Best Online Information Systems Security (InfoSec) Programs

Information has enormous value. Cybercriminals know that, which is why they continue to launch high-profile attacks at growing rates.

Organizations need experts to counter the efforts of cybercriminals and other threat actors, including internal ones. Information systems security degrees help aspiring professionals build that expertise.

Information security (infosec) is the technology discipline dedicated to the systems, principles, and protective tools that safeguard sensitive information. Some colleges offer dedicated information security programs, while others cover infosec concepts through cybersecurity, network security, IT management, database management, or business administration coursework.

This program guide features a ranked list of the top information systems security programs available to online learners. It also introduces key infosec certifications, explores career paths, and answers common questions about this valuable tech specialization.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Tech experts often classify cybersecurity as an information security subfield. Cybersecurity focuses exclusively on electronic data and the computer systems and networks that transmit and store it. Infosec has a broader scope: It includes both digital and non-digital media, covering the principles, processes, and tools used to protect it.

To better understand the distinction, consider a healthcare company in the process of digitizing paper-based patient records. Cybersecurity measures would only protect the records already entered into digital systems, while infosec would extend to the physical records still awaiting conversion.

Information security also carefully considers both external and internal threats, whereas cybersecurity tends to pay more attention to external factors. A 2024 Cybercrime Magazine article highlighted the enormous damage caused by insider-related data breaches at Apple, Cisco, Google, Twitter, and the U.S. Air Force, among other high-profile organizations.

Information systems security specialists generally earn high salaries, and many associated career paths also appear poised for strong near-term growth. The information security analyst and IT director job titles profiled in the table below represent two clear examples.

Typical infosec career paths begin with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Graduates then transition to the workforce, usually beginning with entry-level or supporting roles. Infosec professionals then move into senior positions with management and leadership responsibilities as they gain experience. Some choose to earn professional certifications, which may accelerate their advancement.

For infosec professionals, key technical skills cover IT management, network administration and security, programming, and threat analysis. The job titles below emphasize these proficiencies in profiling some of the paths you can take with an information systems security degree.

Bachelor’s information systems security degrees cover about 120 semester credits. Schools offer these programs under various names, which often indicate the degree’s focus. For instance, cybersecurity programs will emphasize computer systems, networks, and digital data. Similarly, concentrated business administration programs in information security explore the non-technical infosec needs of private enterprises.

Some schools have only general admission requirements. These typically include a high school diploma, demonstrated foundational knowledge of computer science, and a strong academic background in STEM subjects. If specific prerequisites apply, they usually extend to subjects like mathematics and programming languages.

Curricula feature intensive technical coverage of subjects like programming, networking, cybersecurity, cryptography, and information assurance. They may include internships or other practical training components and often culminate in a senior capstone project.

Infosec certifications may boost your professional development, advancement potential, and overall career prospects. Established professionals often pursue them to gain authoritative credentials that validate their skill sets.

Some certifications are open to anyone capable of demonstrating their mastery of the associated knowledge and skills. Others require multiple years of professional experience in a related role.

Popular infosec certifications include:

Offered by ISC2, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) covers eight domains in risk management, security protocols and technologies, security assessment, and access management. To qualify for CISSP certification, you need at least five years of paid work experience in at least two of the eight domains.

To earn CISSP certification, you must pass a rigorous three-hour examination covering 100-150 questions. The highest possible score is 1,000 points, and you must get at least 700 points to pass.

ISACA provides the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, which is intended for information technology and information systems auditors, and advanced infosec professionals focused on access control and information assurance.

The four-hour, 150-question CISA exam tests knowledge in five domains spanning auditing processes, IT governance, information system development and management, IT operations, and asset protection. To sit for the exam, you must have at least five years of professional IT auditing, information assurance, control, or information security experience.

ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is also for infosec professionals with at least five years’ experience. CISM focuses on technical proficiencies covering the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of organizational infosec systems.

The four-hour CISM exam has 150 questions across four domains: infosec governance (17% of questions), infosec risk management (20%), infosec programs (33%), and incident management (30%).

CompTIA’s Security+ certification appeals to infosec and cybersecurity professionals who already hold the organization’s Network+ credential and have two additional years of related paid work experience. The 90-minute test includes 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You must earn a minimum score of 750 (out of 900) to pass.

Questions focus on the best practices infosec professionals use to evaluate security environments and to recommend, design, and implement security solutions. They also cover IT governance, relevant laws, and compliance factors.

CompTIA designed its Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) program for experienced non-management infosec practitioners. To sit for the exam, you must have at least 10 years of IT experience, of which at least five years must cover information security or cybersecurity.

The 90-question, 165-minute CASP+ exam uses a pass/fail format and emphasizes detailed technical knowledge of security architecture, engineering, and implementation. Successful test-takers will understand how to balance organizational security and resilience needs with applicable laws and compliance guidelines.