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Cyber Security Courses in USA

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The U.S. cybersecurity training market is experiencing substantial growth, with a projected market size of $3,221.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.7% from 2024.

Cybersecurity courses are becoming increasingly essential, as demand for professionals in the field is projected to grow by over 35% in the next decade. Continuing education has become essential for staying ahead as cyber threats keep growing. Across the United States, aspiring professionals can choose from 178 bachelor's degree programs in cybersecurity, offered by top US universities at the forefront of innovation and digital defense.

To understand the course outcomes, let's explore cybersecurity courses to study in the US, their admission requirements, and career scope.

Now, let's look at the basic details about cyber security courses in USA before discussing them further. 

Cyber Security Courses in USA: Overview

Most U.S. cybersecurity master's programs are 1–2 years long with Fall intakes (some also offer Spring/Summer). Standardized test requirements include a minimum GRE score of 298 at institutions like Cal State San Bernardino. For non-native English speakers, the baseline is typically TOEFL iBT ≥80 or IELTS ≥6.5.

Here's a detailed overview of cyber security courses in the USA:

Criteria

Details

Course Duration 2-4 years
Intakes
  • Fall (August/September). 
  • Spring (January) or Summer

 

 

Course Level 

 

 

Top Universities
Average Tuition Fees

$44,000 (INR 38.1L)–$80,000 (INR 69.2L) 

 

Entrance Exams Required

 

  • GRE: 298
  • GMAT: 470
  • TOEFL: 79-80
  • IELTS: 6.5
Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's: U.S. high school diploma or equivalent.

Master's: 

  • Accredited bachelor's degree (STEM preferred)
  • GPA 3.0+ 
  • Transcripts required
  • Language proficiency tests are required for non‑native speakers.

 

Career Opportunities
  • Information Security Analyst 
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists 
  • Security Quality Assurance Analysts
  • CISA Agents
  • Chief Security Officers
Popular Specializations
  • Penetration Testing / Ethical Hacking
  • Security Architecture & Engineering
  • Incident Response & Forensics
  • Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
  • Threat Intelligence / Warning Analysis
  • Security Consulting & Advisory

With the digital world expanding rapidly, the USA stands out as a top destination for cybersecurity education. Here’s why enrolling in a cybersecurity course here can be a smart move.

Why Pursue Cyber Security Courses in the USA?

Cybersecurity is experiencing rapid growth, with over 180,700 open positions in the U.S. and a projected 33% increase in jobs for information security analysts by 2033. This rising demand, driven by escalating cyber threats and costly data breaches, highlights the value of a cybersecurity education in the USA.

Here are the key benefits of pursuing cyber security courses in the US:

  • High Demand & Job Security: With between 480,000 and 570,000 unfilled roles in 2023, cybersecurity professionals enjoy strong job security amid fast-growing demand.
  • Competitive Salaries: Cybersecurity careers offer high earning potential and financial stability.
  • Career Growth Opportunities: The shifting cyber threat environment encourages perpetual learning and advancement, including specializations like AI and Machine Learning.
  • Impactful Work: Professionals safeguard critical data and infrastructure, contributing to national and organizational security and leading to high job satisfaction.
  • Versatile Career Paths: A cybersecurity degree opens doors across industries such as finance, healthcare, defense, IT, and more.
  • Practical Skills Development: U.S. programs emphasize experiential learning, including real-world case studies, labs, and hands-on training to ensure workforce readiness.

After discussing cyber security courses in the USA, let’s look at some of the top universities that offer them full-time and part-time. 

Top Universities Offering Cyber Security Courses in the USA

Top U.S. universities like University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford offer flexible cybersecurity programs with multiple intakes and competitive tuition. 

UC Berkeley's MICS costs $21,115–$36,297 (INR 18.2L–31.3L), while Stanford's Cybersecurity Certificate ranges from $18,168–$25,738 (INR 15.8L–22.2L), blending academic excellence with industry relevance.

