Best Cybersecurity Master's Degree Programs 2026

Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Master's — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Carnegie Mellon University Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #1 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 90.1

   What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU's Plaid Parliament of Pwning hacking team has won a record nine DEF CON Capture-the-Flag championships in 13 years, while CyLab operates as the largest university-based security and privacy institute with triple NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations.

   Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Facebook/Meta and Netflix to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon University operates one of the nation's most comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystems through its Information Networking Institute and the renowned CyLab Security and Privacy Institute. The flagship Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) is a two-year technical program that combines rigorous coursework in security principles with hands-on research opportunities. Students can choose from specialized tracks including Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (CyFir) and Cyber Operations certificates, with part-time options available for working professionals. What sets CMU apart is its integration across multiple colleges - students can pursue cybersecurity through the College of Engineering, Heinz College's policy-focused MSISPM program, or newer offerings like the AI Engineering - Information Security degree. The university's CyLab comprises 40 core faculty and over 120 affiliated researchers, making it one of the largest university-based security research centers globally. Pittsburgh's emerging tech scene, with major expansions by Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook, provides students with unprecedented access to both traditional defense contractors and cutting-edge tech companies.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) (2 years); Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management (MSISPM) (16-21 months); Master of Science in Privacy Engineering (MS-PE) (12-16 months); Pittsburgh-Silicon Valley Bicoastal Programs (MSIT-IS, MSMITE) (varies)

   Research Labs: CyLab Security and Privacy Institute - University-wide security and privacy institute coordinating research across all departments; CyLab Usable Privacy and Security Lab - Privacy policies and human factors in security; CyLab Biometrics Center - Facial recognition and biometric security systems

   Industry Partners: Facebook/Meta, Netflix, Microsoft, NSA, Google, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research

2. #2. University of Southern California Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #2 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 74.1

   What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC's cybersecurity program is one of only six featured in Fortune magazine for career advancement potential and offers both traditional on-campus and fully equivalent online delivery through DEN@Viterbi, making it accessible to working professionals worldwide while maintaining the same rigorous USC engineering standards.

   Hakia Insight: University of Southern California graduates earn $112,200, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on cybersecurity curriculum.

   Program Overview: USC's Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is a 28-unit professional program housed within the prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering, focusing on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems. The program uniquely emphasizes how security policy drives technology decisions, training students in secure operating systems, applications, networking, cryptography, and key management. Available both on-campus and through DEN@Viterbi's fully equivalent online platform, this program serves graduate students seeking careers in computer network operations or those advancing toward doctoral studies with an information security focus.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cyber Security Engineering (1.5-2 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Computer Systems Security - Systems security and cybersecurity research; STEEL Security Research Lab - Security systems and privacy research; ANT (Analysis of Network Traffic Lab) - Network security and traffic analysis

   Industry Partners: Bloomberg, Boeing, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, PwC, Raytheon Technologies, DarkTrace, EY, John Deere

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Bloomberg, Boeing, NASA JPL, Northrop Grumman, PwC, Raytheon Technologies | Common Roles: Detection Engineering Intern, Product Security Engineer, Application Security Engineer, Network Engineer, Cyber Risk Associate, Computer Scientist, Security Engineer

   Notable Faculty: Professor Newman (cybersecurity)

   Admissions: GPA: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in engineering, computer science, economics, hard sciences, or mathematics

3. #3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus as the #3 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,258/year | Graduation Rate: 76% | Score: 73.5

   What makes Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus stand out: Georgia Tech offers the only interdisciplinary cybersecurity master's degree from a Top 10 public university that can be completed entirely online for under $12,000 total tuition, while delivering the same curriculum across information security, cyber-physical systems, and policy tracks.

