Lead from the front: How to earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity engineering

In this guide

• Find the right fit
• Coursework
• Tuition and financial aid
• Career & earnings outlook
• Frequently asked questions
• Program listings

Elevate your cybersecurity prowess with a master’s in engineering in cybersecurity. This advanced degree takes you beyond the basics, offering a deep dive into the intricacies of computer science and security.

You won’t just learn the theories; you’ll gain hands-on skills to identify, assess, and neutralize cyber threats effectively. Whether you’re entering the field or looking to climb the career ladder, this master’s program is your ticket to becoming a frontline defender in the cyber world.

Security industry practitioners and research scholars will find this degree invaluable in the pursuit of their professional and academic goals.

Many corporations and educational institutions are actively recruiting industry professionals and recent graduates with this level of knowledge and expertise. 

The demand for workers with a cybersecurity engineering degree is rising in both public and private sector organizations worldwide.

Cybersecurity engineers can be found in the financial and healthcare sectors as well as military government and corporations. This graduate degree focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity. It prepares students for jobs analyzing, developing, investigating, protecting, and defending the cyber ecosystem.

Steps in choosing the right cybersecurity engineering program

Understanding and gathering information about each of the following steps will help prospective students determine if a cybersecurity engineering master’s degree is the best option for them. Each individual’s circumstances, including interest level, previous education, and available resources, will necessarily factor into the decision. 

Aptitude: A master of science in cybersecurity engineering degree program and the work the degree qualifies a student to perform is quite technical. By the time most students get to the master’s degree level, they have already determined that they have an aptitude for technical studies and work. For beginning students that are planning their long-term goals, it is advisable to take some highly technical courses before deciding on a graduate degree program to make sure they have the needed technical acumen, interests, and abilities. 

Location: If there is such a thing as a silver lining to the coronavirus of 2020, it would be that many, if not most, educational institutions have significantly increased the number of courses offered online, either in whole or in part. Because of this increase in virtual learning environments, an academic institution’s location is less critical than in years past. Still, when choosing a degree program from a specific institution of higher education, be sure to do the research needed to determine if you will need to be in class or in-person, for any or all of the courses, projects, or exams. 

Prerequisites: Once the student has their eye set on a specific college or university, they should ask about the degree program’s requirements. Generally, master’s degree programs require that students have previously obtained a bachelor’s degree or have finished their bachelor’s level studies before starting master’s level classes. However, there are some differences in what constitutes an acceptable bachelor’s degree to meet the qualifications for some master’s programs. Computer science, software engineering, and network engineering bachelor’s degrees are common prerequisites for a cybersecurity engineering master’s program but check with the school being considered for any qualification details. 

Degree requirements: The precise requirements for each graduate-level degree program will vary depending on the school. Many Masters of Cybersecurity Engineering programs require a minimum of 30-33 semester credit hours and a capstone project or graduate thesis. Some programs require up to 48 credits. Graduate students will earn the requisite number of credits by passing foundation courses, cybersecurity courses, elective courses, and a capstone project or master’s thesis. 

Admission requirements: It is not uncommon for colleges and universities to require candidates to exceed a certain minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to their graduate programs. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is a common requirement. Students should understand these requirements as they relate to their school of choice. 

Cybersecurity engineering master’s coursework

A Master of Cybersecurity Engineering degree requires from 33 to 48 semester graduate credit hours. A capstone engineering project demonstrating mastery of cybersecurity engineering or a master’s thesis is commonly needed for the degree. 

The following courses are representative of many program requirements. 

Core or foundational courses, such as:

• Penetration Testing
• Computer Security
• Cryptography
• Software Engineering

Additional required courses, such as:

• Digital Forensics
• Network Security
• Operating System Administration

Cybersecurity electives, such as:

• Human Factors in Cybersecurity
• Incident Response and Risk Management
• Software Process

Each university has its prescribed number of credits that must be earned from each category of coursework. A graduate capstone project or master’s thesis can contribute from 3 to 10 credits toward the requirements depending on the school.

Master’s in cybersecurity engineering jobs

The demand for cybersecurity engineers is high and growing. Some top-level cybersecurity jobs require a master’s in cybersecurity engineering or another similar master’s degree. More common for entry and mid-level cybersecurity jobs, a master’s degree is preferred, with the minimum requirements being a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience. 

Obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity can offset several years of the required experience for high-level security jobs. One graduate noted that the three years she invested in obtaining a master’s degree represented a shortcut to the research job she wanted, compared to the 5-7 years of experience most companies require. 

Job titles for which employers often seek candidates with a master of science in cybersecurity engineering degree include the following. 

• Senior security specialist
• Security architect & engineer
• Network and cybersecurity researcher
• Senior cybersecurity systems engineer
• Computer and information systems managers
• Computer and information research scientists

Nearly every industry needs cybersecurity engineers. Industry sectors with an acute shortage of cybersecurity engineering master’s degree graduates include:

• Healthcare
• Aerospace
• Entertainment
• Information Systems

Companies that regularly advertise for cybersecurity engineers include:

• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratories
• Google
• US Airforce
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Lockheed Martin
• NBC Universal
• Chevron

Tuition for a cybersecurity engineering master’s program

There are many variables associated with educational tuition. Online courses typically cost less than on-campus options. Many universities offer a hybrid model where some classes and labs are in person, and others are online. Each option may affect the overall cost of the program. 

Financial aid availability and eligibility can significantly affect what a student pays for a master’s degree.

Tuition

Tuition for a cybersecurity engineering master’s degree can cost from $30,000 to nearly $50,000. 

Below are two examples of the costs for cybersecurity engineering master’s degree programs:

The University of Washington’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering program costs $837 per credit and requires 46-49 credits. This per-unit price puts the total cost for this master’s degree at $41,013.

The Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Engineering costs $30,800 for their 48 credit program. 

These cybersecurity engineering master’s degrees are slightly higher but essentially on par with other cybersecurity master’s programs that are less technical than the engineering degree. 

Financial aid

Tuition exemption programs, institutional tuition waivers, and grant programs are generally less available for graduate degrees than undergraduate degrees. Each education institution will provide information specific to their programs, so be sure to check financial aid availability. 

Some students, depending on financial status, may be eligible for Department of Education Loans. The application process is free, and students are encouraged to start applying for Student Financial Aid (FASFA) as early as possible.

Check out our scholarship guide for more information.

Career outlook and earning potential

To put the career outlook and earning potential for cybersecurity professionals with a master’s degree in context, it is helpful to compare labor statistics for two occupations; Information Security Analyst and Computer and Information Research Scientist. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical entry-level education requirement for information security analysts is a bachelor’s degree. The 2022 median pay was $112,00 per year, and the job growth outlook is 32 percent, which is much faster than average. 

Graduates with a cybersecurity engineering master’s degree can reasonably expect to earn a higher wage than those in the field with a bachelor’s degree and enjoy the same exceptional job growth outlook. 

The BLS reports the typical entry-level education for computer and information research scientists is a master’s degree. The 2022 median pay was $136,620 per year, and the job growth outlook is 23 percent. 

A cybersecurity researcher or engineer with a master’s degree should expect to earn a salary comparable to that of the information research scientist and benefit from the exceptional employment opportunities created by the cybersecurity skills gap. 

The recap

Whether preparing to begin a career in the field of cybersecurity or looking for a path to fulfill career advancement goals, a master of science in cybersecurity engineering degree will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to set graduates apart from the crowd. They will be undeniably better qualified for many positions than their peers with a bachelor’s degree. Students will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to defend against cyberattacks, identify and triage security breaches, and apply the most current mitigation strategies. 

Suppose a student’s academic goals include performing cybersecurity research or teaching at a post-secondary level. In that case, a cybersecurity engineering master’s degree will provide them with many of the requisite skills and knowledge. 

The global skills gap for cybersecurity expertise has created opportunities within the private sector and government organizations. A cybersecurity engineering master’s degree will provide significant advantages for finding the perfect job. A graduate’s understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity will make them an attractive prospect for jobs that require analyzing, developing, investigating, protecting, and defending information systems. 

Frequently asked questions

Program listings

The Cybersecurity Guide research team compiled a list of programs that offer a master’s of engineering in cybersecurity degree.

