Across sectors, ransomware attacks and threats are on the rise, making the cybersecurity industry one of the fastest-growing and most critical industries in the world. Companies, governments and organizations will need more experts to keep their data—and your data—safe from bad actors. To meet this demand, graduate degrees in the field continue to expand and develop. For those seeking a flexible way to enter the cybersecurity arena, Fortune has ranked the top online master’s in cybersecurity programs in 2022. In total, we included 20 programs in this year’s list.
“The definition of cybersecurity is the protection of internet-connected systems such as hardware, software, and data from cyberthreats,” as Mary McHale, a UC Berkeley career advisor for the university’s online master’s in cybersecurity program, told Fortune. As the world becomes increasingly digital, professionals in this fast-growing field are looking to protect threats in all aspects of life, from companies to government to healthcare.
The industry moves fast and is always changing, but a master’s degree in cybersecurity can help people get their foot in the door and prepare them for leadership opportunities. With hundreds of thousands of unfilled positions globally, the demand is very high for cybersecurity professionals—and that means they’re also fetching high-paying salaries. Cybersecurity jobs often pay over six-figures, and although a master’s degree isn’t always needed, some experts agree that it definitely helps people advance their careers in this field.
Students who pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity are prepared for a wide range of roles after graduating from one of these programs. The cybersecurity field includes nearly 40 specialty areas and more than 50 work roles, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers & Studies. Some of the more common paths include: Network security engineers, analysts within IT departments, and computer and information systems managers. There are also niche areas within cybersecurity, like cloud security, cryptography, and digital forensics.
Earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity is more difficult than a bachelor’s degree, so it will be challenging. Students in a master’s degree program are often working while attending school, which requires the time management skills to balance various professional, academic, and personal demands. Most importantly, however, students who succeed in a master’s degree program must have an interest and enthusiasm for cybersecurity and the protections it provides.
While computer science programs may also teach some aspects of cybersecurity, a dedicated degree program is best for people interested in a career in this field. In addition to three Ivy League schools that offer online cybersecurity graduate programs—Harvard University, Brown University, and Columbia University—multiple universities have dedicated cybersecurity programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and even doctorate level. Choosing the best degree program depends on the person, and what you hope to achieve post-graduate.
The short answer—yes. In 2017, the global cybersecurity industry was worth approximately $86.4 billion, according to research conducted by Gartner. In 2027 just a decade later, BrandEssance says it’s projected to be worth $403 billion. The industry grows as cyber attacks do, so there is a need for those people who are trained to provide cybersecurity expertise—and a master’s degree program can help expand your career opportunities and salary potential.
Cybersecurity master’s programs typically take up to two years to complete because most universities require students to complete 30 to 36 units. Depending on the program and student, a master’s degree program can be completed in less time. For example, UC Berkeley’s online master’s in cybersecurity program can be completed in 20 months, so a bit less than two years.
