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Elevate Your Career in Cybersecurity Leadership
Prepare for leadership and advancement in the competitive cyberdefense landscape with CSUSM’s fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Acquire the skills necessary to lead teams in protecting organizations, communities and nations from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
This unique master’s degree program blends advanced technical instruction with MBA-level business training, ensuring you master both the technology and business aspects of cybersecurity. Accredited as a Professional Science Master’s degree by the NPSMA, CSUSM’s MS in Cybersecurity prepares you to excel in both technical and managerial roles.
100% Online
Complete in Just 5 Semesters
No Thesis Required
Application Deadlines
Applications to the cybersecurity master’s degree 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
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated CSUSM as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cyberdefense education.
Quick facts
- Designed for Working Professionals: The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program accommodates your busy life. Online, cohort-based classes are held on weekday evenings, fitting seamlessly around your professional and personal commitments.
- Real-World Capstone: Instead of a thesis, you’ll complete a project-based capstone in partnership with a cybersecurity company. This hands-on experience allows you to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges, gaining practical and relevant expertise.
Attend an Information Session
Join an Online Information Session
Learn more about the MS in Cybersecurity program through a brief, informal webinar
and Q&A session:
Please revist later for updates on upcoming information sessions.
Admission and Costs
Admission
Admission to the MS in Cybersecurity program requires an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area. View all admission requirements View all admission requirements.
Costs and Financial Aid
- $875 per unit
- Eligible for financial aid
Who Is This Cybersecurity Master’s Degree For?
Does this sound like you?
- IT professionals aiming to lead in cybersecurity
- Professionals seeking career advancement through specialized cybersecurity skills
- Technical experts wanting to gain MBA-level business and security acumen
- Aspiring tech leaders pursuing advanced technical and cybersecurity skills
Curriculum Highlights
Our MS in Cybersecurity curriculum equips you with a comprehensive understanding of both technical principles and business strategies in cybersecurity. This program integrates advanced technical coursework with practical business instruction, preparing you for leadership roles in the cyberdefense industry.
Applied Cryptography for Cybersecurity
Study the essential techniques of cryptography used to protect sensitive information. This course covers encryption algorithms, cryptographic protocols and secure communication methods. Students will gain hands-on experience in applying cryptographic principles to secure data in various cybersecurity scenarios.Development of Secure Software
Learn how to design and develop software with robust security features. This course emphasizes secure coding practices, threat modeling and integrating security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. Prepare to build software solutions that resist cyberthreats and vulnerabilities.Organizational Leadership for Security Management
Examine the principles of organizational behavior and leadership specifically tailored for cybersecurity management. This course covers effective leadership strategies, managing cybersecurity teams and fostering a culture of security within an organization. Develop the skills needed to lead and manage security initiatives successfully.Careers and Job Outlooks
Position Yourself for Professional Growth
The information security sector in the U.S. is experiencing strong job and salary growth, offering excellent opportunities for career advancement.
Industry Openings Each Year
Projected Job Growth through 2032
Median Salary for Advanced Cybersecurity Roles
Potential Career Paths
The MS in Cybersecurity degree offers versatility, preparing you for diverse roles
in cybersecurity, research and leadership across various sectors. Explore a wide array
of career opportunities, including:
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Research Scientist
- Security Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Incident Response Manager
- Cyber Forensics Expert
- Penetration Tester
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager
- Risk Management Specialist
This master’s degree equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt and lead in numerous professional settings within the rapidly evolving cybersecurity industry.
What Do Our Graduates Have to Say?
If your goal is to become an information security officer, you need to be able to understand the business side of the house and to be able to communicate with the C-suite about security. You need to know what is important to them and how to frame the conversations with that in mind. The ability to convey technical concepts with nontechnical language is an asset in this field.
Chelsea Power
Graduate; Information Security Analyst, Gartner
The nonscience courses prepared me well for my current role. We had classes where we learned about business continuity and disaster recovery, and classes where we learned how to create policies and how to present to upper management. I can use something from every course I took.
Ryan Miller
Graduate; Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
There is no sitting in a hole and hoping no one will attack you. As they say in the industry, it’s not a matter of ‘if,’ it’s a matter of ‘when.’ We need many more smart people in the mix, we need fresh ideas, and we need across-the-board collaboration.
Jaja O’Neil
Graduate; Foxhole Technology
FAQ
- What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who progress through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. By taking classes together and graduating as a unit, cohort members form strong bonds, creating a valuable support system and professional network that benefits them both during and after the program.
- Will my diploma say "online"?No, your diploma will not specify that your degree was earned online; it will simply indicate that you received a master’s degree from California State University San Marcos, the same as traditional, on-campus students.
- What is the Semester-in-Residence?The Semester-in-Residence (SIR) program is a project-based capstone that helps you put your coursework in action by working with a cybersecurity business to address a real-world issue, project or problem. The SIR functions as a capstone experience in lieu of a master’s thesis.
- What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn about the support and resources available to active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.
- What is a Professional Science Master's degree
Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs are tailored for students seeking graduate degrees in STEM disciplines while also developing business and workplace skills valued by top employers. These programs blend advanced science and technology education with essential business skills, producing highly sought-after professionals.
Accredited by the National Professional Science Master's Association (NPSMA), PSM programs ensure that graduates are equipped with practical knowledge and soft skills necessary for careers in science, business, government or nonprofit organizations, effectively meeting the demands of the modern workforce.
- Once I apply and all of my transcripts are received, how long will it take to find
out if I am admitted?It typically takes around four to six weeks to receive your evaluation worksheet outlining the requirements you have met and any that are still needed. Admission decisions are typically sent after the evaluation process is complete.
Transform Your Career With a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Sources
Salary and job growth: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
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