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Cyber Security Master's

Master of Science (M.S.)

Develop your next-generation cyber skills.

UND's Cyber Security master's degree is ideal for those who want to understand and protect against hackers and breaches, build secure computer networks, and develop valuable data assets, systems and processes. Our online Cyber Security master's gives you the flexibility to continue your career while earning your master's.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
36
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply

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Why earn your online Cyber Security master's?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

Our online Cyber Security master's is designed for you to enter the program with minimal knowledge of the technical content. Study topics range from vulnerability assessment to insider threat analysis and are designed to build upon each other throughout the program to help you develop your expertise. From this perspective, you can add to your current knowledge base to prepare for career enhancement or mobility.

Plus, you can customize your master's with stackable certificates. In addition to foundational coursework, you will complete the mandatory Cyber Security Analyst certificate track, and choose two of three certificate tracks to customize your learning based on your goals and interests:

  • Ethical Hacking
  • Computer Forensics
  • Secure Networks

Our online Cyber Security master's degree prepares you for the future by learning innovative ways to defend and protect organizations against cyber attacks. Benefit form coursework by industry experts and gain confidence in knowing that you can graduate prepared for what's next in cyber security. As the threat from cybercrime continues to rise, businesses and organizations of all types need cyber security professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenge head-on and help protect critical infrastructure.

UND's Cyber Security Master's

  • Get prepared to sit for industry certification exams. Companies that hire cyber security professionals typically look for certifications to demonstrate expertise and understanding.

  • Learn 100% online. There is no on-campus requirement and you can complete your master's from anywhere.

  • Remove hurdles. The online master's in Cyber Security does not require a GRE or GMAT entrance exam for admission.

  • Earn your master's at a program accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. All courses meet standards of quality and rigor.

  • Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i)™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What can you do with a master's in Cyber Security?

11%

Global cyber security market projected growth to 2028

Grand View Research

97k 

Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Advancing your skills in cyber security can mean better job security, higher pay and more leadership opportunities. When you earn a master's in Cyber Security, you make yourself a much more desirable candidate for jobs such as a:

  • Computer and Information Research Scientist
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Information System Manager
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Software Developer

You can also increase your chances of reaching leadership roles such as chief technical officer, director of cyber security and chief information security officer.

Cyber Security Master's Courses

EE 601. Analytical Foundations of Cyber Security. 3 Credits.

This course provides a solid mathematical foundation for further study in cyber security. Topics include: Set Theory, Discrete Functions and Relations, Permutations and Combinations, Logic and Boolean Algebra, Systems of Linear Equations, Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces, Linear Transformations, Determinants, Matrices, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors, and Diagonalizability. Prerequisite: Students enrolled/admitted in the MS in Cyber Security program. F,S,SS.

EE 602. Computing Foundations of Cyber Security. 3 Credits.

This course provides a solid programming foundation for further study in cyber security. An introduction to the Python programming language; data structures, analysis of algorithms, and software design topics will be discussed. Prerequisite: Students enrolled/admitted in the MS in Cyber Security program. Prerequisite: Students enrolled/admitted in the MS in Cyber Security program. F,S,SS.

EE 611. Emerging Threats and Defenses. 3 Credits.

Cyber-attacks are a serious economic and security threat. To combat both immediate and future dangers, businesses and governments are investing in cyber security. Understanding trends in cyber-security and how machine-learning techniques defenses can respond to threats is a critical component of protecting networks, infrastructure and users. This course explores the growing challenges of securing sensitive data, networks to defend against malicious acts. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. On demand.

CSCI 567. Secure Software Engineering. 3 Credits.

This course covers software engineering principles and techniques used in the development life-cycle of cyber secure systems. Topics covered include, the characteristics of secure software, the role of security in the development life-cycle, designing secure software, and best-practices in secure programming and testing. Study includes review of industrial standards for secure software system engineering. Prerequisite: EE 601, EE 602, and admission to the MS Cyber Security Program. SS.

CSCI 585. Vulnerability Assessment. 3 Credits.

The ability to assess potential threats is a critical prerequisite to creating a secure system. This course will cover the following topics: cyber threats, security requirements, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of results. Prerequisite: EE 602, or permission of the department, and admission to the MS program in Cyber Security. S.

CSCI 587. Ethical Hacking. 3 Credits.

Introduction to hacking techniques with an ethical framework. Topics include planning and scoping of penetration tests, rules of engagement, reconnaissance, port scanning, OS finger printing and version scanning, vulnerability scans, exploitation, post-exploitation strategies and pivoting, and password attacks. Legal and ethical frameworks will be introduced and guidance on appropriate application of hacking techniques will be emphasized. Prerequisite: EE 602 or permission of the department, and admission to the MS program in Cyber Security. S.

Leaders in Cyber Security

UND student, Julia Dewhurst, plans to work in ethical hacking. She says "it's an interesting way and fun way to apply what I'm learning in school."

Read Julia's Story

 

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Explore More Options

Learn more about cyber security at UND and determine if it's the right program for you. 

  • School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
  • Explore other master's programs
Department Contact
Emanuel Grant
Assoc. Professor, SEECS
P 701.777.4133
emanuel.grant@UND.edu
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