If you're looking for job security, a career in cybersecurity can be a good move. The pay is typically higher than you’ll find in most other industries1, and the need for talent in the cyber space is at an all-time high—and growing. Earning a master's degree in cybersecurity technology can help prepare you for a career in this lucrative and in-demand field.
Demand Is High and Growing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the growth of cybersecurity analyst jobs will be 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, much higher than the average for all occupations.1 According to Cybersecurity Ventures, a global cybersecurity research firm, approximately 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs are currently unfilled around the world—more than 750,000 in the United States alone.2
Organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors are looking for trained cybersecurity professionals to help protect their vital information technology infrastructures, computer networks, and data from cyber attacks. If you’re someone who tends to be inquisitive, logical, attentive, and cool under pressure, you might be well suited for a career in cybersecurity.
What Can You Do with a Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?
Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing such technical areas as computer science, systems architecture, data analytics, and network security, as well as broader areas of ethics, behavioral science, risk assessment, and criminal justice. Earning a master’s degree can help you develop stronger technical skills and a deeper understanding of the principles and practice of cybersecurity.
A master’s in cybersecurity can also lead to more lucrative, higher-level positions than an undergraduate degree alone. According to IT staffing agency Nexus IT Group, some of the top-paying jobs in the cyber industry include:
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - CISOs are senior-level executives who oversee their organization's information security to ensure data safety and compliance. A CISO at a large organization can earn as much as $420,000 per year—about half that at a mid-sized company.3
Senior Software Security Engineer - These professionals are responsible for safeguarding an organization's systems and network databases to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Annual salary averages about $255,000.3
Cybersecurity Architect – The role of a cybersecurity architect is to design, test, and implement enterprise-wide security systems. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary is just under $142,000.4
Cyber Security Manager - These experts are responsible for monitoring the flow of information in and out of an IT network to detect, identify, and mitigate threats to the integrity of an organization’s information systems and data. The average salary is about $130,000 per year.4
Cybersecurity Engineer - The job of the cybersecurity engineer is to detect system vulnerabilities and develop, test, and monitor secure network solutions to defend against cyberattacks and other system threats. Annual salaries for this position range from $120,000 to $200,000.3
Network Security Engineer - These specialists protect IT systems from breaches, misuse, and other cyber threats by testing for system vulnerabilities, implementing virus protection, and establishing security protocols. Average salary is about $115,500 per year, according to Indeed.5
Earn an MS in Cybersecurity Technology at UMGC
At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), you can earn a Master of Science in cybersecurity technology online in just 15 months for about $21K. Through our accelerated pathways program, if you've completed your bachelor’s in cybersecurity technology at UMGC, you can apply 6 undergraduate credits toward your master's program in cyber technology, saving you time and money.
The MS in cybersecurity technology program is designed to help prepare you for leadership positions in cybersecurity and technology architecture, cybersecurity analysis and engineering, and information security. In this program, you’ll develop cybersecurity strategies using interpersonal and leadership skills as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary cybersecurity team to build, configure, monitor, maintain, and secure cybersecurity technology environments and operations.
The program offers a broad perspective of the cybersecurity field, providing in-depth understanding of the applicable principles and methodologies while balancing the use of people, policy, and technology in meeting the security needs of an organization.
You’ll learn from our faculty of experienced scholar-practitioners who are experts in their fields, providing you access to industry leaders. The curriculum is continually updated and designed with input from leading employers and cybersecurity experts. Some of UMGC's online cyber graduate courses utilize the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that allows students to demonstrate their abilities and apply real-world cyber skills in a practical, immersive environment.
Why Study Cybersecurity at UMGC?
UMGC has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and as a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the DC3 Academic Cyber Curriculum Alliance. Our cybersecurity programs have received numerous awards and recognition for academic excellence.
Our UMGC Cybersecurity Competition Team ranks among the top cyber warriors in the world. Team members gain experience and build skills, learning collaboratively with fellow cybersecurity students and faculty, and networking with employers.
Among our more than 60 career-focused graduate programs, UMGC offers seven online master’s programs and six online graduate certificates in cybersecurity to give you the training and credentials you need to advance and excel in your career. Nearly all UMGC programs can be completed entirely online, and we’ve replaced those bulky, expensive textbooks with no-cost digital course materials in nearly every course. Hybrid courses are also available.
UMGC was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.
Committed to Your Success
We make it easier to fit school into your busy life by offering multiple start dates throughout the year and a streamlined admissions process that doesn't require the GMAT or GRE. You can apply, enroll, and access a comprehensive array of support services and resources—all from your electronic device.
To provide you with the best possible support throughout your student journey, UMGC teams you up with a dedicated success coach. Your success coach is there to help you develop learning strategies, map out education and career goals, and assist you with class selection.
You'll also have access to UMGC’s lifetime career services for as long as you may need them, and our network of more than 280,000 alumni is there to foster lifelong, post-graduation relationships and professional connections among students, faculty, staff and alumni worldwide.
1 “Occupational Outlook Handbook - Information Security Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2022.
2 “Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions In 2025.” Cybersecurity Ventures. Apr. 14, 2023.
3 “Highest-Paid Cybersecurity Jobs.” Nexus IT Group. 2023
4 “Cyber Security Architect Salary”. ZipRecruiter. 2023
5 “Network security engineer salary in United States.” Indeed.com. October 7, 2023.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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