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Master of Science
Cybersecurity

Advance Your Career in the Growing Cybersecurity Industry
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Protect Organizations From Sophisticated Cyber Attacks

Prepare for advancement in the cybersecurity industry with the online MS in Cybersecurity from California State University San Marcos.

This nationally ranked program* is designed for working professionals and builds on your previous experience, preparing you to become a skilled analyst with a deep understanding of system configurations, compliance, incident response and more.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated CSUSM as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, so you can be confident you’re earning a graduate degree that meets the highest industry standards.

100% Online

2-3 Year Duration

No Thesis

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Essential Training for Cybersecurity Leaders

The courses emphasize real-world application and practical learning through hands-on labs and a capstone project addressing a relevant cybersecurity challenge or issue. You’ll learn in a synchronous format that lets you make connections with your peers and work closely with expert faculty.

A combination of advanced technical topics and management training ensures you’re ready to lead tech teams, develop effective information security strategies, and pursue industry certifications like CISSP.

Development of Secure Software

Explore the development of secure software during all phases of the development life cycle with an emphasis on secure code implementation and common pitfalls and security bugs found in programming languages.

Intrusion Detection and Incident Response

Learn to investigate threats against computers and network systems while studying intrusion detection principles, such as network traffic analysis, packet analysis, common protocols and log analysis.

Information Systems and Security Management

Study the fundamental principles and components of information system management at the organizational level, including the integration of security into the systems design process and life cycle of information security management.

Online Learning

Ideal for working adults with busy lives, this 100% online program let you learn from anywhere and study in a format that fits your life. Plus, personalized academic and career services ensure you have the resources to succeed.

Qualify for New Professional Opportunities

Employers across industries rely on cybersecurity experts to keep valuable data assets secure, and a graduate-level credential can help position you for success. Information security occupations are expected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, adding 16,000 new openings annually.1

In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers

  1. Information security analyst: $124,910 per year1
  2. Computer systems analyst: $103,790 per year2
  3. Computer systems administrator: $96,800 per year3

About Us

Building on an over 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities, and solving critical issues. Our programs advance the academic, social, professional and personal development of all students through education, innovation and community partnerships.

CSUSM is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the official accrediting body for institutions of higher learning in the West.

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Information Security Analysts.” Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Computer Systems Analysts.” Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Network and Computer Systems Administrators.” Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov

*Ranked 7th among the nation’s best online cybersecurity master’s programs for 2022 in a list compiled by Fortune magazine. Retrieved from https://fortune.com