30 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Online – 2026

If you’re a working professional looking to expand your career by earning your master’s in cybersecurity online, you’ve come to the right place. It can be hard to know where to start, but we’ve done the research to find the best master’s in cybersecurity online for you—and we’ve got 30 of them all in one place.

What are the Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Online?

Our list is designed to deliver you programs that offer:

• Academic rigor,
• High flexibility,
• STEM-designations,
• and NSA and DHS accreditations that will take your career to the next level.

The programs range in price and requirements, and we’ve laid out the most important information for each school in two sections:

• Highlights and
• Tuition.

We’ll start by talking you through our top two picks for the best master’s in cybersecurity online. Then we walk you through our 28 other best programs, which all offer different qualities to students searching for different opportunities.

30 Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Online – 2025 – College Transitions

Our Top Two Picks for a Master’s in Cybersecurity Online

1) Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering

Highlights: 

• Choose from the following focus areas:
  • Analysis
  • Assured Autonomy
  • Cyber Operations
  • Networks
  • Space Cyber
  • Systems
• All courses are taught by subject-matter experts who work first-hand with the technologies and techniques they teach.
• This is a rigorous and competitive program; you can take a proficiency exam and, if successfully completed, you can opt out of certain prerequisites.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per course: $5,270.
• Total base tuition: $52,700.

2) UC Berkeley School of Information

Highlights: 

• Complete your accredited degree in just 20 months.
• Graduate as a competitive candidate tied to UC Berkeley alumni and other professionals in the technological heart of the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Earn your certification in Applied Data Science at the same time, learning the tools, methods, and conceptual approaches used to support modern data analysis and decision-making.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 27.
• Cost per course: $2,850.
• Total base tuition: $81,806 (Berkeley estimate, plus fees, not including health insurance).

UC Berkeley or Johns Hopkins?

These are routinely the top two programs in the country for getting a master’s in cybersecurity online—and with good reason. Not only do they carry the brand name of these two prestigious universities, but they’re also consistently regarded as the top programs. The university systems are large enough to support robust online learning, and you’ll have access to world-class faculty at both. The price tags are similar. So, how do you choose?

I’d say the biggest deciding factor is where you envision your career after your master’s.

• Do you want to work in Silicon Valley? Big Tech? At a start-up? You might benefit more from the networks and perspectives at UC Berkeley.
• Do you want to work in government? International security? Defense? Government contractors? Johns Hopkins is going to place you so much closer to Washington, D.C. and all of the opportunities therein.

Now, you might be saying: but these are online master’s in cybersecurity programs. If I’m studying in Wyoming, why does it matter where these schools are located?

The bottom line is that the programs are still bound by the philosophies of their departments and the ideas of the faculty who teach there. And either school is more likely to be influenced by the environment in which it finds itself. If you’re considering a program at this level, it’s worth taking a look at the granularity of the research of the faculty in each program and how the courses line up with what you’re interested in pursuing after you graduate.

There is never any harm in keeping your options open, applying to both, and playing the cards as they lay.

And there is no shortage of other great schools on our list that will help you to jumpstart your career in cybersecurity.

More of the Best Master’s in Cybersecurity Online…

3) Duke University Pratt School of Engineering   

Highlights: 

• A one-week in-person residency on the Duke campus will help you make crucial connections with faculty and peers in your cohort.
• Choose from two elective tracks:
  • Technology
  • Technology Management
• Complete an internship or a real-world client-oriented research project that will prepare you for work in the field; 90% of graduates find work or further education within 6 months of graduation.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per course: $9,897.
• Total base tuition: $98,970.

4) SANS Technology Institute 

Highlights: 

• SANS is highly regarded within the cybersecurity industry as a leader in education and technology.
• Attend 100% online and study at your own pace to finish the degree in an average of 3–5 years while you work full-time.
• Earn 9 industry-recognized GIAC cybersecurity certifications (previously Global Information Assurance Certification) while studying from the “world’s top cybersecurity practitioners.”

