Best Master’s in Cybersecurity for 2024
Right now, there aren’t enough trained professionals to keep up with mounting number of cybersecurity threats and attacks—in fact, there are more than 760,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the United States alone, according to Cyberseek. One way to address the talent gap in expertise is with master’s degree programs. To help guide those people looking to launch their career in this fast-growing space, Fortune has ranked the top in-person master’s degree programs in cybersecurity. In total, we included 14 programs. This ranking was last updated January 2023.
Master’s in Cybersecurity Online From UC Berkeley
Earn a Master’s in Cybersecurity Online in Just 20 Months
The UC Berkeley School of Information’s online Master of Information and Cybersecurity prepares students to become leaders in cybersecurity. No GRE/GMAT required.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part Time | Yes |
Hawai‘i Pacific University MS in Cybersecurity
Certification prep available
The online MS in Cybersecurity program from Hawai‘i Pacific University prepares students to defend their organization from data breaches, strengthen their résumé by taking key certification exams, and advance their career as responsible leaders in cybersecurity.
Learn More1. University of Alabama–Birmingham
Birmingham, ALThe University of Alabama at Birmingham doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though three letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.56 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores. The application deadline for the 30 credit-hour program is June 1 and the program has an acceptance rate of 61%.
Acceptance Rate | 61% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.56 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 112 |
Tuition | $468 per credit |
2. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYSyracuse University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though one to three letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.135 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores. The application deadline for the 30 credit-hour program is May 1 and the program has an acceptance rate of 30.6%.
Acceptance Rate | 31% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.135 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 17 |
Tuition | $1,802 per credit |
3. DePaul University
Chicago, ILDePaul University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, and submitting letters of recommendation is optional. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.04 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 52 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 61.6%, and the application deadline is August 1.
Acceptance Rate | 62% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.04 |
Credits required to graduate | 52 |
Enrolled | 113 |
Tuition | $46,800.00 |
Maryville University Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Online
Prepare for your future with an outcomes-focused master;s in cybersecurity at Maryville University.
Earn your MS in Cybersecurity online from Maryville University in as few as 12 months. Grow your cybersecurity credentials with in-demand technical skills and industry-relevant certifications.
Learn More4. New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJNew Jersey Institute of Technology doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity if they earned a bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8 from a U.S. accredited institution or if they earned a master’s or Ph.D. degree. One letter of recommendation is required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 30 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 63%, and the application deadline is June 1.
Acceptance Rate | 63% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.3 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 57 |
Tuition | $1,387 per credit |
5. Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MOWashington University in St. Louis doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though three letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.08 undergraduate GPA, on average. The program has an acceptance rate of 43% and the application deadline for the 30 credit-hour program is August 1.
Acceptance Rate | 43% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.08 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 34 |
Tuition | $2,105 per credit |
6. Villanova University
Villanova, PAVillanova University requires applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity if they don't hold a degree from a U.S. institution. Two letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.68 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The application deadline for the 30 credit-hour program is August 1 and has an acceptance rate of 55%.
Acceptance Rate | 55% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.68 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 28 |
Tuition | $1,541 per credit |
7. Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FLNova Southeastern University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity. No letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.17 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit one of four English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson Test of English. The 30 credit-hour program accepts applications on a rolling basis and has an acceptance rate of 60%.
Acceptance Rate | 60% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.17 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 16 |
Tuition | $874 per credit |
8. Georgetown University
Washington, DCGeorgetown University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though two letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.32 undergraduate GPA, on average. Any applicant whose first language is not English is required to submit TOEFL scores, but this requirement can be waived if the applicant earned a degree that was taught entirely in English. The 33 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 90%, and the application deadline is July 15.
Acceptance Rate | 90% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.32 |
Credits required to graduate | 33 |
Enrolled | 49 |
Tuition | $1,527 per credit |
Advance your Future with an M.S. degree in Computing from NSU
12-Month Accelerated Online Programs
With seven M.S. programs to choose from - including computer science, cybersecurity management, data analytics, information technology, and more - accelerate your degree with 8-week courses designed to be completed in just one year. A M.S. degree from NSU's College of Computing and Engineering will help you gain the skills that Fortune 500 companies and government security agencies look for in leaders. No GRE/GMAT Required.
