Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is an advanced degree program that prepares graduates with knowledge, critical analysis, and application skills necessary to assume leadership roles in the fields of Information Assurance and Computer Security. The proposed program will prepare students for both initial placement and mid-level positions in career-track jobs in the emerging cyber security, information assurance/security fields. Students will be educated in the technical aspects of cyber security systems, and will be prepared to assume responsibility for the operation and oversight of these systems.
   

This program satisfies the dual needs of preparing graduates to (1) fill the need for information security and assurance professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities to protect the information systems of different types of organizations, and to support the nation's information infrastructure and (2) conducting advanced research and in information security and assurance. Students develop core competencies in operating systems and networks. They focus on the technical aspects of information security, examining ways to provide secure information processing systems by utilizing operating systems security; distributed secure system architectures; database security; software applications security; security policies; applications security; network and distributed systems security; cryptography; and security protocols.
 

The MS Cybersecurity degree prepares its graduates for career-track jobs in the emerging cybersecurity, information assurance/security fields. Students will be educated in the technical aspects of cyber security systems, and will be prepared to assume responsibility for the management, operation and oversight of these systems. Graduates will be actively recruited by federal, state and local governments, private sector and academia.
 

Prerequisite undergraduate courses required are COM-203 Computer Systems, COM-204 Programming Logic and Design, and COM-309 Computer Networks or equivalent courses.

Expected Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of a successful completion of the Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity, the graduate will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity.
2. Demonstrate an ability to assess the information security risks faced by an organization   and develop a response plan.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and recommend technological tools and protocols to mitigate risks to information resources in an organization. 
4. Demonstrate an understanding of methods used to mitigate system vulnerabilities and restore compromised services.
5. Manage the development, acquisition and evolution of a secure information network.
6. Demonstrate an ability to construct secure networks and distributed network systems.
7. Critically evaluate and apply research and reports of threats to computers and cyber-systems.
8. Integrate Saint Leo University's Core Values and ethical foundations into the dissertation process and critical thinking skills used throughout the program.