The Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze, design, and implement effective cybersecurity solutions to protect computer systems and networks against various cyber threats, such as malware, hacking, phishing, and denial of service attacks. Students are exposed to theory and practices, with hands-on experience through lab sessions, technical projects, case studies, and incident response planning.
Cybersecurity is an in-demand career field, with many professional advancement opportunities for graduates in information security management, cyber law and policy, network administration, and digital forensics. Courses are aligned with industry certifications and offer opportunities to specialize in technical skill development or cybersecurity leadership.
Coursework is available online. Students can select a flexible part-time or a full-time accelerated format. The MS in Cybersecurity is accredited by ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Explain fundamental cybersecurity principles and threats.
- Detect, analyze, and resolve security issues related to threats and vulnerabilities in cyber infrastructures.
- Implement strategies and apply software tools to mitigate cyber risks and vulnerabilities.
- Apply cybersecurity policies, regulations, ethical practice effectively and professionally.
- Analyze and develop crypto algorithms for encryption of data over wired or wireless communications or stored media.
The MS in Cybersecurity requires at least 30 graduate credit hours, including 18 credit hours of core coursework plus 12 elective credit hours. Students may opt to pursue the technical or leadership track or may select coursework aligned with individual interests and professional goals.
Depending upon the student’s academic background, prerequisite coursework may be required. Because the MS in Cybersecurity program is offered by the Simon School of Business, it is expected that students have a foundational understanding of business. Students with an undergraduate degree outside the business area must take BUS-501, Survey of Business. Credit hours earned for BUS 501 may be required for the program but do not count toward the 30 credit hours required for the degree.
Related Programs
Students who complete the Master of Science in Cybersecurity may also earn the Cybersecurity Penetration Testing Graduate Certificate or the Cybersecurity Incident Response Graduate Certificate .