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 36.
• Cost per course: $1,500.
• Total base tuition: $54,000

5) Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College Software Engineering Institute

Highlights: 

• CMU offers scholarships and yellow ribbon benefits to active service members and veterans, making this a top program for military students.
• CMU is one of just 11 colleges and universities designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Research.
• The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a research and development center funded by the Department of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 144.
• Cost per course: $585.
• Total base tuition: $84,240.

6) Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security

Highlights: 

• This highly competitive, highly affordable program accepts only 22% of applicants.
• Marshall has been recognized by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for its program.
• Students develop a solid foundation to pursue a Ph.D. in cybersecurity by choosing one of three concentrations:
  • Network Security
  • Application Security
  • Security Management

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per course: $521.75.
• Total base tuition: $15,652.50.

7) New York University Tandon School of Engineering + NYU Law

Highlights: 

• Earn your Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy in this online and low-residency program in just 12 months.
• NYU Cyber Fellows scholarship funds 75% of the tuition for the Cybersecurity M.S. online; the Cyber Fellows also operate the National Science Foundation-funded Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security (OSIRIS) laboratory.
• The program has been designated as an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per course: $2,428.
• Total base tuition: $72,840.

8) Bay Path University 

Highlights: 

• Bay Path University is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Bay Path is a member of the MassCyber Center that represents the ecosystem of business, government, and education at the cutting edge of cybersecurity. The program provides students with internships and real-world opportunities to engage in the latest research.
  • This includes the $1.5 million Union Station Cyber Ranger Project, a state-of-the-art cyber range to mirror IT attacks.
• Choose from one of three concentrations:
  • Generalist
  • Cyber Defense
  • Digital Forensics

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $880.
• Total base tuition: $26,400.

9) Brown University

Highlights: 

• Complete this online or on-campus Master of Science (Sc.M.)  program by following one of two tracks:
  • Computer science track
  • Policy track (offered in collaboration with the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs)
• Online students can attend live class sessions or view recordings of classes and engage in online activities at home. Some courses will require synchronous attendance, but there are no penalties for missing live sessions.
• Students are automatically considered for two types of scholarships: one that covers 50% of tuition and one that covers 25% of tuition. You don’t need to apply; you’ll automatically be considered when you apply.

Tuition: 

• Number of required courses: 8.
• Per course rate: $9,168.
• Total base tuition: $73,344.

10) Temple University Fox School of Business

Highlights: 

• Complete this program entirely online or with a hybrid mix of online and on-campus classes, building networks with Temple’s corporate advisory council of industry professionals.
• Complete the program in just 11 months full-time or 18 months part-time.
• This STEM-designated, accredited program contains built-in CISA and CISSP exam prep.

Tuition: 

• Temple provides a handy tuition calculator to determine tuition and fees based on your specific situation, which is available for use here.

11) Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science 

Highlights: 

• This academically rigorous program is looking for graduate students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, or a related field with a 3.0 GPA or better. Students should also have a basic knowledge of systems, data structures, discrete mathematics, and C and C++ programming.
• Students without that background can be admitted on a conditional status, granted they take a 5-week Mathematical Foundations for Engineers course.
• Start at four different times of the year to meet your goals: January, April, July, and October.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,945.
• Total base tuition: $58,350.

12) Georgia Tech Professional Education

Highlights: 

• This is one of the most affordable online master’s in cybersecurity on our list. With an estimated base tuition that comes in at a fraction of the cost of most other programs combined with Georgia Tech’s reputation in technology and engineering, you can’t go wrong applying here.
• The program is specifically designed for the working professional and can be completed in 2–3 years.
• Choose from one of three tracks:
  • Information Security
  • Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Policy

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 32.
• Cost per credit: $335.
• Total base tuition: $10,720.

13) George Washington University: Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics

Highlights: 

• GW has two online master’s in cybersecurity programs, and we’ve split them up on our list because of their different offerings.
• This option focuses on malware and threat detection, penetration testing, data science and analytics, digital forensics, network management and security, and risk management.
• GW is federally designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense Research. The GW Cyber Security and Privacy Research Institute (CSPRI) grants students scholarships and research opportunities funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 32.
• Cost per credit: $1,200.
• Total base tuition: $38,400.

