The 25 Best Online Master’s in Information Assurance and Security Degree Programs

The College of Engineering at Nova Southeastern University provides undergraduate and graduate students with a wide variety of program options across several departments representing diverse fields of study, including the Department of Information Systems and Cybersecurity. The college serves students through numerous valuable resources, including online program options, internship and scholarship opportunities, and professional development services.

The Department of Information Systems and Cybersecurity offers an online master of science in management information systems degree program with a concentration in information assurance and cybersecurity management. The program utilizes practical and theoretical approaches to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to information assurance professions.

The curriculum blends management information systems courses and information assurance courses to develop students as well–rounded professionals. Students engage with key concepts in the field, including planning and implementing cybersecurity strategies, network forensics, applied cryptography, and software engineering. Students prepare to advance or pursue careers in the field, including chief technology officer, network security analyst, and information assurance manager.

The online Master of Science in Management Information Systems program requires 36 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Advanced Network Security
• Applied Cryptography
• Computer and Network Forensics
• Computer Networks
• Database Security
• Database Systems
• Information Security Governance
• Operating Systems
• Secure Computer Systems
• Software Engineering

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Nova Southeastern University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education.

The College of Science and Engineering at Sam Houston State University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several departments, including the Department of Computer Science. The college serves students through online program options, student organizations, internship and scholarship opportunities, and research centers, such as the Center of Excellence in Digital Forensics.

The Department of Computer Science offers an online master of science in information assurance and security degree program that prepares students to pursue a variety of careers in the field. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully practice information assurance in commercial, industrial, and governmental settings.

The program covers key concepts, including implementing security measures and preventing network damage, risk management and incident recovery, and information assurance policy. Students emerge ready to enter careers such as chief technology officer, information assurance specialist, and network analyst.

The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security program requires 30–36 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Business Continuity Management
• Database Security
• Operating System Security
• Organization System Security
• Principles and Policy – Information Assurance

Students in the online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security program must complete a Directed Management and Development Project.

The College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Norwich University provides a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate program options for busy nontraditional students. With online and evening program options, professional development services, internship and scholarship opportunities, and a variety of other resources, the college serves the unique needs of nontraditional students seeking professional advancement.

Through the Norwich University Online platform, the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers an online master of science in information security and assurance degree program with four concentration options, in Project Management, Computer Forensic Investigation/Incident Response Team Management, Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Crime, and Vulnerability Management. The Project Management concentration features accreditation by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.

With so many options for specialization, students may pursue a variety of niche areas of study and professional practice. Regardless of specialization, the program develops a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, focusing on information assurance fundamentals. Students emerge ready to pursue a variety of careers, including chief technology officer, network security analyst, and information assurance consultant.

The online Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance program requires 36 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Foundations and Historical Underpinnings of Information Assurance
• Information Assurance and Analytics
• Information Assurance Technology
• Human Factors and Managing Risk

Students must attend a one–week residency course on campus.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Norwich University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education.

The School of Computing at DePaul University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate program options in computing science fields. Housed in the College of Computing and Digital Media, the School offers online program options, internship and scholarship opportunities, student organizations, and access to a variety of labs and research centers, including the Database Optimization and Forensic Analysis Lab.

The School of Computing offers an online master of science in computer, information, and network security degree program with three concentration options, in Network Infrastructure, Computer Security, and Compliance. The program utilizes theoretical and practical approaches to general and niche aspects of the field.

The curriculum develops key knowledge and skills, including digital forensics investigation, network security strategies and implementation, information security management, and information security policy. Students engage with the field through a blend of in–depth coursework and hands–on research. Students prepare to pursue or advance a variety of careers, including computer security specialist, information assurance analyst, and security compliance manager.

The online Master of Science in Computer, Information, and Network Security program requires 52 credit hours and includes the following required courses:

• Computer Networks and Data Systems
• Digital Forensics Techniques
• Governance Policies in Information Assurance
• Information Security Management
• Network Security

Students in the online Master of Science in Computer, Information, and Network Security program must complete a capstone course, an Information Security Governance course, a master’s research project, or a master’s thesis.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate DePaul University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance and CyberDefense Education.

