Often designed for working information systems professionals, a master’s in information security online prepares students for leadership roles in organizations big and small. The performance of information security (IS) and information assurance (IA) in the world today works for the protection of citizens, organizations and governments from fraud, hacking, theft, and the list goes on. By earning a master’s in information security online, one may master aspects of design, implementation and maintenance of infrastructures applicable to careers in commercial, industrial and governmental assurance. Students could take on curriculums covering subjects ranging from computer forensics and cryptography to security planning and network management. Careers in information assurance and information security are projected to grow 31% over the next nine years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a wildly high percentage in comparison to other occupations. While titles such as security engineer, senior IT manager, or US cybersecurity workforce employee may earn an annual salary of over $146,000, choosing the program best fit to one’s current accessible budget can make an exponential difference in academic experience.
GetEducated has surveyed 47 master’s in information security online from 41 regionally accredited schools to create this “Best Buy” list. These rankings represent the most affordable options across the United States. Review and compare fully researched options before taking the next step in an academic career.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$30,100
Least Expensive: Fort Hays State University ~ $8,656.50
Most Expensive: Carnegie Mellon University ~ $80,895
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest master’s in information security online. The online IS & IA degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Master’s in Information Security Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $8,956.50 | All Students |
2 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $14,200.00 $9,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
3 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $16,760.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $17,870.00 $24,314.00 $17,330.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
5 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $18,567.00 | All Students |
6 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $19,243.95 $26,668.95 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $19,734.00 $36,366.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
9 | Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $21,420.00 $17,970.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
10 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $21,726.00 | All Students |
11 | Ferris State University | (MI) | $22,143.00 | All Students |
12 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $23,310.00 $20,979.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | (MN) | $23,765.40 | All Students |
15 | Champlain College | (VT) | $24,000.00 $12,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | Franklin University | (OH) | $24,205.00 $19,381.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $24,346.00 | All Students |
18 | James Madison University | (VA) | $25,575.00 | All Students |
19 | University of Detroit Mercy | (MI) | $26,160.00 | All Students |
20 | City University of Seattle | (WA) | $27,105.00 $12,168.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 | Walden University | (MN) | $27,450.00 | All Students |
22 | Davenport University | (MI) | $27,800.00 | All Students |
23 | Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $28,440.00 | All Students |
24 | Our Lady of the Lake University | (TX) | $29,606.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regis University | (CO) | $31,320.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $31,328.00 | All Students | |
Robert Morris University | (PA) | $31,350.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Chicago | (IL) | $31,470.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $32,080.00 | All Students | |
University of Denver | (CO) | $35,232.00 | All Students | |
Brandeis University | (MA) | $35,450.00 | All Students | |
Rochester Institute of Technology | (NY) | $35,730.00 | All Students | |
Hofstra University | (NY) | $46,366.00 | All Students | |
Illinois Institute of Technology | (IL) | $50,555.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,908.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $69,935.00 | All Students | |
Carnegie Mellon University | (PA) | $80,895.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited online IT management programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for computer science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best master’s in information security online programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Master’s in Information Security Online
Cyber crimes are becoming a major threat to global security and economies. Every single day, hackers and cyber-criminals create new and innovative ways to steal and exploit information. But organizations and companies are fighting back, largely through the efforts of technology professionals trained in information security.
If you want to use your technology skills to protect the information and security of individuals and groups, an information security master’s degree online could be perfect for you. By teaching you the latest techniques in cyber security, you can become a leader in the field and one of the most important tech professionals in the country.
Program Overview: Master’s in Information Security Online
When you enroll in an online information security master’s degree, you’ll be given the skills to contribute to an organization’s network security. You’ll understand how to provide strict access to information, as well as the skills needed to identify and address threats. You’ll complete courses that address business intelligence, database management, ethical use of data, and more.
You’ll explore the theoretical fundamentals of viruses, worms, and other malicious software that creates major issues for security. You’ll know the high-level aspects of information technology while being trained in subjects like network defense and computer forensics.
Best Careers for Information Security Professionals
After completing a master’s in information security online, you’ll have the perfect skills for a variety of jobs…
Information Security Analyst
- Salary: $99,730
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 31%
These professionals are involved in a variety of aspects for an organization’s cyber security, but mainly they plan and coordinate security measures that help protect information. They may monitor a network, prepare reports, research the latest systems, and develop new security standards, among many other responsibilities.
Information security analyst earn a fantastic salary, but one of the most attractive aspects of this career is the stellar growth. Due to the rapid increase in security threats, more companies will be bringing in these professionals, which means a growth of 31% between 2019 and 2029. The pay is excellent as well, as the top 10% can expect salaries over $158,000, making this one of the best careers for anyone with a master’s in information security online.
Computer Research Scientist
- Salary: $122,840
- Education: Master’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 15%
These highly-skilled tech experts are responsible for creating the next generation of computers, hardware, and software. Depending on the specific job, computer research scientists may explore the fundamental issues in computing, design experiments to test new systems, help engineers solve complex problems, and publish their findings in academic journals. Although many tech careers only require a bachelor’s, this is one of the few that will likely need a master’s degree.
Although you’ll need a master’s in a tech-related field to work as a computer research scientist, this is one of the best-paying jobs in the industry. The median pay is over $122,000, and the top 10% can expect salaries over $189,000.
Database Administrator
- Salary: $93,750
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 10%
Companies and organizations use databases for many important reasons, and they need skilled database administrators to ensure all of their information is accessible, organized, and accurate. The administrators will ensure a database is using the right technology, and they may back up or restore systems, test modifications, and even provide tutorials on the best uses for a database.
The proper use of data is essential to companies and organizations, so high-quality database administrators are well paid. The top 10% can expect salaries over $148,000 and the career is expected to add over 12,000 jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Additional Requirements, Including Licensing & Exams
Certification and licensing is rarely required for technology jobs, including information security. However, there are industry-recognized certifications that enhance your job potential and could help you command higher salaries. Certificates in security audits, ethical information uses, and security management, to name a few, could all enhance your career.
Of course, technology is constantly changing, and security threats are coming in new and unforeseen ways. Because of these changes, it’s essential that you stay informed on the latest developments through industry publications, seminars, and informal classes. Through these vital resources, you’ll be able to stay informed on all the latest changes in information security.