MS Cybersecurity

Program Details

• ADMISSION

  How to Apply

  Refresher Course

  Do you need a refresher before starting the program? Sign up for CSUSM’s Cyber Boot Camp, a fully online 10-week program designed to prepare you for this program.

  Interested in only taking select cyber courses? Complete the Cyber a la Carte form and a faculty member will reach out to you soon.

  Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent education background
  • 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
  • Admission requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA in upper-division computer science courses and at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 semester units (or last 90 quarter units) attempted
  • One official transcript from each academic institution attended
  • A personal statement describing reasons for pursuing this program
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • No GRE required to apply

  Please note: To be considered for admission you must reside in an approved state.

  Prerequisites

  The review committee looks for courses in:

  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.

• COSTS

  Semester	Units*	Subtotal**
  Fall Semester 1	9	$7,425
  Spring Semester 1	9	$7,425
  Summer Semester 1	3	$2,475
  Fall Semester 2	9	$7,425
  Spring Semester 2	8	$6,600
  Total	38	$31,350

  *Unit rate for this program is $825

  **University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

  Funding and Financial Aid

  • This program is eligible for financial aid
  • Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
  • Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
  • Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705

• COURSE SEQUENCE

  View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the Cybersecurity Catalog Page

  Sample Schedule for Fall Start

  Semester	Course (units)
  Fall Semester 1	MCS 500 (2) MCS 511 (3) MIS 522 (2) MGMT 521 (2)
  Spring Semester 1	MCS 510 (3) MIS 622 (3) MATH 503 (3)
  Summer Semester 1	MIS 621 (3)
  Fall Semester 2	MCS 512 (4) MCS 610 (4) MCS 680A (1)
  Spring Semester 2	MCS 611 (4) MCS 680B (4)

  Schedule is subject to change.

• FAQ

  What is a cohort?

  A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefit them during their degree program and beyond.

  What is the Semester-in-Residence?

  The Semester-In-Residence (SIR) program 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 does my personal statement need to address?

  The personal statement helps determine if work experience and prerequisites satisfy program requirements. Based on your experience, you may be able to waive, or need to take, Cyber Preparation Modules.

  What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.

  What is a Professional Science Master's degree?

  • Professional Science Master's (PSMs) are designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science, and also understand the need for developing business, transferable and workplace skills valued by top employers
  • Students can be assured that this program meets and maintains the standards set by National Professional Science Master's Association (NPSMA) to infuse highly-valued business skills into a science master’s curriculum
  • The blend of graduate level, practical science knowledge with sought after soft-skills produces highly in-demand professionals ready to meet workforce needs and launch careers in science, business, government, or nonprofit organizations