The two-year degree programs are formally recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and will feature live online classes, with a residential component as well.

SANS already offers a number of training and certification programs in information security and claims an alumni of 55,000 individuals. It also maintains a library of security research papers and runs a popular threat and vulnerability monitoring service called the Internet Storm Center.

The SANS master of science in information security engineering degree is designed for professionals focused on the technological aspects of network and system security, said Alan Paller, director research at the SANS Institute. The course will feature technology and project management topics geared toward people looking for jobs with titles such as technical director for security, networking and systems security manager and, in some places, assistant CIO for security, Paller said.

The more business-oriented degree in information security management is targeted at potential chief information security officers and will feature instruction in subjects such as compliance, legal issues and auditing standards, he said.

Both programs will place a heavy emphasis on communication and project management skills, as well as teaching, mentoring and persuasion skills -- all of which are increasingly key to a successful career in information security, Paller said.