Online Master's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Arkansas

Currently, Arkansas has two schools that offer online master’s in cybersecurity programs. John Brown University, a private institution whose main campus is in Siloam Springs, and Southern Arkansas University, a public institution with a campus in Magnolia, offer master’s in cybersecurity programs that can be completed fully online. Both programs are designed for students who have a technical background, with experience in computer systems, applications, networking, and programming. John Brown University and Southern Arkansas University are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

John Brown University’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math offers a 30-credit, online Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program that includes core courses in Legal Issues and Ethics, Security Policies and Privacy, Information Technology Risk Management, and Security Management and Information Systems (CISM). Students can then choose from electives like Digital Forensics Fundamentals, Network and Cloud Security, Web Application Security, Incident Management, and more. John Brown University’s online program uses a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction that enables students to interact with professors and classmates over Zoom.

Note: John Brown University also offers an online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity that allows students to gain technical expertise in the field without having to commit to a full master’s program. In addition, the university offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity program for students interested in business and cybersecurity.

Southern Arkansas University’s (SAU) College of Science & Engineering offers an online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree program that has a Cyber Security and Privacy option. The program is designed for students who want to approach cybersecurity with a strong foundation in coding and technology. Students take core courses in Advanced Programming Concepts or Python Programming, Data Base Management Systems, Computer Networking, and Information and Networking Security. Cybersecurity specific courses include: Applied Cryptography or Wireless and Mobile Security, Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment, Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics, and Privacy Compliant Systems Design. Finally, students choose two electives from a long list of options that include: Software Engineering, Web Programming (Client Side or Server Side), Decision Science, Big Data, Data Mining, Machine Learning, and more.

Note: SAU also offers an online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Privacy that requires four courses that are part of SAU’s Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program. This program can be a good option for students interested in gaining technical skills and adding a cybersecurity credential to their resume without enrolling in a full-length master’s program.

Additional Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs for Residents of Arkansas

In addition to the online programs offered by John Brown University and Southern Arkansas University, colleges and universities throughout the US offer over 350 online master’s in cybersecurity and master’s in related fields with a specialization in cybersecurity. The majority of these programs can be completed fully online (i.e. no campus visit requirements outside of online coursework) and accept students who live in Arkansas. Students can explore online master’s programs that focus on cybersecurity, cybersecurity management, and computer and digital forensics.