Below is a breakdown of the top universities offering cyber security courses in the USA:

University Program Semester Tuition Fees (Approx.) Duration & Deadline
University of California - Berkeley Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MS)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition: $21,115(INR 18.2L)

 to over $36,297(INR 31.3L).

1.5 to 2 years

Deadline: 3

January, May, and September

Stanford University Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition: $18,168 (INR 15.8L) - $25,738 (INR 22.2L).

1-2 years

Deadline: 4 September, October, February, April

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate programs in Engineering & CS (includes cybersecurity pathways)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition:  $85,960 (INR 74.4L).

1-2 years

Deadline: 1

December

Carnegie Mellon University MS in Information Security (and other related MS degrees, PhD options)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition: $61,000 (INR 52.9L)

1.5 to 2 years

Deadline: 1

June

Georgia Institute of Technology MS in Cybersecurity (online/in‑person) $107 (INR 9.2K) fee per term.
Total Tuition: $12,000 (INR 10.3L)

2-3 years

Deadline: 2

June, Feb 

University of Southern California BS & MS in CS, Systems, IT, EE (with cybersecurity electives)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition:  $9,236 (INR 8L)

5 years

Deadline: 2

September, December

Johns Hopkins University MS in Security Informatics (MSSI)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition: $54,550 (INR 47.2L)

1.5 to 2 years

Deadline: 2

September, January

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Now, let's take a look at the popular universities that offer cybersecurity courses in the US.

Popular Universities for Cyber Security Courses in USA

Northeastern University and Penn State are among the leading U.S. institutions offering high-impact graduate programs in cybersecurity. Northeastern's MS in Cybersecurity spans 2 years at $1,682 (INR 1.4L) per credit, with deadlines in May and October

Penn State's 1-year program costs $12,325 (INR 10.7L) per semester, with a July deadline designed to equip students for high-demand cybersecurity careers.

Here's a breakdown of popular universities that offer cyber security in USA:

University

Program

Semester Tuition Fees

Duration & Deadline (2025)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) MS in Cybersecurity

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition: $88,400 (INR 76.5L)

1.5–2 years

Deadline: 1

  • Fall intake only, applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 
Northeastern University MS in Cybersecurity (Khoury College)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition:

$1,682 (INR 1.4L)/credit

2 years

Deadline: 2

  • May (Closed)
  • October
Penn State University MS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Prevention $12,325 (INR 10.7L) per semester

1 year

Deadline: 1

July

Illinois Institute of Technology MAS in Cybersecurity and Forensics

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition:

$33,318 (INR 28.9L)

18 months

Deadline: 1

June 

University of Delaware MS in Cybersecurity (Online)

Not explicitly stated for the semester.

Total Tuition:

$1,069 (INR 92.5L) per Credit

24 months

Deadline: 1

August

Now, let's understand the admission requirements for different Cyber security courses in USA. 

Eligibility Criteria for Cyber Security Courses in USA

Candidates must meet specific academic criteria to gain admission into cybersecurity graduate programs in the USA. A regionally accredited bachelor's degree, preferably in a STEM field, is essential, supported by official academic transcripts from all prior coursework. 

Universities such as Harvard and Carnegie Mellon require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. While the GRE is optional at some institutions, a competitive score around 298 can strengthen the application.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for pursuing Cyber security courses in the USA:

Criteria

Sub-Criteria

Details

Academic Requirements Bachelor's degree
  • Requires a regionally accredited bachelor's degree
  • STEM preferred 
  Academic Transcripts Official transcripts for all completed courses and grades from your previous degree.
  Minimum GPA GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 
Standardized Tests GRE 298
GMAT 470
English Language Proficiency Required for international applicants
Visa requirements International status

Must meet F-1 visa criteria

Official transcripts and English test proof required. 

Passport Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S.
University Admission Letter Official I-20 form issued by a SEVP-approved institution, confirming admission
Proof of Funds Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. 
Health Insurance Mandatory for all international students.
Miscellaneous Work experience 2+ years of relevant experience or security certifications 
  Technical prerequisites
  • Coding experience
  • Discrete math
  • Linux familiarity

Now that you have covered the eligibility criteria for enrollment in Cyber security courses in the USA, let's understand the application process to apply for these programs. 

