Best Graduate Information Assurance Degrees

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a crucial part of our lives. It is a field that is evolving.

There is no better time than now to contribute to this area.

Are you passionate about cybersecurity and want to take it to the next level? A graduate degree in information assurance may be your next step. 

But what is a Master of Science in Information Assurance?

Information Assurance is the practice of protecting information from unauthorized access. 

Graduates with a degree in information assurance will learn key skills. They’ll learn how to:

• secure computer networks against malicious attacks
• guard data systems and infrastructures
• protect against hackers, viruses, and other cyber threats

These skills are valuable in the job market. Cybersecurity is more important now than ever.

How do you apply to a graduate program in Information Assurance?

The first step is researching schools that offer the degree. Do an online search! Looking for a program that gives the key foundations of information assurance? You’re in the right place!

Private, public, and technical colleges alike offer security solutions degrees. Candidates should look for a college degree with:

• a strong reputation in the field
• a dedicated cybersecurity department
• solid measures for performance measurement
• knowledgeable faculty members
• access to student organizations
• state, local, and federal financial aid opportunities
• ability to save money with affordable tuition rates
• internships to prepare students for real life work 
• information assurance specialization options
• a start date that matches your schedule
• the ability to transfer credits if that matters to you
• accreditation with an organization like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission

Visit their websites to learn about the admission requirements, tuition fees, and deadlines. Admission requirements vary by the program. Some schools may look for a bachelor’s degree in:

• information technology
• computer and information science

Others allow students from all backgrounds to apply. It doesn’t matter what your higher education background or bachelor’s is. There are new programs out there for all information assurance professionals. Most online programs take two to four years to complete.

What are the best degree in information assurance? There are many schools with strong security and online cybersecurity programs.

Look for online programs with curriculum that matches your career goals. Classes tackle fundamental concepts like:

• cyber law
• digital forensics
• secure software development
• artificial intelligence
• how to access management systems
• database management
• automated technology
• working with open source software
• information system security and data integrity
• preventative measures for computer networks
• managing sensitive data
• system vulnerabilities
• protecting data security 
• managing external threats
• risk assessments
• data analytics
• managing security breaches
• penetration testing 
• security measures for remote work
• intrusion detection
• solving complex problems in network systems
• preventing and handling malicious activities

Other schools with top online information assurance degree programs include:

• Baker College 
• Utica University
• Arizona State University
• Penn State World Campus 

Each of these programs for information security professionals has a unique curriculum. They have specialized cybersecurity tracks. This helps students tailor their degrees to their interests and career goals.

What can you do when you study information assurance? You’ll gain the knowledge and skills required for all kinds of jobs. From communication skills to critical thinking, these programs cover it all. The hands on experience qualifies you for work beyond entry level positions.

You might work for the federal government in legal compliance. There are countless other government agencies you can work for, too. You could even work as a teacher to educate high school students on cybersecurity.

Some of the most common career paths and job titles include:

• IT business managers
• information assurance specialists
• database administrators
• computer systems administrators
• information security analysts

Information assurance professionals are in demand everywhere.

Cybersecurity is an essential part of our lives. Graduate programs in Information Assurance offers you the chance to become a vital part of keeping data secure.

Acquiring your graduate degree in Information Assurance requires research. You’ll need good planning, and careful application. But above all, you’ll need passion. 

Follow our guide and research the top schools. You can make an informed decision to pursue your degree. You’ll take your cybersecurity career to the next level.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DEGREES IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide have a unique ranking system.

It’s based on the following three aspects:

40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 

30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 

30% Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

At Master’s Program’s Guide we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals. 

Check out our ranking of the Best Master’s Programs in Information Assurance! 

10 Best Information Assurance Degrees

#1. Iowa State University

Master of Science in Information Assurance

Iowa State University offered information assurance courses starting in 1995. The university houses one of the nation’s largest degree programs. It is in the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business.

Students can earn their MS in information assurance through online learning.  This online MS information assurance program also exists in a traditional campus format. The multidisciplinary program spans six Iowa State departments.

