Your Path to Cybersecurity Leadership
The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management prepares students for leadership, managerial and domain-specific roles in cybersecurity. Graduates are equipped with skills in analytical thinking, decision-making under uncertainty, expertise in secure operations, data protection, regulatory compliance, risk management, and incident response.
To support academic success, applicants should ideally have prior academic or professional experience in areas such as information systems, programming, networks, algorithms, and data structures.
View BrochureStudents are admitted to the program based on the evaluation of their application in its entirety.
Application Requirements
All candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management must submit the following:
- and $30 application fee
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree with a 3.00 GPA
- GRE general test score (please note that applicants with degrees from accredited U.S. universities or four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree programs from foreign institutions may request a waiver of the GRE requirement if they have a 3.00 or greater GPA)
- Language proficiency scores (for international students only)
- An essay (between 250-500 words) that describes the student鈥檚 academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing this degree, and professional goals pertaining to cybersecurity
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should come from a faculty member familiar with the applicant鈥檚 academic performance and potential. If the applicant is unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with approval from the program鈥檚 admission coordinator, letters from other professional sources will be accepted
- Current Resume or CV
Preferred Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS, or IT
- Background in accounting information systems, database management, and systems analysis and design
Additional details regarding admission requirements and application deadlines may be found in the .
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Scope
What kind of career paths does this program lead to?
What extracurricular opportunities are available for students in this program?
, which is housed at USF, offers an array of online events throughout the year that are geared toward students. They also have a monthly podcast with cyber-focused speakers, along with newsletters, video blogs, Instagram, and press releases for general threat advisories and other important news.
Is this a STEM program?
What courses are taught in this program?
Program Format
Is this program on campus or online?
This program is 100% online with no face-to-face or on-campus classes. International students can complete this program from their own country without the need for a student visa.
How long is each course?
Each course is offered as an 8-week course. Because spring/fall semesters are 16 weeks, students can take two courses back-to-back in these semesters (or four courses鈥攗pon their availability鈥攊f taking two courses simultaneously).
How long is the entire program?
The entire program can be completed in two years. If you take more courses each semester, you can complete the program in one year鈥攄epending on the availability of the courses and the student's schedule.
What is the course order?
What is the practicum course?
Practicum is a three credit-hour applied learning experience. It is a requirement for all students in the program. It can be completed in the final semester of the program. The practicum experience is arranged and managed through the program director.