Master’s in Cyber Security in USA: Best Universities, Fees & Jobs
The word ‘cyber’ refers to computers, information technology, and virtual reality. In today’s world, we are surrounded by computers and related technologies which are helpful in our daily lives. Understanding the concept of cybersecurity becomes important when one wants to enhance skills in protecting and maintaining digital infrastructure for various purposes.
In this blog, we have discussed pursuing a Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA, which turns young students into mature cyber professionals to allow them to work on the above problems.
- Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA: Introduction
- Why Pursue MS in Cyber Security Course in the USA?
- Top 10 Universities for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
- Popular Specialisations of Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
- Course Structure & Subjects of MS in Cyber Security Courses in the USA
- Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
- Required Documents for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
- How to Apply for the MS in Cyber Security?
- Pursuing a Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA Without GRE Score
- Career Opportunities after Pursuing MS in Cyber Security in the USA
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA: Introduction
Cyber Security is the branch of Computer Science that studies protective measures to safeguard the computer system and other related networks. With the inclusion of digitalisation in every aspect of life, there is a constant rise in threat, which has scared the general public and the government.
The threats include data breaching, unauthorised access to confidential information, unethical hacking, ransomware, fishing, etc., which have become the normal word in our lives. A Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA imparts knowledge to tackle such challenges.
Why Pursue MS in Cyber Security Course in the USA?
Pursuing higher degree programs in the USA provides high value and greater return of investment. Some of the reasons are academic reputation, along with the world-class technology, robust infrastructure, and industrial exposure that it provides. Let us discuss some important benefits of pursuing the MS in Cyber Security courses in the USA.
Interest & Motivation: If you are passionate about grasping the advanced knowledge and skills needed to eliminate the threat of fraud and scams, then you are welcome in this field. There is always a high possibility of integrating innovation and creativity.
World-Class Universities: USA is home to world-renowned universities such as MIT, Stanford University, University of California, etc, which are at the forefront of cyber security research and innovation. Today, the USA is leading the world in Computer Science.
Home of Top IT Industries: USA is also the home to the top IT industries such as Google, Amazon, Facebook (Meta), Microsoft, etc., providing immense career opportunities for Cyber security students by providing lucrative internships, industrial training and job opportunities.
Supportive Academic Environment: Universities in the USA play a key role in shaping students’ academic and professional careers by providing them access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge technologies, and modern resources that allow them to work on advanced projects and help them grow in every aspect of their lives.
Top 10 Universities for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
If you are confused about choosing the best university to pursue an MS in Cyber Security course in the USA, then do not worry. In this section, you will learn what type of cyber security programs are available in the country, as we have listed the top 10 USA universities and their annual tuition fees. Almost every university in the USA provides scholarships to help students afford their study costs.
| University | Course | QS Subject Ranking 2024 (Computer Science & Information Systems) | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | MS in Cyber Security | 5 | USD 36,420 |
| University of California at Berkeley | Master of Information Management and Systems | 7 | USD 44,154 |
| Northeastern University | MA in Cybersecurity | 14 | USD 26,900 |
| University of Washington | MS in Cybersecurity Engineering | 18 | USD 28,500 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | MS in Cybersecurity | 28 | USD 31,180 |
| University of Maryland | Master’s in Cybersecurity | 49 | USD 17,270 |
| Purdue University | MS in Cybersecrity and Trusted System | 69 | USD 30,228 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | MS in Information Science | 161 | USD 33,920 |
| University of Houston | MS in Cyber Security | NA | USD 17,790 |
| University of Texas at Dallas | MS in Cyber Security, Technology & Policy | NA | USD 30,368 |
Popular Specialisations of Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
An MS in Cyber Security course in the USA aims to foster the knowledge and skills relevant to learning the techniques and practices of securing digital infrastructure and mitigating security risks. Following are some of the popular specialisations of Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA in various universities:
Network Security: In this specialisation, students learn about designing and implementing security measures, such as firewalls, VPNs, network protocols, etc., to safeguard the digital network.
