Masters in Cybersecurity in USA
A Master's degree in Cybersecurity from the USA is an ideal path for individuals looking to excel in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. With the prevalence of digital threats and the ongoing need to ensure the safety of our online spaces, cybersecurity has become an increasingly crucial line of defense and an equally important area of study. It encompasses the identification and resolution of vulnerabilities in software and hardware, with the goal of creating secured systems that can withstand malicious attacks. If you are intrigued by the idea of safeguarding information while embarking on a career that offers both financial rewards and abundant opportunities, then pursuing a Master's degree in Cybersecurity in the USA will give you the competitive edge you need to become a leader in the field.
On this page, we are covering:
- Why Pursue MS in Cybersecurity in USA?
- Universities Offering MS in Cybersecurity in USA
- MS in Cybersecurity Electives in USA
- MS in Cybersecurity Requirements & Eligibility Criteria in USA
- Scholarships for MS in Cybersecurity in USA
- Internships for MS Students in USA
- Job Paths & Salary for MS in Cybersecurity in USA
- Work Permit Post MS in Cybersecurity in USA
- FAQ's
Why Pursue MS in Cybersecurity in USA?
The field of cybersecurity is more important than ever before, and the United States stands at the forefront of this discipline. According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), there is a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide, with the sector currently facing a staggering deficit of 1.8 million workers. By pursuing a Master's degree in Cybersecurity in the USA, you can position yourself at the forefront of this global demand and secure a promising future.
In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median salary for information security analysts in the United States was $103,590 in 2020, with cybersecurity professionals often earning six-figure salaries. Reportedly, employment within the field has been projected to increase by 33% from 2020 to 2030. In fact, the 2022 U.S. News Best Jobs rankings rated cybersecurity as the top career path, considering factors such as employment outlook and work-life balance. This recognition further underscores the immense potential and value of pursuing a Master's degree in Cybersecurity in the USA.
By studying in the USA, you will have access to renowned educational institutions that offer cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity. American universities are known for their emphasis on research and innovation, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and equipping them with practical skills to combat cyber threats. This ecosystem of opportunities, combined with the chance to work with experts and network with industry leaders, makes pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity in the USA a truly rewarding and impactful endeavor.
Book 30-minute FREE Counselling SessionUniversities Offering MS in Cybersecurity in USA
University Name |
Program Name |
Fee (in USD)/Year* |
---|---|---|
Syracuse University |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
33,696 |
New York University |
Cybersecurity, M.S. |
29,170 |
Arizona State University |
M.S. in Computer Science – Cybersecurity |
37,044 |
Auburn University at Montgomery |
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems & Cybersecurity |
18,905 |
Boston University |
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity |
31,899 |
Boston University |
MS in Computer Science with Specialization in Cyber Security |
61,050 |
Purdue University |
MS in Information and Cybersecurity |
42,397.50 |
California State University |
Master of Science in Cyber Security |
23,000 – 25,000 |
Clemson University |
Master of Science in Computer Engineering – Cybersecurity |
23912 |
George Mason University |
MS in Digital Forensics (DFOR) |
24,218 |
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
21,870 |
Illinois Institute of Technology |
Master of Cyber Forensics and Security Program |
28,217 |
Michigan Technological University |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
- |
Mississippi State University |
M.S. in Cybersecurity and Operations |
25,444 |
New Jersey Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy (MS CSP) |
32,691 |
Northeastern University |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
50,200 |
Oakland University |
Master of Science in Cyber Security |
- |
Pennsylvania State University |
MS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations |
40,812 |
Texas A&M University |
Master of Engineering in Engineering – Cybersecurity specialization |
27,000 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham |
M.S. in Cybersecurity |
20,349 |
University of Delaware |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
21,206 |
University of Maryland – Baltimore County |
Master in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity |
20,589 |
University of San Diego |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering |
- |
University of Washington |
MS in Cybersecurity Engineering |
56,300 |
Washington University in St Louis |
Master’s in Cybersecurity Management |
61,750 |
Wright State University |
Master of Science in Cyber Security |
- |
* The figures mentioned above serve only as general indicators and can change.
MS in Cybersecurity Curriculum in USA
Below are some examples of Master's programs in Cybersecurity offered by universities in the USA. Each program has its own unique curriculum. You may explore specific universities to find the one that suits your interests and goals the best.
Syracuse University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by Syracuse University provides hands-on experiences and technical expertise from cybersecurity leaders and practitioners. Graduates from Syracuse have gone on to secure base salaries ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 or more, with a median base salary range of $105,000 to $114,000. The curriculum includes:
- Computer Security
- Assurance Foundations
- Principles of Operating Systems
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Cybersecurity & Law Policy (Elective example)
- Politics and Governance in the Information Age (Elective example)
Syracuse Cybersecurity graduates are highly sought after by various companies. Some of these are:
- Amazon
- American Express
- Bank of America
- Ernst & Young
- eBay Inc
- Goldman Sachs
- McKinsey & Company
- Samsung
The table below represents the job location distribution within the US for Syracuse graduates:
Job Location |
Percentage |
San Francisco Bay Area |
20% |
Metropolitan New York City |
18% |
Syracuse/Central New York |
8% |
Metropolitan Baltimore/DC |
5% |
Texas (Austin/Dallas/Houston) |
5% |
Washington (Seattle) |
5% |
Metropolitan Los Angeles |
3% |
Other |
33% |
Outside US |
2% |
Source: Syracuse University
Auburn University at Montgomery’s MS in Computer Information Systems & Cybersecurity
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems & Cybersecurity. AUM has received numerous awards and was named one of the Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. The curriculum at AUM covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- C++ Programming Language & Lab
- Linux/Unix for Cybersecurity
- Cryptography
- Computer Architecture
- Python Programming Language & Lab
- Operating Systems
- Advanced Network Systems
- Digital Forensics
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing & Lab
- Network Security and Reliability & Lab
The program also offers elective courses to help you delve deeper into specific areas of interest.
