Online Information Security Masters Programs

An online information security masters degree is an option for graduate students interested in information security, information networking, and information technology management.

Information security is a term that refers to the security of the information systems that are used and the data that is processed. Information security also means protecting information and related information systems from unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, disruption, modification, deletion, and destruction. The goal of the masters in information security degree is to provide training protection of electronic systems and data. Hence, the degree is ideal for graduate students who are interested in the business side of security management, network security, and information management. Graduates can work in many sectors including banking and finance, homeland security, and cyber security. The degree program is therefore ideal for students who wish to work in retail, security, crime prevention, safety, forensic science, and criminal justice.

Online Information Security Masters Degree Programs

Western Governors University

• M. S. in Information Security and Assurance

The University of Liverpool

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSc in IT)
• Master of Science in Computer Security

Kaplan University

• M. S. in Information Technology/Information Security and Assurance
• M. S. in Information Technology/Business Intelligence

Colorado Technical University Online

• Master of Science in Management - Information Systems Security
• Masters of Science in Management in Homeland Security

Villanova University

• Master Certificate in CISSP Security Management
• Essentials of Information Systems (IS) Security
• Master Certificate in Information Systems (IS) Security

University of Phoenix

• MS in Information Science

South University Online

• MBA in Management Information Systems

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Information Security Education and Training

The specific courses in information security management degree programs vary according to the program focus or concentration. Online information security courses can include computer systems security, intelligence analysis, information protection, critical infrastructure, computer crime, and the psychology of cyber crime.

Student may also take courses in principles and theories of security management as well as computer forensics. Other programs focus on business assets protection and e-commerce strategies and security. Specific information security masters courses may include:

• Information System Security Administration
• Information System Security Operations
• Object Oriented Programming
• Data Structure
• Ethics, Law and Policy in Cyberspace
• Secure Software Engineering
• Network Security
• Software Assurance

  Security Management Careers

Jobs information security are available in practically all sectors, Careers in security management can include working for banking and financial institutions, health information protection, the U.S. Department of homeland security, Internet and computer security, private business, security firms, retail management, e-commerce, transportation, security analysis, or security consulting.

With a masters or MBA degree, graduates usually work in management positions. A list of possible information security careers include the following:

• Information Systems Strategy
• Applications Development
• Data Administration
• Internet and E-Commerce
• Computer and Internet Networking
• Operations
• Quality Assurance
• Software Development
  
• Technical Support
• Technology Management
• Business Consulting

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for senior executives is over $85,000 annually. The BLS reports the following earnings for 2008:

Network and computer systems administrators - Median annual wages - $66,310; Middle 50% $51,690 to $84,110. Lowest 10% below $41,000; Highest 10% over $104,070.

Database administrators – Median annual wages - $69,740; Middle 50% $52,340 to $91,850; Lowest 10% below $39,900; Highest 10% over $111,950.

Network systems and data communication analysts – Median annual wages - $71,100; Middle 50% $54,330 to $90,740; Lowest 10% below $41,660; Highest 10% over $110,920.

For those working in homeland security, customs and border protection officers earn around $54,000 a year. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs in border and transportation security and emergency preparedness to grow faster than average over the next several years.

The BLS also reports that overall employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators is projected to increase by 30% from 2008 to 2018. Careers with a campus or online information security masters degree provide a wide range of employment possibilities.