Cloud Security: This specialisation imparts the understanding of policies, procedures and technologies designed to provide safety to cloud-based systems and data. Cloud security is all about keeping the confidentiality and integrity of the data and cloud-based infrastructure intact.
Application Security: Under this specialisation, universities impart the knowledge of securing the application during its development and after deployment.
Cryptography: Cryptography studies tools and techniques that secure data flow between two or more terminals by encrypting the information. It is widely used in military communication and financial technology.
Digital Forensics: This specialisation involves recovering, analysing, and presenting digital evidence from electronic devices in a legally acceptable manner. It investigates digital data from computers, mobile devices, networks, and other digital sources.
Security Operations & Analytics: Security operations and analytics involve monitoring, managing, and analysing an organisation’s security posture to detect, respond to, and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Course Structure & Subjects of MS in Cyber Security Courses in the USA
Below, we have discussed the general overview of the course structure of the Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA, including the curriculum and important subjects that it covers. It should be noted that the course structure and subject might vary depending on the university and the specialisation.
Course Duration: The course duration is 1-2 years, but it might vary depending on the university and other factors, such as the number of credits allotted to complete the program and additional requirements to cover the course, like internships, industrial training, etc.
Number of Credits: The credits or number of units might also vary depending on the institute. Generally, it ranges from 32-44 units or credits, and a single credit equals 8-12 hours of classroom study.
Following is the academic coursework that consists of core modules, optional or elective modules and a project or thesis:
Core Modules
Indian students are required to opt for 4-5 core subjects from the available subject list in semester 1 (one-year course) and semesters 1 and 2 (two-year course), depending on the university. Below are some of the important core subjects which are generally available in USA universities:
- Principles of Cybersecurity
- Applied Cryptography
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Information Security
- Principles of Project Management
- Critical Thinking in Project Management
- Secured Computing
- Foundation of Information Assurance
- Network Security
- Mobile and Wireless Network Security
- Cyber laws
- Decision-Making for Critical Infrastructure
- Information System Forensics
- Security Risk Management and Assessment
Optional Modules
The subjects that fall under the optional module are also called elective subjects. They are generally available in semesters 1 and 2 (one-year course) and semesters 2 and 3 (two-year course), depending on the university. Students can choose atleast 3-4 subjects. Some of the common elective subjects are:
- Criminology
- Criminal Justice System
- Foundation of Software Engineering
- Web Development
- Computer System
- Complexity Theory
- Cloud System
- Privacy Laws
- Security & Resilience Policy
- Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
- IoT Security
- Database Management System
Capstone Project/Thesis
At the end of the academic program, students may be required to choose a topic based on their motivation or interest in the pursued study program and conduct research to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.
They would then also be required to present solutions to problems or challenges covered in their topic. A final report is made and presented as a dissertation or seminar.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
Here are the general eligibility criteria for entry into the Master’s in Cyber Security program in the USA. The specific requirements might vary depending on the university. However, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Software Engineering/Cyber Security (B.Sc in Computer Science/B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology/Software Engineering/Cyber Security), particularly 3-4 years long, with a minimum grade of A or 70-80% from the government-recognised institute.
- Applicants must have completed their undergraduate course with at least 30 credit units.
- Candidates should have a minimum GRE score of 270-300 (depending on the university, as some institutes don’t require a GRE score).
- Candidates should be proficient in the English language and must hold any of the language proficiency test certificates:
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 100-110 out of 120 is required
- IELTS: A minimum band score of 7.0-8.0 out of 9.0 is required
- PTE: A minimum score of 70-75 out of 90 is required
- Duolingo: A minimum score of 130-135 out of 160 is required
Required Documents for Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA
The following documents are required to be submitted while applying for the Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA. It should be noted that the specific requirements might vary depending on the institute:
- Completed university application form
- Previous academic degrees, certificates, mark sheets, and transcripts
- GRE Score (if applicable)
- English Language Proficiency Test scorecard (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.)
- 1 CV or Resume
- WES Evaluation
- 1 Statement of Purpose/2-3 Essays
- 1-2 Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities (if any)
- Work Experience Letter (if any)
- University application fee (depending on the institute)
- Financial Documents (last 6 months bank statements/last 3-4 years self or parent’s income tax return)
- Passport
How to Apply for the MS in Cyber Security?
