Between personal identity theft, email hacks, and large-scale operations to illegally obtain highly sensitive government documents, it seems that there’s information security in the news almost daily.
As the world has become increasingly connected and documents have become increasingly digital and cloud-based, the opportunities for hacking and theft have increased dramatically. That’s one reason why information assurance and information security programs are becoming more common at universities and why demand for enrollment in these programs is at an all-time high.
Employment prospects for graduates with a master’s degree in either field is also excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating 18 percent growth through the end of the decade. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
One of the key ways to stand out in this field is to obtain a master’s degree that comes with “brand name” recognition from a major university, is highly ranked for its quality and academic rigor, and is affordable enough to avoid placing a significant student loan burden on the graduate.
To that end, this ranking of the best information assurance and security programs in the United States focuses on graduate degrees that come with name recognition, prestige, and an affordable price tag. It also focuses only on the most reputable, nonprofit universities in the country, leaving out for-profit colleges that often lack prestige and an ethical commitment to students.
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20. Capitol Technology University
Previously known as Capitol College, CTU is one of the leading tech-focused universities in Maryland. The school is consistently ranked among the best for undergraduate programs in engineering, with information security and computer science programs that produce a large number of successful graduates each year as well. The school is listed as a top regional choice in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country by U.S. News and World Report and, despite being a private institution, offers highly affordable tuition.
Capitol Technology University offers a 36-credit M.S. in intelligence and global security that teaches students how to secure networks, the program with security in mind, and analyzes security risks to great public and private organizations. Hands-on experience is emphasized throughout each course, including a final capstone project course prior that must be completed before graduation. The program is CAE/IAE certified.
19. Dakota State University
Dakota State University is one of the nation’s most affordable public institutions of higher education, with tuition rates that allow many students to graduate without a significant student loan burden. In addition to ranking among the 35 best public universities in the nation, this relatively small institution ranks as one of the best regional universities anywhere in the Midwest. Its programs in technology and business are considered some of the best in the region, in particular.
The 30-hour M.S. program in information assurance and computer security requires that students choose a specialization. Two operations are available: cyber security or banking and financial security. These specializations constitute 9 of the 30 total credits required. Other courses focus on secure network design, information security analysis, cryptography, and computer forensics. The program has earned CAE/IAE certification.