Masters in Cyber Security in USA: A Course Guide for International Student

Masters in Cyber Security in USA is 1 to 2 year course that prepares professionals for cybersecurity and information assurance leadership roles in various corporations, agencies, and organizations. The mode of delivery of the program could be on-campus, online, or both. It can be pursued as both full-time and part-time degrees from the renowned universities of USA. 

A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is required to apply for MS in Cyber Security in USA. Supporting documents required for admission include SOP for USA, writing sample, LOR, resume, financial availability proof, and immigration documents.

Tuition fees at universities offering Masters in Cyber Security in USA range between 30,800 to 119,000 USD (~24.07 lakhs to 92.99 lakhs). Students in financial need can enroll in the program by availing of one of the various available scholarships to study in USA. However, the tuition cost is justified by the respectable ROI. Currently, the average salary of cybersecurity graduates in the USA is 76,960 USD (~60.14 lakhs) per year.

Explore: Jobs after MS in USA

Why Study Masters in Cyber Security in USA?

Masters in Cyber Security in USA is gaining popularity among study abroad aspirants in recent years because of the emerging career opportunities. Following are some of the reasons supporting this statement:

• Job growth for Information Security Analyst is expected to be 32% by the year 2028 which is much higher than the national average of 5%.
• Paygrade for an Informational Security Analyst is 99,730 USD per annum while the average of all computer occupations is only 88,240 USD per annum. 
• Top recruiting industry for cybersecurity graduates in USA is finance and insurance paying up to 103,510 USD per year. 
• Salary of a Cyber Security Analyst increases to 87,000 USD per annum with 5-9 years of experience.

Top Universities for Masters in Cyber Security in USA

According to QS World University ranking for 2023, following are the 10 best universities for Masters in Cyber Security in USA along with their total program fees, duration and mode of delivery: 

Course Details of Masters in Cyber Security in USA

MS in Cyber Security is a computer-based degree that includes studying communication networks and technologies and discussing of legal and ethical issues in computer security. In the USA, you can apply for on-campus, online, full-time as well as part-time Masters in Cyber Security degrees.

While studying in the USA, you get to learn about forensic issues that help in finding the source of a data hack. Most universities include a research or thesis project as part of the program, which gives the students a chance to focus on a specific area of interest.

Types of Degrees in Masters in Cyber Security in USA

• MS in Cyber Security: An MS in Cyber Security includes methods related to data integrity, disaster recovery, business continuity planning and risk management. The courses deal with advanced tools and techniques (e.g. forensics, cryptography/cryptanalysis) and important organizational practices (e.g. access control). 
• MS in Computer Science (CS) with Specialization of Cyber Security: Some universities have chosen to stick with an MS in Computer Science and offer an elective/concentration in security instead of creating a separate degree program in cybersecurity. 
• MS in Information Assurance (IA): Information assurance encompasses both the technical and managerial aspects of protecting and controlling information and information systems. In addition to technical courses on forensics, auditing, intrusion detection, etc., the students examine security policies, best practices, cyber law, and other management issues.
• MS in Information Technology (IT): An MS in Information Technology with a concentration in security is a qualification that CTOs and IT Managers may be interested in. Courses often deal with security risks, regulatory issues, organizational objectives, and IT best practices.

Admission Process of Masters in Cyber Security in USA

Students with a bachelors degree in computer science, cybersecurity or a related field can apply in USA universities for Masters in Cyber Security. 

