collageThe following article explores the best universities for masters in cyber security in USA, an option to consider when seeking a top educational institution.
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The Master of Science, or MSc, is an academic degree awarded to those who effectively complete about two years of intensive study on a given topic. Many MSc courses offer a combination of classroom and research-based curriculum.
A field that continues to grow in demand is cyber security. Any industry or individual conducting transactions through the internet can be exposed to potential threats to both hardware and software. Cyber security specialists need to be one step ahead of the perpetrators to protect the public and private sectors.
The USA remains the world’s most popular destination for international students. Universities in the US dominate the world rankings and the country also offers a wide variety of exciting study locations. State university systems are partially subsidized by state governments, and may have many campuses spread around the state, with hundreds of thousands of students.
Best Universities for Masters in Cyber Security in USA
According to THE World University ranking for 2020, following are the 10 best universities for Masters in Cyber Security in USA along with their total program fees, duration and mode of delivery:
| THE Ranking 2020 | University | Program Offered, Duration and Mode of Delivery | Total Program Fees (in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Master of Information and Cybersecurity (1.7 years, Online) | 118,973 |
| 91 | University of Maryland | Masters of Engineering in Cybersecurity (1 year, Online) | 30,840 |
| 139 | Tufts University | MS in Cybersecurity and Public Policy (1 year, On-campus) | 51,530 |
| 198 | George Washington University | MS in Cybersecurity in Computer Science (2 years, On-campus) | 67,500 |
| 251 – 300 | Syracuse University | MS in Cybersecurity (1.25 years, Online) | 60,750 |
| 251 – 300 | University of Delaware | MS in Cybersecurity (2 years, Online) | 74,220 |
| 501 – 600 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | MS in Cybersecurity and Privacy (1 year, On-campus) | 54,060 |
| 601 – 800 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Master in Cybersecurity (2 years, On-campus) | 77,752 |
| – | Mercyhurst University | MS in Cybersecurity (2 years, Online | On-campus) | 36,000 |
| – | University of Tampa | MS in Cybersecurity (2 years, On-campus) | 40,678 |
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 discussion 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 helps 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 the 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
- Statement of purpose (minimum 500 words)
- Letters of recommendation
- 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:
- Discussing two accomplishments demonstrating the candidate’s potential for success in the graduate program.
- Discussing unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish the applicant from other applicants to the graduate program.
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A financial certificate and supporting financial documents.
- Current resume (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 test scores to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Minimum score requirement for applying to top universities of the USA is provided below:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL (iBT): 79
- TOEFL (CBT): 213
- TOEFL (PBT): 550
Visa Requirement for International Students
Getting an F1 student 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 needs to exceed 2 years of the postgraduate program.
- Bank balance covering the tuition fee and living cost of the first year.
- Bank statements that stands as a 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
Cost of Studying Masters in Cyber Security in USA
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 required to study in the USA, etc. Some of these are discussed in the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Program Application Fees | 100-200 |
| Visa Application Fees | 160 |
| IElTS Fees | 185-190 |
| TOEFL Fees | 160-250 |
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