Online Masters in Information Security

The need for digitized security and protection from rogue elements is crucial in a technology-advanced era. With an online Master’s Degree in Information Security, students become a specialist in this field, and will find employment and work very rewarding, both financially and personally.

Online Master’s Degree in Information Security Requirements

Students interested in pursuing an online master’s degree in information security should possess a thorough knowledge of computer hardware, software, networks, and some programming. Students should also be highly-motivated and eager to learn. A career in information security entails identifying potential threats before they have the means to attack. The courses offered in this program will hone your IT skills and give you the knowledge needed to prevent, recover, create and adapt any information system/network in order to remain as secure as possible.

Typically, students entering an online master’s degree program in information security have a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program. Such degrees include:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Computer Networking
• Computer Programming

Moreover, many students enter the program with experience as a network specialist or a computer repair technician.

Online Information Security Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in information security typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of information security degrees offered by the best information security master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Information Security (MS in Information Security)
• Master of Arts in Information Security (MA in Information Security)

Information on Information Security Courses

The courses in this program are designed to provide you with a clear picture of everything your future career will entail. Some of those classes include:

• Introduction to Information Security
  The basics, what you need to know, bringing you up to speed.
• Data Networking
  Discover how data flows over networks, and what that would imply to a specialist.
• Operating Systems and Distributed Systems
  Learn about a variety of different operating systems and control programs and how to manipulate them
• Intrusion Detection, Response and Recovery
  A guide showing you exactly what to do when a system has been compromised.
• Encryption and Authentication Systems
  Discover the finer points of advanced encryption and learn how to integrate it into your future career.
• Computer Forensics
  Learn about data recovery, and how you might be able to use clues to identify and stop attackers.
• Operational and Organizational Security
  Develop a great strategies for daily operation and learn how to protect various types of organizational structures / systems from malicious attackers and data miners.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because information security is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s information security students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Training for a occupation as an information security analyst, system analyst, or information system leader
• Thorough understanding of rising security threats
• Develop the best solutions for particular organizations and how to execute them
• Ways to maintain a secure system or network

Careers in Information Security

Computer, networking and internet related specialists are in high demand. Every kind of business in the world currently relies on computer technology in order to operate; and they need well trained and forward thinking individuals to keep their investments secure.

• IT Manager
  As an IT manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employer’s computers, network and system are operational and secure. Salary ranges around $70,000 annually. The demand for IT specialists is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down.
• Computer Security Consultant
  Assess and make recommendations to an organization’s network infrastructure in order to keep them protected from a variety of threats. Salary is $75,000 annually. Job growth is on the rise in this field.
• Information Technology Manager
  Responsible for managing an IT support team, and ensuring that everyone is communicating and systems are secure. Salary is $80,250 annually and job growth is expected to rise.
• Computer Support Specialist
  When someone within an organization has computer problems, they will call you to help fix them. Salary is $40,430 annually And growth is to be expected.
• Software Engineer
  Software engineers develop software to combat a variety of threats or problems. Salary ranges around $74,980 annually. Extreme growth is expected in this sector in the next 5-10 years.

Information is important. It is the life-blood of most institutions and businesses; so it needs to be protected from those that would do harm. Without the proper security, not only are you looking at profit losses, you are also seeing the job security and livelihood of employees being jeopardized. With a master’s degree in information technology from an online school, you will become a high commodity for corporations and private sectors alike.