Best Information Security Master's Degree Programs 2026

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

1. #1. Carnegie Mellon University Master's Information Security Program

   Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #1 master's in information security 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 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.

   Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service and Facebook to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   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: Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) (2 years); Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management (MSISPM) (varies); Artificial Intelligence Engineering - Information Security (MSAIE-IS) (varies); Master of Science in Information Technology-Information Security (MSIT-IS) (varies); Master of Science in Privacy Engineering (MS-PE) (12-16 months)

   Research Labs: CyLab Security and Privacy Institute - University-wide security and privacy research coordination with 40+ core faculty and 120+ affiliated faculty members; CyLab Usable Privacy and Security Lab - Privacy policy research and usable security systems; CyLab Biometrics Center - Facial recognition and biometric security systems

   Industry Partners: NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, Facebook, Netflix, Microsoft, Google, Uber

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

2. #2. University of Southern California Master's Information Security Program

   Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #2 master's in information security 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 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.

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

   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: Minor in Cybersecurity (18 units); Specialization in Cybersecurity (10 units); MS in Cyber Security Engineering (1.5-2 years full-time, 2.5-3 years part-time)

   Research Labs: Information Sciences Institute (ISI) - Pioneer in internet security research, cybersecurity, and advanced information processing; Center for Computer Systems Security - Systems security research and development

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

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Boeing, Bloomberg, NASA JPL, Northrop Grumman, PwC, IBM | Common Roles: Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Engineer, Detection Engineering Intern, Application Security Engineer

   Notable Faculty: Professor Newman (cybersecurity research)

   Admissions:

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

   Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus as the #3 master's in information security 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 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.

   Hakia Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's direct partnerships with Multiple Government Agencies and Energy Sector Partners give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   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: MS (2-3 years); MS; PhD; BS

   Research Labs: School of Cybersecurity and Privacy - Interdisciplinary cybersecurity and privacy research covering election systems, social media security, internet infrastructure, cyber warfare, and hardware security; Georgia Tech Research Institute - Applied cybersecurity research with $1.37 billion annually in research awards across all areas

   Industry Partners: Multiple Government Agencies, Energy Sector Partners

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum

4. #4. Georgetown University Master's Information Security Program

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

   What makes Georgetown University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Georgetown University's industry network — including Department of Defense and Department of State — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: Georgetown University offers a unique dual approach to cybersecurity education through two distinct pathways that reflect the complexities of modern security challenges. The Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management, housed in the School of Continuing Studies, is a 33-credit interdisciplinary program that positions cybersecurity as fundamentally a human challenge requiring strategic thinking to bridge security policies, information technologies, and organizational behaviors. Built around frameworks from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this program emphasizes risk governance frameworks and enterprise resilience. Complementing this is the M.A. in Security Studies through the prestigious Walsh School of Foreign Service, a 36-credit program that approaches cybersecurity through the lens of national security and international relations. With concentrations including Technology and Security, Intelligence, and U.S. National Security Policy, this program prepares graduates for high-level positions in government agencies, defense contractors, and international organizations. Both programs benefit from Georgetown's Washington D.C. location, providing unparalleled access to government agencies, think tanks, and the cybersecurity policy community.

   Degree Programs: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management (2-5 years); M.A. in Security Studies (2 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) - Data-driven analysis on security implications of emerging technologies, including major research on China's cybersecurity capabilities; Institute for Technology Law & Policy - Technology policy research with cybersecurity and privacy emphasis

   Industry Partners: Department of Defense, Department of State, Booz Allen Hamilton, CISA

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. AID, The World Bank, Deloitte, Guidehouse

   Admissions:

5. #5. New York University Master's Information Security Program

   Hakia ranks New York University as the #5 master's in information security 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 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.