The College of Business at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate program options across diverse fields represented by several departments, including the Department of Technology Management. In keeping with the Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide campus mission, the College of Business provides plenty of resources and opportunities for nontraditional students, including 100% online program options, scholarship and field experience options, and professional development services.

The Department of Technology Management offers an online master of science in information security and assurance degree program with three specialization options, in Protecting Business Intelligence, Information Systems Security, or Information Assurance in a Global Context. Each specialization option prepares students for lucrative, niche careers in the field. Regardless of their chosen path, students gain a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in information assurance.

The program utilizes a core curriculum that covers key aspects of the field, including information security strategy, incident and risk management, analysis of cybersecurity systems, and information security architecture. Students prepare to pursue a diverse array of careers, including chief information assurance officer, chief risk manager, information assurance analyst, and network security analyst.

The online Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance program requires 30 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Assurance Business Systems: Managing and Protecting Information Systems Enterprise
• Cyber Law, Cyber Compliance, and Information Assurance
• Enterprise Systems Architectures for Information Assurance
• Incident Management and Information Forensics
• Informatics: Security Implications of Cross–Disciplinary Computing
• Quality Management for Information Assurance
• Risk Management and Business Continuity

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education.

The College of Engineering and Computing at the Florida Institute of Technology serves over 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. With a diverse array of schools and departments, including the School of Computing, as well as online programs, student organizations, internship and scholarship options, and other resources, the college provides students with plenty of paths for academic and professional success. Additionally, the college houses several research centers and institutes, including the Harris Institute for Assured Information.

The School of Computing offers an online master of science in information assurance and cybersecurity degree program for individuals seeking to advance in the information assurance field. The curriculum features a blend of in–depth core courses, a large selection of electives for niche study, and hands–on research in the form of a capstone or thesis project.

Students develop key skills in the field, including information security planning and implementation, risk management strategies, incident management, and database security architecture. Students prepare to pursue a variety of careers, including chief technology officer, chief security officer, information assurance manager, and cybersecurity analyst.

The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program requires 33 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Biometric Authentication Technologies
• Computer and Information Security
• Cryptography and Information Hiding
• Host and Application Security
• Secure Data Communications and Networks
• Secure Operating Systems

Students in the online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program must complete a thesis or a capstone project.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate the Florida Institute of Technology as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Research.

The College of Technology at Davenport University provides students with a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree and non–degree program options for studying technology fields. One of five colleges at Davenport University, the College of Technology dedicates itself to preparing students for professional success in technological careers, offering online program options, professional development services, internship and scholarship options, and a variety of other useful resources and benefits.

The College of Technology offers an online master of science in information assurance and cybersecurity degree program for students seeking to advance in the field. The program develops a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to cybersecurity professions.

The program features a curriculum developed to standards set by the National Security Agency and Committee on National Security Systems, meeting the requirements of Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals, and Training Standard for Security System Manager. Students graduate from the program prepared to pursue or advance a variety of careers in the field, including cybersecurity analyst, security compliance manager, and cybersecurity consultant.

The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program requires 34 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Advanced Computer Forensics
• Analytical Statistics for Management
• Application Security
• Applied Cryptography
• Information Security Planning
• Legal and Ethical Security Topics
• Network Security
• Project Management and Risk Mitigation
• Research Techniques for Information Assurance

Students in the online Maser of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program must complete a thesis project.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Davenport University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education.

The Department of Computer and Information Systems at Robert Morris University provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional program options in information systems fields. Housed in the School of Communications and Information Systems, the department maintains a dedication to professional preparation and career readiness through offering resources including flexible online program options, and internship and scholarship opportunities.

Through the RMU Online platform, the Department of Computer and Information Systems offers an online master of science in information security and assurance degree program for individuals seeking to advance in the information security field. The program utilizes a blend of practical and theoretical approaches to information assurance, developing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills.

