Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the most important and fastest-growing job sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity industry is projected to grow by 35% through 2031. This is 7x faster than other careers (on average).

The income potential is promising too. Data from ZipRecruiter shows that the average salary for someone with a master’s degree in cybersecurity is $128,870 (as of 2023).

Empire State University will help you start or advance your career in this exciting field with our new Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity program. This is a 30-33 credit, fully online program that can be completed within two years.

The M.S. in Cybersecurity program gives you an in-depth understanding of technology, policy, and security measures that are necessary for information security implementations.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to:

Design strategies that integrate best practices in cybersecurity and risk management
Plan and execute sophisticated solutions that protect global systems and infrastructures
Assess cybersecurity risks in a variety of environments
Integrate cybersecurity into organizational structures

There are two pathways for this program:

30-credit pathway
33-credit pathway

The 30-credit pathway is designed for IT professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields who wish to advance their career opportunities in cybersecurity.

The 33-credit pathway is for students new to the field. It includes an additional 3-credit IT essentials course taken in the first term.

This program is ideal for students looking to:

Advance their careers in information security, information technology, and risk management
Enroll in a flexible, online program designed for working professionals

Program Design

This program is delivered through online instruction, providing flexibility and convenience for busy individuals balancing work, family and personal obligations. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time enrollment for students who want to complete the program in 20 months requires enrolling in 9 credits per term and in 3 to 6 credits during the summer terms. Part-time students may complete the program in 24-27 months.

Prerequisites

It is preferred that applicants for the MSCS have a bachelor's degree in information technology/systems, computer science, web technology, math, science, technology, business, library science, and any range of educational and professional backgrounds in related fields. Applicants must demonstrate foundation knowledge in computer programming and computer networks. Applicants who are lacking this knowledge will take the one three-credit MSCS foundation course.

Program Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 credits)

(Only for students who are lacking foundational knowledge.)

INFT 6122 - Essentials of Information Technology: Programming and Networking

Core Courses (12 credits)

INFT 6070 - Cyber Security Risk and Management (3 credits)
INFT 6132 - Network Administration (3 credits)
INFT 6065 - Ethical Hacking and Network Defense (3 credits)
INFT 6142 - Computer Systems Security (3 credits)
INFT 6147 - Enterprise Information Security Management (3 credits)
INFT 6157 - Data and Application Security (3 credits)
INFT 6045 - Information Security Policies and Procedures (3 credits)

Electives (6 Credits)

Students choose two elective courses to reflect their interests and to reinforce the individual focus of their degree.

Capstone Course (3 credits)

Students complete a 3-credit capstone project in Cybersecurity.

For more information about this program, its course sequencing and descriptions, please visit the Empire State University's Academic Catalog.

* Photo Credit: Towfiqu Barbhuiya, Unsplash.