Program Overview

Master's Degree in Cybersecurity

Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program provided by the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. It aims to equip students with the expertise to evaluate computer network and information security needs of organizations, assess cybersecurity risk management policies, and formulate and communicate organizational cyber-related strategies and policies.

Program Details

• Program duration: 1.5 years for full-time students
• Credits required: 36
• Program format: Available in person or completely online
• Research designation: R1

Six Reasons to Get a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree

1. High Demand in Cybersecurity: The field of cybersecurity has been identified by the Department of Labor as one of the most needed professional skills, and graduates in the field are in high demand.
2. UNLV's Recognition: UNLV is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, designated by the National Security Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security.
3. Dual Specialty Program: The dual specialty of this program, involving engineering and business, gives students an edge over the competition in the job market.
4. Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Students have double the networking opportunities by working with faculty, professionals, and fellow students in two fields.
5. Research Excellence: UNLV is a top-tier research institution ranked in the top five in the United States for super-computer and data analysis capabilities.
6. Location Benefits: Las Vegas is a thriving metropolitan area home to world-renowned entertainment, shopping, and food, making UNLV a resource for collaboration with local organizations.

Program Options

The master's in cybersecurity can be completed in person or online, with the same high-quality education, rigorous curriculum, and esteemed faculty.

In-Person Program

• Provides a traditional classroom experience at the UNLV campus
• Students benefit from face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers, access to on-campus resources, and participation in on-site projects and activities
• Classes are held in the evening to accommodate current full-time workers

Online Program

• Offers the same curriculum as the in-person program, delivered in a flexible format
• Ideal for working professionals or those who need the convenience of remote learning
• Classes are offered in a web-live format, typically meeting once or twice a week

An Interdisciplinary Degree in High Demand

The program builds upon the strengths of the College of Engineering's Computer Science department and the Lee Business School's Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) to provide expertise in managerial aspects of security, compliance, and risk management.

Who Is This Program Ideal For?

• Professionals with some job requirements that deal with cybersecurity and desire to have a background in cybersecurity
• Professionals in cybersecurity who lack a graduate education, which impedes their ability to advance upward within their career
• Individuals thinking of switching their career trajectory to cybersecurity who lack any background in the area
• Individuals who are in cybersecurity and wish to further hone their soft or hard skills through an applied graduate program

Receive Mentorship from Expert Faculty Members

The interdisciplinary master of science in cybersecurity degree program comprises faculty from the Lee Business School and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, who are world-recognized experts in numerous business sectors.

Career Options

Cybersecurity jobs represent a growing and potentially lucrative career path, with various career pathways available, including:

• Cryptographer
• Forensics analyst
• Incident responder
• Penetration tester
• Security administrator
• Security analyst
• Security/IT auditor
• Security consultant
• Security software developer
• Security specialist
• Security code auditor
• Vulnerability assessor

Program Structure

The program will enable those already in the field to hone their managerial skills and enter into the management of cybersecurity, or provide those with other related skill sets to move from a related/technical field into cybersecurity.

Program Specifics

• Requires 36 credit hours (12 courses), which may be finished in 1.5 years
• The program is designed to accommodate current full-time workers, with all courses held in the evening or offered as hybrid or fully online

Curriculum Courses

The core curriculum includes courses in:

• Security operations
• Secure communication protocols
• Security data analytics
• Cyber physical systems security
• Human factors in cybersecurity
• Enterprise security administration
• Cybersecurity strategy and governance

Culminating Capstone Experience

In addition to the coursework, the master of science in cybersecurity requires successful completion of a culminating experience, which enables the demonstration of program concepts and learning objectives into a final project, competition, or paper.

Tuition and Fees

A differential fee applies for this program, and the approximate cost breakdown is available upon request.

Admission Requirements

The program is open to graduates from all undergraduate disciplines, and students do not need a technical background to apply. The GMAT or GRE is optional, though applicants may choose to submit scores to strengthen their application.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Term: August 1 for domestic or permanent residence applicants
• Spring Term: December 1 for domestic or permanent residence applicants
• Summer Term: May 1 for domestic or permanent residence applicants International students are currently only eligible to apply for the online program track, with the same application deadlines as domestic students.