[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools offer online master’s in information assurance and security programs. These programs train learners to protect information and knowledge sources. Graduates may work for corporations or government agencies. Many degree-holders work as information security analysts. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects jobs for these workers to grow 33% from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page lists the best master’s in information assurance and security degrees. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become an information security analyst.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#ranking/”]View Our Rankings List Here[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Questions About Information Assurance and Security[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Q. What can you do with an information security and assurance degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates often work as information security analysts. Degree-holders may also work as information technology specialists.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Q. What degree do you need for information security?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals can practice with just a bachelor’s degree. The degree must typically relate to information security.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Q. Do cybersecurity jobs pay well?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many cybersecurity jobs pay more than the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations, according to the BLS. Information security analysts and computer network architects earn six-figure salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance and Security?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree can help graduates qualify for high-paying careers. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm/” target=”_blank”]Computer and information technology professionals[/hen-ui-link] earn a median $105,990 annually as of May 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students pursuing an online master’s in information assurance and security degree benefit from flexibility. Many programs run asynchronously, letting enrollees complete assignments when convenient. Online learners also save time and money by not traveling to campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”All You Need to Know About Accreditation” href=”/resources/accreditation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Information Assurance and Security Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degrees cost an average of $62,820 as of November 2024, [hen-ui-link href=”https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-masters-degree/” target=”_blank”]according to EducationData.org[/hen-ui-link]. However, costs vary by school, learners’ residency status, and program length. Full-time students can usually complete a master’s degree in two years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that let students graduate sooner. Quickly finishing a degree can help learners avoid rising tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners attending in-state public schools typically pay the most affordable tuition. Online degree-seekers can explore top programs without moving. This benefit can help them save money by attending the most affordable program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Additional Online Student Fees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools do not charge online learners campus maintenance or student activity fees. However, other schools charge these fees plus extra online fees. The online fees may cover expenses like a virtual classroom management platform.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online degree-seekers may need to buy computer software and technology. They should also budget for supplies and books. Students can save money by renting books or buying used or virtual copies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Information Assurance and Security Graduates Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries vary by professionals’ job title, employer, and geographic location. Graduates with a master of science in information assurance earn an average of $103,000 annually, according to April 2023 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS)%2C_Information_Assurance/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Payscale data[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Information security analysts earn a median $124,910 annually, according to the BLS. These professionals who live in [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]California[/hen-ui-link] earn a mean wage of ​​$140,730. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes151212.htm” target=”_blank”]Information security analysts[/hen-ui-link] in Washington earn $148,090.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Courses in Information Assurance and Security[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online master’s in information assurance and security usually requires 30-36 credits. This includes 10-12 classes. Students learn to identify system vulnerabilities and protect network systems. Many classes focus on interpersonal communication. Degree-seekers learn how to explain findings and suggestions in easy-to-understand ways.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most master’s programs require a capstone or thesis project. Some programs offer concentrations in topics like ethical hacking or auditing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students pursuing a master’s in information assurance and security degree often take the three classes below. Please note that not every school offers these exact classes.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Cybercrimes[/hen-ui-heading]Learners read case studies about major cybercrimes and identify preventable measures for each scenario. The curriculum covers how the United States’ justice system plays a role in protecting cybersecurity. Part of the course identifies how to use ethical hacking to solve crimes.
• [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Cybersecurity Software and Procedures[/hen-ui-heading]This class covers best practices for keeping a company or organization’s virtual data safe. Students learn the pros and cons of many types of security software. They also learn the importance of software updates. The class covers various ways of keeping all system computers current.
• [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Firewalls and Data Encryption Programs[/hen-ui-heading]This class highlights how computer hardware, software, and encoding work together to protect a system from intruders. Students learn how to encrypt data for authorized individuals. They also learn how to decode encrypted data. The class discusses the possibility and history of cyberwarfare.

[hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Information Security Analyst Careers” href=”/careers/career-guide/information-security-analyst/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees of 2021″ href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-network-security/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become an Information Security Analyst[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring information security analysts first need a bachelor’s degree. Most master’s in information assurance and security online programs require a related undergraduate degree. Some programs allow students with unrelated undergraduate majors to complete prerequisite courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree-seekers complete industry research. They practice resolving security threats and showing knowledge through a capstone project.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recent graduates often gain experience as network and computer systems administrators before applying for more advanced jobs. Most leadership roles in this field require certification. Employers often prefer to hire [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP/” target=”_blank”]certified information systems security professionals[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The 25 Best Online Master’s in Information Assurance and Security Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Read About Our Methodology Here” href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]