Information Security Online Degree Programs

An information security online degree prepares students in the area of security of digital information and cyber-security.

The responsibilities for information security degree holders include testing of performance of security technologies, updating and maintenance. Information security professional work with digital information that encompass data, email digital information, web content, data, firewall construction and maintenance to mention a few areas. Related tasks with an online information assurance masters degree include protecting intellectual property and data protection as well as preventing identity theft, spamming, and phishing. Hi-tech tools are used to ensure data security including securing information password protection, data encryptors and encoders, backup storage technology, intruder detection programs, firewalls, and passwords.

Selected Information Security Online Degree Programs

Strayer University

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Database Developer
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Computer Security
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Internetworking Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Security Administration

Capella University - Online

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology - Information Assurance and Security specialization

The University of Liverpool

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

• BS - Information Systems Security

Villanova University Online

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

Colorado Technical University Online

• Master of Science in Management - Information Systems Security

• B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
• Master of Information Systems Management (M.I.S.M)

American Sentinel University

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Security

• M.S. in Information Security and Assurance

Virginia College Online

• Master of Science - Cybersecurity

Kaplan University

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

South University - Campus and South University Online

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Information and System Security
• Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology - Information Security

Devry University

• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Information Systems Security
• Associate in Health Information Technology

Westwood College

• Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Systems Security

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Information Security Education and Training

Bachelor and master information security online degree programs provide students the opportunity to develop skills in the prevention of leaks and breaches in information systems, as well as the investigation and analysis of security problems in a given information system.

Students in the information security online degree learn from experienced security and network and professionals. They are exposed to, and work with current software and web-based tools, and this exposure to these technologies provides then with practical, hands-on skills that are applicable to the workplace. Information security PhD and information systems PhD programs often include a research component.
Some information security courses might include the following:

• Cyber Forensics
• Computer Network Auditing
• Management in Information Assurance and Security
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Assurance and Security
• Information Security Research and Design

Information security course requirements at the information security master degree level may include topics that focus on firewalls, viruses, cryptography, network, intrusion detection etc. Information system security degrees at the bachelor’s or master’s level include topics and classes such internet security protocols, as e-commerce and e-business laws and regulations, advanced security protocols, investigative techniques for network security, software testing, business analysis, online security sites, working within a business environment, and communication between law enforcement agencies.

Graduates also learn how to test information systems and also how to modify security measures. As part of the information security online degree, database development, administration and security are an important element of information security training, and specifically on how it relates to security issues with identity theft and credit card and financial information.

Information Systems Security Careers

Information systems security specialists are responsible for protecting data from loss, unauthorized access, theft, and tampering. Jobs in information security systems range from support technicians to IT management.

New information security graduates of information security online degree programs often pursue security specialist and technician positions. Most employers require job candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree in information technology or related areas. This can be a degree in computer science, network administration, or information technology. Some information security career paths include:

• Systems administrator
• Information systems manager
• Data security analyst
• Database manager/administrator
• Networking specialist
• Information security consultant

Information systems security degree holders often work in consulting jobs in middle and upper level management in information security departments. They also work as consultants in private businesses, organizations and government offices that require qualified professionals to access, store, transfer, store or retrieve classified, sensitive or private information.

Hospitals and other health care facilities, banks and other financial institutes, law enforcement and other related agencies tend to hire their own information systems security personnel to work on prevention and maintenance of current information systems as well as the development of new information system security protocols and precautions. Other areas of employment are: Commerce, telecommunications, and national security.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

IT management of network security systems positions pay higher salaries, especially in high needs industries. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information systems managers earn over $100,000 a year. The BLS also reports that the average annual salary for an Internet security specialist in 2008 was $66,310. Other related IT professionals with an information security online degree earn as follows on average:

• Computer specialist: $72,000
• Network analyst: $68,000
• Computer support specialist: $43,000
• Network administrator: 65,000

Information systems security spending has increased significantly, and in some cases anywhere from 6-10% of an organization’s budget. The spending is also expected increase or to at least remain steady. This means that there will be a continued need for professionals with information security online degree credentials.