For the degree in information assurance, these include:

• computer and information science
• industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
• mathematics
• political science

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. It doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s degree in information assurance. That might be:

• computer science
• engineering
• management information systems
• mathematics
• political science

Submit test scores from the GRE or the GMAT. Each information assurance degree program has different cut-offs for these. 

The Master of Engineering program is open to off-campus students. It’s for those who plan to complete their studies online. It is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in information assurance. It’s also for undergraduate degrees in computing or related fields.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in information assurance, don’t panic. Applicants who do not hold a relevant undergraduate degree may enroll. They must have at least three years of work experience in information technology. 

The 30-credit information assurance curriculum explores a wide scope of subjects. Course examples include:

• Cryptography
• Information Warfare
• Steganography and Digital Image Forensics

Students can earn credit for summer internships in information assurance.

The program’s capstone course involves:

• designing
• creating
• implementing
• security policy plan

Graduate information assurance students can expect to engage in interactive, team-based projects. These tackle real-world issues in cybersecurity implementation and processes.

Students  conduct experiments at the university’s network security research laboratories. Iowa State’s information assurance faculty have research interests. They have expertise in many areas. These include:

• privacy
• risk management
• secure e-commerce
• wireless security

Financial aid information can be found here.

#2.  Georgia Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Cybersecurity – Information Security track

The Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Computing is outstanding. It has a Master of Science in cybersecurity. It has an information security track option. The degree program exists in a traditional format at the school’s campus in Atlanta, GA. It is also online.

Applicants must submit materials including:

• three recommendation letters
• satisfactory GRE scores
• transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in computer and information science. It can also be in a related field. 

The on-campus curriculum has of 32 credits of study. It includes a six-course fixed core. This covers contemporary information security theory and practice.

The core curriculum includes:

• Information Security Policies and Strategies
• Introduction to Information Security
• specialized electives in their chosen concentration:
  • cyber-physical (smart energy)
  • policy
  • technology

The cyber-physical specialization includes course options in:

• Dependable Distributed Systems
• Power System Protection
• Sensor Networks

Policy course options include:

• Internet and Information and Communications Technology Policy
• Public Policy
• Scenario Writing and Path Gaming

Technology course offerings include:

• Internetworking Architectures and Protocols
• Programming Language Design
• Reliability and Security in Computer Architecture

Each student also completes one free elective from any specialization. They’ll complete a five-credit cybersecurity practicum project course. The five-hour practicum allows online and on-campus students to gain hands-on work experience. This is in academic, commercial, government, or industrial settings.

The online MS program features a 10-course, 32-credit curriculum. It includes the same core courses as the on-campus program. This includes the practicum experience. It also includes 12 credits of required online courses.

These include:

• Applied Cryptography
• Information Security Lab
• Secure Computer Systems

Online students also choose two electives. These are from options such as:

• Malware Analysis and Defense
• Security Operations and Incident Response

These degrees take two to three years to complete. Find financial aid information here.

#3.  National University

Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

National University offers a Master of Science in cybersecurity and information assurance. These information assurance degrees are in its College of Professional Studies. The degree program is online. It is also on campus in La Jolla, CA. 

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. This must be from an accredited college or university. They should have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. 

Options include the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogies Test. Other application materials include education transcripts and an admissions application. 

NU follows an intensive format. It involves completing one course per month. This format allows students to focus on one subject at a time. They can earn their degrees faster this way.

The professional program builds managerial and technical skills. These are for computing and information systems security. Students can examine digital threats and computer infrastructure vulnerabilities. They develop plans to mitigate and prevent these issues.

Students also examine the effects of legislation and technical advancement. They look at how it relates to cybersecurity and information assurance. The curriculum covers:

• infrastructure
• the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity
• risk assessment

The core curriculum consists of nine courses. These include:

• Cyber Security Ethical Issues
• Net Defense and Cloud Security
• Wireless and Mobile Security

The core curriculum also includes three stages of cybersecurity project work. Students have the choice to specialize in pen testing or hacking. They can also choose information assurance and security policy. 

