- 1.Security Analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Security programs include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Southern California, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers information security education at $10,258/year with 76% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Security programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU operates CyLab, the world's largest university-based security and privacy institute with over 40 core faculty members, and holds the unique triple designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity education, research, and operations - making it one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity research environments globally.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) program stands at the epicenter of global cybersecurity innovation through the Information Networking Institute in the College of Engineering. This two-year program offers an intensely technical focus on security and computer systems, enhanced by extensive research opportunities within CyLab, the largest university-based security and privacy institute in the world. Students immerse themselves in Pittsburgh's rapidly emerging tech ecosystem, where companies like Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook have established major operations, creating unparalleled networking and career opportunities.
The program uniquely combines rigorous technical training with real-world application through customizable pathways including the Cyber Ops Certificate and Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (CyFir) Track. Students benefit from CMU's triple designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education, Research, and Cyber Operations - a rare distinction that reflects the university's comprehensive leadership across all aspects of cybersecurity. The program also offers innovative bicoastal options, allowing students to split time between Pittsburgh's academic environment and Silicon Valley's industry epicenter.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
University-wide security and privacy research coordination with 40+ core faculty and 120+ affiliated faculty members
Privacy policy research and usable security systems
Facial recognition and biometric security systems
Industry Partners
University of Southern California
USC's program stands out for its integration with the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a pioneer in internet security research since the ARPANET era, and its emphasis on engineering secure systems from the ground up rather than just defending existing ones.
Program Overview
The University of Southern California's Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is a rigorous 28-unit program housed within the Viterbi School of Engineering that focuses on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems. Unlike generic cybersecurity programs, this degree emphasizes the engineering perspective—teaching students how security policy drives technology decisions and how to architect systems that are secure by design. The program is led by Associate Director Clifford Neumann, PhD, and draws on USC's extensive research infrastructure including the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a world leader in cybersecurity research and development. Students gain hands-on experience through extensive laboratory work designed by current and former information security practitioners, covering secure operating systems, secure applications, secure networking, cryptography, and key management. The program is available both on-campus and online through USC's DEN@Viterbi platform, providing the same rigorous academic experience regardless of delivery method.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Pioneer in internet security research, cybersecurity, and advanced information processing
Systems security research and development
Industry Partners
Admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Georgia Tech offers the only interdisciplinary cybersecurity master's degree from a U.S. News Top 10 public university available entirely online for under $12,000 total tuition, making elite cybersecurity education accessible to working professionals worldwide.
Program Overview
Georgia Tech's cybersecurity program represents a bold interdisciplinary approach housed within the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy, an intercollege academic unit drawing faculty from Computing, Electrical Engineering, Public Policy, International Affairs, Business, and the Georgia Tech Research Institute. The flagship Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers three specialized tracks—Information Security, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Policy—designed for working professionals who can complete the 32-credit program in 2-3 years part-time. What sets this program apart is its remarkable accessibility: students receive a degree from a U.S. News & World Report Top 10-ranked public university for under $12,000 total tuition, making elite cybersecurity education available to a much broader audience than traditional programs.
The curriculum addresses cybersecurity holistically, combining technical skills in cloud security, cryptography, and malware analysis with regulatory requirements and public policy considerations. Students can focus on pressing applications like election systems security, cyber warfare, hardware security, and machine-to-machine trust. The School of Cybersecurity and Privacy also offers an on-campus MS in Cybersecurity with the same three tracks, plus cybersecurity threads for undergraduates in computer science and computer engineering, creating a comprehensive educational ecosystem for cybersecurity professionals at all levels.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Interdisciplinary cybersecurity and privacy research covering election systems, social media security, internet infrastructure, cyber warfare, and hardware security
Applied cybersecurity research with $1.37 billion annually in research awards across all areas
Industry Partners
Admissions
Georgetown University
Georgetown uniquely offers cybersecurity education through both a professional risk management lens and a national security/international relations perspective, leveraging its position as Washington D.C.'s premier policy university with direct connections to federal agencies and the intelligence community.
New York University
NYU Tandon is home to CSAW, the world's largest student-run cybersecurity event now in its third decade, and operates the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory where students engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty who have earned 7 NSF CAREER awards.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC operates the award-winning Cybersecurity Competition Team that ranks among the top 5 globally and was named 2023 Academic Partner of the Year by EC-Council, while utilizing the groundbreaking MARS AI-driven virtual learning platform for immersive cybersecurity training.
Syracuse University
Syracuse's cybersecurity program stands out for its interdisciplinary curriculum that draws courses from the College of Law, iSchool, and Maxwell School, offering a uniquely holistic approach to cybersecurity education that combines technical expertise with legal, policy, and management perspectives.
