A bachelor’s degree is frequently required for employment as a network security professional. Many others, on the other hand, prefer to continue their study and obtain a Master’s in Network Security.
Master’s degree programmes typically provide individuals with more job opportunities, higher pay, and a larger range of career alternatives. Learn everything there is to know about getting a master’s degree in network security and the types of jobs you could get with it.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Florida | Master | Online Cybersecurity, M.S. | Website |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Master | Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security | Website |
| University of Delaware | Master | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Website |
| Saint Joseph’s University | Master | MS in Business Intelligence & Analytics – Cyber Analytics | Website |
| Utica College | Master | Master of Professional Studies in Cyber Policy and Risk Analysis | Website |
Colleges Offering Master’s in Network Security Degrees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, many universities offer network security master’s degree programmes. Because of their similarities and the fact that they both deal with keeping a computer network safe against cyber or Internet breaches, network security systems may be referred to as cybersecurity programmes.
Network security students will take classes such as network programming, systems analysis, network security, secure electronic commerce, cryptology, computer security, network management, and software secure evaluation, among others.
There are several schools that offer these degrees through online education or distance learning in addition to the many colleges that offer them on their campuses. Students enrolled in an online programme can access the school’s website and learn at their own pace by watching taped videos in class. For homework and tests, they can use e-mails and discussion boards.
Masters Degrees in Network Security
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utica College | Master | MBA – Cyber Policy | Website |
| Utica College | Master | MBA – Cybersecurity | Website |
| Utica College | Master | MBA Economic Crime and Fraud Management | Website |
| Utica College | Master | MS in Data Science – Financial Crime | Website |
| Lewis University | Master | MS in Computer Science – Cyber Security | Website |
Typical Admissions Requirements
A Master’s degree in network security necessitates more study. The student must achieve strict admission standards before beginning the programme. While most master’s degree programmes can be completed in two to three years, they all require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline. Not only must the student finish coursework and laboratory classes, but he or she must also submit a senior project.
The senior project could be a research article or a thesis project that the student completes depending on his or her area of interest. A capstone course may be needed, in which the student designs his or her own network system, putting everything learned in the curriculum to good use. The student must also finish a set amount of credits or units in order to complete the master’s degree programme.
Master’s Level Degree Concentrations
Different areas of concentration may be available in network security programmes, allowing students to specialise on a specific area of interest. There are a few courses that appear to be required in almost all master’s degree programmes:
Network security – This includes firewalls and intrusion detection policies, as well as keeping the network and network infrastructure safe from outside intrusions.
Computer security focuses on fundamental security issues, cryptography, and software vulnerability prevention.
Governance, risk management, and compliance — This focuses on enterprise-level security risk management, auditing, and dealing with information technology compliance issues.
Network security may be provided as a concentration in other computer-related degree programmes in addition to areas of specialisation.
Masters in Cyber Security Programs
- Master of Cybersecurity
- Master of Internet Security
- Master of Network Security
- MBA in Cybersecurity
Schools with MS in Network Security or Related Degrees
- A Master of Science in Computer, Information, and Network Security is offered by DePaul University, with emphasis in network security, computer security or governance, risk management, and compliance. Each concentration is dedicated to a certain aspect of network security.
- A Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a Network Security specialisation is available at Florida International University. This is a web-based software. A focus in network security is most typically seen in a computer science curriculum.
- A Master of Science in Information, Network, and Computer Security with 30 credits is available from the New York Institute of Technology. To be admitted, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.85.
- Stanford University provides a dual graduate programme that permits students to acquire a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as an emphasis in computer and network security. Individuals who desire to engage in business and hold leadership roles will benefit greatly from dual programmes.
Career Options for Master’s Degree Holders
After completing their study, network security graduates frequently have a wide range of professional choices. Computer and information systems managers, computer network architects, network and computer systems administrators, and information security analysts are the most popular jobs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for these professions might be as high as 31% between 2019 and 2029.
A graduate degree in network security trains students not just for a variety of careers, but also for work in a variety of areas such as government, education, industry, law enforcement, finance, and the legal system.