The hacking and pen testing specialization explores penetration tests. These assess security measures in information systems and networks. 

Hacking and pen testing students complete specialized coursework. They might produce a pen test authorization and a rules of engagement document. They might synthesize process specifications for infrastructure defense measures. The specialization includes required courses in:

• Ethical Hacking
• Information Systems Vulnerability and Attacks
• Red Teaming
• Red vs. Blue Team Exercise

The specialization in information assurance and security policy is exceptional. It focuses on the informational and organizational aspects of cybersecurity. The specialization covers codified standards, policies, and practices in information security. It includes specialized coursework such as:

• preparing an information technology risk mitigation and security plan
• an enterprise disaster recovery and continuity plan

The specialization includes required courses in:

• Certification and Accreditation
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
• Ethical Hacking
• Information Assurance

Financial aid information can be found here.

#4.  Nova Southeastern University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

Nova Southeastern University is a pioneer in computing education and research. It has offered graduate computer science programs since 1975. It has offered distance learning programs since 1983. It’s one of the best places to earn a MSIA degree.

The College of Computing and Engineering is well-regarded. It has a Master of Science in information assurance and cybersecurity degree. It focuses on security engineering. This includes secure infrastructures and network traffic security analysis. 

The MS in information assurance and cybersecurity program welcomes individuals of all backgrounds. It prefers those with undergraduate majors in:

• computer and information science
• engineering
• information systems
• information technology
• mathematics
• physics

Applicants must have an understanding of data algorithms and structures. They should also understand structured programming languages. Applicants lacking in this background must complete prerequisite courses. These might be in:

• Foundations of Programming
• Data Structures
• Algorithms.

The 30-credit curriculum builds skills in:

• professional communication of cybersecurity management concepts
• developing effective organizational policies in cybersecurity
• mitigating cyber risks through security control measures
• performing risk management analysis compliant with cybersecurity standards

Students must take 10 core courses. This includes an Information Security Management project course. Other core course examples include:

• Ethics in Computing
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Security Governance
• Telecommunications and Computer Networking

Nova Southeastern is a leader in cybersecurity education and research. The university is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education. It is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance education. 

Find financial aid information here.

#5.  Robert Morris University

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance

Robert Morris University offers a Master of Science in cybersecurity and information assurance. This is through its School of Informatics, Humanities and Social Sciences. The Masters of Science Information Assurance is online. It also exists on the university’s campus in Moon Township, PA. It prepares students to recognize and mitigate threats. It addresses vulnerabilities in computer information systems. It teaches them to develop compliant, reliable, and secure systems. 

The 30-credit cybersecurity and information assurance curriculum is broad. It covers effective administration and management. It explores modern technologies in the information security realm. It builds skills such as:

• identifying threats, tools, and techniques
• understanding security policies, countermeasures, and risk management

Students can concentrate in general cybersecurity and information assurance or enterprise systems. They can also take an internship-oriented route. Each option includes courses such as:

• Information Technology Governance
• Information Technology Security & Assurance
• Secure Programming
• Microcomputing Technology
• Network Technology & Management

The internship route includes 21 credits of core courses. There are 15 elective credits. These include two courses from the computer and information systems discipline. There are nine credits of internship work.

The general concentration includes 27 core credits. There are three elective credits. 

The enterprise systems concentration teaches students key concepts. They learn to develop and maintain secure enterprise information systems. These are for major organizations. It includes 21 required credits and nine specialized credits.

The specialized component consists of three courses:

• Cobol Programming
• Advanced Cobol Programming
• Enterprise Transaction Process Systems

It culminates in the program outcome assessment. 

MU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The university houses the Center for Cybersecurity Education. This offers the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program. It grants students access to a variety of cybersecurity resources.

These include certifications like the MSIA certification. It also has competitions, conferences, journals, and more. 