University of San Diego
57 information security graduates annually
Northeastern University
77 information security graduates annually
Johns Hopkins University
89 information security graduates annually
Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 90.1/100 |
| #2 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 74.1/100 |
| #3 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | 73.5/100 |
| #4 Georgetown University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,896 | 1% | 72.4/100 |
| #5 New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | N/A | 72.3/100 |
Top 50 Information Security Master's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 90.1 |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 74.1 |
| 3 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | — | 73.5 |
| 4 | Georgetown University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,896 | 100% | — | 72.4 |
| 5 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 72.3 |
| 6 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 71.1 |
| 7 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 70 |
| 8 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | 97% | — | 65.8 |
| 9 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 65.4 |
| 10 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | — | 65.3 |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 64.2 |
| 12 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | — | 64.2 |
| 13 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | 63.6 |
| 14 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 63.6 |
| 15 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 63.3 |
| 16 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | — | 62.9 |
| 17 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 18 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $11,678 | 89% | — | 62.7 |
| 19 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 62 |
| 20 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 61.9 |
| 21 | Fordham University | Bronx, NY | Private | $60,335 | 94% | — | 61.3 |
| 22 | Wilmington University | New Castle, DE | Private | $12,270 | — | — | 60.8 |
| 23 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Private | $37,400 | 99% | — | 60.3 |
| 24 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,508 | — | — | 59.9 |
| 25 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | — | 59.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Information Security Master's Programs Overview: High-Growth Field with Excellent ROI
Information security master's programs prepare students for leadership roles in cybersecurity careers that are experiencing unprecedented demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% growth for information security analysts through 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.
Our analysis of 287 accredited programs reveals strong career outcomes across all institution types. Public universities offer exceptional value, with programs like Georgia Tech's cybersecurity master's providing world-class education at $15,852/year for in-state students. Private institutions like Carnegie Mellon command premium tuition but deliver unmatched industry connections and research opportunities.
The field has evolved significantly with the rise of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, creating new specializations in areas like threat intelligence, cloud security, and IoT protection. Modern programs emphasize hands-on learning through security certification paths and real-world incident response scenarios.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitors networks for security breaches, investigates violations, and implements protective measures. Entry-level position for many cybersecurity careers.
Cybersecurity Manager
Leads cybersecurity teams, develops security strategies, and manages incident response. Common progression from analyst roles.
Security Architect
Designs and implements enterprise security infrastructure. Requires deep technical knowledge and systems thinking.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Tests systems for vulnerabilities by simulating cyber attacks. Highly technical role requiring continuous skill development.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Executive responsible for organization's entire cybersecurity strategy. Requires master's degree and 10+ years experience.
Security Consultant
Provides cybersecurity expertise to multiple organizations. Often work independently or for consulting firms.
Incident Response Specialist
Responds to and investigates cybersecurity incidents. Critical role in minimizing damage from breaches.
Compliance Manager
Ensures organizations meet cybersecurity regulations and standards. Growing field due to increasing regulations.
Top States for Information Security Master's Programs
Funding Your Information Security Master's Degree: Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Information security master's programs offer numerous funding opportunities, reflecting the field's critical importance to national security and economic competitiveness. Many students receive full or partial funding through employer tuition reimbursement, government programs, and cybersecurity-specific scholarships.
Federal agencies like NSA and DHS offer competitive scholarship programs for cybersecurity students. The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service provides full tuition, stipends, and guaranteed government employment after graduation. Private organizations including ISC2, SANS, and major technology companies also provide substantial scholarships.
- NSA CyberCorps Scholarship for Service - Full tuition plus $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend
- SANS Foundation Scholarships - Multiple awards ranging from $2,500-$10,000
- ISC2 Graduate Scholarship Program - Up to $5,000 for graduate students
- Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Scholarships - Various amounts for underrepresented groups
- Corporate programs from IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and other major employers
Choose Your Information Security Master's Program
- Seeking maximum prestige and industry connections
- Targeting top-tier consulting or tech company roles
- Interested in cutting-edge research opportunities
- Comfortable with premium tuition costs ($55,000+/year)
- Want excellent education at affordable cost
- Qualify for in-state tuition benefits
- Seeking NSA CAE-designated programs
- Interested in government or defense contractor careers
- Currently working full-time in cybersecurity
- Need maximum scheduling flexibility
- Want to minimize education costs
- Prefer self-paced learning environments
- Planning to work in specific geographic region
- Value smaller class sizes and personal attention
- Want to minimize living costs and student debt
- Interested in local industry partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions: Information Security Master's Programs
Based on 287 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for all accredited institutions
Comprehensive salary and employment data for information security analysts (SOC 15-1212) and related occupations
Designation database for cybersecurity education programs meeting NSA standards for curriculum and faculty qualifications
National framework defining cybersecurity roles, skills, and knowledge areas used to evaluate program curricula
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.