Cybersecurity, Public Service and Defense Specialization, MS

Description of Program

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The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCY) program exposes you to the latest tools, practices, and methods used to protect critical information, sensitive assets, privacy, and to comply with ethical and legal expectations. During the program, you will explore best practices, standards, frameworks, and models that contribute to strengthened defenses and you will gain the real-world knowledge needed to work as a cybersecurity professional and to communicate at all levels of an organization. Specializations cater to distinct knowledge areas for diverse industries.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MSCY.

Learning Outcomes

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• 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 Admissions

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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

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The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30 credit program comprised of 15 core credits, 12 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 12 semester credits in transfer toward the Master of Science in Cybersecurity for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade average 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 

  for additional information.

Time to Completion

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NCU allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 21 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 and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

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

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The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program can be completed in 30 credits.

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.

• TIM-6301 - Principles of Cybersecurity
• TIM-5010 - Computer Networks & Mobile Computing
• TIM-5030 - Managing Risk, Security, & Privacy in Information Systems
• TIM-6320 - Contingency Planning & Incidents
• TIM-6331 - Cloud and System Certification, and Accreditation
• Specialization Course 1
• Specialization Course 2
• Specialization Course 3
• Specialization Course 4
• TIM-6390 - Strategic Management of Cybersecurity