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

   Program Overview: NYU Tandon School of Engineering's cybersecurity programs represent one of the nation's most comprehensive and prestigious offerings in the field. The flagship Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program available in multiple formats: fully on-campus, fully online, or blended learning that combines both modalities. Students can complete the degree in as little as one year full-time or extend it over several years part-time. The program operates under the prestigious National Security Agency designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research, with students working directly alongside internationally renowned faculty in the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory. What sets NYU's cybersecurity ecosystem apart is its interdisciplinary approach through the Center for Cybersecurity (CCS), which bridges technical excellence with real-world policy applications. Students can specialize in either Cyber Defense or Cyber Operations tracks, while gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities. The program's faculty collectively holds 7 NSF CAREER awards and includes 2 IEEE fellows, ensuring students learn from leading researchers actively shaping the field's future.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity (1-2 years); MS in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy (1 year)

   Research Labs: OSIRIS Laboratory (Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security) - NSF-funded research lab for hands-on cybersecurity research and education; Secure Systems Laboratory - Advanced cybersecurity research in secure systems; Laboratory for Agile and Resilient Complex Systems (LARX) - Resilient computing systems research; Energy-Aware, Secure, and Reliable Computing Research Group (EnSuRe) - Intersection of energy efficiency and cybersecurity

   Industry Partners: NSA, AIG, Linux Foundation, Tor Project

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

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

   Hakia ranks University of Maryland Global Campus as the #6 master's in information security 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 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.

   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: University of Maryland Global Campus offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology designed specifically for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. This 30-credit online program combines core cybersecurity foundations with flexible specialization tracks, allowing students to earn graduate certificates in areas like cloud computing, cyber operations, digital forensics, or cybersecurity management. What sets UMGC apart is its innovative use of the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that provides hands-on, immersive cybersecurity training experiences. The program is taught by practicing cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world expertise directly into the virtual classroom, ensuring students learn cutting-edge skills with industry-relevant tools like Microsoft Windows, Kali Linux, Red Hat Linux, and Cisco routers.

   Degree Programs: BS in Cybersecurity (4 years); Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity (1 year)

   Research Labs: Center for Security Studies - Applied research, advisory services, and specialized cybersecurity education

   Industry Partners: NSA, DC3, EC-Council, Department of Defense

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum GPA must be maintained

7. #7. Syracuse University Master's Information Security Program

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

   What makes Syracuse University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Syracuse University's industry network — including Lockheed Martin and KPMG — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers both on-campus and fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs that emphasize hands-on experience over theoretical study alone. The 30-credit curriculum combines 12 credits of core courses with specialized technical electives and interdisciplinary options drawn from the College of Law, iSchool, and Maxwell School. Students learn from cybersecurity specialists and practitioners, gaining real-world experience in identifying, preventing, and counteracting cybercrime through cutting-edge research and curricular innovations. The program's strength lies in its multidisciplinary approach and practical focus, preparing graduates to design secure systems, apply mathematical logic for systems assurance, analyze malware and data breaches, and detect suspicious cyber behavior through data mining and anomaly detection. Faculty like Associate Professor Yuzhe Tang bring cutting-edge research in blockchain security, decentralized systems, and formal methods, with recent work on Ethereum mempool security gaining recognition in the blockchain developer community.

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

   Research Labs: Full Stack Security Lab (FSSL) - Cybersecurity and privacy, systems security, decentralized systems and blockchains

   Industry Partners: Lockheed Martin, KPMG, Accenture

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Intel, Microsoft, Tesla, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Bank of America, Capital One, Deloitte, Ernst & Young

   Notable Faculty: null

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum

   Accreditations: NSA CAE-R, Department of Homeland Security CAE-R

8. #8. University of San Diego Master's Information Security Program

   Hakia ranks University of San Diego as the #8 master's in information security 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: USD's program prioritizes accessibility and immediate credential value for working professionals, combining flexible delivery with certification-aligned coursework and strong local industry connections.