The curriculum covers fundamental aspects of information assurance professions, including network security, database management, secure programming, and IT security. Students prepare to pursue or advance a variety of careers, including information assurance analyst, network security analyst, and security compliance manager.

The online Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance program requires 30 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Computer Network Security
• Database Management Systems
• Hardware and Operating Systems
• Information Technology Governance
• Information Technology Security, Control and Assurance
• Network Technology and Management
• Secure Programming

The School of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of the Cumberlands provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate program options for students seeking to enter a variety of technological fields. With online program options, internship and scholarship opportunities, professional development services, and a variety of other resources, the School serves traditional and nontraditional students alike.

The School of Computer and Information Sciences offers an online master of science in information systems security degree program for students seeking to advance professionally in the field. The program develops a balanced foundation of knowledge and skills in information assurance and security.

The curriculum includes a comprehensive blend of coursework that covers key topics, including network security, risk management, regulations and compliance, security architecture and design, and disaster recovery. Students emerge prepared to pursue a variety of careers, including chief technology officer, network security analyst, and information assurance manager.

The online Master of Science in Information Systems Security program requires 31 credit hours and consists of the following required courses:

• Access Control
• Application Security
• Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning
• Cryptography
• Information Security and Risk Management
• Information Security Project
• Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation
• Operations Security
• Physical Security
• Security Architecture and Design
• Special Topics
• Telecommunications and Network Security

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate the University of the Cumberlands as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education.

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University provides undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of program options for pursuing education and careers in technological fields. With online program options, scholarship and internship opportunities, student organizations, and other resources, the college serves traditional and nontraditional students in pursuit of professional success through higher education.

Through the Online@DSU platform, the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences offers an online master of science in information assurance and computer security degree program that prepares students to meet the current need for qualified information assurance professionals. The program utilizes a comprehensive curriculum to develop a strong foundation of knowledge necessary to professional success.

The curriculum emphasizes key skills, including computer security strategy, managing cyber–attacks, technical leadership in matters of information security, and protecting organization assets. Students prepare to pursue a variety of careers in the field, including chief technology officer, network security analyst, and information assurance consultant.

The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Computer Security program requires 30 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Compliance and Audit
• Computer Forensics
• Cryptography
• Data Privacy
• Ethics and Information Technology
• Incident Response
• Managing Security Risks
• Network Security/Intrusion Detection
• Offensive Security
• Principles of Information Assurance

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Dakota State University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education.

Penn State World Campus, the distance education wing of Pennsylvania State University, provides online undergraduate and graduate program options across a diverse array of fields. Maintaining the same quality of education as Pennsylvania State University, Penn State World Campus serves the unique needs of nontraditional students through flexible, 100% online programs, internship and scholarship opportunities, professional development services, and a variety of other resources.

Penn State World Campus offers an online master of professional studies in information sciences—cybersecurity and information assurance degree program for students seeking to advance in the information assurance field. The program incorporates theoretical and practical approaches to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to success in the field.

The curriculum blends in–depth coursework in key areas with hands–on research. Students engage with fundamental concepts of information assurance, including information security management, network security strategies and implementation, risk management, and digital forensics. Students prepare to pursue a variety of careers, including chief technology officer, IT analyst, information assurance manager, and enterprise architect.

The online Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences program requires 33 credit hours and includes the following required courses:

• Foundations of Information Security and Assurance
• Information Security Management
• Intelligent Agents and Distributed Decision Making
• Introduction to Multisensor Data Fusion
• Knowledge Management
• Network Management and Security
• Web Fundamentals

Students in the online Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences program must complete a research paper or final project. Students may also choose to earn a Postbachelor’s Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity, for additional coursework.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Pennsylvania State University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education.

The College of Technology at Wilmington University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in diverse technology fields. With online program options, internship and scholarship opportunities, student organizations, and other useful resources, the College of Technology develops students of all backgrounds as qualified, career–ready technology professionals.

The College of Technology offers an online master of science and information systems technologies degree program with a concentration in information assurance. Students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to information assurance careers. The program draws on a blend of information systems core courses, information assurance specialization courses, in–depth research, and hands–on field experience.

