10 Most Affordable Master’s in Internet Security Online

Sam Houston State University offers students the chance to earn a degree that will make them powerful allies in the fight against cybercriminals. This 100 percent online degree is open to all students with an educational background in computer science, information systems, or a related field. The program is built for working professionals; courses are delivered asynchronously and in eight-week terms. The curriculum focuses on both business and computer security, making it a great choice for students who wish to work in business intelligence once they complete their degree. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Operating System Security, Principles and Policy of Information Assurance, and Organization System Security.

Dakota State University offers a cheap Internet Security master's online that is perfect for professionals interested in moving into the field. The school has been recognized as a National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education by both the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Students are advised that only those with an educational background in computer science, networking, engineering, or a related will be considered for this program. Full-time study will see students complete all the requirements necessary in two years; part-time students generally finish in three years. This is a professional degree that focuses on internet security, with the curriculum having a strong focus on defense and security risks. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Ethics and Information Technology, Computer Forensics, and Principles of Information Assurance.

Students interested in a comprehensive online Master's in Internet Security will likely want to hear about the program at Western Governors University. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Agency guidelines. It also provides students with a chance to earn two certificates: EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker and EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator. This 100 percent online program can be completed in as little as one year; courses are delivered asynchronously and in eight-week terms. The curriculum is constantly being updated with input from industry experts, ensuring students are always updated on key issues and trends in the field. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Network Design and Management, Security Policies and Standards, and Forensics and Network Intrusion.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides students with an excellent online Master's in Internet Security. The MSISA is available as a fully online program and courses are generally taught in an asynchronous format in an eight-week format. It is a unique program because it balances Internet security with business management principles, a combination that many professionals will find when they enter into the field. There are three concentrations for the MSISA, including Protecting Business Intelligence, Information Systems Security, and Information Assurance in a Global Context. This interdisciplinary program was built with the input from working cybersecurity professionals and is a great choice for students who are interested in becoming leaders in the field. The degree requirements include 33 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Quality Management for Information Assurance, Secure Information Systems Design, and Global Information and Technology Management.

An online Internet Security master's degree is available 100 percent online from Liberty University. The Master of Science in Cyber Security Online was designed to focus on cybersecurity to provide working professionals with an advanced understanding of the architecture and systems that people rely on to keep their information private. Students will find that courses are delivered asynchronously in an eight-week format and that the entire degree can be completed in two years with full-time study. Military students will also be happy to hear that Liberty provides tuition discounts as well as college credit for military training. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Advanced Topics in Computer Security, Applied Network Security, and Ethics, Legal Issues and Policy.

Wilmington University confers an Internet Security master's online degree that is designed to help working professionals advanced their understanding of information assurance. The program is delivered 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Students will find that courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, enabling them to study when and how it is most convenient for them. The Information Assurance concentration makes up for roughly half of the curriculum; this provides students with ample opportunity to explore the field while taking on a general degree. Students will be expected to complete an internship in their final semester that can be completed in their community. Other requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Web and Data Security, Incident Handling and Response, and Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security.

Internet security professionals will want to check out University of Maryland – University College's Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology. This program is delivered 100 percent online; some electives are only available in a hybrid format. The degree also accepts students without a background in information technology, although they will be required to take some noncredit prerequisite courses prior to beginning the program. Students will find a comprehensive degree that will teach them about cybersecurity issues and solutions. Each course was designed with the input of industry scholars and working professionals to ensure that the degree properly prepares students to enter the workforce after graduation. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Digital Forensics Technology and Practices, Prevention of Cyber Attack Methodologies, and Cyberspace and Cybersecurity Foundations.

The University of South Florida offers a graduate degree in cybersecurity that is offered 100 percent online. Most courses required for this interdisciplinary degree program are delivered asynchronously and in an eight-week format, providing working professionals the chance to complete the degree quickly while still maintaining their career responsibilities. Students can choose from three concentrations: Cyber Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Information Assurance. It is recommended that students who do not have previous academic or work experience in information assurance and computer science think wisely about applying for this program; this is an advanced professional degree that builds on the foundations of the field that only a student with previous experience would understand. Students will be expected to complete 33 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam.

Students interested in a Master's in Internet Security online degree will find what they are looking for at Iowa State University; it is also possible to earn an online Master's in Engineering in Information Assurance. This program is 100 percent online and all courses are delivered in an asynchronous format. Students may also choose to enroll during the beginning of any term in order to provide them with the most flexibility possible. Research is a large part of this degree; students will be required to do research and complete a thesis as part of the requirements for graduation. They may also elect to take on a creative project in lieu of a thesis. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a research thesis or creative project, and an oral exam. Sample courses include Ethical and Legal Issues in Computer Security, Advanced Computer Networking, and Information Warfare.

Saint Leo University offers an online Master's in Internet Security that will meet the needs of professionals already in the field. This hybrid degree offers online synchronous courses that enable a student to continue with their career while earning a degree that will prepare them to join the fight against internet attacks. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is aligned with the graduate information assurance degrees as stated by the National Security Agency; it can also provide students with the chance to earn certification in a variety of different information security specialties, including Security+, CISM, and CSSLP. Students will find that the program is comprehensive in scope, covering everything from advanced networking to cloud computing. The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework as well as a comprehensive exam for graduation. Sample courses include Principles of Cybersecurity Management, Web Services Security, and Strategic Planning for Cybersecurity.