1. Arizona State University

   Tempe, Arizona

   
   Program: Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity)
   CAE designation: CAE-R
   Cost per credit: $566 in-state | $2,521 out of state
   Number of credits: 120 hours
   Delivery method: Campus
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Advanced network security
   • Secure software development
   • Digital forensics and incident response

   Learn more: Program details

2. Auburn University

   Auburn, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science - Cybersecurity Engineering
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
   Cost per credit: $594 in-state | $1,782 out of state
   Number of credits: 33
   Delivery method: Campus, Online
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Strong emphasis on practical hands-on experience in cybersecurity engineering
   • In-depth study of advanced topics like network security, secure coding, and digital forensics
   • Focused curriculum covering emerging technologies and the latest industry trends in cybersecurity engineering

   Learn more: Program details

3. Augusta University

   Augusta, Georgia

   
   Program: Bachelor of Science with a major in Cybersecurity Engineering
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Cost per credit: $345 in-state | $1,114 out of state
   Number of credits: 132 hours
   Delivery method: Campus
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Hands-on experience in designing secure systems and networks
   • In-depth knowledge of cryptography algorithms and protocols
   • Practical training in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment

   Learn more: Program details

4. Carnegie Mellon University

   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

   
   Program: CERT Cybersecurity Engineering and Software Assurance Professional Certificate
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
   Cost per credit: $1,250
   Number of credits: 31 hours
   Delivery method: Online
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity engineering principles and practices
   • Focused on software assurance techniques and methodologies
   • Hands-on experience in assessing, developing, and managing secure software systems

   Learn more: Program details

5. Clemson University

   Clemson, South Carolina

   
   Program: Master Of Science In Computer Engineering – Cybersecurity (M.S.)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Cost per credit: $1,037 in-state | $2,633 out of state
   Number of credits: 30
   Delivery method: Campus, Online, Hybrid
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Specialized coursework in computer network security
   • Hands-on experience in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
   • Advanced instruction in cryptography and secure systems design

   Learn more: Program details

6. Colorado Technical University

   Colorado Springs, Colorado

   
   Program: Online Cybersecurity Engineering
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Cost per credit: $340
   Number of credits: 183 hours
   Delivery method: Campus, Online
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Strong foundation in computer science along with specialized knowledge in cybersecurity.
   • Gain practical skills in analyzing and responding to various cyber threats.
   • Prepares students for industry certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

   Learn more: Program details

7. Columbia University

   New York, New York

   
   Program: Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Boot Camp
   Cost per credit: $15,495
   Number of credits: 24 weeks
   Delivery method: Online
   GRE required: n/a
   Program highlights:
   

   • Hands-on curriculum covering essential cybersecurity concepts
   • Real-world projects to simulate industry scenarios
   • Access to a network of industry professionals and experts

   Learn more: Program details

8. DePaul University

   Chicago, Illinois

   
   Program: Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Cost per credit: $758
   Number of credits: 192
   Delivery method: Hybrid
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Real-time embedded systems
   • Wireless sensor networks
   • Safety and security in CPS

   Learn more: Program details

9. Duke University

   Durham, North Carolina

   
   Program: Cybersecurity Master of Engineering
   Cost per credit: $2,647
   Number of credits: 30
   Delivery method: Campus, Online
   GRE required: not required
   Program highlights:
   

   • Advanced Cryptography Techniques
   • Network Security and Firewalls
   • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

   Learn more: Program details

10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    Daytona Beach, Florida

    
    Program: Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Cost per credit: $1,695
    Number of credits: 30
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Advanced Cryptography Techniques
    • Network Security
    • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

    Learn more: Program details

11. Florida Polytechnic University

    Lakeland, Florida

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering Degree (BS)
    Cost per credit: $106 in-state | $615 out of state
    Number of credits: 120
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Cutting-edge curriculum focusing on the latest advancements in cybersecurity technologies
    • Hands-on experience through real-world projects and simulations to develop practical skills
    • Expert faculty with industry experience providing in-depth knowledge and mentorship

    Learn more: Program details

12. George Mason University

    Fairfax, Virginia

    
    Program: Cyber Security Engineering, BS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $421 in-state | $1,426 out of state
    Number of credits: 126
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Cutting-edge courses on network security and cryptography
    • Hands-on training with industry-standard tools and techniques
    • Opportunities for internships and co-op experiences with top cybersecurity firms

    Learn more: Program details

13. Houston Christian University

    Houston, Texas

    
    Program: Cyber Engineering
    Cost per credit: $986
    Number of credits: 125
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Advanced network security protocols implementation
    • Threat intelligence and analysis for cyber defense
    • Penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques

    Learn more: Program details

14. Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering (M.A.S.)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Cost per credit: $1,712
    Number of credits: 30
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Specialized courses in network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking.
    • Hands-on experience in analyzing and mitigating cyber threats.
    • Collaboration with industry professionals through internships and capstone projects.

