Cybersecurity M.S.
Study Options
Department
School
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. In fact, the White House has called for "a national strategy, similar to the effort to upgrade science and mathematics education in the 1950s," to meet the challenge of turning out qualified graduates to fill cybersecurity jobs.
A Degree to Meet a Rising Industry Demand
Today there are more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment prospects for experts such as information security analysts will grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average of 7 percent for all occupations. Earn your degree and take advantage of the large number of open positions available right now.
The Cybersecurity M.S. program, offered fully online, 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. Intended for professionals who are interested in improving their knowledge in cybersecurity issues and techniques, this program is offered entirely online and a background in computer science is not required.
The cybersecurity certificate 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.
Scholarships Available
Merit-based scholarships are available 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.
Stackable degree for Cybersecurity
Students who successfully complete the Cybersecurity Certificate program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may take five additional courses to receive a master’s degree in cybersecurity. These students 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, Spring |
Format | Online |
Credits & Concentrations | General track (no concentration) - 30 credits |
Full-time | 9 credits per semester |
Part-time | 6 credits or less per semester |
Tuition | $972 per credit (2019-2020); $50 fee (per course) |
| Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships are available in the first semester of study to eligible students accepted into the program this fall. For questions regarding the requirements to qualify for the scholarship, please contact the graduate admissions office. |
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. |
Housing | While most of our graduate students commute, there are resources available for those interested in living on-campus, or in near-by off-campus housing. |
Jobs in Computer Science | Cybersecurity specialist; Application Security Administrator; Cloud Security Architect; Data Privacy Officer; Data Security Analyst; Information Assurance Analyst |
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. |
Support for Veterans | Saint Joseph's is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. |