Best Online Master’s in Cybercrime
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Cybercrime master’s degrees train candidates in math concepts, classroom technologies, research skills, cultural considerations, and the history of cybercrime.
Freshman applicants must submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Some online universities require high school prerequisites, FAFSA results, and standardized test scores. Applicants with college experience should also provide official undergraduate transcripts to receive transfer credit, lower their overall tuition bill, and reduce the time needed to graduate.
The Best Online Master’s in Cybercrime Programs
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,550
- Out-of-state$17,550
- In-State$11,250
- Out-of-state$11,250
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate42%
- Students Enrolled4,733
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$50,450
- Out-of-state$50,450
- In-State$27,288
- Out-of-state$27,288
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled9,181
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
University of Charleston
- Charleston, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,189
- Out-of-state$22,189
- In-State$16,584
- Out-of-state$16,584
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled2,718
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Daytona Beach, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,912
- Out-of-state$9,912
- In-State$8,268
- Out-of-state$8,268
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled13,773
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,273
- In-State$11,938
- Out-of-state$32,065
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled44,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,875
- Out-of-state$11,045
- In-State$7,356
- Out-of-state$17,654
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled7,806
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled9,860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
DeSales University
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,200
- Out-of-state$37,200
- In-State$20,520
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,460
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,070
- Out-of-state$26,070
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled10,013
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Robert Morris University
- Moon Township, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,930
- Out-of-state$29,930
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled4,608
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Champlain College
- Burlington, VT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,728
- Out-of-state$41,728
- In-State$14,310
- Out-of-state$14,310
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled4,385
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Stevenson University
- Stevenson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,528
- Out-of-state$34,528
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$8,040
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,579
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Valparaiso University
- Valparaiso, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,520
- Out-of-state$40,520
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled3,502
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled58,281
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Masters in Cybercrime
2022
Online Master’s in Cybercrime Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Master’s in Cybercrime Programs
What Is an Online Master’s in Cybercrime?
An online master’s in cybersecurity equips graduates with the skills to detect and protect against cyberattacks. They learn to analyze systems for vulnerabilities and investigate any suspicious or malicious activity. These programs typically take two years to complete, though some schools offer accelerated programs online.
Completing a master’s in cybersecurity most often leads to information technology occupations, including advanced positions as computer scientists and management-level professionals. Master’s degrees help learners develop expertise in different operating systems, industries, and emerging technologies. Students can specialize their degrees to focus on niche areas like digital forensics, cybersecurity law, or incident management.
Choosing an Online Master’s in Cybercrime Program
When choosing an online master’s in cybersecurity, students should consider several factors that can impact experience and outcomes. For online programs, learners should pay close attention to program length, tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students, and residency requirements.
Cybersecurity degree-seekers should also consider each program’s curriculum, offered specializations, and practical training opportunities. It’s best to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and interests. Try making a priority list and creating your own rankings to help narrow your options.
What’s the Difference Between Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, and Computer Forensics?
An online master’s in cybersecurity typically provides similar core training and requires the same amount of time as degrees in cybercrime and computer forensics. However, cybersecurity focuses more on establishing protections and thwarting criminal activity, while cybercrime programs focus on analyzing criminal behavior. Computer forensics emphasizes investigative analysis.
These programs can lead to many of the same cybersecurity careers, such as information security analyst and computer and information systems manager. While each specialization offers unique strengths, online master’s in cybersecurity degrees are the most common, so more employers recognize the training.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Cybercrime Programs
Before deciding on a school, students should always check for accreditation. Required by most employers and financial aid organizations, regional accreditation ensures that the program meets necessary educational quality standards.
Though not always required, cybersecurity programs can also receive programmatic accreditation from ABET. Like regional accreditation, this recognition assures students and employers that the program provides training that meets or exceeds industry standards.
What Can I Expect When Pursuing a Master’s in Cybercrime Online?
Each master’s in cybersecurity offers a unique curriculum, but there are a few core topics that most programs include. The following section explores the most popular courses in cybersecurity.
Common Courses in Cybercrime Online Programs
- Information Assurance: This course covers basic concepts for protecting networks, communication, and data, including how to plan, implement, and manage security and system integrity. Students examine the most contemporary approaches to preventing, detecting, and recovering from information loss; fundamentals and applications of cryptography; and security in networks and distributed environments.
- Digital Forensics Investigation: Enrollees explore investigation practices for uncovering digital crime in computers, networks, operating systems, mobile devices, and other areas of digital forensics. Coursework covers the identification, collection, authentication, preservation, and presentation of digital forensic evidence.
- Security Risk Analysis and Planning: Degree-seekers receive training in risk analysis, disaster recovery, incident response, security controls, and business continuity. Students examine internal and external partnerships, governance, emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and security capabilities. The course also addresses risks in financial regulations and privacy.
- Network Security: Students learn to apply defensive measures to secure networks, identify the overall network security posture, and implement basic practices in vulnerability assessment. Topics include data and host security; protocols and analysis; threats and vulnerabilities; and application, access control, and identity management.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Security: Cybersecurity professionals must understand the legal and ethical issues related to the rise of global connectivity and information sharing. Students examine confidentiality, privacy, and local, federal, and international laws. The course emphasizes government regulation, e-commerce, and e-business.
Cybercrime Professional Organizations
Professional organizations provide students and professionals with access to supportive career resources. In the cybersecurity industry, these organizations help members find employment and advance their careers. Some of the most significant professional organizations in the industry are listed below.
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
Established in 1989, IACIS is a leading organization for computer forensic professionals, serving over 2,200 members from more than 60 countries. The association administers certification courses, including the certified forensic computer examiner program. It also hosts a forum for information exchange on emerging cyberthreats.Information Systems Security Association
ISSA offers continuing education courses and networking opportunities for its membership of about 10,000 international cybersecurity specialists. Members receive access to professional development training, webinars, and a career center that offers services to employers and job-seekers. The organization also hosts an annual conference that attracts cybercrime experts from around the globe.Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists
As one of the few organizations dedicated to the detection and prevention of financial crime, ACFCS offers certification, training opportunities, and networking for financial security specialists. Membership includes access to webinars, bi-weekly newsletters, and daily news briefs. ACFCS also administers the certified financial crime program for financial intelligence specialists who work in regulatory agencies and law enforcement.Cybercrime Careers
Earning a master’s in cybersecurity opens many professional doors. The specialized training equips them for various leadership and computer information technology careers.
While graduates usually qualify for the positions listed below, some employers may require additional training or certifications. When considering jobs in cybersecurity, it’s best to check with local employers and ask about their employment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many schools offer a master’s in cybersecurity or a related discipline, such as cybercrime or computer forensics. Some programs offer cybersecurity and cybercrime as specializations within a master’s in computer science.
With a master’s in cybersecurity, graduates can pursue computer and information technology occupations. BLS data projects an 11% job growth rate in the sector from 2019-2029.
Which math career is the best depends on individual job-seekers. The highest-paid math careers are mathematicians and statisticians; economists; financial analysts; actuaries; and computer systems analysts.
BLS projections indicate a 31% job growth rate for information security analysts from 2019-2029, with a $99,730 median annual salary in 2019 — more than double the median annual salary for all occupations.