California State University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at California State University is specifically designed to equip students with the necessary skills to safeguard IT infrastructures, operating systems, and networks from information security breaches. Delivered in an accelerated 18-month cohort model, the program consists of a comprehensive set of courses:
Core Courses
- Foundation of Information Security
- Foundations of Cyber Forensics
- Information Security Policy and Procedures
- Information Assurance and Network Security
- Software Project Planning and Management
- Graduate Project
Electives
- Advanced Cyber Forensics
- Advanced Operating Systems Security
- Data Communications and Computer Network
- Advanced Hacking Prevention
- Advanced Communication System Security
- Secure Cloud Computing
For further information on a particular university or MS in Cybersecurity program that has piqued your interest, reach out to us today!
Learn more about MS in Cybersecurity Curriculum in USAMS in Cybersecurity Requirements & Eligibility Criteria in USA
Below are the requirements for students who want to pursue MS in Cybersecurity in the USA:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
- Internship certificate/s or work experience, though not mandatory at some universities
- Valid GRE score
- English language proficiency scores – IELTS or TOEFL.
- Detailed resume
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose and/or other admission essays
Scholarships for MS in Cybersecurity in USA
Scholarships for pursuing a Master's degree in Cybersecurity in the USA can provide valuable financial support for aspiring students. Here are a few scholarships available in this field:
- (ISC)2 Scholarship – Graduate Scholarship: Offered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and (ISC)2, this scholarship supports both undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate applicants can receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. To be eligible for the graduate scholarship, applicants should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and Internship: KnowBe4, an organization specializing in security awareness training, provides a scholarship of $10,000 to women pursuing cybersecurity careers. This scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, and books. Additionally, recipients of this scholarship have the opportunity to intern at KnowBe4 for a paid 3-month internship during the summer.
- (ISC)2 Women in Information Security Scholarship: This scholarship is applicable for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Women awarded this scholarship can receive financial support ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. To be eligible, applicants should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Internships for MS Students in USA
International students of MS in Cybersecurity seeking paid internship in the USA can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after completing two semesters of full-time study. CPT allows students to pursue internships with off-campus employers as a necessary part of their degree program. Pursuing a cybersecurity graduate degree in the USA provides students with an opportunity to connect with American tech employers, given that the US tech sector is the largest in the world.
Job Paths & Salary for MS in Cybersecurity in USA
Job paths and salaries for MS in Cybersecurity in the USA can vary greatly. Below is a table demonstrating the range of job titles with their corresponding salaries:
Job Title |
|
---|---|
Cyber Security Analyst |
79,728 |
Information Security Analyst |
77,113 |
Security Engineer |
99,587 |
Cyber Security Engineer |
100,302 |
Security Analyst |
72,399 |
Information Security Manager |
124,643 |
Chief Information Security Officer |
177,312 |
Information Security Engineer |
101,158 |
Information Security Officer |
100,876 |
Security Architect, IT |
137,500 |
Security Consultant, (Computing / Networking / Information Technology) |
95,550 |
Information Security Specialist |
81,771 |
Penetration Tester |
93,093 |
Senior Security Consultant |
124,563 |
Network Security Engineer |
95,497 |
Cyber Security Manager |
137,857 |
Information Technology (IT) Consultant |
84,844 |
Security Director |
$160,090 |
Security Manager, IT |
$121,603 |
* The figures mentioned above serve only as general indicators and can change.
Work Permit Post MS in Cybersecurity in USA
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their studies. Students who have completed a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, for a total of 36 months. In addition to the OPT program, you may also be eligible for an H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is a work visa for highly skilled workers in specialty occupations, including many jobs in the computer science field. However, the H-1B visa has a limited number of slots available each year, and the application process can be highly competitive.
Return on Investment (ROI) after MS in Cybersecurity in USA
Investing in a Master's degree in Cybersecurity in the USA can yield a significant return on investment (ROI) over time. With diverse career options in IT security, network security, software engineering, and more, the potential for financial gain is promising. Calculating ROI involves comparing the net profit earned from the investment to the initial cost of the degree. According to Forbes, professionals in cybersecurity positions can expect an ROI of about 20 times their initial investment over a span of 20 years. This means that the financial benefits gained from pursuing a Master's in Cybersecurity can greatly exceed the cost of the degree, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Book 30-minute FREE Counselling SessionFAQ’s
There are several top universities in the USA that offer excellent programs in cybersecurity. Some of the highly regarded institutions known for their cybersecurity programs include Syracuse University, University of Maryland, Purdue University, and Georgia Institute of Technology. However, the best university ultimately depends on your career goals and specific interests within the field.
A Master's degree in cybersecurity typically covers a broad range of topics related to securing digital systems and protecting against cyber threats. The curriculum may include subjects such as network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, information assurance, risk management, etc. Additionally, courses might delve into areas like cyber policy and legal aspects. Practical hands-on experiences, industry internships, and research projects are often integrated into the program to provide students with real-world skills and knowledge.
While having a solid understanding of programming can be beneficial in the field of cybersecurity, a Master's degree in Cybersecurity typically does not require a specific prior master's degree in programming. However, having basic programming knowledge or experience with languages such as Python, C++, or Java can be advantageous. Many cybersecurity programs include programming courses as part of their curriculum to help students develop the necessary skills.
The cost of pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity in the USA can range between 30k and 60k USD. The lucrative career prospects and potential return on investment (ROI) for cybersecurity graduates in the USA make it a worthwhile investment.