Learn More9. University of Missouri–St. Louis
St. Louis, MOThe University of Missouri--St. Louis doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though two letters of recommendation are required. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 30 credit-hour program accepts applications on a rolling basis and the program has an acceptance rate of 65%.
Acceptance Rate | 65% |
Average undergraduate GPA | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 7 |
Tuition | $548 per credit |
10. Regis University
Denver, CORegis University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity. No letters of recommendation are required. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 36 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 62% and accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Acceptance Rate | 62% |
Average undergraduate GPA | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 56 |
Tuition | $870 per credit |
11. Iowa State University
Ames, IAIowa State University doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though three letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.48 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 30 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 64%, and the application deadline is July 15.
Acceptance Rate | 64% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.48 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 32 |
Tuition | $752 per credit |
12. Indiana University–Bloomington
Bloomington, INSubmitting GRE scores is optional for applicants to Indiana University--Bloomington’s master’s degree program in cybersecurity, but three letters of recommendation are required. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 36 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 35%, and the application deadline is January 1.
Acceptance Rate | 35% |
Average undergraduate GPA | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 10 |
Tuition | $490 per credit |
13. University of Toledo
Toledo, OHThe University of Toledo requires applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity if they don't hold a degree from a U.S. institution. Three letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 3.33 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 30 credit-hour program accepts applications on a rolling basis and has an acceptance rate of 60%.
Acceptance Rate | 60% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 3.33 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 11 |
Tuition | $627 per credit |
Online Syracuse University M.S. in Cybersecurity
Earn a Syracuse Univ. M.S. in Cybersecurity in 15 Months
Syracuse University’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students to effectively combat cybercrime. No GRE currently required, but a master’s degree is preferred.
Learn More14. St. Mary’s University–Texas
San Antonio, TXSt. Mary’s University (Texas) doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission to its master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though two letters of recommendation are required. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students accepted into this program had a 2.87 undergraduate GPA, on average. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The 33 credit-hour program has an acceptance rate of 90%, and the application deadline is July 1.
Acceptance Rate | 90% |
Average undergraduate GPA | 2.87 |
Credits required to graduate | 33 |
Enrolled | 19 |
Tuition | $1,068 per credit |
Hawai‘i Pacific University MS in Cybersecurity
Certification prep available
The online MS in Cybersecurity program from Hawai‘i Pacific University prepares students to defend their organization from data breaches, strengthen their résumé by taking key certification exams, and advance their career as responsible leaders in cybersecurity.
Learn MorePeople interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity can pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity at any of the growing number of online and in-person programs. These degrees are often housed within a computer science department, but offer more specialized training than a master’s degree in computer science. The University of Alabama—Birmingham, earned the top spot among Fortune’s ranking of best in-person master’s degree programs in cybersecurity, while the University of California–Berkeley landed the No. 1 spot on Fortune’s ranking of best online cybersecurity programs. The cybersecurity programs at both UAB and Berkeley stand out because of their strong focus on fundamentals and strong connection to the broader industry—and master’s degree students go on to earn higher-than-average salaries after graduation.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields in the tech industry. It’s a sector of tech that has experienced the least layoffs, indicating a stronger sense of job security than other tech-related jobs. A master’s degree in cybersecurity can help newcomers enter into the field, and prepare existing tech workers for leadership opportunities. A master’s degree in cybersecurity can also help you break into the industry—as cybersecurity job demand is expected to remain high, and learning new skills can help you to pivot careers, as well as increase your earnings potential.
The United States is ranked as one of the best countries for studying cybersecurity, as it is one of the fastest growing jobs, and it comes with a six figure salary. As of January 2023, there were nearly 770,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. alone.