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cybersecurity

Online MS in Cybersecurity
Program Details

Application Deadlines

Applications to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by these deadlines: 

  • Fall 2025: Feb. 12, 2025

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Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MS in Cybersecurity program you must complete the general requirements and prerequisites listed below. 

  • General Requirements
    • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent education background 
    • GPA of 2.5 for last degree completed or last 60 semester units 
    • GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-division computer science courses 
    • One official transcript from each academic institution attended 
    • A personal statement describing reasons for pursuing the program 
    • Résumé or curriculum vitae 
    • Two letters of recommendation 
    • No GRE required to apply 
    • Must reside in an approved state 
  • Prerequisite Courses

    Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree in computer science or equivalent education breakdown. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in a related field may be able to meet prerequisites with equivalent work experience in computer science and will be considered for conditional admission. 

     The review committee looks for courses in and comprehensive understanding of the following areas: 

     Operating Systems 

    • Overall understanding of operating system design 
    • Familiarity with the topics of process coordination and scheduling, interface devices, memory and device management 

     Networks 

    • Overall understanding of communication network design 
    • Familiarity with the general topics of network architectures and protocols 

    Software Engineering 

    • Overall understanding of programming paradigms and programming constructs in object-oriented languages such as C++ 
    • Knowledge of the important features and concerns of programming languages in common use today 
    • Practical understanding of the basic principles and applications of software engineering, including process models and objected oriented analysis 

     Please view the Work Experience Questions for Applicants to see if your work experience will satisfy some or all of the required prerequisites. 

  • Residency Requirement
    To be considered for admission to this online program, you must reside in an approved state.

Connect with a Specialist

Set up an appointment with your enrollment specialist to learn how you can take advantage of the MS in Cybersecurity program.

Sujeith Ordonez

Sujeith Ordonez, M.A.
Senior Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
CSUSM Extended Learning
(760) 750-8454

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cyber professional

Funding Options

The cybersecurity master’s degree program is eligible for financial aid. 

Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and their dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705. 

Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver). 



FUNDING OPTIONS

Program Costs

Complete the Master of Science in Cybersecurity in five semesters, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The program consists of 38 units, priced at $875 per unit.

 Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Educational Journey's Cost 

Semester Units Subtotal*
Fall Semester 1 9 $7,875 
Spring Semester 1 9 $7,875 
Summer Semester 3 $2,625 
Fall Semester 2 9 $7,875 
Spring Semester 2 8 $7,000 
Total 38 $33,250 

*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without advance notice. 

 

Courses

This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort. You can view all course descriptions on the Master of Science in Cybersecurity course catalog page. 

Year One

Fall Semester 1
Course Units
MCS 500: Intro to Cybersecurity  2
MCS 511: Secure Features in Operating Systems  3
MIS 522: Information Systems and Security Management  2
MGMT 521: Organizational Behavior and Leadership for Security Management  2
Spring Semester 1
Course Units
MCS 510: Security in Computer Networks  3
MIS 622: Technology Assessment and Security Risk Management  3
MATH 503: Cryptography  3

Schedule is subject to change without advance notice.

 

Summer Semester
Course Units
MIS 621: Information Security Governance  3

Year Two

Fall Semester 2
Course Units
MCS 512: Development of Secure Software  4
MCS 610: Offensive Security and Penetration Testing  4
MCS 680A: Semester-in-Residence Project Writing Workshop  1
Spring Semester 2
Course Units
MCS 611: Intrusion Detection and Incident Response  4
MCS 680B: Internship/Semester-in-Residence Project  4

 

Take a Step Toward Cybersecurity Leadership

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