Application Process for Cyber Security Courses in USA

As of April 2025, U.S. cybersecurity job postings surged 12 % year-over-year, totaling over 514,000 listings, yet only 74 qualified candidates exist for every 100 openings. 

Against this backdrop, obtaining formal cybersecurity education in the U.S. can position you at the forefront of this urgent talent demand, providing a clear path through structured admissions to high-level careers.

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for cyber security courses in the USA:

  • Step 1: Verify eligibility & degree equivalency: Most programs (e.g., Stanford MS in CS) require a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent and strong analytical skills.
  • Step 2: Submit a complete online application: Stanford's graduate program mandates a full online submission, including transcripts and test scores, by the posted deadlines.
  • Step 3: Demonstrate quantitative proficiency: While a computer science background isn't always mandatory, demonstrating strong quantitative and analytical ability (through coursework or test scores) is essential.
  • Step 4: Provide English proficiency scores: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL iBT scores, as specified by Stanford's general graduate requirements.
  • Step 5: Secure letters of recommendation: Most graduate and certificate programs require 2–3 academic or professional recommendations (MIT xPRO suggests this for their programs, though requirements vary by institution).
  • Step 6: Write a compelling statement of purpose: Clearly articulate your interest in cybersecurity, your career goals, and how the program aligns with your aspirations. Stanford and MIT outline this component in their general guidelines.
  • Step 7: Meet application deadlines & pay fees: Each institution enforces non-negotiable deadlines. Hence, follow the deadlines to pay fees and deposits if required.

Let's now explore the details of the cybersecurity courses in the USA, including the specializations and their total duration.

Cyber Security Courses in USA: Course Details 

Cybersecurity programs in the USA blend technical skills, electives, and hands-on training to meet a growing talent gap. 750,000 roles were unfilled in 2024, with demand rising as cybercrime costs approach $10.5 trillion by 2025

Core topics include cryptography, network security, and cyber law, while electives cover areas like AI, privacy, and risk management. Schools like UC Berkeley offer hands-on capstones, live online classes, and immersive learning.

Here's a list of popular cybersecurity courses in USA

Course Type

Programs

Core Subjects
  • Cryptography
  • Network & Software Security
  • Hack Lab
  • Security Fundamentals
  • Computer and Network Security
  • Cybersecurity Policy and Law                              
  • Risk Analysis and Incident Response
  • Operating Systems and System Programming
  • Applied Cryptography
  • Secure Software Development
Electives/Specialization
Other Offerings
  • UC Berkeley: Fully online with live classes, interactive projects, 1–2 in-person immersions, and a hands-on capstone.
    Stanford University: 100% online, self-paced courses with CEUs, ideal for working professionals.
  • Georgia Tech: Online MS with flexible specializations. Offers optional professional development workshops and virtual industry meetups.

Now, let's take a closer look at the costs of cybersecurity courses in the USA. 

Cost of Pursuing Cyber Security Courses in USA

Pursuing a cybersecurity study course in the U.S. involves tuition fees and essential living expenses. On average, students can expect to spend over $3500 (INR 3L) per month on housing, around $20-70 (INR 1.7K-6K) on food and groceries, and $1,170 (INR 1L) on books and course materials

These costs can vary by city and lifestyle, but they are essential to consider when planning your education budget.

Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in the US for international students: 

Purpose

Monthly (EUR)

Monthly (INR)

Tuition Fees $44,000–$80,000

38.1L- 69.2L

 

Housing (Rent) $500-$3500  43.3L-3L
Food & Groceries $20 -$70  1.7K- 6K
Books & Course Materials $1,170  1.0L
Utilities $50-$120 4.3K- 10.3K
Transport (Public Pass) $20 -$60  1.7K- 5.1K
Miscellaneous Costs (Electricity, Garbage Collection, Water Bills) $50-$75 4.3K-6.4K

Note: Cost estimates are yearly and may vary by city and university.

