In a vastly connected world, there is a critical need to secure the systems supporting the world’s information infrastructure. With the rising threat of cybercrime, the need for IT professionals with advanced knowledge and education is there. That’s where you come in.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to prepare students for leadership in information technology security. The cybersecurity master’s degree program is focused on providing you with the knowledge and skills to apply the principles and concepts related to the development and management of secure information systems and technology at the enterprise and individual levels, locally and globally.

The cybersecurity master’s is designed for IT professionals, executives, and baccalaureate degree graduates who realize the necessity of delivering value to customers through secure information technology systems. The degree provides you with theoretical, practical, and applied skills in computer-based information systems and the technologies that support them, as well as a broad perspective of the business and management environments in which information system technologies play a strategic role. You could earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity in as little as 16 months through our accelerated, year-round schedule!

Choose from two Cybersecurity concentrations: Cyber Operations OR Cybersecurity Policy.

• Learn how to secure critical infrastructure such that exists in enterprise networks, power distribution, transportation, finance, and water treatment facilities
• Learn how to enhance the local, regional, and national security posture of our nation through the technologies, techniques, and labs used in cyber operations
• Experience real-world case studies and practice with globally accessible hands-on security lab equipment designed to teach and re-enforce the configuration of secure infrastructure
• Participate in local, regional, and/or national activities and events designed to promote policy and practice that strengthen the cybersecurity community as a whole
• Learn through curriculum designed to prepare you for advanced cybersecurity certification examinations such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security
• Professional (CISSP), Systems Administration and Network Security (SANS), and Chief Information Security Officer (C:CISO)
• Use virtualization and storage technologies that provide hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools, techniques, methodologies, and practices

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is delivered online. Students on F-1 or M-1 visa are not eligible to enroll in this program.

This degree program is primarily based on the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security program requirements for designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense.

The curriculum builds on a foundation of communication and problem solving, theoretical and applied understanding of advanced technical concepts and policies, as well as technical hardware and software components used throughout information systems. Your understanding and practical knowledge of network security will be enhanced with research opportunities providing a particular emphasis on technologies, techniques, and operations related to specialized Cybersecurity (e.g., collection, exploitation, and response). These technologies, techniques, and operations are critical to business, intelligence, government, manufacturing, and law enforcement in order to effectively monitor, defend, and minimize the attack surface of information system networks.

Graduates of an advanced CIS degree program have many career options, often finding career paths that lead them into IT management positions. They may manage complex IT projects, design secure computer systems using the most current information technologies, and develop innovative hardware and software system architectures. They may develop test plans and ensure their correct application. Graduates also may work as network architects or administrators who design secure computer networks, including wireless networks. Graduates of the M.S. in Information Systems degree program will be able to work in a wide variety of positions in business, industry, and government venues.

Possible job titles for an M.S. Cyber Security graduate include:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Data Center or Network Security Administrator
• Information Systems Security Engineer
• Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis Manager
• Information Security Engineer

With significant, successful work experience in the field, management opportunities could be available to the graduate.

Program Requirements

This degree program is based on the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security program requirements for designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense. The curriculum builds on a foundation of communication and problem solving, theoretical and applied understanding of basic technical concepts, protocols, and software/hardware components of information systems technologies. Students enhance their understanding and practical knowledge of network security and research providing a particular emphasis on technologies and techniques related to specialized Cybersecurity (e.g., collection, exploitation, and response). These technologies and techniques are critical to intelligence, military and law enforcement organizations authorized to perform these specialized operations. A capstone project is required.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, graduates should be able to:

• Summarize cybersecurity fundamentals and how they are interrelated and employed to achieve desired solutions and to effect mitigation strategies.
• Analyze security and operational effects on structured network communications in wired and wireless environments.
• Select and securely implement large-scale distributed cloud systems.
• Evaluate classes of possible threats, consequences associated with each threat, and determine what actions can be taken to mitigate the threat.
• Relate the legal issues governing cyber operations and the use of related tools, techniques, technology and data.
• Evaluate user behavioral and ethical impacts of various securities on the implementation of and perception of security mechanisms.
• Devise a defensive network architecture employing multiple layers of protection using technology appropriate for secure network.
• Analyze security implications of data center virtualization and storage technologies.
• Evaluate various applied cryptography solutions and key management systems.

Cyber Operations

The Cyber Operations concentration focuses on the analysis, design, deployment, and monitoring of cyber technologies and techniques necessary to maintain the security posture of an organization. Graduates will have the skills to ensure operational continuity of large-scale organizations.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, the graduate should be able to:

• Apply advanced knowledge of cyber operations to manage information assurance and threat mitigation at the enterprise level.

Cybersecurity Policy

The Cybersecurity Policy concentration prepares graduates for the analysis, development, and enforcement of policies and procedures that contribute to the security of an organization’s system with the focus on people, processes, and technology. The course work focuses on the legal and regulatory factors that must be considered in administering cybersecurity policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, graduates should be able to:

• Develop security policies to ensure compliance and manage risk in information security across a wide range of domains.