Help Fill the Talent Gap for Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals.
Cybersecurity, as many know, is the crucial practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks. Some of the most common attacks include ransomware, phishing, malware, and more sophisticated threats from hackers and cyber criminals. These attacks are aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.
Between 2018 and 2022, in fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3) documented a whopping 3.26 million complaints which totaled a loss of 2.76 billion dollars. From this statistic alone, you can see why highly trained cybersecurity professionals are needed now more than ever.
With Michigan Tech's Online MS in Cybersecurity, you can acquire the specialized knowledge and skills to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Why Study Cybersecurity at Michigan Tech?
Quality of the Curriculum
Michigan Tech's cybersecurity master's degree is an interdisciplinary collaborative program that draws on the expertise of the departments of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as the College of Computing. The program's rigorous curriculum is based on applied research, theory, and direct industry feedback.
MTU's Cybersecurity Reputation
You'll be earning your degree and building in-demand skills at a university renowned for the excellence of its cybersecurity research and education. In fact, the US National Security Agency designated MTU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R). This CAE-R designation, establishing that Michigan Tech has met the rigorous requirements set forth by the NSA, extends through the 2029 academic year.
Strong Research Partnerships
Faculty research is funded by several agencies and organizations, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Microsoft, Google, and others. You'll learn from experts who have addressed and researched complex cybersecurity problems and challenges in many areas and organizations.
Choose From Four Different Degree Tracks.
In your online master's degree in cybersecurity, you will work with an advisor to develop a program that allows you to dive deep into one focus area. You will take one of four degree tracks.
Trusted Software Engineering (TSE)
Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
Network Security Management (NSM)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Learn more about these four degree tracks at the program's Computer Science page.
Meet the Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals.
Cybersecurity, for many organizations, is a top if not the top priority. However, many of these same organizations are struggling to fill critical positions. The United States is one of the countries facing a shortage of advanced cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity Employment By the Numbers
- 457,398: The current total number of cybersecurity job openings in the US.
- 85,000,000: The expected global need for cybersecurity workers by 2030.
- 32%: The expected career growth of cybersecurity analysts over the next decade (USBLS).
- $120,360: The 2023 median salary of an information security analyst .
- 41,333: The total number (as of March 2025) of job openings for cybersecurity engineers
Examples of Cybersecurity Careers
Cybersecurity specialists are needed everywhere, whether they focus on design and implementation, oversight and governance, implementation and operation, protection and defense, or other key areas. Below is just a selection of some cybersecurity careers.
Generally, the jobs with higher pay require more advanced education, such as master's degrees. The salaries below correspond to average salaries for US advertised jobs between September 2023 and August 2024. Need more proof about available careers and the talent gap? Check out this interactive map.
- Cybersecurity Manager: $152,403
- Cybersecurity Architect: $150,989
- Cybersecurity Engineer: $143,992
- Penetration and Vulnerability Tester: $132,457
- Cybersecurity Consultant: $125,243
- Cybersecurity Analyst: $115,795
- Incident and Intrusion Analyst: $101,130
- Cybercrime Analyst: $100,150
Get Started on Your Online MS in Cybersecurity!
Graduate with the toolkit to address the most pressing cybersecurity challenges that public, private, and non-governmental institutions face. Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.