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Can You Get a Master’s in Cybersecurity?

Master's Degree Cybersecurity

Today, every individual and organization in the world is at risk of cyberattacks. Cybercrimes ranging from email hacks to cyberwarfare perpetrated by nation-states are increasing in prevalence and impact. In 2021 alone, the FBI found that cybercrime cost the U.S. economy $6.9 billion.

This increase in crime brings increased demand for cybersecurity professionals who can defend organizations and governments from criminals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for cybersecurity professionals will grow 35% by 2031. That rapidly-increasing demand, combined with a cybersecurity talent shortage, means that the field offers excellent long-term growth potential. A cybersecurity master’s degree can provide one route into these high-paying roles.

Cybersecurity Master's Degree Overview

A master’s degree in cybersecurity offers targeted education beyond what is offered in a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, or in undergraduate or graduate computer science programs.

“The master’s program can be regarded as the continuum of a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Bilge Karabacak, chair of the M.S. in Cybersecurity program at Franklin University. “Graduates will gain more in-depth skills in information assurance, application security, ethical hacking and risk management.”

Many cybersecurity master’s degree programs, including Franklin’s, do not require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, meaning that they are an excellent option for professionals looking to change careers. Professionals without a computer science background may instead complete prerequisite coursework to gain the skills necessary to succeed in a cybersecurity program.

Demand for master’s in cybersecurity degrees is growing fast. According to Lightcast, a leading labor research firm, the completion rate of cybersecurity master’s degrees increased by 98% between 2017 and 2021, while completion of general computer science master’s degrees declined by 2%. Notably, 86% of master’s degrees in cybersecurity are earned online through programs like Franklin’s.

What Cybersecurity Skills Will You Learn in a Master’s?

Cybersecurity master’s degrees should provide a broad understanding of the field and help you develop specific skills. Broadly, Franklin’s master’s in cybersecurity covers engineering-level and management-level cybersecurity topics, theoretical and applied cybersecurity domains and offensive and defensive approaches.

Specific skills you’ll learn in the program include:

Evaluating the organization’s overall security and identifying its specific risk areas
Modeling and identifying threats during the software development process and adapting accordingly
Recommending and implementing cryptographic algorithms and systems to preserve confidentiality and data integrity
Defending the company’s infrastructure against common threats and attacks, like viruses, hacks and phishing attempts
Ensuring the organization is compliant with data security regulatory requirements
Assessing network security at the protocol, device, operating system and application level
Developing organizational policies to ensure security
Franklin’s master’s in cybersecurity curriculum is designed to align with industry-recognized professional certifications, including ISC2’s CISSP and CSSLP certifications, CompTIA’s Pentest+ certification, EC-Council’s CEH Master and ISACA’s CRISC certification.

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

Cybersecurity Master’s Degree vs. Cybersecurity Certificates

You can choose from numerous pathways if you’re interested in entering the cybersecurity industry or growing your career in this in-demand discipline. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a shorter certificate program.

A certification program in cybersecurity usually focuses on a particular topic, like cyber defense or governance, and is completed over several months. A master’s degree program, on the other hand, typically takes at least a year to complete and covers many different aspects of cybersecurity. Some certificates are only valid for a certain period of time, while you’ll hold a master’s degree for life.

“A certification program’s approach is vertical, while a master’s degree’s approach is horizontal,” explains Karabacak. “The goal of the master’s program is to provide the required security mindset expected from a cybersecurity professional. It takes time and requires exposure to different aspects of cybersecurity to gain this mindset. A master’s program ensures this, thanks to the breadth of content provided and the duration of the programs.”

The foundational knowledge that comes from a master’s degree will also prepare you to adapt quickly in a fast-changing field. Many programs, including Franklin’s, include a capstone project that allows you to research emerging cybersecurity trends. With an understanding of the principles underlying cybersecurity strategies and tactics, you’ll be ready to build new skills as threats change and emerge.

“On top of that,” says Dr. Karabacak, “a master’s degree is essential for building soft skills such as communication, team playing, critical thinking, thinking outside the box, problem-solving, adversarial thinking, detailed reporting and documentation, presenting complex topics to a non-technical audience, attention to detail and creativity. They are all essential soft skills for cybersecurity jobs.”

Advance Your Cybersecurity Career at Franklin

Whether you’re preparing to move up in the cybersecurity profession or entering the field, a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Franklin can help you meet your goals.

Franklin’s master’s degree is offered 100% online, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments. In as little as 16 months, you can graduate with your degree and launch a new and exciting cybersecurity career.

Franklin’s program closely aligns with the cybersecurity industry, ensuring you develop the most in-demand skills using the newest tools and technology. Our curriculum includes emerging technologies like cloud, containers and Blockchain, which will prepare you for roles in the government or a wide range of industries.

Are you ready to take on the challenge of defending companies, governments and individuals from cyber threats? Learn more about Franklin’s master’s degree in cybersecurity.