14) George Washington University: Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance 

Highlights: 

• This policy-oriented program offering from GW is tailored to meet NSA Center of Academic Excellence guidelines and accelerates students through a multi-disciplinary curriculum that will allow them to develop the practical skills needed to align security practices with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Students explore information security governance, regulatory frameworks, and compliance standards.
• Classes meet synchronously, one night a week for nine weeks. Students enroll in four, 9-week sessions.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 32.
• Cost per credit: $1,200.
• Total base tuition: $38,400.

15) Georgetown School of Continuing Studies 

Highlights: 

• Georgetown offers a Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Risk Management that prepares students to develop and implement risk governance frameworks to increase resiliency for individuals, departments, and organizations.
• Engage with industry experts to learn best practices within the cybersecurity landscape while gaining hands-on experience developing strategies and policies to mitigate risks across organizations.
• Complete this program in 2–5 years while enrolled full-time or part-time. Take classes 100% online, on campus, or as a mix of the two.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 33.
• Cost per credit: $1,685.
• Total base tuition: $55,605.

16) University of Dallas 

Highlights: 

• The University of Dallas M.S. in Cybersecurity for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program covers all eight domains of cybersecurity required for students to pass the CISSP exam.
• Topics covered include:
  • Security and Risk Management
  • Security Engineering
  • Identity and Access Management
  • Security Operations
  • Asset Security
  • Communication and Network Security
  • Security Assessment and Testing
  • Software Development Security
• This 100%-online program can be completed in about 1–2 years.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,300.
• Total base tuition: $39,000.

17) University of Delaware

Highlights: 

• University of Delaware’s online master’s degree in cybersecurity is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• This 100%-online program can be completed in 18–24 months, depending on your schedule.
• The program offers partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Army, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, GE, Bank of America, and others.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,069.
• Total base tuition: $32,070.

18) Universities of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives

Highlights: 

• Choose from one of four tracks of study:
  • Digital Forensics
  • Cyber Response
  • Governance and Leadership
  • Security Architecture
• 100%-online, asynchronous format allows you to study and listen to lectures when you want. There are no required in-person meetings or set class times.
• This program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a collaboration between UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 34.
• Cost per credit: $850.
• Total base tuition: $28,900.

19) Quinnipiac University School of Computing and Engineering 

Highlights: 

• Quinnipiac’s curriculum is closely aligned with the key knowledge units created by the NSA and DHS to create a more “cyber-secure” world.
• Students in this STEM-designed program study a range of topics, including:
  • Cloud security
  • Identity and access management
  • IoT security
  • Data security
  • Network and OS security
• Quinnipiac is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $790.
• Total base tuition: $23,700.

20) West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics 

Highlights: 

• WVU’s program will prepare you to take on roles as an Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Manager, Risk Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• Study full-time and finish the program in 12 months. Study part-time to finish in 24 months.
• Students with backgrounds in computer science, management information systems, and criminal justice do well in this program.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,004.
• Total base tuition: $30,120.

21) Norfolk State University 

Highlights: 

• This 100%-online master’s in cybersecurity program gives students access to faculty mentors and advisors who provide support to learners throughout the program.
• Students have access to Norfolk’s multimillion-dollar Cybersecurity Complex to conduct research online, while studying with both faculty and peers.
• Local students who study online can also have hands-on access to the Cybersecurity Complex to conduct research or develop projects.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 36.
• Time to completion: 2–3 years.
• Tuition per semester:
  • In-state graduate: $4,654
  • Out-of-state graduate: $10,861
• Estimated tuition range: $18,616–$65,166, depending on residency and length of study.

22) University of San Diego

Highlights: 

• San Diego’s 100%-online program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field who are already working in a range of cybersecurity roles.
• San Diego’s rigorous curriculum is aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
• San Diego is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $995.
• Total base tuition: $29,850.