   Program Overview: Georgia Tech's Cybersecurity program stands as one of the most comprehensive and affordable elite cybersecurity education offerings in the nation, spanning both on-campus and online formats through three distinct specialization tracks. The School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) partners with the College of Computing, College of Engineering, and Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts to deliver an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Cybersecurity that addresses information security, cyber-physical systems, and policy dimensions. What sets this program apart is its remarkable accessibility - the Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity delivers the same world-class instruction for under $12,000 total tuition, making it the only interdisciplinary cybersecurity degree from a U.S. News Top 10-ranked public university available entirely online. The program structure reflects Georgia Tech's understanding that modern cybersecurity challenges require expertise spanning technical, physical, and policy domains. Students can specialize in Information Security (focusing on software and network vulnerabilities), Cyber-Physical Systems (emphasizing power grids and infrastructure protection), or Policy (examining government and corporate strategies against cybercrime). The 32-credit curriculum includes a unique practicum project that provides hands-on experience with real-world security challenges, positioning graduates to tackle everything from protecting critical energy infrastructure to developing strategies against nation-state attacks.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity - Information Security Track (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity - Cyber-Physical Systems Track (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity - Policy Track (2 years); Online MS in Cybersecurity (2-3 years)

   Research Labs: School of Cybersecurity and Privacy - Hosts the degree program and coordinates multidisciplinary cybersecurity research across campus

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum

4. #4. Georgetown University Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks Georgetown University as the #4 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,896/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 72.4

   What makes Georgetown University stand out: Georgetown's program uniquely focuses on cybersecurity risk management as an interdisciplinary field rather than a purely technical discipline, preparing strategic thinkers who can bridge the critical gap between security policies, information technology, and human behavior across organizations.

   Program Overview: Georgetown University's Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management stands out as a uniquely interdisciplinary program that approaches cybersecurity through the lenses of ethics, communications, risk management, compliance law, security, computer science, and organizational change. The 33-credit program is specifically designed for working professionals who want to become strategic bridge-builders between security policies, information technologies, and human behaviors—recognizing that technology alone is no longer sufficient to protect organizations. Drawing from frameworks established by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the program emphasizes governance frameworks and enterprise-wide risk management rather than purely technical skills. Students can complete the degree in 2-5 years through flexible full-time or part-time enrollment, with classes offered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format across fall, spring, and summer semesters.

   Degree Programs: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management (2-5 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) - Data-driven analysis on security implications of emerging technologies, including cybersecurity policy research

   Industry Partners: Federal Government Agencies

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

5. #5. New York University Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks New York University as the #5 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,438/year | Score: 72.3

   What makes New York University stand out: NYU Tandon is one of only select institutions recognized by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research, with students conducting research in the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory alongside internationally renowned cybersecurity experts.

   Hakia Insight: Through ties with Linux Foundation and AIG, New York University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

   Program Overview: NYU Tandon School of Engineering's Master of Science in Cybersecurity stands as one of the nation's premier cybersecurity programs, recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research. The 30-credit program offers remarkable flexibility with on-campus, fully online, and blended learning options, allowing students to customize their educational experience. Students work closely with internationally renowned faculty in the National Science Foundation-funded OSIRIS (Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security) Laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge cybersecurity research. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical applications through 4 core courses, 3 breadth electives, and 3 depth electives, with specialized tracks in Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations that align with NSA designation requirements.

   Degree Programs: MS; MS in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy (1 year); PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Electrical Engineering

   Research Labs: OSIRIS (Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security Lab) - student-run cybersecurity research; Secure Systems Laboratory - security systems; Laboratory for Agile and Resilient Complex Systems (LARX) - agile and resilient systems; Energy-Aware, Secure, and Reliable Computing Research Group (EnSuRe) - secure and reliable computing; mLab - general cybersecurity research

   Industry Partners: Linux Foundation, AIG

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: security product developer, security application programmer, security analyst, penetration tester, security researcher, vulnerability analyst, security architect

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Ramesh Karri (Center Co-Chair); Abhijit Chitnis (Program Director, Cyber Fellows)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: NSA Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, Center of Excellence in Research, Center of Excellence in Cyber Operations, National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

6. #6. University of Maryland Global Campus Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks University of Maryland Global Campus as the #6 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Adelphi, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,632/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Score: 71.1

   What makes University of Maryland Global Campus stand out: UMGC has achieved dual prestigious designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and as a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by DC3, while pioneering the use of AI-driven virtual learning through their MARS platform for hands-on cybersecurity training.

