Is a master’s degree in cybersecurity worth it?

With a master’s in cybersecurity, you can qualify for cybersecurity management and leadership roles. Enroll in an online master’s degree in cybersecurity on edX today and learn how to lead a team of cybersecurity specialists.

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By: James Tonin and Shelby Campbell Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Last Updated: August 12, 2025

Nearly every industry, from marketing to manufacturing, needs cybersecurity experts. Data from the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study indicates that there's a global cybersecurity workforce shortage of around 4.8 million workers. But will a master's in cybersecurity help you qualify for high-paying roles that make the investment and commitment worthwhile?

Explore how an online master's degree in cybersecurity on edX can advance your career.

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What is a master's degree in cybersecurity?

Master's programs in cybersecurity build advanced and versatile technical skills for safeguarding computing systems and networks. Schools offer campus-based and online master's degrees in cybersecurity.

Programs vary in length, but they typically cover about 30–36 credits, and full-time students can graduate in about two years.

In a master's in cybersecurity program, you can gain the knowledge and proficiencies you need to succeed in operational roles with advancement potential. These skills may include:

Some schools also integrate industry-standard cybersecurity certifications into their curricula, which can lend more credibility to your résumé.

Benefits of a master's in cybersecurity degree

Is a master's in cybersecurity worth it? Earning a master's offers key benefits over earning a bachelor's in cybersecurity, including:

Broader, deeper, and more specialized technical skills.
Valuable specialization opportunities.
Access to professional roles with advancement potential.
Increased salary potential.

How much does a master's degree in cybersecurity cost?

Analyzing costs can also help you determine whether a master's in cybersecurity is worth it.

A 2020 study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that graduate students in mathematics, engineering, and computer science programs paid median annual tuition and fees of $11,700. The data includes all institution types and program delivery formats.

The tuition for a master's in cybersecurity at edX partner schools varies considerably. Hawai'i Pacific University, for instance, charges $36,000 before aid, while UC Berkeley charges more than $73,000.

Factors that can influence costs include:

School location
School type (public or private)
Program delivery format
School prestige and reputation
Campus resources and infrastructure

When budgeting, remember to account for expenses beyond tuition. These may include:

Relocation and housing costs
Transportation and parking
Computer hardware and/or software
Technology and lab fees

Scholarships, grants, and employment can help you offset some of these costs. Try to minimize loan borrowing.

Does a master's degree in cybersecurity have a good ROI?

Think of a master's in cybersecurity as an investment in yourself. That investment may lead to a higher-than-average salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts — one role that master's in cybersecurity graduates can pursue — earned a median annual salary of $124,910 as of May 2024. Earners in the 10th percentile made less than $69,660 annually, while those at the 90th percentile earned more than $186,420 in the same year.

Given that NCES reports that the average annual tuition and fees for mathematics, engineering, and computer science programs is $18,273 per year, earning a master's in cybersecurity may generate a positive return on investment, even if you start out at the lower end of the cybersecurity industry's salary range.

Are graduates of a master's in cybersecurity programs in demand?

As the 2024 ICS2 study notes, the cybersecurity industry continues to struggle with a critical skills gap of nearly 5 million workers. Qualified cybersecurity professionals are in very high demand in the United States and globally.

The BLS projects 29% growth for information security analysts from 2024–34, much higher than the average 3% projected growth rate across all occupations. It also expects to see about 16,000 information security analyst job openings annually across the decade.

Cybersecurity professionals often work for firms that serve clients on a contract basis. Some also hold full-time roles with regular employers, especially in industries with strong information security needs, including:

Financial services
Healthcare
Government
Energy and utilities
Education

Frequently asked questions

Is a master's in cybersecurity more appealing to employers than a bachelor's?

Yes, a master's in cybersecurity often makes a candidate more qualified for senior roles than those with just a bachelor's degree. However, many employers prefer candidates who also have at least five years of cybersecurity experience in a professional setting. It may benefit you to gain real-world experience in entry-level, specialist, and analyst roles before you consider a master's in cybersecurity.

How much can you earn with a master's in cybersecurity?

According to BLS data from May 2024, information security analysts made a median salary of more than $120,000 annually. Precise pay rates vary depending on your experience, location, and employment industry.

Can a master's in cybersecurity get me a job?

According to the BLS, information security analysts typically enter the field with a bachelor's degree. Holding a master's degree qualifies you for leadership roles and higher salaries.

Is cybersecurity a stressful job?

Cybersecurity can be a stressful job, depending on your role. Because cybersecurity employees are often responsible for protecting sensitive, private data, the job may be intense when responding to threats or implementing new systems. However, many cybersecurity roles focus more on threat prevention and mitigation, making them lower-risk and therefore less intense.

Is it worth getting a master's in cybersecurity?

Yes, earning a master's in cybersecurity is often worthwhile because it can qualify you for higher-paying leadership roles. According to BLS data, people with a master's degree made a median weekly salary of about $1,737 in 2023, while those with a bachelor's degree made $1,483.

Additionally, people who landed management roles in the computer and information field made a median annual salary of $171,200, compared to $124,910 for information security analysts.