   Hakia Insight: San Diego's defense contractor presence

   Program Overview: The University of San Diego's cybersecurity program serves professionals and recent graduates seeking security credentials with flexibility, structuring its curriculum around core defensive skills—network security, cryptography, secure coding, and risk management—delivered in evening and hybrid formats that accommodate working schedules. The program emphasizes certification alignment, with courses mapping directly to CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP domains, helping students credential-stack while earning their degree. USD's location in San Diego places students near a concentration of defense contractors, financial institutions, and government cybersecurity operations, creating internship and mentorship opportunities through alumni networks and corporate recruiting partnerships. The program draws faculty with active security consulting practices and prior roles at enterprises facing real-world threats, translating that experience into case studies and labs grounded in current attack techniques. Graduates typically move into security operations, compliance, or systems administration roles within their first or second year post-degree.

   Degree Programs: MS in Cybersecurity (2 years); BS in Cybersecurity (4 years)

   Research Labs: Berman Family Data Analytics Lab - Data Analytics

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: not specified | Acceptance Rate: not specified

   Accreditations: CompTIA Security+ aligned, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) aligned, CISSP domain coverage

9. #9. Northeastern University Master's Information Security Program

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

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: Northeastern's co-op model embeds 6–12 months of paid, professional security work directly into the degree pathway, creating exceptional job readiness and industry connections.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University graduates earn $8,500,095,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information security curriculum.

   Program Overview: Northeastern's information security and cybersecurity programs leverage the university's signature cooperative education model, where students alternate between classroom semesters and paid, full-time work terms at leading tech companies, financial institutions, and government agencies. This approach means students gain 6–12 months of real-world security experience before graduation—a competitive advantage that translates directly to job readiness and professional networks. The curriculum spans cryptography, network security, secure software development, cloud security, and incident handling, with options to specialize in areas like mobile security or enterprise risk management. Research opportunities connect undergraduates and graduate students to faculty working on cutting-edge problems in security analytics, privacy-preserving technologies, and defensive systems. Northeastern's location in Boston and proximity to major tech hubs (Cambridge, MIT corridor) creates a pipeline to internship placements and post-graduation recruitment from companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and dozens of specialized cybersecurity firms. Graduate programs (MS in Cybersecurity) attract professionals seeking advanced credentials while maintaining work flexibility. Alumni consistently report high starting salaries and rapid advancement into mid-level roles such as security engineer, threat analyst, and architect within 2–3 years of graduation.

   Degree Programs: BS in Information Security or Cybersecurity (4 years); MS in Cybersecurity (1–2 years)

   Research Labs: Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute - Applied cybersecurity research and threat analysis

   Industry Partners: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, U.S. Department of Defense, Rapid7

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Rapid7, Oracle, JPMorgan Chase | Common Roles: Security Engineer, Threat Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Operations Analyst

   Notable Faculty: David Kaplan (Cybersecurity and privacy systems); Cristina Nita-Rotaru (Secure and trustworthy systems)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

10. #10. Johns Hopkins University Master's Information Security Program

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

    What makes Johns Hopkins University stand out: Johns Hopkins combines elite cryptographic research pedigree with direct access to NSA-grade resources and a talent pipeline into the nation's top government security agencies.

    Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University's direct partnerships with National Security Agency and Booz Allen Hamilton give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

    Program Overview: Johns Hopkins' information security program distinguishes itself through deep integration with the university's storied cybersecurity research ecosystem and its proximity to the NSA's presence in Maryland. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and applied security engineering, with particular strength in cryptography, secure systems design, and threat intelligence. Students benefit from access to world-class research facilities and faculty who actively contribute to national security standards and protocols. The program attracts significant government and defense contractor recruitment, creating a robust pipeline into cybersecurity roles at agencies like NSA, DoD, and major defense primes. Graduate outcomes consistently show high placement rates in security-focused roles, with many students transitioning directly into positions requiring advanced security clearances. What sets this program apart is the caliber of research activity—students can engage in cryptographic research, malware analysis, and vulnerability assessment projects that rival professional security operations centers. The Baltimore-Washington corridor location provides unparalleled access to government cybersecurity initiatives and federal contractor headquarters.

    Degree Programs: Bachelors in Information Security

    Research Labs: Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute (ISI) - Applied cybersecurity, cryptography, systems security

    Industry Partners: National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin

    Career Outcomes:

    Admissions: