Cybersecurity, MS

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Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Description of Program

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCY) program exposes students to the latest tools, practices and methods used to protect critical information and sensitive assets. Students will explore forensic tools, emerging threats and gain real-world knowledge needed to work as a cybersecurity professional.

Learning Outcomes

Evaluate an organization’s maturity in protecting its information infrastructure
Explain concepts and arguments associated with cybersecurity
Manage legal, ethical, and security risks in technology-based systems
Evaluate the scope and impact of emerging technologies in cybersecurity on a local and global scale
Formulate solutions to cybersecurity problems

Basis for Admission

Admission to an NCU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30 credit program comprised of 12 core credits, 15 specialization credits and 3 capstone credits.

Students assume full responsibility for understanding both the foundational, specialization and capstone requirements of the program. Switching programs after completing coursework may result in reevaluation, monetary loss, loss of credit hours and/or the need to take additional credit hours. Students’ Academic Finance Advisors can assist with any questions related to program requirements.

The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Science in Computer Science for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. Courses considered for transfer must mirror courses in the program. The Dean of the School Technology must approve any courses considered for transfer. See the

Transfer Credit Policy

for additional information.

Time to Completion

NCU allows 5 years to complete all 30 credit hour master’s programs. Normal time to completion for this program is 42 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

The normal time disclosed above reflects the experience of students who may have entered under different program requirements. In the quest for continuous improvement, academic leadership has revised the program to optimize curriculum and pace, facilitate student learning, and improve chances for success. Therefore, the program is now designed for students enrolling today to take advantage of these revised course structures, lengths, and schedules. New students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 16 months.

Course Sequence

Students who complete at least 15 semester credit hours in a single area of specialization at NCU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program requires the foundation courses to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. The program capstone will be completed as the last course in the degree program.

In some cases, specialization courses listed on the initial degree plan can be changed at the student’s request. Please contact your Academic Finance Advisor for more information.