Best Master's in Information Systems Security Programs

Students wishing to apply to a master's degree in information systems security program usually need to have a technology-related bachelor's degree. Some programs require a technology-related major, while others require students who have a degree in a field outside of technology to take an additional foundations course to demonstrate their readiness for the master's program. Programs that require a technology-related degree may also accept students who have minored in a technology-related field. Applicants might hold bachelor's degrees in areas such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, and more.

Admissions standards for master's programs in information systems security are unique to different schools, but applicants are typically required to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Depending on the program, this degree may need to be in a technology-related area and/or students may need to have specific prerequisite classes, such as a prior course in statistics. It is also common for applicants to have to meet a minimum GPA requirement, usually around a 3.0, and several programs require GRE or GMAT test scores, although some programs do not require them. Along with the appropriate application, students applying to these programs will likely need to submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Choosing a master's degree in information systems security will likely come down to personal schedules, preferences, and career goals. Students should first find a master's program with a format that fits their schedules, such as full-time vs. part-time or online vs. evening courses. Students who are attending programs in person should consider the location of their program and any additional hands-on learning opportunities, such as labs, projects, and available internships. Many of these programs help prepare students for professional certifications in the field, so students should also check that their program(s) of interest align with their professional goals.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a master's degree in information systems security is program accreditation. While many schools hold regional accreditation from organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission, some master's programs in information systems security hold additional program-level accreditation and/or designations. For instance, some programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to indicate that students have completed a program that meets business-specific academic standards for quality.

Several master's programs in the field are also designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Programs can also hold certifications or designations from groups such as the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), the Project Management Institute, or local technology groups, like the Colorado Technology Association. These types of designations can stand out to employers and indicate students who are ready to enter the workforce.

Master's degree programs in information systems security can require between 30 and 48 credits of coursework. Many of these degree programs are designed to be completed in 2 years, but some programs allow students to finish in as little as 18 months. Commonly, students in these programs take core courses in the subject and then round out the degree with concentration and/or elective courses. Many courses in information systems security are hands-on and give students a chance to work with different technologies and programs used in the field to help prepare them for the workforce. Some programs conclude with a culminating experience to summarize the program. Explore details of the curriculum here.

Information Security Foundational Courses

Some information systems security programs are designed with nothing but core courses, while others require around 12 to 15 credits of core courses. Core courses typically provide students with the main, big-picture concepts of the field and equip them with foundational skills needed for success in advanced courses and the workplace. Through core courses, students can also explore special topics in the field and may be required to complete a final capstone course, applied project, or other hands-on learning experience. Students usually do not get to choose which core courses are taken, but follow a designated list of required courses. Some of these courses include topics in:

• Information systems development
• Telecommunications and networking
• Enterprise architecture
• Application security
• Security architecture and design
• Digital forensics
• Secure software design
• Penetration testing

Information Security Specialist & Elective Courses

Electives provide students with the chance to explore more detailed courses in specific areas of interest. Students can often choose electives from an approved list and some electives may be in a particular subfield, such as information assurance. While elective courses vary greatly by program, a few examples include:

• Information assurance planning and management
• Database security
• Internet security architectures
• Python programming
• Cloud and internet law
• Healthcare cybersecurity

Licensure & Certification in Information Security

While there are different information security analyst certification trainings and information security manager certifications available, many master's programs in information systems security prepare students for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. Programs often align the curriculum with the standards for this certification that is offered by the (ISC)2. This certification is known worldwide and is the leading professional certification for leaders in cybersecurity. Professionals must have at least 5 years of work experience or a combination of experience and education to register for the exam. After passing the exam, professionals agree to a code of ethics and must maintain membership in the (ISC)2.

There are at least a couple of master's degree programs in information systems security that offer internship opportunities to interested students. These experiences may be optional, but typically have to be approved by a graduate faculty advisor. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete either a final information security project or a hands-on practicum or internship experience to help prepare them for their future careers. These hands-on experiences give students practical experience working in a professional setting but must align with students' course of study. Students may not be eligible for these internships until they have completed at least 12 hours of coursework in the program.