Eligibility for Masters in Cyber Security in USA

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related field
• Many universities look for 3 or higher GPA (4-point scale) or 8.75 (10-point scale) or 83% for the last two years of undergraduate studies.
• Core Subject Requirements: 
  • 1-2 years of calculus
  • Math courses beyond calculus (e.g. linear algebra, discrete mathematics, differential equations, etc.)
  • Computer science courses (e.g. programming, data structures, computer architecture, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency

Documents Required for Masters in Cyber Security in USA Admission 

• Official transcripts
• SOP (minimum 500 words)
• A writing sample from work or previous academic experiences. A two-page double-spaced word-processed essay that addresses the following two topics can be submitted as an alternative:
  • Discuss two accomplishments demonstrating the candidate’s potential for success in the graduate program.
  • Discuss unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish the applicant from other applicants to the graduate program.
• Letter Of Recommendation
• Proof of English language proficiency
• A financial certificate and supporting financial documents.
• Updated CV (a detailed summary of educational qualifications, personal profile, work experience, and extracurricular activities)
• Copy of valid passport
• Immigration documents 
  • Bank and sponsor letter
  • Declaration and Certification of Finances
  • F-1 Transfer Form (if currently residing in the U.S. on an F-1 visa).

English Language Requirement for International Students

International students are required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Minimum score requirement for applying to top universities of the USA is provided below:

Visa Requirement for International Students

Getting a F-1 visa as an international student is an important aspect of the paperwork required. The requirements for the same is discussed in brief below:

• Valid passport, expiry dates need to exceed 2 years of the postgraduate program.
• Bank balance covering the tuition fee and living cost of the first year. 
• Bank statements that stand as proof of scholarships offered by USA universities, in case the applicant has applied for any. 
• Eligibility forms like I-20
• SEVIS fees of 200 USD

Also Check:

The cost of study is a broad detail of the expenses that an international student planning to study abroad has to pay. The USA is not only one of the most popular international student destinations but also one of the most expensive student destinations too. So when planning for pursuing Masters in Cyber Security in USA, you must be familiar with the following costs. 

Pre-Arrival Costs

Before leaving for the USA, international students will have to spend a hefty sum of expenses like application fees, visa application fees, fees for exams to study in USA, etc. Some of these are discussed in the table below:

Tuition Fees for Masters in Cyber Security in USA

UC Berkeley has the highest annual tuition fees for Masters in Cyber Security in USA ie. 69,984 USD. Mercyhurst University and University of Tampa has the lowest tuition fees. 

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of pursuing studies in the USA is quite expensive as the cost of studying in the USA can be around 1000 USD/month approximately which is equivalent to 74,000 INR. Given below are the details of some of the monthly expenses that an international student will experience on a regular basis while studying here:

Note: These costs are an estimate and will vary as per the lifestyle of the applicant. 

Scholarships for Masters in Cyber Security in USA

As discussed above, studying and living in the USA can be cumbersome. Scholarships available for international students are one way out of burning this hole in your pocket. Discussed below are certain grants that you can apply for:

Looking for more options for scholarships in USA, click here to read more. Students can also choose education loans in USA. 

Scope of Masters in Cyber Security in USA

Cyber Security experts are needed in companies from all fields, but especially in financial, healthcare, and even educational institutions, where transactions, assets, and health records need to be protected from hackers. There are multiple positions which can be occupied in these fields. They have in common great salaries and high demand for technical skills, attention to details, problem-solving mentality, and the ability to analyze risks.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 28% job growth for cybersecurity professionals by 2026 and salaries are expected to be over 135,000 USD per year, with numbers varying according to location and years of experience. Some of the best IT Security jobs in the USA and the average annual salaries are tabulated below:

The global epidemic of cyber-crime has caused a worldwide effort to beef up cybersecurity at organizations across all industry sectors. According to CybersecurityVentures.com, the estimated cost of cyber-crime worldwide will skyrocket to $6 trillion a year with hackers working round the clock to hit high-profile targets as Target, Uber, Equifax, the FBI and many more, making it an increasing threat. 

The stakes are incredibly high as there is a worldwide shortage of 2.93 million Cyber Security professionals according to ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) which makes it the right career choice for the science graduates. If you have a knack for computer hacking and getting to these criminals gives you the adrenaline rush, then Masters in Cyber Security is the righteous choice for you. 

FAQs