Overview
Demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever. Analysts are needed to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks. The Cybersecurity M.S. program at Saint Joseph's University will prepare you to understand and face the cybersecurity challenges of today and anticipate the threats of tomorrow, opening new opportunities for advancement in your industry.
What Is the Cybersecurity M.S.?
A master’s in cybersecurity from Saint Joseph’s University will provide you with an understanding of the latest technologies, techniques and issues in digital security. Available fully online, this 30-credit program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Students also have the option of completing the cybersecurity stackable certificate first and taking just five more courses to earn their master's degree.
This program will expose you to the most recent IT technologies and methodologies that strengthen the security and resilience of cyberspace. You'll gain a deeper understanding of various types of system and network vulnerabilities, digital forensics, cyber-attacks, cyber law and issues of ethics, risk management and evidence collection.
Saint Joseph's also offers a 4+1 program for current undergraduate who want to start earning credits toward their Cybersecurity M.S. degree. This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's in cybersecurity — in just five years, saving you time and money. If you're interested, you should apply to the graduate program in your junior year and be conditionally accepted before you complete your bachelor's degree.
100% Online Master's in Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity M.S. is designed to meet the needs of both working professionals in the field looking to advance their careers. Courses in the master’s program are fully online, with small virtual class sizes making it easy to connect with your professors and classmates to develop your graduate network. For maximum flexibility, this program can be completed on a part-time basis.
What Can I Do with a Cybersecurity Degree?
Today, there are more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment prospects for experts such as information security analysts will grow 28% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average of 7% for all occupations.
With the continued need for cybersecurity professionals, earning a master's degree can help you take advantage of a large number of open positions in roles such as:
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Application security administrator
- Cloud security architect
- Data privacy officer
- Data security analyst
- Information assurance analyst
How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for a Career in Cybersecurity?
Saint Joseph's online Cybersecurity graduate program helps students succeed as practicing cybersecurity specialists or prepares them to pursue their Ph.D. studies in cybersecurity or related fields after graduation. Additionally, merit-based scholarships are available in the first semester of study to eligible students accepted into the program. For questions regarding the requirements to qualify for the scholarship, please contact the graduate admissions office.
Build to the Degree: Apply Certificate Credits
The cybersecurity degree at Saint Joseph's is a stackable program, meaning if you successfully complete the cybersecurity certificate program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can take just five additional courses to receive a master’s degree in cybersecurity. You must submit an application to matriculate into the Cybersecurity M.S. program.
Program Director
At a Glance
Degree | Master of Science |
Length | 12-24 months |
Start Terms | Fall |
Format | Online only |
Credits & Concentrations | General track (no concentration) - 30 credits |
| Full-time | 9 credits per semester |
| Part-time | 6 credits or less per semester |
Tuition & Fees | $1,011 per credit (2021-2022); $50 fee (per course) |
Average Class Size | 10-15 students |
Average Work Experience | Work experience varies. A background in cybersecurity or computer science is not required to apply, though prerequisites may be needed. |
Graduate Assistantships | The department offers a limited number of teaching assistantships to qualifying students beyond their first semester. For more information, please contact the Computer Science Department. |
Discount Eligibility |
*note - discounts cannot be combined. |
Veterans | SJU is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand the benefits available to you and will support you during your educational career at SJU. |
Related Programs
Demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever. The cybersecurity certificate, which can stack into the Cybersecurity M.S. and Computer Science M.S. programs, will prepare you to understand and face the cybersecurity challenges of today and anticipate the threats of tomorrow.
Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in computer science is a 30-credit program built on a core curriculum of software development with an additional specialized concentration in artificial intelligence, web and database technologies and cybersecurity.
The online cyber intelligence certificate can be completed as a standalone certificate or can build into a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. If you are currently in the fields of criminal justice, cybersecurity or intelligence fields or majored in a relevant field and seek to grow your expertise amid a rising threat of cyber attacks, this certificate will prepare you well.