Best institutions to study 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.
905 U.S. institutions graduated 48,110 Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.1003, a specialization of Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10), and leads most directly to the Computer and Information Systems Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-3021).
About Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance programs
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.
See also: 43.0403 - Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance program prepares individuals to assess and manage the security needs of computer and network systems. This program is ideal for those interested in safeguarding information technology infrastructures and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Students will gain knowledge in areas such as computer architecture, programming, networking, cryptography, and security system auditing. Coursework also covers risk assessment, policy analysis, and troubleshooting, equipping graduates with essential skills for the field.
Credentials awarded
What Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree14,429 graduates / yr · 300 institutions30%
- Master's degree11,249 graduates / yr · 228 institutions23%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year9,901 graduates / yr · 316 institutions21%
- Associate's degree7,903 graduates / yr · 316 institutions16%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years2,588 graduates / yr · 155 institutions5.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1,396 graduates / yr · 95 institutions2.9%
- Award of less than 12 weeks365 graduates / yr · 11 institutions0.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship167 graduates / yr · 12 institutions0.3%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice53 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Post-master's certificate38 graduates / yr · 10 institutions0.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years21 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.0%
Graduates over time
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 7,113 |
| 2013 | 8,647 |
| 2014 | 9,749 |
| 2015 | 10,477 |
| 2016 | 9,711 |
| 2017 | 11,866 |
| 2018 | 15,558 |
| 2019 | 17,630 |
| 2020 | 20,638 |
| 2021 | 22,716 |
| 2022 | 25,785 |
| 2023 | 29,758 |
| 2024 | 37,938 |
| 2025 | 48,110 |
Top 50 institutions for Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4,814 | 46% | $11,580 | $92,416 |
| 2 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 2,686 | 33% | — | $73,797 |
| 3 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1,675 | 43% | $34,565 | — |
| 4 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 1,532 | 50% | — | $45,475 |
| 5 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sBachelor's | 1,271 | 20% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sBachelor's | 1,047 | 21% | $15,478 | $50,255 |
| 7 | Wilmington University New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 931 | 20% | $16,588 | $56,597 |
| 8 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sPost-degree cert. | 702 | 57% | $10,199 | $66,588 |
| 9 | California Institute of Arts & Technology National City, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 698 | 56% | $34,431 | — |
| 10 | MyComputerCareer at Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 651 | 69% | $26,295 | — |
| 11 | Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VAPublicAssociate's | 605 | 33% | — | $54,742 |
| 12 | MyComputerCareer at Columbus Columbus, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 602 | 70% | $26,186 | $46,099 |
| 13 | SANS Technology Institute North Bethesda, MDPrivate for-profitPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sMaster's | 550 | — | — | — |
| 14 | ECPI University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 547 | 42% | $21,909 | $43,314 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 506 | 86% | — | $73,941 |
| 16 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 496 | 53% | — | $54,877 |
| 17 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sBachelor's | 444 | 46% | — | $39,418 |
| 18 | MyComputerCareer at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 434 | 60% | $26,791 | — |
| 19 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 427 | 46% | — | $65,838 |
| 20 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sAssociate's | 409 | 38% | — | $41,114 |
| 21 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 403 | 34% | — | — |
| 22 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 386 | 32% | — | $43,930 |
| 23 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 305 | 38% | — | $44,372 |
| 24 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 303 | 88% | $29,023 | — |
| 25 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GAPublicMaster's | 299 | 94% | — | — |
| 26 | Bellevue University Bellevue, NEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 260 | 33% | $29,230 | $67,678 |
| 27 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MOPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 258 | 54% | — | $57,502 |
| 28 | University at Albany Albany, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sMaster's | 253 | 61% | — | $45,637 |
| 29 | Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 250 | 31% | — | — |
| 30 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 247 | 19% | — | — |
| 31 | Champlain College Burlington, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 230 | 65% | $32,531 | $72,652 |
| 32 | Harford Community College Bel Air, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 229 | 39% | — | — |
| 33 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Bachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 224 | 84% | $29,789 | $86,753 |
| 34 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 221 | 34% | — | $73,941 |
| 35 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 206 | 83% | — | — |
| 36 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NYPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 204 | 56% | — | $49,580 |
| 37 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 202 | 50% | $11,672 | — |
| 38 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 183 | 44% | $32,163 | $40,968 |
| 39 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 175 | 49% | — | — |
| 40 | Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 175 | 70% | $28,133 | $89,032 |
| 41 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 163 | 18% | — | — |
| 42 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 159 | 43% | $21,535 | — |
| 43 | Dakota State University Madison, SDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 158 | 51% | — | $58,166 |
| 44 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 157 | 20% | $19,369 | $86,085 |
| 45 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 155 | — | — | — |
| 46 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 155 | 28% | — | — |
| 47 | Augusta University Augusta, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 155 | 49% | — | $48,303 |
| 48 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor's | 153 | 77% | — | — |
| 49 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 149 | 33% | $15,554 | $61,894 |
| 50 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 145 | 68% | $28,141 | $79,863 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management field (CIP 11.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 52 states & territories
Where Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance graduates come from. Each state links to all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-3021, Computer and Information Systems Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Information Security Analysts, and Network Administrators, among others. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a projected growth rate of 15.2% and approximately 55,600 annual openings, alongside a median wage of $171,200 for those with a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.1003
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Systems Managersprimary SOC 11-3021 | $175,140 | +15.2% Much faster than average | ~55,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Information Security Analysts SOC 15-1212 | $129,180 | +28.5% Much faster than average | ~16,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators SOC 15-1244 | $99,130 | -4.2% Decline | ~14,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer Network Architects SOC 15-1241 | $134,050 | +11.9% Much faster than average | ~11,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer Network Support Specialists SOC 15-1231 | $76,220 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~9,600 | Associate's degree |
Database Architects SOC 15-1243 | $139,500 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~4,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Database Administrators SOC 15-1242 | $104,620 | -0.7% Little or no change | ~3,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
- Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
- Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
- Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
- Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
Tools and technology used
Other Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10).
- Computer/CIP 11.1099
Information Technology Services Administration and Management 6,540 graduates / yr92 institutions - Computer Support SpecialistCIP 11.10066,399 graduates / yr243 institutions
- Network and System Administration/CIP 11.1001
Administrator 5,461 graduates / yr204 institutions - Information Technology Project ManagementCIP 11.10053,763 graduates / yr80 institutions
- System, Networking, and LAN/CIP 11.1002
WAN Management/ Manager 1,582 graduates / yr72 institutions - Web/CIP 11.1004
Multimedia Management and Webmaster 754 graduates / yr81 institutions
See all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, and technical support skills, along with knowledge in computers and electronics.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Computer and Information Systems Manager, Information Security Analyst, or Network Administrator.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 15.2% and 55,600 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance?+
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance is CIP 11.1003 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance programs?+
905 U.S. institutions reported Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 52 states & territories, awarding 48,110 credentials in the year. That is 66.3% of all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management graduates.
How much do Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer and Information Systems Managers occupation, which Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance most directly leads to, pays a median of $175,140 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management field report median earnings of $54,784 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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