by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 910 U.S. colleges awarded 48,278 degrees and certificates in Computer & IS Security. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 47% of graduates. College Factual ranks 536 schools in its 2027 Best Computer & IS Security Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $67,520 one year after completing, rising to $81,650 after four years.
A major in Computer & IS Security explores Computer And Information Systems Security/auditing/information Assurance. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Assess The Security Needs Of Computer And Network Systems, Recommend Safeguard Solutions, And Manage The Implementation, Auditing, And Maintenance Of Security Devices, Systems, And Procedures. Includes Instruction In Computer Architecture, Programming, And Systems Analysis; Networking; Telecommunications; Cryptography; Security System Auditing And Design; Applicable Law And Regulations; Risk Assessment And Policy Analysis; Contingency Planning; User Access Issues; Investigation Techniques; And Troubleshooting. Examples: [Information Assurance], [It Security], [Internet Security], [Network Security], [Information Systems Security], [Information Systems Auditing And Control].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer & is security is a widely-pursued major, with 48,278 degrees awarded annually. 910 colleges award computer & is security degrees, an average of 53 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 4,814.
By level, the 48,278 awards include 2,609 certificates, 7,911 associate degrees, 14,586 bachelor’s degrees, 22,587 master’s degrees and 220 doctorates.
Women earned 23% of computer & is security degrees and certificates in the latest year (10,957 of 48,278). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (19,085) and Black or African American (8,946), and international students earned 3,994.
College Factual ranks 536 schools in its 2027 Best Computer & IS Security Schools ranking, including 209 for associate degrees, 169 for bachelor’s degrees, 142 for master’s degrees and 6 for doctorates. It also ranks computer & is security schools within 46 states. In all, 910 colleges offer computer & is security programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer & IS Security Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer & is security credential is the master’s degree: 22,587 of the 48,278 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer & is security call most for Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension and Complex Problem Solving, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Engineering and Technology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Problem Sensitivity.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a computer & is security degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2,609 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 7,911 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 14,586 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 22,587 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 220 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer & is security, at 57.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 57.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 10.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 8.8% |
| Master’s degree | 5.9% |
| Some college courses | 5.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.2% |
| First professional degree | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
9 occupations are related to Computer & IS Security, with an average median salary of $113,368; the strongest outlook belongs to Information Security Analysts, at 12.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Network Security Analyst, Network Security Systems Analyst, AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist) and Data Storage Specialist.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to computer & is security, at 583,513.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Database Administrators | 183,075 | 3.4% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 127,373 | -4.0% |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | 113,258 | 3.9% |
Computer & IS Security graduates earn a median $67,520 one year after completing their program, $81,650 after four years and $72,148 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,520 |
| 4 years | $81,650 |
| 5 years | $72,148 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer & is security is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Information Security Analysts | $111,930 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $99,018 |
| Database Administrators | $79,696 |
Computer & IS Security has 6 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 24,605 degrees a year; the largest are Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other (6,558), Computer Support Specialist (6,403) and Network and System Administration/Administrator (5,465). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
