Master of Science in Cybersecurity (CYBM)
Denver, USA
MSc
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 550 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus, Blended
* per credit hour
This program does not accept International students, only Domestic USA students
Program Summary
The mission of the CYBM program is to provide students with in-depth knowledge as well as practical skills in both policy and analysis of computer and network security, privacy, computer forensics, and the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of cybercrime.
What can I do with this degree?
Master of Science in Cybersecurity graduates will be able to:
- Identify, analyze, and mitigate threats to computer and information systems
- Conceptualize, design, and build secure information systems
- Provide support to ensure effective and efficient computer and information system performance and security
- Provide leadership, management, strategy, development, and advocacy so that organizations may effectively conduct cybersecurity work
- Investigate cyber events or crimes of computer and information systems and networks
- Apply cyber laws and regulations in prosecuting and punishing cyber criminals
- Be responsible for specialized denial and deception operations and collection of cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence.
How long is it going to take?
- 4 semesters - 36 credits total:
- Fall: 9 credits; Spring: 9 credits
- Summer: 9 credits; Fall 9 credits
What prior knowledge/training is required?
We have students in our program from a variety of backgrounds; having a cybersecurity, computer science or computer information systems background is helpful as our program can be quite technical, but we offer introductory classes that can help bridge the gap somewhat if you feel that you need to gain more technical knowledge. If you do not have a cybersecurity background, visit the FAQ section on our website.
How is the program delivered?
Courses are offered asynchronously online, synchronously online, and hybrid; i.e., in-person and online at the same time
Financial Aid at MSU Denver
Domestic students can obtain financial aid in the form of unsubsidized loans. The process of receiving financial aid starts with submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible to be considered for the best aid available. Financial aid is awarded based on need, which is determined in part by annual income.
The information you submit via the FAFSA will allow MSU Denver to determine how to help you meet your financial needs. To continue to receive financial aid throughout your academic career, you must submit the FAFSA every year.
MSU Denver Graduate Studies also offers a limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships and Professional Development Fellowships.
Fall Semester (Term 1)
- Cyberlaws Regulation and Prosecution
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure
- Computer Sciences
- Information Systems Strategy and Planning
- Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
Spring Semester (Term 2)
- Theories of Cybercrime
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Network and Internet Security
- Computer Sciences
- Security Risk Analysis and Risk Management
- Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
Summer Semester (Term 3)
- Cybercrime Investigation
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention
- Computer Sciences
- Incident Detection and Response
- Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
Fall Semester (Term 4)
- Computer and Device Forensics
- Computer Sciences
- Information Assurance
- Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
- Cybersecurity Capstone
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) developed the National Cybersecurity Workplace Framework, and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) developed the Industry Competency Model. The CYBM competencies use the above framework and model as guides.
The M.S. in Cybersecurity graduates will be able to:
- Identify, analyze, and mitigate threats to computer and information systems.
- Conceptualize, design, and build secure information systems.
- Provide support to ensure effective and efficient computer and information system performance and security.
- Provide leadership, management, strategy, development, and advocacy so that organizations may effectively conduct cybersecurity work.
- Investigate cyber events or crimes of computer and information systems and networks.
- Apply cyber laws and regulations in prosecuting and punishing cyber criminals.
- Be responsible for specialized denial and deception operations and the collection of cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence.
Nationwide, the demand for positions in cybersecurity continues to increase and is expected to remain high as the need for cybersecurity professionals has grown three times as fast as traditional IT jobs. Many of our graduates have a background in criminal justice and computer science. In addition, veterans or those who work in law enforcement may be particularly well-suited for careers in cybersecurity, as their employment backgrounds and security clearances are very attractive to employers.
Depending on work experience, graduates can land positions as:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Cybersecurity Analyst/Specialist
- Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert.
- Computer Security Incident Responder
- Security Analyst
- Risk Manager/Analyst
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- IT Security Consultant