Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
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Take the Lead in One of Tech’s Most In-Demand Specialties with an MS in Cybersecurity
Excelsior University is proud to be designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense with learning aligned with the academic requirements for cybersecurity set by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The challenging, career-oriented online MS in Cybersecurity curriculum focuses on deepening your knowledge in key areas such as data communication, ethics, legal and compliance issues, operational process, ethical hacking, software security, project management, risk management, and defensive technologies.
A cybersecurity expert knows that the most complex challenges can’t be solved in a vacuum. In Excelsior’s unique set of core courses, you’ll work on interactive projects with your fellow students from across our programs and disciplines to begin your graduate education building connections and expanding your worldview. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to pursue senior-level positions in cybersecurity management, analysis, security and compliance, governance, investigation, and penetration testing.
Learn more about the National Cybersecurity Institute at Excelsior University, an academic and research center dedicated to assisting government, industry, military, and academic sectors meet the challenges in cybersecurity policy, technology, and education.
In addition to the fully online format, the MS in Cybersecurity program is offered as a hybrid option with both fully online courses and hybrid courses that blend online and in-person learning. Required in-person class sessions are held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the evenings or on the weekends. These on-site experiences reinforce what you’ll learn online and give you the opportunity for hands-on practice, in-person simulations, collaborative problem solving, and direct interaction with faculty and your peers. Each hybrid course requires a three-hour in-person session every other week, for a total of 12 hours on-site per course per term.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
Online MS in Cybersecurity
- Major Core21 Credits
- Concentration9 Credits
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
The General concentration equips students to protect assets and respond to cyberthreats in various environments. Emphasizing policy and compliance, global cyber capabilities, and cloud security, you’ll gain practical experience preparing you for industry certifications such as ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
The Information Assurance concentration prepares you to take a hands-on role combating cybersecurity threats, with courses focusing on software control management tools, software integration, cyber defense mitigation, and digital forensics.
Explore Common Careers
Inge Sebyan Black
Master of Science in Cybersecurity, 2023
Institutional Accreditation
Excelsior University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. Excelsior University’s accreditation status is accreditation reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 23, 2022 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.
All of Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered (i.e., approved) by the New York State Education Department.
FAQ
Excelsior University’s MS in Cybersecurity program has a hybrid option that combines online flexibility with the power of hands-on experience. You’ll complete your coursework through our intuitive online learning platform and in-person lab sessions held in St. Petersburg, Florida, during evenings or weekends. These sessions—three hours every other week, totaling 12 hours per term—give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting and network face-to-face with peers and faculty.
A Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a specialized graduate degree focusing on protecting digital information and systems from cyberthreats. Computer science and IT degrees are generally broader in scope, covering the fundamentals of computing and software development, software engineering, data science, and/or artificial intelligence.
A background in computer science or IT is not required to apply. However, this graduate-level program is geared toward professionals already working in these fields.
Excelsior University’s MS in Cybersecurity program includes courses in:
- Network and Communication Security
- Global Cybersecurity
- Information Assurance
- Security Policy and Compliance
With digital data at a premium, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across numerous industries, with particularly strong needs in the finance, health care, and government sectors.
Excelsior’s MS in Cybersecurity program equips you with a range of in-demand skills, including technical expertise in areas like network security, digital forensics, and cybersecurity policy, as well as crucial soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and risk management. You’ll also develop the ability to analyze and mitigate threats, respond to security incidents, and understand relevant legal and ethical issues.
