Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between information assurance and cybersecurity? 

Information assurance focuses on the confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication and validation of data. These are all accepted, well-understood and mostly technical issues. Cybersecurity focuses on securing the safety of computers and computer systems in a networked environment—security issues typically are approached from a broader background (socio-economic, political, psychological etc.).

 

What is the difference between the MS in Information Technology with Information Assurance specialization and the new MS in Cybersecurity degrees? 

The two disciplines are interrelated, but differ in the approaches adopted, the methodologies used and the areas of emphasis.

The information assurance program focuses on individual solutions, such as access control, encryption, or compliance, while the new cyber security programs focus on coherent solutions comprising the effectiveness of integrated and coordinated security measures, as well as multi-level and multi-aspect controls. For this reason, cybersecurity requires an interdisciplinary approach to consolidate cyber defense efforts, break down barriers to collaboration, develop new security technologies, and facilitate increased national public awareness of cybersecurity issues.

 

Who should consider a degree in cybersecurity?

The graduate cybersecurity programs are designed for mid-career professionals who wish to help meet the challenges posed by increasing cyber-threats. With a degree in cybersecurity, you may qualify for the following career paths:

  • Chief security officer
  • Cyber policy analyst
  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Cybersecurity engineer
  • Cybersecurity operator
  • Cybersecurity software engineer
  • Digital forensics expert
  • Information systems security administrator
  • Senior systems manager
 

Can I complete the graduate program online, or will I be required to attend on-site classes?

The MS in Cybersecurity program is available online only.

 

Will I be able to successfully complete the graduate degree program without prior computer science or cybersecurity experience?

Yes, it's possible. The graduate cybersecurity program covers many technical topics, but assumes no previous experience in cybersecurity or computer science. You may also want to consider the MS in Cybersecurity Policy program, which is less technical in nature and, therefore, does not require prior technical expertise.

 

I’m receiving financial aid. Will the cybersecurity courses be 3 or 6 credits?

All courses in the MS programs are worth 6 credits.

 

Will I be required to complete the cybersecurity courses in a specific sequence?

Yes. The courses are designed to be taken in the order listed on the program description pages.

See MS in Cybersecurity Program

See MS in Cybersecurity Policy Program

 

Can I earn a dual master's degree?

Yes. Both the MS in Cybersecurity and the MS in Cyber Security Policy may be earned as part of a dual degree program with the Master of Business Administration. The MS in Cybersecurity must be completed as the first degree in the dual MBA program; the MS in Cybersecurity Policy can be completed as either the first or second degree.

 

Will I be required to purchase a new computer or equipment?

Some of the online lab exercises will require a computer that is running Windows. Otherwise, the courses will be delivered via our WebTycho learning management system. The Cybersecurity curriculum makes extensive use of online multimedia learning objects and interactive exercises. Thus, the minimum recommended Internet connection speed is 512kb/second.

Courses of Interest

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