While there are not many doctoral degrees specifically in information systems security, students wishing to continue their studies after earning their master's can still choose from a range of closely related doctoral degrees. For example, students can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Systems and Management, a Doctorate of Information Assurance (DIA), or a Ph.D. in Information Systems. Some of these programs are available in online formats, but usually, students are required to complete a dissertation and focus their studies in different specialization areas.

Graduates with a master's degree in information systems security can choose from a wide range of advanced, leadership positions in the field. Commonly, their job title will include something related to security or information assurance, but there are other positions available that include security in the normal job duties. Those with a master's degree can quickly move into leadership roles that have greater responsibilities and may oversee the work of others. For example, students can move into positions as information security administrators, information security risk managers or information security supervisors. Other possible job titles for graduates include:

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Information assurance officer
• Information system security officer (ISSO)
• IT security manager
• Computer and information systems manager
• Database administrator
• Chief security officer (CSO)
• Chief information security officer (CISO)

Job Outlook for a Master's in Information Security

The field of technology is already a rapidly growing field, but security is another burgeoning area within the field as the need for keeping various kinds of information safe increases. Many careers related to information systems security have much faster than average job outlooks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS stated that the job outlook for information security analysts was 31% from 2019 to 2029. Even positions that are less focused on security had positive outlooks, such as the projected job growth for computer and information systems managers, which stands at 10% over the same decade.

How to Become an Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers prefer those with a master's degree. Usually, these analysts hold a degree in information assurance, computer science, or another closely related field. Employers may prefer those with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Systems or another related master's degree. Information security analysts typically need to have some prior work experience and usually, this experience is related to the specific area of their job, such as database administrators moving up into database security positions. Professional certifications in the field are helpful, and most commonly these professionals pursue the CISSP certification to demonstrate their expertise.

Information security analysts are responsible for protecting their organization's computer systems and networks. This requires them to plan security measures, watch for breaches, create security standards, and determine access for users. These analysts need to stay updated on current trends and technologies used in the field to best protect their organization. They may also make security suggestions to management and present their findings in reports. As of 2020, the BLS stated that the median annual salary for information security analysts was $103,590.

How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but a graduate degree is common for these professionals. These managers usually need to hold a degree in information science- or computer-related fields. They are also usually required to have extensive work experience in a related information technology job. While the number of years of experience varies greatly by position and employer, in general, these managers need to have 5 years or more of prior work experience. This experience needs to be in the same industry in which they work, such as information security experience for information technology security managers.

Computer and information systems managers help oversee all of the computer-related activities in an organization. These managers include positions such as IT directors, chief information officers (CIOs), IT security managers, and chief technology officers (CTOs). These professionals must understand the computer-based needs of their organization and plan for these needs accordingly. They oversee the installation of software and hardware, research new technologies, manage IT professionals, and help make sure that an organization's systems and information are secure. Per the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $151,150, as of 2020.

Many schools provide various forms of financial aid or tuition discount opportunities to help students pay for school, as well as make available funding from outside organizations. Students should always check their eligibility for federal and state grants and loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This gives them a better idea of how much they are expected to pay out-of-pocket when considering tuition, fees, books, materials, and living expenses.

Then, students can check for any discounts, such as military benefits, their school(s) of interest may offer, as well as other financial aid options, such as scholarships or assistantships. Numerous outside organizations offer scholarships to college students, including organizations involved in information and cybersecurity. A couple of examples of available scholarships for master's students in information systems security include:

• Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP)- The DoD allows employers to either recruit cyber talent or apply for funding to send current employees to earn their master's degree through this program. The award covers full tuition, fees, and books for students.
• Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS)- Offered as a partnership between the Applied Computer Security Associates (ACSA) and the Computing Research Association Widening Participation (CRA-WP), awards are given in amounts up to $10,000 to women pursuing their bachelor's or master's in an information security-related field.