Most Affordable Online Master's in Information Security

WGU's Online MS in Information Security and Assurance program not only prepares its graduates to become experts in the field, but has the added bonus of including both the EC-Council Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures and the EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator certification exams as part of the university's already very affordable tuition. The Best Schools website named WGU one of the 30 Best Online Colleges, and offers a unique approach to education. Rather than taking a prescribed number of classes, students work with an assigned mentor to write papers, complete assignments, and take exams proving competency. Students who demonstrate the required knowledge can then graduate with an online master's degree in information security and assurance.

With an increase in businesses looking for leaders in the field of information assurance to protect their valuable assets, Embry-Riddle has responded with this high quality and completely online master's degree in information assurance and security. This program offers a great balance of technical skills and business management principles and includes three specializations: Protecting Business Intelligence, Information Assurance in a Global Context, and Information Systems Security. Embry-Riddle offers rolling start dates, personalized education plans, and gives students the option to complete coursework on Canvas and also to attend live interactive lectures on EagleVision. This affordable program was ranked #1 on College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities list.

This cheap online master's degree in information assurance and security is designed for students with a major or minor in information systems, computer science, or another technical field, combined with related work experience. Students may enroll in either fall or spring and typically complete their degree in one to two years. In addition to specific coursework in Operating System Recovery, Database Security, and Disaster Recovery, among others, networking opportunities are available through internships. Graduates are prepared for management opportunities in both industry and government and will be equipped to secure network systems, execute risk assessments, and to both prevent and respond to security breaches. US News & World Report ranked Sam Houston #7 for graduate online information technology programs.

Wilmington University offers an online master's degree in information assurance and security, which is built around a focus on information systems technologies. This military-friendly university is committed to giving online students the same quality services, such as Blackboard assistance, online tutoring, library resources, and advising, while also offering benefits like affordable in-state tuition, credit for previous learning, and multiple yearly start dates. Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership positions in information technology fields, and have specific knowledge in homeland security issues, white collar crime, and how to respond to Web security issues. Online Schools Center ranked this regionally accredited university the #2 Most Technologically Savvy Online School.

Demand for well-educated professionals in cyber security grows each year, but the federal government reports many jobs going unfilled. Dakota State University seeks to reverse that trend by offering a master's degree in information assurance and security online. Students take classes in intrusion detection, computer forensics, and hacking, among others. The curriculum is designed to empower students to assess all aspects of networks and design effective security plans. Dakota State students can take courses entirely online, allowing them great flexibility in completing their degree. The Desire2Learn course management system allows students to work in a virtual classroom, as well as get assignments, lecture notes, and exams. GetEducated.com ranked Dakota State among the most affordable online universities.

National University's program in Cyber Security and Information Assurance is one of the best online master's degrees in information assurance and security available, and is designed for students who seek to protect data and computer infrastructures from hackers and viruses. Courses include Wireless and Mobile Security, Cyber Security Ethical Issues, and Net Defense & Countermeasures. In addition to taking core courses - which are designed to mesh with various levels of work experience — students may specialize in Computer Forensics, Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing, Health Information Assurance, or Information Assurance and Security Policy. TheBestSchools.org ranked National's program 12th on its list of The 25 Best Online Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree Programs.

In an increasingly connected and online world, employers are seeking candidates who understand how to protect valuable data. Students can gain that knowledge at Regis University through its top online master's degree in information assurance and security program. Regis employs hands-on training in order to prepare students for work in corporate governance, disaster recovery, audits and more. Students may specialize in either Cyber Security or Policy Management. The degree qualifies graduates to take highly desired exams for industry certification. What's more, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school as one of the top master's-level universities in the West for 19 consecutive years.

Students looking for a future-ready education can turn to Davenport University's online master's degree in information assurance and security program. Certified by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence, Davenport strives to prepare students to meet constantly evolving threats. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of security and information assurance jobs is expected to increase by 28% by 2020. Graduates can qualify for careers as security consultants, regional incident response managers, senior security analysts and more, with salaries estimated at $108,000. Colleges Niche gave Davenport an A grade for technology based on student satisfaction surveys.

Stratford University's affordable online master's degree in information assurance and security equips students with the latest industry knowledge, and the skills that employers desire in this fast-changing field. Information-technology managers or computer professionals can use the program to learn how to better protect their agency's assets from cyber threats. The curriculum covers computer forensics and IT security, as well as ethical and legal issues, so graduates emerge ready for key positions in government, academic, or the private sector. Diverse Education ranked the school as one of the Top 100 Graduate Degree Producers for All Disciplines in 2009.

Walden's accredited online master's degree in information security and assurance offers a specialization in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity for working adults interested in this growing field. In addition to core courses like Database Design and Principles of Programming, the curriculum also includes specialized courses such as Network Architecture and Computer Crimes. Students learn how to both protect against and respond to security breaches and have the opportunity to create their own computer programs, evaluate new approaches to information technology, and practice skills in virtual laboratories with peers from all over the world, preparing them for careers in engineering, security, systems architecture, and programming. Diverse Issues in Higher Education ranked Walden #9 for master's degrees conferred to minority students.