Master of Science in Cybersecurity
One master’s degree. Four tracks. 100% online.
Cyber threats are more than a business issue; they are a national security issue. Across the country, private businesses and government agencies are searching for cybersecurity professionals at an increasingly high rate, yet there is a significant shortage of candidates that have the skills to protect organizations against cyber attacks. Now is the time to discover your path to a secure future and a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
The 100% online program provides you with skills that meet current market demands. The core curriculum addresses the fundamentals of cybersecurity, featuring courses in security planning, risk assessment, and communication. Once you complete your core courses, you choose to pursue a unique track of study. You may choose to complete more than one track.
The program’s four tracks of study give you the opportunity to tailor your degree to match your interests and career ambitions. The tracks are:
- Digital Forensics
- Cyber Response
- Governance & Leadership
- Security Architecture
Online Learning That Fits Your Busy Life
The online UW Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree is a collaboration among eight UW campuses, giving you access to the best talent and resources of the UW System. You will take courses taught by esteemed faculty from eight UW campuses, each contributing diverse expertise from fields including computer science, engineering, political science, communications, economics, and mathematics.
Recognized and Accredited
As an online student, you will earn the same recognized and respected University of Wisconsin degree as on-campus students. The UW Master of Science in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accrediting body.
Digital Forensics
Digital forensics uses scientific investigation methods to collect, preserve, and analyze data stored on electronic media so that it can withstand legal review. As a student in this track you will study computer criminology, network forensics, and learn digital evidence investigation techniques.
Cyber response
Cyber response is an organized approach to monitoring, detecting and responding to security events through each stage of their lifecycle. It encompasses both defensive and offensive security strategies—including threat identification, management and prevention. As a student in this track, you will learn about security infrastructure, incident remediation, and active defense techniques.
Governance and Leadership
Cybersecurity governance provides a framework for mitigating risk by assuring that information security strategies align with business objectives, and are consistent with relevant laws and regulations. It includes executive leadership and communication at every level of the organization. As a student in this track, you will take courses in security administration, leadership, and cybersecurity management.
Security Architecture
Security architecture is responsible for system confidentiality, integrity, and availability in relation to an enterprise’s overall system architecture and security process. As a student in this track you will study modern cryptography, the foundations of engineering secure applications, cyber-physical systems, and secure cloud computing.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with, at minimum, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Computer Science—which must include programming content, and prerequisite coursework in Calculus or Statistics
- Your resume
- Up to 1,000 word statement of personal intent describing your decision to pursue the degree and what you believe you will bring to the cybersecurity field
- No GRE or GMAT required
Program ineligible for international F-1/J-1 visa holders.
A ransomware attack occurs every 14 seconds. Nearly 60% of all companies in the U.S. have experienced a security breach. Cybercrime has caused trillions of dollars in losses across the world. This growing number of threats directly impacts the demand for cybersecurity talent. One problem: organizations can’t fill information security positions fast enough.
Between October 2018 and September 2019 there were 270,000 job openings nationwide for Information Security Analysts—a top cybersecurity job. And nearly 60 percent of those openings were brand new positions. There’s no slowing down either in the search for cybersecurity professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13 percent increase in cybersecurity-related jobs over the next decade.
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