    Learn more: Program details

15. Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    
    Program: Cyber Security Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $875 in-state | $2,307 out of state
    Number of credits: 125
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Advanced Encryption Techniques
    • Network Security Management
    • Cyber Incident Response

    Learn more: Program details

16. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana

    
    Program: Cyber Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $662
    Number of credits: 128
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Hands-on training in cybersecurity principles and concepts
    • Advanced coursework in network security and encryption algorithms
    • Practical experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments

    Learn more: Program details

17. North Carolina State University

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    
    Program: Cyber Security Engineer
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $526
    Number of credits: 12
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Strong knowledge of network security protocols and technology
    • Experience in conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
    • Expertise in analyzing security incidents and implementing appropriate countermeasures

    Learn more: Program details

18. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville, Illinois

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering (BS)
    Cost per credit: $638
    Number of credits: 127-129 hours
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Hands-on training in network security
    • Advanced coursework in cryptography
    • Real-world simulations of cyber attacks

    Learn more: Program details

19. Texas A&M University-College Station

    College Station, Texas

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering - Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Cost per credit: $799
    Number of credits: 12
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Hands-on training on network security protocols and vulnerabilities
    • Exposure to cutting-edge cryptographic techniques and algorithms
    • Practical experience in implementing secure coding practices

    Learn more: Program details

20. University of Arizona

    Sierra Vista, Arizona

    
    Program: Cyber Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Cost per credit: $550 in-state | $1,650 out of state
    Number of credits: 120
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Hands-on ethical hacking workshops
    • Advanced network security protocols
    • Secure software development techniques

    Learn more: Program details

21. University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, Ohio

    
    Program: B.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
    Cost per credit: $746 in-state | $1,333 out of state
    Number of credits: 126 - 130
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Curriculum covers a wide range of cybersecurity engineering topics, including network security, cryptography, secure coding, and ethical hacking.
    • Hands-on experience through lab exercises, simulation projects, and real-world case studies, providing practical skills in cybersecurity engineering.
    • Opportunities to learn about cutting-edge technologies such as intrusion detection systems, penetration testing tools, and secure software development frameworks.

    Learn more: Program details

22. University of Delaware

    Newark, Delaware

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Cost per credit: $585 in-state | $1,570 out of state
    Number of credits: 126
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Hands-on training in cybersecurity principles and concepts.
    • Advanced courses on cryptography and network security.
    • Practical exercises in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

    Learn more: Program details

23. University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park, Maryland

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $828 in-state | $1,805 out of state
    Number of credits: 30
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: Required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Interdisciplinary approach, incorporating concepts from engineering, computer science, mathematics, and systems engineering to provide a holistic understanding of cybersecurity.
    • Access to cutting-edge laboratories, research centers, and resources for hands-on learning and research opportunities.
    • Opportunity to collaborate with researchers, industry professionals, and government agencies on cybersecurity-related projects, fostering networking and collaboration

    Learn more: Program details

24. University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne, Maryland

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering Technology
    Cost per credit: $470 in-state | $1,372 out of state
    Number of credits: 34
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: Not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Advanced courses in cryptography
    • Hands-on experience in cybersecurity tools and techniques
    • Applied research projects in network security

    Learn more: Program details

25. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Dartmouth, Massachusetts

    
    Program: Computer Engineering Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Cost per credit: $1,211 in-state | $2,590 out of state
    Number of credits: 21-23.5
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: Not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities
    • Network security and intrusion detection systems
    • Cryptography and data protection techniques

    Learn more: Program details

26. University of New Hampshire

    Durham, New Hampshire

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering (M.S.)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Cost per credit: $800 in-state | $985 out of state
    Number of credits: 30-33
    Delivery method: Campus
    GRE required: Not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Comprehensive curriculum covering key areas of cybersecurity engineering
    • Hands-on experience through real-world projects and simulations
    • Specialized courses in network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking

    Learn more: Program details

27. University of Southern California

    Los Angeles, California

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
    Cost per credit: $2,424
    Number of credits: 28
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    GRE required: Not required
    Program highlights:
    

    • Advanced Cryptography
    • Network Security Management
    • Cyber Incident Response

    Learn more: Program details