   Hakia Insight: University of Maryland Global Campus's direct partnerships with NSA and DC3 give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   Program Overview: The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology is a 30-credit online program specifically designed for working professionals seeking to advance their cybersecurity careers. The program combines 15 credits of core courses covering threat analysis, attack prevention strategies, and exploitation methodologies with 12 elective credits that allow students to specialize in areas like cloud computing, digital forensics, or cyber operations. What sets UMGC's approach apart is their innovative use of the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that provides students with practical, immersive cybersecurity training environments. Students work with industry-standard tools including Microsoft Windows, Kali Linux, Red Hat Linux, and Cisco routers, while being taught by faculty who are active cybersecurity professionals. The program concludes with a 3-credit capstone project that synthesizes the technical and strategic knowledge gained throughout the curriculum.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity Technology (Variable (self-paced))

   Research Labs: Center for Security Studies - Applied research, consulting services, and specialized cybersecurity education tools including virtual labs and simulations

   Industry Partners: NSA, DC3, EC-Council

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman | Common Roles: Security Architect, Compliance Analyst, Incident Response Manager, DoD Systems Security Manager

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum GPA required

7. #7. Syracuse University Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks Syracuse University as the #7 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Syracuse, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,310/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 70.0

   What makes Syracuse University stand out: Syracuse University's cybersecurity program is ranked #1 for military and veteran students by Military Times, and faculty have received NSA funding to develop innovative open-source, hands-on cybersecurity curriculum that bridges theory with real-world application.

   Hakia Insight: Syracuse University's industry network — including NVIDIA and Cisco — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Cybersecurity program designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The 30-credit program is available both on-campus and fully online, with the online version completing in as few as 15 months through four annual start dates. Students gain hands-on experience through cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary collaboration, learning from faculty who have received recognition from top national security organizations, including NSA funding to develop open-source cybersecurity curriculum. The program emphasizes practical application, with graduates securing positions at major tech companies, financial institutions, and government agencies with median salaries ranging from $110,000-$114,999.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity (On-Campus) (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity (Online) (15 months minimum)

   Research Labs: Full Stack Security Lab (FSSL) - Blockchain security, mempool security, and decentralized systems

   Industry Partners: NVIDIA, Cisco, Lockheed Martin

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: IBM, Microsoft, Google, defense contractors | Common Roles: Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum

8. #8. University of San Diego Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks University of San Diego as the #8 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,690/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 65.8

   What makes University of San Diego stand out: Engineering-focused master's program emphasizing secure systems design and compliance, taught by faculty with active industry certifications and tailored for career transitions into security specialization.

   Hakia Insight: University of San Diego leverages partnerships with General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   Program Overview: The University of San Diego's Shiley School of Engineering offers a cybersecurity master's program tailored for engineering-focused students and working professionals seeking specialized credentials in secure systems design and infrastructure protection. The MS in Cybersecurity emphasizes application security, network defense, secure software development, and compliance frameworks—aligning with industry certifications like CISSP and CEH. Coursework balances theoretical foundations in cryptography and access control with hands-on labs where students implement defensive mechanisms, conduct penetration testing simulations, and respond to incident scenarios. Located in San Diego, the program benefits from proximity to defense contractors, aerospace companies, and financial institutions—all heavy consumers of cybersecurity talent. The faculty typically combines academic credentials with industry certifications and practitioner experience, bringing current threat landscapes and defensive practices into the classroom. Class sizes remain manageable, enabling personalized mentoring and networking with industry professionals who often serve as guest lecturers. Graduates commonly transition into security engineering roles, compliance management, or security architecture positions at mid-to-large organizations seeking formalized training over purely on-the-job experience. The program particularly appeals to engineers shifting into security specialization or IT professionals formalizing expertise they've accumulated in operational roles.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity (2 years)

