and applications, network security, cryptography, security protocols, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure software development, and more. Lewis’ other concentration is management. This is the macro look, for IT managers and operators looking to command moving parts. These graduates go on to design, test, and maintain the IT infrastructure and information security controls, with a heavy emphasis on risk management, business continuity, and IT governance and compliance. And, new this year for those wanting exposure to other areas of Computer Science while still focusing on cyber security is a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Security, which gives students an opportunity to combine programming, data science, and cyber security for a comprehensive approach to combating the cyber threat.
12.)Brandeis University
Brandeis is a private research university based in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1948, and now has over 5,500 students. Brandeis has 43 majors and 46 minors, and is known for its liberal arts, research and entrepreneurship credentials. It hit 34th in 2015 among national universities in the United States in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Forbes has put in the top 50 nationally for research and entrepreneurship, and USA Today ranks it among the top 10 in the country for economics. It has also ranked highly in happiness of its students, engagement in community service, sustainability, principals and neuroscience. All in all, Brandeis is renowned for how well-rounded it is, and for its incredible value considering its prestige. Brandeis has an interesting entry to information assurance and cybersecurity, with its Library & Technical Services department overseeing security for a legion of databases, networks and systems that connect the campus.
In the fight against corruption of the cloud, Brandeis is determined to advance the careers/educations of working professionals in their online MS in Information Security Leadership. The program will take students through the infant stages of providing information assurance for an organization. You’ll learn to develop an argument from a business perspective to invest in security and risk management, supervise planning, acquisition and evolution of secure infrastructures and evaluate security policies on systems and organizational desires. On top of a strong foundation, you’ll choose from exciting electives like Applied Cryptography and Identity Management, Information Technology Forensics and Investigations, Securing Applications, Web Services, and Software as a Service (SAAS) and Software Security Testing and Code Assessment.
13.)Walden University
Walden is a for profit school based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden is part of a network of 80 universities owned or managed by Laureate Education Inc., and has access to the resources of this large organization. Most of Laureate’s schools are outside the United States, and their education institutions are made up of for profit and public benefit corporations. Laureate looks to compare public benefit performance against an objective third-party standard by being assessed by B Lab, an independent non-profit organization. Walden was established in 1970 and has nearly 49,000 students enrolled. Walden University has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accreditation agency, since 1990. A Senate committee that compared Walden to other comparable universities found it to be extremely competitively priced.
Walden’s master’s in information assurance and cyber security gives students the techniques and information they’ll need to detect threats, then protect and defend resources against attacks. You’ll learn how the infrastructure organizations use to manage IT-related risks, and legal, efficient methods to investigate and deal with security breaches. The ethical, organizational and human factors that affect cyber security will be analyzed in-depth. This master’s is made up of core courses amounting to 12 semester credits and specialization courses requiring 18 semester credits. These specialization courses are the meat of the course, and are as follows (at 3 credits apiece): Operating System and Network Architecture, Fundamentals of Information Assurance, Information Assurance and Risk Management, Information and Systems Security, Computer Law, Crime, and Investigation and Topics in High-Assurance Computing.
14.)Florida Institute of Technology
This private, doctoral/research university in Melbourne, Florida, has six academic umbrellas including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and aviation. It was founded in 1958, and has over 9,000 students, around a third of which attend the school online. U.S. News & World Report has designated Florida Tech as a tier-one national university and ranked it second among private national universities in Florida. PayScale, Bloomberg and Barron’s have spoken to FIT’s incredible value. PayScale ranked it first in Florida and 53rd in the U.S. in ROI. In 2012, Bloomberg rated Florida Tech as the best Florida college in ROI. Finally, Barron’s called Florida Tech a “best buy” in college education. Pascale said graduates could expect a 20 year net-return of over $600,000. FIT is also constantly expanding what it researches, and is awarded grants from a variety of sources to continue existing or undertake new research.
FIT’s MoS in information assurance and cyber security was created in conjunction with Harris Corp, a leading technology company/defense contractor to ensure its graduates have the skills organizations that need cyber security experts are looking for. Graduates will have advanced knowledge for protecting/securing information from cyber invaders, recognizing threats through studying the ways hacking predators attack. In addition to its partnership with Harris Corp, the school has received a designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research from the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This master’s takes 2 years to complete, with 11 classes that require 8 weeks each. It’s for those with some experience who are looking for careers as computer forensics investigators, computer network defense engineers, threat intelligence analysts and chief information security officers, for governments, militaries, or organizations with prized information assets.
15.)Northeastern University
NU is a private research university based out of Boston. It was founded in 189 and has just under 25,000 students. Northeastern is a benevolent institution, and gave out $239 million in the 2015-16 year via grants and scholarship assistance. A top athletic university, NU is an NCAA Division 1 school in 18 varsity sports. Forbes ranked Northeastern 35th in “The Top 100 Colleges Ranked By SAT Scores” in 2013. Northeastern has a prominent cooperative education program that integrates classroom study with professional experience on seven continents and offers a wide-ranging study abroad program. It’s accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). U.S. News & World Report has ranked the NU higher and higher between 1985 and 2017. During that time it went from 176th to 39th in their rankings. It was ranked 7th for 2017 in the “most innovative” schools section of U.S. News & World Report.
NU’s master’s in information assurance and cybersecurity is focused both in the physical and information technology security needed for organizations to protect their assets. It combines the technical expertise in computers, networks, and security technology with boilerplate principles of psychology, criminology, law, and business. NU’s students will work entirely online to learn the finer points of making strategic decisions in information security issues, including identity theft, electronic fraud, computer viruses, hacking attacks, and cyber warfare. The oft-overlooked “human factor” in both attacks and their prevention will be engaged with in a forthright, comprehensive manner. The master’s is finished with a capstone project in which students will use their advanced training to tackle a specific and current information security issue. This masters will cost approximately $45,000, and can be completed within 32 semester hours (two years at a full-time schedule, four if part-time).
16.)University of Maryland University College
This public university is an expansion of the University of Maryland. It was founded in 1947. UMUC serves over 90,000 people worldwide, and is one of the most prolific distance learning institutions. UMUC gives students across the globe access to 120 academic programs in online classes, including bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees. UMUC is a member of the University System of Maryland, which boasts eleven different public universities. In 2015, UMUC was ranked #1 in The Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2015 list of top online/nontraditional schools. The Military Times (one of the most respected authorities on higher education for vets) looked at U.S. Department of Education research on student success, academic quality, university culture, student support, and academic policies while assessing hundreds of schools. Notable alumni include Baltimore Raven’s Ray Lewis and the NBA’s Jalen Rose.
UMUC’s online graduate information technology program marries technical knowledge and business savvy to produce a masterful IT skill set granting graduates peerless career flexibility. This master’s degree program in information technology was designed with help from top employers to guarantee real world success. Choose from a wealth of specializations, get the education needed to pass certification tests, and gain extremely in-demand skills in an exploding field. This program comes in several specializations, includingDatabase Systems Technology, Homeland Security Management, Informatics, Information Assurance, Project Management, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering and Telecommunications Management. It requires 36 credits, 6 of which can be transferred in. The estimated cost for Maryland residents is $16,488, and out-of-state students will pay just under $25,000.
17.)National University
This private, nonprofit California institution was founded in 1971. NU is broken into the College of Letters and Sciences, the Sanford College of Education, the School of Business and Management, the School of Engineering and Computing, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Professional Studies. National University’s online academic programs were designed to maximize engagement and interactivity, with streaming videos, real-time discussions, multimedia learning material, and online classrooms. Its online programs are often concentrated (with some taking only 4 weeks to complete), and the school was designed to fit the lifestyles of adult learners. NU’s endowment is within the top 200 in the country. Recently, NU has received recognition for how many minority student’s its conferred master’s degrees to.
NU’s master’s in cyber security is for those looking for the technical or managerial skills to maintain the security, confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, control, availability and utility of information infrastructures worldwide. There’s a required core that is paired with specializations including ethical hacking and pen testing, as well as information assurance and security policy. You’ll learn to create plans to guard against external and internal vulnerabilities of computer infrastructures and assets. To accomplish this, students will analyze risk assessment methods and strategies, learn the legal and ethical framework of cybersecurity, judge security assessments to grade the security status of a network/system, research topics central to cyber security/information assurance and weave systems-level-infrastructure thinking into cyber security/information assurance conflict and resolution. This program requires 58.5 graduate units. 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be transferred in. Successful students will complete 9 core requirements then choose from the specializations.
18.)University of Southern California
USC, California’s oldest research university, was founded in 1880. It’s one of the most popular schools in the country, and teaches over 42,000 students. Many colleges are endowed with hundreds of millions of dollars. USC was endowed with over $4.7 billion in 2015, and had a $4.2 billion budget that same year. It is often ranked in the top 25 universities in America. USC graduates have gone on to do amazing things including founding companies like Lucasfilm, Myspace, Salesforce.com, Intuit, Qualcomm, Box, Tinder, and Riot Games. It’s considered a hotbed for investment and business development. USC had produced the fourth largest number of billionaires among undergraduate institutions worldwide. This past summer it was recognized as having the world’s most powerful quantum computer. Prospective students will find its administration extremely eager to streamline the process of entering its online programs.
USC’s master’s in cyber security engineering is for graduate level students who wish to get great jobs in the field, or eventually earn a doctorate degree that focuses on information security. At its core, the program is concerned with developing, engineering and operating secure information systems. You’ll learn the difficulties of creating secure operating systems, applications while using cryptography and key management to do so. You’ll become experts on creating a security policy and how that policy influences decision making. From hands-on experience to simulations of security concerns, you’ll be confronted with technical and theoretical situations created by experts in the field of information security. Students can expect careers in Homeland Security, Computer Engineering, Computer Software Engineering, Information Security, Computer Systems, Software Development, Computer Architecture, Network Administration and Intelligence Analysis.
19.)Penn State World Campus
Launched in 1998, Penn State World Campus is the iconic universities’ online college. Over 6,000 people attend the online school, and its parent organization was ranked 14th among Top Public Schools in the United States by US News & World Report. World Campus offers 120 online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in partnership with Penn State academic programming. Penn State’s history of distance learning extends long before the Internet, to 1892, when it allowed farmers to attend its classes through correspondence. Upon graduation from the World Campus, students can attend the Penn State graduation ceremony, and receive the exact same degree that students who attended the school in person earn.
Penn State’s World Campus master of professional studies in cybersecurity and information assurance requires 33 credits at $854 per credit. This program, and its parent department: Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) have a faculty made up of professionals in computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and more. This program has also been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. There are specific requirements to being accepted for this program. Successful candidates will have received a bachelor’s in a technical or scientific discipline, likeapplied mathematics, computer information systems, computer science, information sciences, engineering, statistics, or a related field. Also students who have equivalent work experience or professional training in information technologies, networks, web services, and database development, can be considered as well.
20.)Our Lady of the Lake University
This independent, Catholic, co-ed university located in San Antonio, Texas, was established in 1895. It was the first San Antonio university to become accredited in the region, and it boasts the oldest school of Social Work in Texas. Over 3,100 students attend, taking classes in 33 distinct areas, master’s degrees in 14, and two doctoral degree programs. OLLU was ranked 76th in the West region for 2017 by the U.S. News & World Report. OLLU also offers a one semester cybersecurity bootcamp, in which students can prepare for its master of science in information systems and security program in one semester. The boot camp is an entirely online, six credit hour program covering Programming, Computer Security, Systems Analysis and Design, Database Analysis and Design and Networking Technology.
The master’s program at OLLU is certified by the National Security Agency, a major employer in this field. OLLU’s program offers innovative programming, technology mastery through a practical learning perspective. You’ll sink your teeth into database management, systems analysis, computer network security, information assurance.
If taken online, this master’s, can be completed in one year, which is less than most programs on this list. This pacing is also prepared to give professionals the ability to work while earning the degree. The program’s curriculum and objectives for student achievement are tied to the federal government’s goals of training and developing new professionals to protect information technology infrastructure in this rapidly growing field. Graduates of this program have a near-perfect record in passing national certification exams like the CISSP.