Robert Morris offers many graduate certificate options. These are relevant to the cybersecurity and information assurance field. Students may pursue business-oriented certificates. These are in areas such as:

• Ethics and Legal Studies
• Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Nonprofit Leadership

Students may also pursue a specialized graduate certificate. This is in Enterprise Systems. It has 15 credits of study. These are in topics like:

• Cobol Programming
• Enterprise Operating Systems
• Enterprise Transaction Processing Systems

Students can earn the certificate online in one year of study.

#6.  Davenport University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security

Davenport University has a Master of Science in information assurance and cybersecurity. This is through its College of Technology. The degree exists on the university’s campuses in Detroit or Grand Rapids, MI. It’s also online in the Global Campus. Courses exist in a blended format of online and on-campus learning.

Davenport’s information assurance and cybersecurity program is well-known. It is the ideal choice for prospective students without a technological background. The program welcomes applicants of all professional backgrounds. Applicants do not need to have undergraduate degrees in a relevant technological field. 

The 34-credit curriculum covers areas such as:

• application and network security
• forensics
• project management and risk mitigation.

The degree program builds students’ understanding of data protection. It covers ethical and legal issues. It builds skills in analysis and risk mitigation in cybersecurity. It also emphasizes hands-on case studies. There are opportunities for experiential learning in high-tech university laboratories.

The curriculum includes:

• 27 credits of required core courses
• two upper-level three-credit elective courses
• a four-credit capstone.

Students may specialize in information assurance or health care information assurance.

The core MSIA curriculum consists of nine courses. These include:

• Applied Cryptography
• Information Security Planning
• Research Techniques for Information Assurance
• Elective course offerings include:
• Comprehensive Issues
• Healthcare Security
• Wireless and Mobile Security

Students can complete an internship experience related to information assurance.

Davenport is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. It’s also recognized for its Cyber Defense Education. This is by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

#7.  Florida Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

The Florida Institute of Technology has an ideal location. It’s on the Florida Space Coast’s high-tech corridor. It’s among respected organizations such as Harris Corp., Leonardo DRS, and NASA.

The school offers a Master of Science in information assurance and cybersecurity. Students may complete the program online through interactive learning. They can also complete it on the school’s campus in Melbourne, FL. It’s a great master’s in information assurance for working professionals.

The interdisciplinary degree program  prepares students to deal with cybersecurity risks. These include in corporate, government, and military settings. Students can expect to learn about threats such as:

• identity theft
• intellectual property theft
• infrastructure security threats

The curriculum also explores topics including:

• attack models
• biometric technology
• communications encryption
• data mining
• forensics
• security architectures and mechanisms

The program features a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. This promotes close connection and mentorship. Many faculty members have relevant experience. This is in academia, industry, and research.

The degree requires 33 credits of study. This includes 18 credits of core courses. There are 15 credits of electives in:

• information assurance and cybersecurity
• computer and information science
• software engineering

Core courses include:

• Biometric Authentication Technologies
• Cryptography and Information Hiding
• Host and Application Security

Students may choose to substitute a master’s thesis. This is for six elective credits. Those who do not complete a thesis must complete a three-credit capstone project.

Graduates may pursue many careers. These include:

• computer network defense engineers
• cybercrime technology directors
• network defense engineers
• threat intelligence analysts

#8.  Regis University

Master of Science in Information and Cyber Security

Regis’ College of Computer & Information Sciences is one of the best. It has a Master of Science in information and cybersecurity. Students may complete the masters in information assurance online. They can also work at the university’s campus in Denver, CO. There’s even a blend of traditional and online learning.

Courses occur in eight week-terms. Campus-based classes follow a cohort model. Groups of students entering the program each August. They progress through sequential coursework at the same pace. Campus classes are on the university’s Denver Tech Center campus.

Regis’ MS in Information and Cyber Security has 36 credits of graduate study. This includes 15 core required credit hours. There are 18 specialization credit hours. The core curriculum consists of five courses:

• Enterprise Architecture
• Information Technology Concepts
• Information Technology Research Methods
• Managing a Secure Enterprise

Students can specialize in cybersecurity or information assurance policy management.

The cybersecurity specialization includes three courses:

• Advancing to Cyber Security
• Computer Forensics
• Offensive Cyber Security

Students in the cybersecurity specialization choose three elective courses. These are from options such as:

• Legal Basics in Cyber and Information Security
• Malware Analysis and Response
• Network Forensics

The information assurance policy management specialization includes courses like:

• Enterprise Information Assurance
• Legal Basics in Cyber and Information Security
• Planning and Implementing Architecture Security

#9.  Dakota State University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Computer Security

Dakota State University has a great degree in information assurance. It’s a Master of Science in information assurance and computer security. This information assurance masters degree emphasizes hands-on, applied learning. It prepares individuals to lead in the implementation of:

• new technologies
• security strategies
• cyber-attack protections in the public and private sectors

The DSU MS in information assurance and cybersecurity has 30 credit hours of study. That’s beyond the bachelor’s degree in information assurance. The curriculum has 10 core courses. 

These include:

• Computer Forensics
• Cryptography
• Data Privacy
• Ethics and Information Technology
• Incident Response
• Offensive Security

Some courses may have students complete lab-based assignments. These use specialized hardware or software. Each candidate must complete a comprehensive exam in their final semester of study.

You may also choose to follow a banking and financial security specialization. This emphasizes policymaking. MSIA candidates can complete an industry internship experience during the summer. Students start with a generalized internship in computing. It is after their second year of study. They may choose to complete a security-specific internship after the third year.

DSU students can earn their MS in information assurance and cybersecurity fast. It takes two years of full-time study. Students can pursue the degree on a part-time basis at their own pace.

Students can earn the degree as part of Dakota State’s 4+1 graduate program. This allows students to earn both an undergraduate degree and the MSIA degree in five years. Graduates of the MSIA program can then pursue industry certifications.

#10.  Sam Houston State University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security

U.S. News & World Report  ranks Sam Houston State University well. It is one of the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs. 

The university has a Master of Science in information assurance and security. 

The MSIA program is through the Department of Computer and Information Science. It’s within its College of Science and Engineering Technology. The department has a variety of institutional computing facilities and resources. These are in programming languages and network protocols. It also operates laboratory facilities that conduct research in:

• data recovery
• network robotics
• network security

The MSIA degree program is open to all applicants. It is for those who have completed an undergraduate degree. They should have a background in computer and information science. It can also be in management information systems.

The curriculum has 36 semester credit hours of graduate study. It builds students’ skills in:

• network damage prevention
• risk assessment
• corporate information protection
• disaster recovery planning

It includes six specified course requirements:

• Business Continuity Management
• Database Security
• Directed Management & Development Project
• Network and Cyber Security
• Operating System Security
• Principles and Policy in Information Assurance

Each student has their own graduate committee. 

Graduates of the program can pursue any information assurance careers. That includes commercial, governmental, and industrial settings. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Towson University

Location: Towson, MD

Degree: Master of Science in Applied Information Technology

Net Price: $26,820

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#12. Norwich University

Location: Northfield, VT

Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Net Price: $45,340

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#13. University of Maryland Global Campus

Location: Adelphi, MD

Degree: Master of Science in Information Technology, specialization in Information Assurance

Net Price: $12,336

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#14. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, IL

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems

Net Price: $57,762

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#15. Brandeis University

Location: Waltham, MA

Degree: Master of Science in Information Security Leadership

Net Price: $64,348

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#16. University of Denver – University College

Location: Denver, CO

Degree: Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology. Concentration in Information Systems Security

Net Price: $51,090

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#17. American Intercontinental University

Location: Chandler, AZ

Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Net Price: $19,020

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#18. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Location: Daytona Beach, FL

Degree: Master of Science in Information Security & Assurance

Net Price: $20,340

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#19. Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Location: University Park, PA

Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Net Price: $13,988

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#20. Wilmington University

Location: New Castle, DE

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems Technology

Net Price: $21,360

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