Master's in Cyber Security Online MS Degree Program

Enhance your expertise in enterprise-level technology management by earning a Master of Science in Cyber Security with a concentration in IT Management.

With an IT management concentration, you'll focus on enterprise-level technology management, including the relationships between structure and process in project management and the management of IT functions within an organization. Additionally, you'll explore enterprise resource planning and the implications of cyber law and ethics.

In this program, you'll learn to:

• Facilitate best practices for managing IT functions and interrelationships
• Adopt new technologies
• Develop and work on projects within the IT organizational unit

Career outlook:

Overall, those in computer and information technology occupations can expect to see a 15% growth in employment through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.² The median annual wages in May 2021 for these roles was $97,430 – much higher than the median annual wages for all occupations^.2

Additionally, in that same time period, the BLS projects a 35% growth in demand for information security analysts – a pace much faster than the national average.² And in 2021, the median annual wages for those roles was $102,600.²

Courses may include:

• Advanced Information Technology
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Management of Information Technology

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free application
• Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

Online master's degree candidates must also submit a personal resume. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete free graduate application
• Submit undergraduate transcripts
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Yes, you can earn a cyber security master's degree. It can be a great idea if you're looking to move into advanced roles in the field.

In fact, almost 24% of information security analysts 25 or older had earned a master's degree in 2021, the most recent data available through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.²

SNHU offers an online MS in Cyber Security, making it easier for busy adults to reach their goals. With 24/7 access to the classroom and no live lectures, you can take your graduate courses when it's convenient for you.

"I am a mother of two and I work full time," said Beth Maldonado '20 '21G. "I am a full-time student. SNHU helps me manage to get it all done and get A’s."

The application process here is simple: You'll receive a decision just days after submitting the required materials. You can begin when the time is right for you, since SNHU has 5 graduate term starts each year.

As a student, you'll build a relationship with an academic advisor who specializes in the cyber security program, and you'll learn from instructors who are currently working in the field.

Jillian Seabrook ’17 ’18G chose to study cyber security at the graduate level after she discovered an interest in it while working at a bank. A co-worker refused to help her with a task, afraid that passing the information along would remove job security. Seabrook said she didn't want to be the person who couldn't help others when it came to such risky topics.

“I just saw fraud happen all the time,” Seabrook said. “At least once a week someone came in with a fake check or a sob story about how they got scammed on Craigslist, and I was like, this is interesting. I want to go do something about that.”

For students who don't have a tech background who want to pursue an MS in Cyber Security, SNHU offers plenty of support and resources through our academic advising team, library, technology partners and social communities.

"I was very impressed by my [academic] advisor and every other contact I've made at SNHU," said Richard Sebastian '21. "They were friendly, helping, professional and always got me the answer I needed."

Earning a master's in cyber security can be done in as few as 15 months.

However, finishing in a quicker time frame can depend on your schedule. If you're working full time and have personal obligations, you can create a schedule with your academic advisor – a timeline that allows you to both be successful and reach your goals.

SNHU categorizes students as either full time (2 courses per 10-week term) or part time (1 course per term). With a maximum of only 13 courses in our online master's in cyber security, you can finish your degree on your terms.

"I would highly recommend this program, as it is great for those of us who work full-time and is an attainable goal for anyone willing to put in the time and effort," said graduate Mallory Quaintance '21. "SNHU’s online platform is second to none."

With a master's in cyber security, you can gain more focused skills and the ability to lead information security strategies that can identify and respond to risk.

An MS in Cyber Security might be ideal for those who already work within the field, but are looking to move up the ladder in their career. By developing your skill set with leadership, communication and collaboration traits, you can set yourself apart from other mid-level candidates.

Jobs available to those holding a master's in cyber security may include:

• Cyber security analyst/consultant
• Computer information systems manager
• Information systems security manager/officer
• Cyber security director

No matter what your current role is, there can be value found in earning your master's in cyber security.

"Though I do not currently work in a security-specific department, I do find that broadening my security awareness and education has improved my life as an engineer," said Mallory Quaintance '21. "I can look at problems with a different lens having completed this degree."

Richard Sebastian '21 adds that having a master's degree is a huge advantage in offering him more options in life.

"My personal mantra regarding education is that there is no such thing as a bad learning experience," he said. "Different experiences give you different opportunities. More experiences give you more opportunities. Advanced degrees give you advanced opportunities."

"Life is about options," said Sebastian. "The more you give yourself, the better the quality of life you and your family will have."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $102,600 in May 2021.²

The top-paying industries for information security analysts and their median annual wages in May 2021², according to BLS, were:

• Information: $102,600
• Finance and insurance: $106,430
• Computer systems design and related services: $104,820
• Management of companies and enterprises: $102,330
• Administrative and support services: $99,860

And according to the BLS, those who held master's degrees in 2020 earned close to 17% more than those with only a bachelor's degree in terms of median weekly pay.²

Of course. When you earn a master's in cyber security online, you can still get the same hands-on learning experiences that you would in a traditional campus environment – but you're able to do it on a convenient schedule that works for you.

