Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Tulsa offers an online M.S. in Cyber Security program designed to prepare students for careers in cyber defense. The program is available with both technical and leadership tracks and can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Program Details

• The program requires 30 credit hours, with five core cybersecurity courses and five specialized courses in either the technical or leadership tracks.
• Students must complete 12 credit hours in cybersecurity core courses, plus 18 credits in electives.
• Students without prior experience in IT or computer science may be required to complete one or two additional introductory courses in these fields to ensure a solid foundation before the conclusion of the first semester.

Curriculum and Courses

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum includes the following courses:

• CYB 7153 Foundations of Cyber Security (3 credits)
• CYB 7173 Defensive Cyber Security Technologies (3 credits)
• CYB 7223 Network Security Concepts and Applications (3 credits)
• CYB 7373 System Security and Cryptography (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Elective courses are available in the following areas:

• Leadership
  • CYB 6163 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 credits)
  • CYB 7443 Information System Assurance (3 credits)
• Technical
  • CYB 6123 Security+ Cert Prep (3 credits)
  • CYB 6863 Special Topics (3 credits)
  • CYB 7083 Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (I and II) (3 credits)
  • CYB 7523 Pentest+ Prep (3 credits)
  • CYB 7573 CISSP Prep (3 credits)
  • CYB 7863 Special Topics (3 credits)
  • CYB 7493 Secure System Administration (3 credits)
• Either
  • CYB 7193 Blockchain Fintech Security (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Completed application for admission
• Unofficial college transcripts from all institutions attended
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Highly recommended that the applicant meet one of the four criteria:
  • 3+ years of IT-related work experience
  • 1+ year of cybersecurity work
  • A graduate degree in any field
  • Completion of certain certifications
• At least nine hours of mathematics and statistics at the level of calculus and above
• No GRE required for application

Tuition and Fees

• $892 per credit hour
• 30 core credits
• Financial assistance and payment plans available
• Some elective courses have course fees that cover prep materials for CompTIA Pentest+ and Security+ exams and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Program Features

• Industry-relevant instruction
• Immersive learning through virtual labs, hands-on activities, project-based assignments, and virtual meetings
• Interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in areas such as fintech, blockchain, and ethics
• Certification preparation for certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP/PEN-200), and CompTIA Security+/PenTest+
• Endorsed excellence as a Center of Academic Excellence in Research and Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Ranked as one of the top cybersecurity programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Director of Cybersecurity
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Security Architect
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Information Security Officer
• Penetration Tester

About the University

The University of Tulsa is a private university that has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The university offers a range of programs, including the online M.S. in Cyber Security, which is designed to prepare students for careers in cyber defense.