We have listed below some basic application process steps which can help students in applying for the cybersecurity course in the USA:
- We have mentioned the top universities above providing the Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA. Go through it and list at least 7-8 institutes.
- For the Fall 2025 intake, the admission process will commence in August-September 2024.
- Depending on the university, the application process is of two types: round-based and rolling-based.
- Visit the websites of shortlisted universities and go through the program’s features.
- Start the application process on the official website, depending on the university’s reputation, location, and affordability.
- Fill out details such as personal details, academic details, etc.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Review and submit the application process.
- It should be noted that the financial documents must be submitted via courier.
- It usually takes 2 weeks or months to get a response from the university.
- Applicants are required to appear in the interview if their application process is accepted.
Pursuing a Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA Without GRE Score
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations, which evaluates the academic competency of undergraduate students who want to pursue graduate courses like the MS in Cyber Security program. In the USA, some universities might require international applicants to submit their GRE scores for the cybersecurity program.
- Northeastern University
- University of California, Berkeley
- New York University
- University of Houston
- DePaul University
Career Opportunities after Pursuing MS in Cyber Security in the USA
A Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA can open the door to various career opportunities. In everyday life, we depend on electronic gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc, for personal and professional work. This comes with several challenges, such as data breaching, hacking, the collapse of digital infrastructure, etc, which can be avoided if we have competent forces. This led MNCs and other recruiters to create job posts that empower cybersecurity graduates to work to prevent system failure or other related problems.
| Job Title | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | USD 90,000-100,000 (INR 75 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Penetration Tester | USD 82,000-100,000 (INR 68 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Security Architect | USD 100,000-200,000 (INR 83 Lakh-1 Crore) |
| Cyber Security Manager | USD 100,000-200,000 (INR 83 Lakh-1 Crore) |
| Chief Information Officer | USD 200,000-300,000 (1 Crore-2 Crore) |
| Digital Forensic Analyst | USD 54,000-92,000 (INR 45 Lakh-77 Lakh) |
| Cloud Security Engineer | USD 100,000-200,000 (INR 83 Lakh-1 Crore) |
| Application Security Engineer | USD 93,000-100,000 (77 Lakh-83 Crore) |
| Security Consultant | USD 83,000-100,000 (69 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
Conclusion
The dominance of digital technology has influenced every aspect of our lives. Whether using social media for business or paying bills via UPI, technology plays a key role in shaping the future. However, this comes with several drawbacks. Data breaching, digital theft, fishing, unauthorised access to confidential and personal information, etc., are some of the few examples of which we are aware.
There is a constant need for competent professionals who can face such challenges and present innovative solutions in real-life scenarios. In short, pursuing a Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA can help bridge the gap in meeting our requirements for safeguarding digital systems.
FAQs
What is the cost of living in the USA?
The cost of living in the USA depends on several factors, such as the city, state, lifestyle preferences, etc. It ranges from USD 1000-2500 or INR 83,000-2 Lakh per month.
What is an I-20?
To pursue academic programs in the USA, international students, including Indians, receive the I-20, a certification that the student has been granted admission into a full-time program. It also certifies that the student is fulfilling all the necessary financial criteria.
What is the average salary of Indian cybersecurity graduates in the USA?
The average salary of Indian cybersecurity graduates in the USA ranges from USD 54,000-300,000 or INR 45 Lakh-2 Crore per year. This depends on several factors, such as an employer, experience, job post, and locality.
How much does it cost to study cyber security in the USA?
To pursue a Master’s in Cyber Security in the USA, the average tuition fee ranges from USD 12,000-36,000 or INR 10 Lakh-30 Lakh per year, depending on the university.
What type of student visa is required for Indian students to pursue academic programs in the USA?
An F-1 Visa is required for Indian students to pursue a full-time academic program in the USA. Along with the F-1 Visa, the M-1 Visa is another type of student visa, but it is applicable for pursuing vocational courses.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
