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Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida is designed to prepare students for the front lines of cybersecurity, teaching them to plan, implement, upgrade, manage, and monitor the security of data, systems, and networks.

Program Overview

With cyber attacks becoming more frequent, many organizations are in need of trained professionals who can secure data, information, and networks and serve as a layer of defense against cybercriminals. This fully online program takes only two years to complete and provides hands-on experience in virtualized computing systems.

Key Topics of Study

• Computer and network security
• Digital forensics
• Data security from a data-centric viewpoint
• Secure software development
• Information security management
• Threat monitoring

Concentrations

The online M.S. in Cybersecurity includes four career-focused concentrations to customize the degree:

1. Data Security: Teaches students best practices for preventing system breaches and protecting data assets.
2. National Security: Focuses on the latest policy and theoretical approaches to confront the complexities of today's global security environment.
3. Security Management: Combines technical and managerial principles to give students the skills needed to establish cybersecurity policies and procedures in organizations.
4. Software and System Security: Focuses on the security properties and vulnerabilities of software systems, training students to analyze and apply defensive programming techniques.

Candidates for This Program

• Students with a technical background in areas such as information technology or computer science
• Working professionals seeking to enter the specialized field of cybersecurity
• Those currently working in a related field

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and prioritize system and network security threats
• Formulate and evaluate solutions to cybersecurity problems
• Demonstrate high familiarity with primary and secondary sources describing cybersecurity threats and remedies
• Analyze concepts, principles, and theories in computing technology for cybersecurity

Courses and Requirements

The online cybersecurity degree includes a total of 30 credit hours, with 21 credit hours exploring fundamental topics in key cybersecurity areas and 9 credit hours of elective courses.

Foundational Courses

For students entering the program with a degree not in Computing and wishing to pursue the Data Security or Software & System Security track, prerequisite foundational courses in computing and programming are required.

Core Courses

• ISM 6574: Advanced Legal, Ethical, and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
• CIS 5775: Cybersecurity Principles

Concentration Courses

Each concentration has specific courses:

• Data Security: Includes courses like Database Systems, Data Mining, and Data Security.
• National Security: Covers topics such as Political Violence, Statecraft, and National Security Policy.
• Security Management: Includes courses on Advanced Cybersecurity Risk Management, Database Administration, and Information Systems Auditing and Control.
• Software and System Security: Focuses on Secure Software Development, Software Assurance and Security, and Digital Forensics.

Cybersecurity Electives & Seminar

Choose 3 electives at the 5000- or 6000-level with the approval of the program advisor, including a Seminar in Cybersecurity.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum institutional GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework.

Costs & Financial Aid

• Full Online Program Tuition: $425 per credit hour, totaling $12,750.00 for the program.
• Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits: Up to 6 credits can be transferred, reducing the total cost.
• Financial aid options are available, including loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Network Administrator: Maintaining network security and performance.
• Information Security Analysts: Overseeing cybersecurity in businesses and organizations.
• Database Administrator: Organizing and optimizing databases, ensuring their security.

Program Details

• Est. Program Length: 24 months
• Credit Hours: 30
• Course Length: 8 and 16 weeks
• Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 6

This program is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge needed to effectively predict and protect against cybercrimes, preparing them for a career in this fast-growing field.