Next, let's explore the various scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help support your cyber security courses in USA.

Scholarships for pursuing Cyber security courses in USA

Study courses in the USA, like Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity at St. Philip’s College, can cost up to $5000 (INR 4.3L) –$50,000 (INR 43.3L) per year, including tuition and living expenses. 

Scholarships like the DoD Cyber Scholarship (CySP) help offset costs by covering full tuition, healthcare, books, and offering a $32,000 (INR 27.8L) stipend for eligible graduate students.

Below is the list of US scholarships for Indian students that you can avail while taking admission in cyber security courses in the USA: 

H3: Internal Scholarships

UC Berkeley offers targeted internal support for students pursuing cybersecurity through competitive fellowships. The Curtis B. Smith Cybersecurity Fellowship provides up to $3,000 (INR 2.5L) annually to outstanding graduate students in the School of Information, including those in the MICS program. 

For those engaged in advanced research, the Cal Cybersecurity Research Fellowship awards $15,000 (INR 13L) –$30,000 (INR 26L)  to Berkeley graduate students and postdocs conducting innovative cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence security work.

Here’s a breakdown of internal scholarships

Scholarship

Type

Details 

Federal Cyber Service Grant (Northeastern) Institutional + Federal 

Eligibility: For Northeastern Khoury MS cybersecurity students

 

Benefits: Full tuition, $34,000 (INR 29.4L) annual stipend, and health fees up to $2,000 (INR 1.7L)/year

Cyber Scholarship Program  Federal 

Eligibility: Open to Northeastern Cyber MS students.

 

Benefits: Full tuition, training/internships, in exchange for 1-year DoD service per scholarship year.

Curtis B. Smith Cybersecurity Fellowship (UC Berkeley I School) Institutional support

Eligibility: For current School of Information graduate students (including MICS).

 

Benefits: Up to $3,000 (INR 2.5L)/year, awarded competitively to students with substantial academic achievement.

Cal Cybersecurity Research Fellowship (Berkeley CLTC) Research grant/fellowship

Eligibility: UC Berkeley graduate students and postdocs.

 

Benefits: $15,000 (INR 13L)–$30,000 (INR 26L) for cybersecurity and AI security research projects.

 

Next, let's explore external scholarships to study cyber security in the US.

External Scholarships

The DoD Cyber Service Academy (CSA)/Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) offers substantial federal support to U.S. citizens enrolled in cybersecurity programs at CAE-designated institutions. 

Designed to build the nation's cyber workforce, the scholarship covers full tuition, fees, books, and healthcare. It provides a $32,000 (INR 27.8L) annual stipend for graduate students in return for post-graduation service with the Department of Defense.

Let’s explore external scholarship options available for students:

Scholarship

Type

Details 

DoD SMART Scholarship Federal (DoD civilian)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing STEM with a GPA ≥ 3.0

 

Benefits: Full tuition, $27,000 (INR 23.3L)–38,000 (INR 33L)/year stipend, health/health‑insurance allowance, book allowance $1,000 (INR 86.7K)/year. 

DoD Cyber Service Academy (CSA)/CySP Federal (DoD)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens in cybersecurity-related undergrad/grad programs at CAE-designated schools.

 

Benefits: full tuition, required fees, books, healthcare, $32,000 (INR 27.8L) stipend (PG)

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Federal (NSF)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents pursuing research-based MS/PhD in STEM

 

Benefits: $34,000 (INR 29.4L)/year stipend 

(ISC)² Graduate Scholarships Professional (ISC²)

Eligibility: Undergrad/grad cybersecurity students (global eligibility), GPA ≥ 3.3

 

Benefits: $1,000 (INR 86.7K)–5,000 (INR 43.3K) per year toward tuition/fees

Next, see your job options after completing your cyber security course in USA. 

