Professionals know how important an online Master's in Internet Security degree is; with so many security threats permeating the Internet, it's hard to tell what is secure and what isn't for most civilians. It is a problem that, as the Internet and technology become more ingrained in the human experience in America, will only grow more complex. That is why there is such a need for Internet security professionals.
Many of these professionals have already earned a bachelor's degree in the field, but graduate experience is in high demand. An online program is the best fit for these professionals, as they already work long hours and do not have the time to earn a degree on a campus. They need an affordable and flexible program that works around their schedules, enabling them to advance their profession while remaining in their present careers.
This ranking aims to make the search for a viable Master's in Internet Security easier. With information gleaned from the National Center for Education Statistics, an initial pool of 80 schools resulted. The ten schools in the ranking below were chosen for their in-state graduate tuition rates. They are listed below in descending order.
Most Affordable Master's in Internet Security Online
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These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are My Career oOptions for an Online Master's in Internet Security Degree?
An online Master's in Internet Security opens the doorway to various different positions, including:
Internet Security Specialist
Security Engineer
Information Assurance Officer
Project Manager
Information Security Analyst
Director of Information Technology
Ethical Hacker
Digital Forensics Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Database Administrator
Internet security specialists can work in every industry. This is because nearly every facet of society uses the Internet in some way, from schools to hospitals to banks to even the government. This means that these professionals have a variety of choices available to them, which is only heightened when they earn an online graduate degree.
The most common industry, however, is the government. The National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, every military branch, and the Department of Defense all have a need for analysts, engineers, and directors. Professionals can find work at every level of Internet security within these agencies and departments and most spend their entire careers in service to the government.
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The salary range for Internet security professionals ranges from $61,000 straight out of graduate school to over $150,000 for experienced professionals. The actual salary one can make depends on whether they are working in an in-demand subfield of internet security, career position, their region, and their work experience level.
Most Internet security professionals work as engineers or project managers at the beginning of their career. These positions often carry a salary range of $61,000 to $80,000. Those that work as directors or supervisors make substantially more with a range of $75,000 to $150,000.
Salaries also do not mention bonuses or other forms of compensation, such as stocks and commissions. This can make up $5,000 to $10,000 extra per year, based on a professional's contract with their organization.
What are the Various Disciplines of Internet Security?
Internet security is a multidisciplinary field. There are several different disciplines that are at play within the field, including technology, forensics, law, computer science, engineering, and more. But there are many more.
For instance, cybercrime deals with crimes committed on the Internet or closed systems, such as hacking and malware. Professionals often use law and psychology to determine how to best deter cybercriminals and how to protect different systems.
Professionals are also often involved in designed new security programs to keep sensitive information safe. This means that coding, architecture, and engineering play a large role in the field. Computer science also makes an appearance, and as technology advances the understanding of security systems, so too do the computers that can handle the workload of keeping things safe.
There is also something to say about the economic and business disciplines. Many professionals choose to work in the private sector as specialists for banks, large corporations, and more. They must understand economics, finance, accounting, and various business practices to make the best choice for their employers.
There are many more disciplines at play in Internet security, but the ones discussed above permeate the entire field. Specialties have their own specific disciplines, but they are rooted in that subfield.
Is it Important to Take on a Degree that is Aligned with Government Standards?
The National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security all have the need for experienced professionals in the field of Internet security. They have all created guidelines for schools who focus on government Internet security as well as cybercrime. Their recognition of a program is not only important for the school, but also for students.
This is because one of the best places for a student to find employment is within the United States Government. The intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security are always looking for internet security professionals to help beef up their cybercrime and hacking divisions. As more of everyday life is conducted on the Internet, this is becoming a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Students who are interested in working for the government will want to choose a school that is aligned with the government's guidelines for information assurance and internet security. This information is always posted on a program's website. If a student wants to go to work for a particular agency, they should then pursue the agency's website to find a list of online schools that align with their guidelines.
A curriculum's alignment with government standards is only important for students interested in working in the government. Students who wish to go into business intelligence or work in the public sector need not concern themselves with this distinction.
Are There Any Additional Certifications That Can Be Earned at the Graduate Level?
Information and Internet security is a field that values certifications, especially at the graduate level. While there are entry-level certifications available in undergraduate programs, certifications held after graduate study are more important in the sector. Employers are always searching for candidates who have at least one certification, if not more.
Not all professionals will want or need to earn each type of certification; it would simply take too much time. With so many professionals choosing to specialize in one field, it isn't necessary to take on certification from a different specialty.
Some of the many certifications that can be earned include:
CompTIA Security+
CFR: Logical Operations CyberSec First Responder
CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+)
Cyber Security and Governance Certification
GSEC: SANS GIAC Security Essentials
Master Mobile Application Developer
Certified Cyber Secure Coder
CVP: Certified Virtualization Professional
Many online programs offer pathways to sit for certification within their curriculum, including a few of the programs in this ranking. They are generally listed along with the concentration that it is most aligned with, making it easier for students to decide whether or not that degree is right for them. It's also possible to earn certification after graduating; students are advised to research the most critical certifications for their specialization.
Internet security remains one of the largest issues facing America today. The government, businesses, multinational companies, healthcare providers, banks, and even private citizens must have their private information protected. Professionals who work in this field are creating more opportunities for American citizens to feel more secure about the privacy of their own lives as well as sensitive information. There has never been a better time for professionals to earn an online Master's in Internet Security.
