Before, certifications were enough to go far in the field. However, you must consider pursuing cybersecurity graduate programs to succeed.
Indeed, cybersecurity certifications like CISSP, CEH, and many more strengthen one’s portfolio. Such certifications bring knowledge and skills that someone won’t get in undergraduate programs.
Yet, times changed. Besides having certifications, completing cybersecurity graduate programs greatly increases your chances of succeeding in the field. If you want to be a CISO or CSO, it is a must that you pursue such programs.
The number of traditional academic institutions offering cybersecurity graduate programs increases. Yet, bear in mind that every program is different.
Some focus more on policy and management. Meanwhile, other programs specialize in hands-on skills. Hence, you must do research first before enrolling. That is to avoid wasting time and money.
Take a look at some of the best educational institutions that offer cybersecurity graduate programs.
Columbia University Masters in Computer Security
This is a remote, part-time master’s degree based in New York City. Columbia University expects most of its post-graduate students to have either a bachelor’s degree in computer science. If you don’t have one, vast experience in computer science and math is sufficient.
SANS Institute MS in Information Security Engineering
SANS manages the well-respected GIAC certifications which make them have strong credibility in cybersecurity education. This program is also a part-time, remote master’s degree. The program is for working professionals.
Furthermore, graduating students finish not only with a master’s degree but also with a couple of GIAC certs. That is because most of SANS’ courses end with GIAC certification exams.
University of California Berkeley Masters in Information and Cybersecurity (MICS)
Berkeley focuses on recruiting mid-career, experienced security professionals. The university believes that aside from technical skills, skills like public policy, law, and risk management are also critical to success.
This is a part-time, remote-only program. That is because most working professionals are unwilling to spend another two years of their life on campus to pursue a master’s degree,
New York University MS in Cybersecurity
Like Berkeley, this program by NYU targets college grads in their late 20s to early 30s. However, the course is open for people who want to enter the cybersecurity field. Having degrees like psychology or sociology is a must before admission.
Students may apply for NYU’s Cyber Fellows program. It is a scholarship that pays 75% of tuition costs. Moreover, the university allows students to learn basic computer science prerequisites at an affordable price.
This allows the students to test the waters first and see their interest in the cybersecurity work. Hence, NYU aims to provide affordability.
Tufts’ Masters in Cybersecurity and Public Policy
This is a full-time, on-campus program. If you are interested in the public and legal side of cybersecurity, this is for you. Moreover, this is a joint degree between the following departments:
- School of Engineering
- Department of Computer Science
- Fletcher School of law & Diplomacy
Take a look at this statement by Susan Landau. She is a bridge professor in cybersecurity and policy. Additionally, she has joint appointments in the Tufts’ engineering and diplomacy schools.
“Because the Fletcher School [of Law & Diplomacy] is part of this joint degree program, we’re looking at all this with an international focus.”
