MS in Cybersecurity
Laurel, USA
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 665 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* non-inclusive of miscellaneous fees
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
In the era of digital transformation, the rising incidences of cybercrimes are alarming. In fact, by 2025, cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually, up from $3 trillion in 2015. These numbers underpin the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can safeguard our digital frontiers. In this respect, a Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity stands out as a remarkable and strategic career choice for the future.
Why an MS in Cybersecurity?
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for professionals with advanced cybersecurity knowledge and skills is skyrocketing. With a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, individuals can seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of this dynamic field while benefitting from the flexibility and convenience of digital learning. It provides the perfect balance between gaining advanced knowledge, developing technical skills, and managing personal commitments.
Exploring the Multi-Dimensional Field of Cybersecurity
An MS in Cybersecurity offers a deep dive into the complex and ever-changing world of cybersecurity. It exposes students to advanced concepts like ensuring data confidentiality, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring data availability. Furthermore, students get to understand the design and management of comprehensive cybersecurity programs, assess the potential threats, and comprehend the legal aspects of cybersecurity.
One of the key highlights of this program is the inclusion of intensive hands-on labs that equip students with crucial skills in malware analysis, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, appropriate use of cryptography, incident handling, and vulnerability mitigation. These technical skills are highly valued in the industry and give students an edge in their careers.
The capstone of the program is a comprehensive risk assessment exercise that tests the mastery of the learned concepts and technical skills. This real-world application of knowledge enriches students' understanding and prepares them for the job market.
The Future of Cybersecurity Professionals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Information Security Analysts, a position often requiring an advanced degree like an MS in Cybersecurity, is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Earning an MS in Cybersecurity prepares you to seize these opportunities, catapulting your career into high-growth roles such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Manager, and Chief Information Security Officer.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Challenges
As we increasingly rely on digital platforms and services, the security of data and systems has become a paramount concern. Cybersecurity professionals are the guardians of our digital world, and an online MS in Cybersecurity equips aspirants with the knowledge and skills to face future cybersecurity challenges.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity does more than just prepare you for the job market; it empowers you to be a part of the global mission to safeguard digital integrity. Thus, for anyone interested in a career in this dynamic and critical field, an online MS in Cybersecurity is not just a great choice—it’s an essential one designed for full-time employees to continue their work while completing all requirements online.
Job Titles and Midrange Salaries
- Cybersecurity Analyst - $95,000
- Cybersecurity Consultant - $91,000
- Penetration & Vulnerability Tester -$103,000
- Cybersecurity Manager / Administrator - $105,000
- Cybersecurity Engineer - $106,000
- Cybersecurity Architect - $133,000
Top Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- SANS/GIAC Certification
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- CompTIA Security+
Top Employers
- NASA
- US Department of Defense
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
- Leidos
- General Dynamics
- US Defense Information Systems Agency
- Lockheed Martin
- Goldman Sachs
- Motorola
Market Demand for Cybersecurity
Get the advanced education needed to become a computer information security officer, security manager, chief security officer, chief scientist, risk assessor, information systems security officer, cybersecurity administrator, chief information officer, or information security analyst.
Cybersecurity students are expected to have a background in computer information systems, computer networking, telecommunications, information technology, network security, or computer science. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of servers, routers, hubs, switches, TCP-IP, etc. CCNA, Security+, SSCP, or CISSP certifications provide an excellent foundation for preparation, but are not required.
Upon graduation, graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate diverse points of view and integrate their specialized knowledge in Cybersecurity across various technology applications.
- Engage in critical inquiry.
- Consider ethical principles in evaluating solutions, policies, and practices relevant to Cybersecurity.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in cybersecurity practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Master of Science 30-36 Credits
Core Courses (24-30 Credits)
- IAE 500 - Introduction to Information Assurance*
- CS 620 - Operating Principles for Information Assurance**
- IAE 671 - Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity and Information Privacy
- IAE 675 - Computer Forensics and Incident Handling
- IAE 677 - Malicious Software
- IAE 679 - Vulnerability Mitigation
- IAE 680 - Perimeter Protection
- IAE 682 - Internal Protection
- IAE 685 - Principles of Cyber Security
- IAE 674 - Security Risk Management Capstone
Notes
Students must meet all prerequisites for graduate-level courses.
*Students who can demonstrate knowledge of information assurance topics at an undergraduate level, either through undergraduate transcripts, certifications, or work experience, may have IAE 500 waived with appropriate documentation, which is evaluated at the time of admission.
**Students who can demonstrate knowledge of the UNIX operating system and C programming language through transcripts, certifications, or work experience may have CS 620 waived with appropriate documentation, which is evaluated at the time of admission.
Electives (6 Credits)
(Choose 2 courses)
- CS 713 - Design of Cloud Networks and Services
- IAE 611 - Mobile Computing Security
- IAE 620 - Mobile Device Forensics
- IAE 621 - Applied Wireless Network Security
- IAE 640 - Access and Identity Management
- IAE 684 - Complementary Security (CISSP)
- IAE 690 - Healthcare Information System Security
- IAE 692 - Mobile Medical Device/Application Security
- DS 510 - Analytics and Decision Analysis
- DS 515 - Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics
- DS 520 - Big Data Warehousing and Analytic Systems
- MBA 646 - Federal Contract Project Management