23) Utica University

Highlights: 

• Utica’s newly rebuilt STEM-designated program is a carefully created curriculum that provides students with the technical capacity to protect systems from cyber attacks.
• Choose from two specialization options:
  • Digital Forensics
  • Cybersecurity Operations
• Utica is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $895.
• Total base tuition: $26,850.

24) Indiana University 

Highlights: 

• Choose from IU’s globally recognized schools to shape your degree:
  • Technology (Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering)
  • Artificial Intelligence (Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering)
  • Business (Kelley School of Business)
  • Law (Maurer School of Law)
• More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before even completing their degree.
• Receive personalized support to complete your degree in this 100%-online program that enables you to study from anywhere.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,369.
• Total base tuition: $41,070.

25) University of South Florida School of Information

Highlights: 

• This affordable STEM-based program can be completed 100% online and provides a professional analytic education for professionals who specialize in the intelligence function.
• Students can collaborate with faculty in the following major research areas:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyber Intelligence
  • Cyber Operations
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Cyber Analytics
  • Information Analytics
  • National Security
• Students learn proactive strategies that align defense with value/risk assessments.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 33.
• Cost per credit:
  • In-state: $431.43.
  • Out-of-state: $877.17.
• Total base tuition:
  • In-state: $14,237.
  • Out-of-state: $28,947.

26) University of Illinois College of Business and Management  

Highlights: 

• This highly affordable program is designed for working professionals and features multiple start dates per year to help you meet your goals quickly.
• Coursework focuses on business and tech talents, which includes compliance, digital forensics, penetration testing, risk management, and contingency planning.
• Prepare yourself for a number of career fields, including:
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Cybersecurity Manager
  • Cybersecurity Management Consultant
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Governance, Risk, and Compliance Officer

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $509 .
• Total base tuition: $15,270.

27) University of Massachusetts Lowell 

Highlights: 

• Complete this affordable, combined criminal justice and information technology program in as few as 18 months.
• Explore research topics such as security management, intelligence policy, national security, and cybercrime trends.
• Work with the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies (CTSS) to collaborate on research projects addressing the evolution, convergence, and complexity of domestic and foreign security challenges.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $600.
• Total base tuition: $18,000.

28) DePaul University 

Highlights: 

• Choose from one of the following concentrations:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Security
  • Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance
  • Networking and Infrastructure
• Learn to design, implement, and maintain software systems to support policy and mitigate attacks.
• Students graduate with the ability to develop a security awareness program that is adapted to the various stakeholders present in an enterprise, as well as security controls to enforce policies.

Tuition: 

• Required quarter hours: 48.
• Cost per credit: $955.
• Total base tuition: $45,840.

29) University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business 

Highlights: 

• UT offers both live and asynchronous learning opportunities to help students balance their work and studies while staying on top of their learning.
• This program focuses specifically on “business cybersecurity” and prepares students to progress as leaders in the corporate boardroom.
• Students complete a capstone research project to gain real-world experience with assessing, analyzing, and solving cybersecurity problems.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 30.
• Cost per credit: $1,000.
• Total base tuition: $30,000.

30) Bellevue University

Highlights: 

• This cohort-based program helps you to build a community that will enable you to manage your busy schedule and your studies at the same time.
• This program will not prepare you for licensure, but it will enable you to take the next step in your career through its curriculum and faculty of industry professionals.
• Study in a robust virtual environment with open source and commercial cybersecurity tools.

Tuition: 

• Required credits: 36.
• Cost per credit: $660.
• Total base tuition: $23,760.

Need More Resources?

Check out our other lists and resources for online masters programs and getting into grad school:

• The Best Data Science Master’s Programs – 2025 
• 2025 Best Colleges for Computer Science 
• 17 Best Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors 
• 15 Best Online Master’s Programs in Data Science
• 20 Best Online Master’s in Software Engineering Programs
• How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School (Plus Examples) 
• What is a Good GRE Score?