   Research Labs: Berman Family Data Analytics Lab - Data Analytics

   Industry Partners: General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, SAIC | Common Roles: Security Engineer, Compliance Officer, Security Architect, Information Assurance Analyst

   Admissions: GPA: not specified

   Accreditations: ABET accredited (Engineering program)

9. #9. Northeastern University Master's Cybersecurity Program

   Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #9 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 65.4

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: The program combines one of the largest interdisciplinary cybersecurity faculty groups in academia with unique facilities like the Mon(IoT)r Lab and comprehensive research spanning from theoretical cryptography to human-centered security.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including MIT Lincoln Labs and European Commission — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: The program combines essential computer science with conceptual and practical specialization in security, featuring hands-on laboratories as an essential component where students put learned knowledge into practice. Students take the standard computer science course sequence as foundation, then dive deep into cybersecurity-specific coursework covering threat modeling, cryptography, authentication, and secure systems design.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Cybersecurity

   Research Labs: Mon(IoT)r Lab - Internet-connected devices security and privacy risks testing; Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute - Comprehensive cybersecurity research and technology development; Institute of Information Assurance - Multidisciplinary cybersecurity research and education; Center for Generative AI - Large language models and generative AI research; Kostas Research Institute - National security and homeland security research

   Industry Partners: MIT Lincoln Labs, European Commission, Google, Department of Homeland Security, Data Transparency Lab, National Science Foundation, Euro Disney

   Career Outcomes:

   Notable Faculty: Dr. David Choffnes (Internet-connected systems and mobile security); Dr. Christo Wilson (Digital consumer protection and algorithm auditing); Dr. Alina Oprea (Security analytics and machine learning in cybersecurity); Dr. Daniel Wichs (Cryptography and cloud security); Dr. Cristina Nita-Rotaru (Software-defined infrastructure security); Dr. Jonathan Ullman (Differential privacy and secure computation); Dr. Alan Mislove (Large-scale platforms and algorithmic auditing); Dr. Tianshi Li (Privacy and human-centered security)

   Admissions:

10. #10. Johns Hopkins University Master's Cybersecurity Program

    Hakia ranks Johns Hopkins University as the #10 master's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Baltimore, MD | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,840/year | Score: 65.3

    What makes Johns Hopkins University stand out: A research-intensive program grounded in cryptographic theory and systems security, with direct access to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and a pipeline into elite national security roles.

    Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University's Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, bridging academic research and industry practice.

    Program Overview: Johns Hopkins delivers cybersecurity education at research-intensive depth through its Department of Computer Science and the wider Applied Physics Laboratory ecosystem, positioning students at the frontier of emerging threats and defensive innovation. The university's cybersecurity curriculum emphasizes cryptographic foundations, security architecture, and systems-level thinking—providing the theoretical rigor demanded by advanced security research and high-stakes roles in defense and critical infrastructure. Graduate students engage with faculty conducting cutting-edge work in areas like secure hardware design, privacy-preserving computation, and adversarial machine learning, with many projects directly relevant to national security challenges. The proximity to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)—one of the nation's largest defense research centers—creates unparalleled internship, collaboration, and hiring opportunities; many students transition directly into APL roles or similar positions with cleared defense contractors. Undergraduate and graduate pathways both emphasize problem-solving under uncertainty and the mathematical foundations underpinning modern cryptography and security protocols. Graduates are well-positioned for elite technical roles in government agencies (NSA, CISA, DOD), defense contractors, and leading technology firms seeking security architects and researchers.

    Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Focus (4 years); MS in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Specialization (2 years)

    Research Labs: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) - Cybersecurity research, defense systems, advanced threat analysis

    Industry Partners: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

    Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, NSA, CISA, Defense contractors | Common Roles: Security Researcher, Cryptographer, Security Architect, Defense Systems Engineer

    Admissions: