One need only check the news once in awhile to know that computer network security failures, system breaches, cyberattacks, and hacking have become serious problems for companies large and small, government agencies, public institutions, and individuals.
The increasing dependence on technology to power critical infrastructures across the globe exposes information vulnerabilities. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be far reaching.
In fact, it is estimated that by 2019 cyber crimes will cost companies, agencies, institutions, and individuals over $2 trillion globally.
There's no better time to invest in a high-tech college degree. If you're interested in the range of online degree options, we have the list for you. It's a ranking of the Top Online Universities, put together by College Choice.
President Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address noted cyber attacks as one of the top issues faced by Americans today. The World Economic Forum placed cybersecurity as one of the top five global risks in 2012.
Information sharing, the way we buy and sell goods, and the sheer amount of data shared and exchanged via technology, points to an increasing need for a skilled workforce—individuals who can recognize and anticipate failures and intrusions and those who can ensure network and system security.
Information Assurance and Cyber Security includes both information technology (IT) and physical security for companies, government organizations, and institutions.
While the responsibilities vary between industries, all IT security managers oversee the protection of information by implementing security measures on networks and computers. IT security managers are responsible for IT infrastructure, intrusion detection, and customer service.
The severity of cyber attacks, the rapid growth of technology, and the growing availability of IT-related jobs make it essential for potential employees to be well-prepared to face the ever-changing landscape.
Information Assurance and Cyber Security specialists are in high demand. Indeed, in 2013 the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium reported that existing IT security professionals were feeling overwhelmed due to staffing shortages. Such demand is reflected in the attractive mean annual wage for Information Security Analysts as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These analysts average over $96,000 per year. Analysts in some industries can expect to make six figures. The better educated and trained one can be in this industry, the more opportunities they will have.
Those cybersecurity specialists who have successfully completed a graduate degree program and graduate-level certification can expect to be well-positioned for a career with high salaries, good perks, and flexible schedules.
While it is true that the technical aspects of the career are rigorous, prospects need to recognize that problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity are also important skills in order for one to be successful in a cyber career.
This complex discipline requires more than just a detailed knowledge of computers, networks, and security technology. It also draws on an understanding of essential principles from psychology, criminology, law, and business.
What are the Best Online Master's in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Programs?
We at College Choice have compared data from U.S. News & World Report and other publicly available outlets to determine the quality and reputation of online masters programs in information assurance, cyber security, and related fields.
We have also used information available from Payscale.org, the Equality of Opportunity Project, and individual school sites to approximate a return on investment for students. With these data points we have derived a College Choice Score for the thirty best online Master's in Information Assurance and Cyber Security.
The information here, we hope, will prove helpful for those looking to further or begin their careers in an extremely important and rapidly growing job market. Most of the schools listed below are recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
