student at computer

Online Master's in Cyber Security

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

Why choose UND’s online Cyber Security master’s program?

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

All applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and admissions decisions will be communicated after we review the submitted materials.

Our online master's in Cyber Security is designed to accommodate individuals with minimal technical knowledge at the start of the program. The curriculum covers topics ranging from vulnerability assessment to insider threat analysis, structured to build progressively upon one another. This approach allows you to enhance your existing knowledge base, preparing you for career advancement or increased mobility in the field.

Plus, you can customize your master's degree 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 Hacking Forensics
  • Secure Networks

Skills You Will Develop

Our online Cyber Security master's degree equips you with innovative strategies to defend and protect organizations against cyberattacks. You'll learn from industry experts through engaging coursework and graduate with the confidence and skills needed to tackle the evolving challenges in cybersecurity. As cybercrime threats continue to rise, businesses and organizations across industries urgently need professionals capable of safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Gain hands-on expertise in cutting-edge cybersecurity concepts and tools:

  • Threat detection and mitigation
  • Secure software design and implementation
  • Cyber forensics and ethical hacking
  • Data encryption and network protection
  • Risk assessment and management

Affordable and 100% Online Cyber Security Master's Degree

  • 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.

  • At UND’s Artificial Intelligence Research (AIR) Center, you’ll explore the future of AI through hands-on research and real-world projects. From cybersecurity and healthcare to autonomy and education, you’ll collaborate with experts and partners to design ethical, innovative solutions that go beyond the classroom.

  • The Center for Cyber Security Research brings you together with other students, faculty and researchers who are in the field of cybersecurity across departments within the College of Engineering & Mines across campus.

 

 

Career Opportunities with a Master's in Cybersecurity

15%

Global cyber security market projected growth to 2033

Grand View Research

140k 

Median annual salary for computer and information research scientists, 2025

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Cybersecurity is the Career of the Future

With your master’s degree in Cyber Security, you’ll be prepared for leadership roles and high-demand positions, such as:

  • Job Security: With the rise in cyber threats and data breaches, organizations are constantly seeking skilled individuals to protect their assets. Earning a master's in Cyber Security solidifies your expertise in the field, making you indispensable to organizations of all sizes and industries.
  • Higher Pay: Cybersecurity professionals are among the highest-paid in the IT industry. With advanced qualifications, you’ll command a premium in the job market. Organizations offer competitive salaries to individuals who can effectively safeguard their data and systems.
  • Leadership Opportunities: A master's in Cyber Security can be a stepping stone to leadership roles within the cybersecurity and IT fields. Some leadership roles you can aspire to include Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Director of Cyber Security, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Top Career Paths for Cybersecurity Professionals

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: Conduct advanced research and development in the field of cybersecurity to create innovative solutions and technologies.
  • Computer Network Architect: Design secure network infrastructures to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data during transmission.
  • Computer Systems Analyst: Evaluate and enhance an organization's IT systems, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending security improvements.
  • Cyber Security Engineer: Develop and maintain robust security measures to protect systems and data from cyber threats.
  • Data Scientist: Analyze and protect data, enabling secure data-driven decision-making for organizations.
  • Information Security Analyst: Monitor and defend against security breaches and emerging threats, safeguarding an organization's data.
  • Information System Manager: Oversee an organization's IT infrastructure and security systems, ensuring efficient and secure IT operations.
  • Penetration Tester: Identify vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and networks, assessing and strengthening its security.
  • Security Software Developer: Create security software solutions that protect against vulnerabilities and secure digital assets.

Courses You’ll Take

EE 670. 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 671. 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 672. 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. F.

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.

Cyber security students working together

National Leader in Cyber Security

Designated as a  National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) in Cyber Research, UND is a go-to university for anyone studying cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science.

CAE-IAE Designation

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security

Online Master's in Cyber Security

+170

online programs

#1

best colleges for adult learners in North Dakota

NICHE

UND is a top choice for an online Cyber Security Master's degree for academic quality. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET ensuring it meets certain standards of quality and rigor.

Flexibility is important to our online students. That’s why we’ve designed the online master's in Cyber Security to be 100% online and never require a campus visit.

Flexible Online Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

What makes UND a top choice for online education?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

 

Alumni Spotlights

UND’s master's in Cyber Security program is a great mix of technical, hands-on work and in-depth research. Ranging from computer forensics, to psychology, and emerging threats, the program's well-rounded and has something to offer for every student. I'm confident that my Cyber Security master's degree gave me the skills I need to succeed in the cybersecurity industry.

Danika Hannon, Alum

I thought the program was very well structured. I was very happy with having the choice of a couple paths of study that fit my interests better than a universal path. The faculty and advisors are always willing to work with you to resolve any issues you may have. The entire course path is online, and the courses are structured well.

I feel well prepared to take the certification exams for my courses of study and even noted similarities with the items learned in the program to an independent certification I took. I recommend this program to those looking to increase their knowledge and toolset within the cybersecurity industry.  

Connor Dymerski, Alum
Project Engineer at Communication Network Engineering, Inc.

Pursuing my M.S. in Cyber Security was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The program provided me with practical skills, real-world insights, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges in an evolving cybersecurity landscape. The faculty's support and mentorship were invaluable, and the coursework's real-world applications have directly contributed to my success in the field. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to advance their career in cybersecurity.

Taylor Guffey, Alum

FAQs

No. Your bachelor's degree does not need to be in computer science, information technology or another technical field. The program is designed for students with a range of academic backgrounds, including those with limited technical experience.

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to the Cyber Security M.S. If your GPA is below 2.75, you may still qualify for provisional admission. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

There is no specific undergraduate math course or minimum level of mathematics as an admission prerequisite for the Cyber Security M.S. Instead, the curriculum includes EE 670, Analytical Foundations of Cyber Security, to establish the mathematical background you'll use in later cybersecurity coursework.

The Cyber Security M.S. is structured around stackable certificate tracks. You'll complete the required Cyber Security Analyst track and choose two additional tracks from Ethical Hacking, Computer Hacking Forensics and Secure Networks. Each track corresponds to a 9-credit graduate certificate offered by UND.

Your certificate tracks align with industry certifications relevant to their areas of study. The Cyber Security Analyst track prepares students for the EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) certification, while the Ethical Hacking track prepares students for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. The Computer Hacking Forensics track prepares students for the EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification.

The Secure Networks track aligns with certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and CompTIA Security+. Its program information also identifies CEH as a certification graduates may pursue. Completing a track does not itself award an industry certification; you must meet the certification provider's requirements and complete the applicable exam.

Yes. You can choose between a 36-credit coursework option and a 30-credit thesis option. The thesis option includes 6 thesis credits and gives you the opportunity to complete a thesis as part of your degree.

The 3-credit EECS 994 Capstone involves a semester-long project focused on applied learning and real-world problem-solving. It gives you an opportunity to apply knowledge from the program through a graduate-level project.

Your completion time depends on how many courses you take each term. The Cyber Security M.S. has an estimated completion time of two years, and its asynchronous online format is designed to give working professionals flexibility to complete coursework around their schedules.

Classes still follow UND's academic calendar and have set deadlines, so the program is flexible but not self-paced. Taking a lighter course load may extend your completion time beyond the two-year estimate.

 

Leader in Action

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."

Explore More Options

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

Department Contact
Prakash Ranganathan
Associate Professor
P 701.777.5790

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