Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree
Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree
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In a world driven by modern technology, safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets is of paramount importance. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at Grand Canyon University is designed to teach you how to combat the threat of cyberattacks. Offered by the College of Engineering and Technology, you will be taught the factors that influence and jeopardize cybersecurity. This comprehensive program trains you to safeguard systems, data, processes and people through the use of white hat practices.
If you find digital forensics, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and exploitation techniques interesting, this program may be a good option for you. This cybersecurity master’s degree can help equip you with the specialized skills and knowledge to tackle the evolving landscape of cyberthreats, cyberwarfare and cyberdefense issues.
If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, you may be wondering if you have the right knowledge and skills to enter the program. The good news is that our program is designed to be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort, regardless of your background or previous degree. While the admission process is straightforward, it’s important to note that the program can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a technology background. The initial courses will be technical in nature, requiring you to complete virtual labs either on your computer or through a cloud platform.
The first few classes introduce key concepts related to virtualized solutions and our knowledgeable faculty is there to support you throughout the process. However, you will need to engage actively with the material. If you're new to some of the technical topics, you may find it helpful to complete a cybersecurity certificate or self-paced courses in networking and virtualization before starting the program. While these are optional and not required for admission, they can help ease the transition and strengthen your foundation in the program’s core subjects.
Students interested in changing careers can use the certificate and bridge programs to acquire the necessary foundational knowledge that can help you prepare for this graduate program.
Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2022 to 20321
The Christian worldview and ethical decision-making within the digital realm are given special focus. This on-campus or online master’s in cybersecurity educates students on the Hackers with Halos™ methodology. Hackers with Halos™ is an approach that embraces Christian ethics and principles and applies them to white-hat computer applications.
This degree culminates with a capstone course. Capstone projects allow you to apply your program knowledge through practical projects that demonstrate your acquired skills at the end of your studies. MS in Cybersecurity students will be asked to develop a full cybersecurity program, taking any ethical or legal challenges into consideration. Knowledgeable faculty will teach you the advanced technical skills to defend organizations from cyberattacks.
You will also focus on enhancing your abilities in:
During this program, you will study core competencies that can help you serve as an industry leader. This cybersecurity program imparts the following learning objectives and core competencies:
Elevate your expertise and career prospects in the field of cybersecurity by pursuing your Master of Science from our institutionally accredited university. Our program can offer an education that is from a recognized and reputable university that may lead to diverse opportunities in this field.
Explore online and campus program options so you can earn your degree in a way that fits your lifestyle.
GCU understands the need for flexible learning paths. With courses offered online, you have the ability to earn your degree while continuing to meet your current obligations. Our online learning platform can help you collaborate with and learn from your peers while being in the comfort of your own home.
GCU recognizes the needs of working professionals and individuals who seek face-to-face learning experiences. Our on-campus classes are tailored to suit these in-person preferences. Through hands-on experience in practical scenarios, you will study how to implement security measures that defend against a wide array of cyber risks.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved on May 20, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysts as of May 2023, retrieved on May 20, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as information security analysts, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved on May 31, 2024.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Systems Managers as of May 2023, retrieved on May 20, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information systems managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Discover solutions to frequently asked questions regarding our MS in Cybersecurity program. Whether you're seeking insights into degree requirements, online course formats, or future career possibilities, you can find key information covered here.
If you're motivated to enhance your education and bolster your career opportunities, pursuing a master's in cybersecurity online or in-person can be a valuable choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for information security analysts to increase by about 32% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 53,200 jobs in the field.1
This cybersecurity program is offered fully online for students who need maximum flexibility, as well as on campus for those who prefer to learn in person. The online master’s in cybersecurity can provide you with the flexibility to pursue graduate school as a path to potentially reach your professional goals.
Graduates of the on-campus and online master’s in cybersecurity degree may position themselves to pursue a career as an information technology manager who plans, coordinates and directs the security of an organization’s network. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 in May 2023.4 Among many others, graduates may also position themselves to seek employment as an information security analyst. As of May 2023, information security analysts have a median annual wage of $120,360, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Explore how our MS in Cybersecurity program can empower you to work toward elevating your career in the realm of cybersecurity by joining us today.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
GCU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity can provide advanced, hands-on learning experiences that can prepare you to pursue potentially challenging, high-tech careers.
By playing a pivotal role in ensuring the security of sensitive information and digital infrastructure, graduates of this program can make contributions across industries like technology, finance, healthcare and government, opening doors to diverse job opportunities.
Careers related to this degree include:
Computer and information systems manager
Information security analyst
Computer network support specialist
Computer network architect
Database administrator
Database architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Estimated job growth for computer and information systems managers from 2022 to 20323
Median annual wage for computer and information systems managers as of May 20234
