The Best Online Master’s in Network Security

With cyber attacks and security breaches on the rise, the fields of cybersecurity and computer science offer ample opportunities for graduates with online network security degrees.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects (BLS) projects information security analyst positions to grow by 28% from 2016 through 2026, while computer and information research scientists are projected to grow by 19%, with a median annual salary of $118,370. Graduates with online network security degrees can also land jobs as cybersecurity analysts, systems administrators,and cybersecurity consultants. Many of the highest–paying jobs in cybersecurity, networking, and computer science require master’s degrees in a computer–related field.

Earning an online master's degree in network security suits working professionals who want to advance their skills in computer science and network security. In this program, students learn to protect an organization’s computer information system and data, digital forensics, and local network architecture design. At the end of the program, students often take a capstone course to integrate their skills and knowledge into a final project, or they complete an internship to gain on–the–job experience. Some questions you may have about an online master’s in network security are answered below.

Featured Network Security Programs

The Best Online Master’s in Network Security Degree Programs

Methodolgy

We selected the following programs based on their quality and the range of courses they offer, as well as awards, rankings, and reputation.

Why Get a Master's in Network Security?

Employers in computer science and security typically determine candidates’ pay rates based on their education level. The field offers lucrative employment opportunities to bachelor's graduates with online network security degrees; graduates can land jobs as computer programmers and network and computer systems administrators. These professionals earn median salaries of $82,050 and $84,280, respectively, according to the BLS.

Advanced degrees benefit working professionals who want to land higher–paying managerial jobs as computer and information systems managers. Computer and information systems managers must hold master’s degrees, and they earn a median annual salary of $142,530, according to the BLS. A master’s degree gives these graduates the platform to publish their research in journals or speak at conferences.

Individuals who want to work as professors at universities need a Ph.D. To learn more about potential salaries and careers for graduates with online network security degrees, read below.

Network Security Concentrations

Students can hone specific career skills by concentrating in a specific area of study, such as homeland security, emergency management, or information assurance. Read on to learn more about common concentration options for an online network security degree.

Homeland Security

A homeland security concentration teaches students to apply computer systems security practices to a career in homeland security. Students take classes in terrorism response, weapons of mass destruction, and homeland security.

• Careers this concentration prepares for: This concentration prepares students for careers in computer systems security at the Department of Homeland Security.

Digital Forensics

A digital forensics concentration gives students the knowledge and skills to detect security breaches and prevent cyber attacks. The coursework also teaches students to recover data.

• Careers this concentration prepares for: The tools students develop in a digital forensics concentration prepare them for jobs as information security analysts and computer and information research scientists.

Information Assurance

The information assurance concentration focuses on how to safely manage computer systems and store data. Students take classes to learn programming in Python, UNIX, and C++.

• Careers this concentration prepares for: The programming skills students learn in an information assurance concentration help them in positions as computer network architects and software developers.

Secure Programming

The classes offered in a secure programming concentration focus on cybersecurity protocols. Students learn to assess networks and systems and conduct audits and assessments. They also gain an understanding of common security breaches.

• Careers this concentration prepares for: A secure programming concentration gives students the skills to work as information security analysts.

Analysis

Students enrolled in an analysis concentration take classes in hacking and digital forensics. These classes introduce students to data–driven analysis and computation.

• Careers this concentration prepares for: After taking this concentration, students can work in government and corporations as intelligence analysts and computer systems analysts.

Courses in an Online Master's in Network Security Program

Online master’s degrees in network security prepare students for integral positions ensuring the safety of an organization’s networks and electronic data. A typical master’s in network security includes advanced training in computer engineering, principles of information security, and disaster recovery. Coursework in computer communication networking familiarizes students with network design, routing, and transmission.

A solid foundation in network and computer systems operations allows students to pursue careers in IT security, systems management, and network administration. Many programs feature coursework in digital forensics, which prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement and intelligence operations.

Computer engineering and business programs often offer network security as a concentration, as well. Students who take courses in network security through an MBA program gain skills in business strategies and finance, plus knowledge of corporate IT security management. A network security emphasis as part of an engineering degree often features coursework in operating system design and systems theories.

Most programs offer electives that cater to specific career interests such as electronic commerce or telemarketing. Students usually complete a thesis or final project in addition to core coursework.

Advanced Computer Networking

In an advanced computer networking course, students build on their knowledge of computer networking, algorithms, and statistical probability theory. Through hands–on experiments, students learn to design network and security simulations and conduct network research. This class covers topics such as cryptography, DDoS defense, wireless and cloud security risks, and mobile communications.

Forensics

A course in forensics teaches students the advanced investigative techniques used in computer forensics. Students get hands–on experience setting up a forensics lab. They learn how to use forensics hardware and software. Coursework also covers email investigations, data acquisition, and data recovery. As a prerequisite, students must understand how to install and remove software.

Ethical Hacking and Network Defense

Companies hire ethical hackers to hack into their systems so they can better understand their computer network systems’ vulnerabilities. This class teaches students how to assess network risks and conduct penetration tests to help uncover operating system weaknesses. Students also learn techniques for hacking wireless networks and web servers.

Network Administration

A class in network administration gives students the tools to work as networking administrators, who operate networking connections. Students learn to configure and install network operating systems through hands–on assignments. They learn to back up storage, access files, and conduct server management.

Information Systems Security

An information systems security course teaches students how to implement security solutions to protect networks. Students learn to spot potential security threats and conduct risk analysis. In the course, learners conduct experiments to better understand security architecture.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Network Security?

Full–time students can expect to graduate from an online master’s degree in network security program within two years. A full–time course load consists of at least nine credits, or three classes each semester. Students who take additional classes each term or semester may graduate more quickly.

Many students can only take classes on a part–time basis, meaning they may take longer than two years to earn their online master’s degree in network security. Enrollment status also impacts the total cost of college. Tuition typically costs more for part–time students because they take longer to complete their degrees, and some schools charge higher per–credit tuition rates to part–time learners. The average online network security degree requires students to complete 30 to 36 credits. Programs with more credits may take longer to complete.

Students may graduate sooner if they transfer graduate–level credits from an accredited college. Accelerated programs also allow students to graduate in less than two years.

Network Security Salary Information

Graduates with online master’s degrees in network security find employment in several different industries. They may provide services for schools, large corporations, or nonprofit agencies. Duties include installing and maintaining local and wide area networks, fortifying network impenetrability, and helping users navigate computer software.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts work daily to protect their company’s computer systems and networks. Their duties include implementing security enhancements and documenting security breaches. Employers accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees, but they may prefer applicants with master’s degrees. Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $59,000
• Mid-Career: $66,000
• Experienced: $81,000
• Late Career: $92,000

Senior Systems Administrator

Senior systems administrators oversee the IT department and systems administrators. They manage a company’s computer systems and servers. Their duties include fixing computer system problems and installing hardware. Typically, they begin their careers in system administration, computer engineering, or programming. Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $69,000
• Mid-Career: $72,000
• Experienced: $80,000
• Late Career: $86,000

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects, sometimes called network engineers, design communication networks. They also recommend hardware and software upgrades. A bachelor’s degree suffices for most employers, but some prefer a master’s degree. Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $88,000
• Mid-Career: $84,000
• Experienced: $105,000
• Late Career: $122,000

Software Developer

Software developers design and create applications and software. They oversee the process from beginning to end and solve problems that arise with the software. Most begin their careers writing code. These professionals work for software companies and finance and engineering companies. Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $61,000
• Mid-Career: $67,000
• Experienced: $80,000
• Late Career: $90,000

Source: PayScale