Job Opportunities After Cyber Security Courses in USA

Cybersecurity careers in the U.S. offer strong earning potential and job stability. Roles like Cyber Security Analyst earn around $102,129 (INR 88.4L) annually.

While specialized positions such as Penetration Tester and Security Engineer command average salaries of $126,086 (INR 11Cr) and $82,865 (INR 71.8L), respectively. These figures highlight the high demand and lucrative opportunities in the field.

Here's a detailed look at some of the high-demand job opportunities after doing Cyber security courses in USA: 

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Information Security Analyst $93,505 81L
Cyber Security Analyst $1,02,129 88.4L
Penetration Tester $126,086 11Cr
Security Engineer $82,865 71.8L
Security Architect $1,64,569 1.4Cr

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Next, let's have a look at some of the top recruiters for cyber security graduates. 

Top Recruiters for Cyber Security Graduates in USA

Top tech companies in the U.S. offer competitive salaries for cybersecurity professionals. For instance, Cisco pays approximately $181,000 (INR 1.5 Cr) annually for information security engineers, while CrowdStrike provides around $147,000 (INR 1.2 Cr) for cybersecurity specialists/analysts. These figures reflect the premium placed on cybersecurity talent in leading organizations.

Here are some of the top recruiters in the US:

Top Recruiter

Job Role

Avg Annual Salary (USD)

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Engineer $146,286 (INR 1.2Cr) 
Cisco Information Security Engineer $181,000 (INR 1.5Cr)
CrowdStrike Cyber Security Specialist/Analyst $147,000 (INR 1.2Cr)
Microsoft Principal Security Engineer $309000 (INR 2.6Cr)
Raytheon Infrastructure Security Engineer $107,905 (INR 93.4L)
EY (Ernst & Young) Senior Application Security Engineer

 

$110,118 (INR 95.3L)

 

 

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

If you're ready to pursue your cyber security courses in USA, upGrad offers the support and resources to guide you through the process. 

How Can upGrad Help You Study Cyber Security Courses in USA?

upGrad offers comprehensive support to help you successfully pursue a cybersecurity degree in the USA. From expert-led prep modules for GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS, to personalized mentorship and visa guidance, upGrad ensures you're fully prepared for every stage of the application process.

Students benefit from interactive learning, dedicated admission counseling, scholarship assistance, and full support with documentation, SOPs, and education loans. The platform also helps with budget planning and end-to-end process management, simplifying your entire study abroad journey.

Ready to launch your cybersecurity career in the U.S.? Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad's study abroad experts and maximize your chances of getting into a top American university.

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39 results found

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Cyber Security

Western Illinois University , USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 10.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Computer Science (BS): Cyber Security and Privacy Option

Southern Arkansas University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 9.13L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security Systems / Accounting (BS/MS)

St Johns University, USA

  • DURATION
    5 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in National Cyber Security Studies

California State University - San Bernardino, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 10.45L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security (BS)

University of North Dakota, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 26.37L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security & Information Assurance

Montana State University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 23.39L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Strategic & Securities Studies Major with Concentration in Cyber Security, History, or Language (B.A.)

University of North Georgia, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security, MSCS

Wright State University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 29.97L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Business Administration(Business Intelligence and Cyber Security)

University of West Georgia, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security Engineering, B.S

Iowa State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.82L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy

The University of Texas at Dallas, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 2 Months
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

M.S. in Cyber Security (MSSec)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security and Privacy MS

University of Central Florida, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 31.79L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Cyber Security Engineering, MS

George Mason University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.81L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

BS in Computer Science and Engineering Technology - Cyber Security Concentration

The University of Toledo, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 15.58L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Cyber Security, BS

The University of Alabama, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 24.78L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

B.B.A. degree in Cyber Security

The University of Texas at San Antonio, USA

  • DURATION
    41 Years 1 Month
  • FEES
    INR 8.70L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in Computer Science: Cyber Security(Non-Thesis and Thesis)

Troy University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 21.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Cyber Security (BS)

LeTourneau University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 26.09L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) Justice Studies - Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Cyber Security

Berkeley College, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 21.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.

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