The program emphasizes key subjects, such as the contemporary state of the field, information assurance strategies and incident response, web security, and network security architecture. Students prepare to advance or pursue a variety of careers in the field, including chief technology officer, network security analyst, and information assurance manager.

The online Master of Science and Information Systems Technologies program requires 36 credit hours and includes a selection of the following Information Assurance concentration courses:

• Business Intelligence
• Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security
• Incident Handling and Response
• Planning for Information Security
• SCADA Architecture
• SCADA Security Awareness and Standards
• Topics in Information Assurance
• Web and Data Security

Students in the online Master of Science and Information Systems Technologies program must complete an internship and a capstone project. The program utilizes an asynchronous model of delivery, but not a self–paced schedule, with students being expected to participate in weekly discussion boards.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Wilmington University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Education.

The Graduate School at the University of Maryland, University College handles the graduate and professional programs of the university. Covering a diverse array of fields, The Graduate School prepares students with the education necessary for advanced careers. Through numerous online programs, online resources, and other benefits, the Graduate School serves the unique educational and professional needs of advanced, nontraditional students.

The Graduate School offers an online master of science in information technology degree program with a specialization in information assurance. Through a blend of specialization courses in the field and core coursework in information technology, students develop a balanced foundation of knowledge and skills.

The curriculum includes in–depth coursework in information assurance fundamentals, such as network and Internet security, computer forensics, and ethics, as well as a hands–on capstone. Students emerge prepared to pursue a variety of careers in the field, including chief security officer, information assurance analyst, and cybersecurity consultant.

The online Master of Science in Information Technology program requires 36 credit hours and includes the following Information Assurance specialization courses:

• Computer Forensics
• Cryptology and Data Protection
• Foundations of Information Security and Assurance
• Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention
• Network and Internet Security
• The Law, Regulation, and Ethics of Information Assurance

Students in the online Master of Science in Information Technology program must complete a capstone.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate the University of Maryland, University College as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education.

The School of Business and Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake University provides undergraduate and graduate program options in a variety of fields represented by several departments, including the Computer Information Systems and Security Department. To advance the mission of professional development, the school offers online programs, internship and scholarship opportunities, student organizations, and access to research programs, such as the Center for Information Assurance Management and Leadership.

The Computer Information Systems and Security Department offers an online master of science in information systems and security degree program, which is certified by the National Security Agency. The program prepares students for executive positions in information assurance through developing a strong foundation of theoretical and practical approaches to the field.

The curriculum incorporates key aspects of the field, including in–depth knowledge of information systems and databases, networking security strategies, security analysis, and Internet security architectures. Students emerge ready to enter careers in a variety of professional settings, in jobs such as chief information officer, chief technology officer, or chief security officer.

The online Master of Science in Information Systems and Security program requires 30 credit hours and consists of the following required courses:

• Database Management Systems
• Information Assurance Assessment
• Information Assurance Planning and Management
• Information Systems Development
• Information Systems Hardware and Software Platforms
• Internet Security Architectures
• Principles of Information Assurance and Security
• Special Topics in Information Systems
• Special Topics in Information’s Systems and Security
• Telecommunications and Networking

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Our Lady of the Lake University as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education.

With a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, the College of Business and Management at Colorado Technical University serves students of all levels of experience. In addition to its on–campus programs, the college provides flexible online program options, professional development services, and other resources to aid students in achieving professional success.

The College of Business and Management offers an online master of science in management degree program with a concentration in Information Systems Security. The program blends core coursework in management with specialized coursework in information systems security to develop students as well–rounded professionals in the field.

The curriculum covers key topics, such as network security, security management, and information assurance strategies. Students develop leadership skills alongside in–depth knowledge of network security and information assurance principles. Students emerge prepared to pursue or advance a variety of careers, including chief information security officer, IT security manager, network security analyst, and computer security specialist.

The online Master of Science in Management program requires 48 credit hours and includes the following Information Systems Security concentration courses:

• Computer Systems Security Foundations
• Network Security
• Security Management
• Software Information Assurance
• System Security Certification and Accreditation