You'll get lab experience in a number of classes, like:

• Incident Detection and Response: Explore topics like detection, investigation and response by developing plans that use industry-standard processes and tools to investigate incidents and recommend processes for incidence response.
• Investigation and Digital Forensics: Learn the theory, practice and principles of digital forensics through investigation of computers, networks, operating systems and mobile devices. You'll develop skills for all steps in the evidence cycle: identification, collection, acquisition, authentication, preservation, examination, analysis and presentation.
• Network Assessment and Defense: Examine defensive measures to secure an organization’s network, and study topics like secure network fundamentals, protocols and analysis; threats and vulnerabilities; and application, data and host security, access control and identity management.

With your capstone course, you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate what you've learned with a project that's structured around emerging concerns in the cyber security profession. By creating a real-world project that highlights your mastery of cyber security, you have an example of large-scale work that you can show employers.

"We want students to develop the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively day one after graduation," said Jon Kamyck, associate dean of cyber security at Southern New Hampshire University. "We prepare them with all the tools, techniques, methods (and) tradecraft necessary to succeed out of the gate."

Ken Girkin '17 '21G speaks firsthand about the benefits of his cyber security capstone.

"The capstone course really showed me how all the classes I've taken as part of my master's degree tie in together," he said. "I use much of the information frequently in my new role."

Another way to get hands-on experience with your cyber security master's degree is by incorporating an internship into your program, giving you the ability to take your learnings into the workforce. When you're able to add experience to your resume before you graduate, you indicate to employers that you're ready to take on a role that can help them advance their organization.

A bachelor’s in cyber security is a total of 120 credits, while the online master’s at SNHU is only 36-39 credits (pending one foundation course IT-505: Core Technologies). The master’s degree is a shorter, focused program that would be recommended to students who have already completed a bachelor’s and are looking to advance or shift their career.

Though you do need a conferred bachelor’s degree to apply for any master’s program at Southern New Hampshire University, it does not need to be in the same field. You can pursue the online master’s in cyber security with a bachelor’s in another field, allowing you to further expand your skill set or even make a change in your career.

Because you can enter the master’s program without a bachelor’s specifically in cyber security, providing a professional resume helps the admission and academic teams determine if a student with little to no IT experience should take the foundational course, IT-505: Core Technologies. This course provides you the opportunity to get to know the basics of information systems, including hardware, software, networks and delivery systems.

If your bachelor’s is in a different field, like psychology for example, but you have worked in IT for most of your career, your professional resume may indicate the foundation course is not necessary. However, if you haven’t worked in a related field for any length of time, the resume may indicate the foundation course is required. The more details included relating to your responsibilities in your previous roles as it pertains to IT/cyber security, the better we can determine your readiness.

The best way to see how many credits would be required for your program is to start the application process with one of our admission counselors and have an official evaluation completed. This process can help you make an informed decision about your program choice. Apply today.

Companies are paying high salaries for well-trained and well-educated cyber professionals, and even so, there are more than 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the US alone.¹ On top of that, the job market for information-security analysts, including cyber security professionals, is set to expand an additional 35% by 2031.² 

The growing threat of cybercrime is creating urgency, thus creating new positions every day. However, with the increasing urgency and high stakes, there aren’t nearly enough qualified workers to meet the demand. This skill gap creates a problem that earning an online master’s in cyber security can work to solve.

A bachelor’s degree is only the minimum requirement for most cyber security jobs, meaning earning an online master’s degree in cyber security from SNHU can give you the credentials needed to qualify for these high-demand and high-paying positions.

To break it down, earning your master’s degree can benefit you in these key areas:

• Cybersecurity skills and career mobility: A master’s covers the basics plus leadership, management and more. With this training, you become a stronger candidate for higher-level positions, providing you the mobility to move up and around in your career.
• Job security and growing career options: With a shortfall in talent, job security for those qualified is strong, and opportunities are plenty.
• Higher salary: Likewise, with a shortage in the supply of qualified professionals, the demand is greater and salaries reflect accordingly. As of May 2020, the median annual wage for IT professionals including cyber security was $102,600.²

When it came to choosing a school for his master's degree, Richard Sebastian '21 landed on SNHU for a number of reasons, one being the curriculum for his career advancement.

"I felt like SNHU offered a broader and more relevant group of classes that would make me a better cyber security professional," he said. "The discussions and feedback from the instructors helped me keep on track and point me to new ideas and new ways of thinking about information technology security."

¹ Cyber Seek, Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map, on the internet, at https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html (viewed Oct. 31, 2022).

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (viewed Oct. 31, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed Oct. 31, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/educational-attainment.htm (viewed Oct. 31, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed Oct. 31, 2022)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.