Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
As cybersecurity concerns grow for private firms and government organizations, demand for versatile cybersecurity professionals across industries has grown exponentially. The online Master’s in Cybersecurity allows graduates with deeply technical training to understand, adapt, and develop new techniques to confront emerging threats in cybersecurity.
The program was designed by the University’s renowned College of Engineering and College of Computing and Informatics for students with backgrounds in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, and other closely-related technical fields. Drexel University is a designated National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence.
Learn more about the four fastest growing jobs in the field.
What is Cybersecurity?
Unlike general information assurance, cybersecurity specifically deals with protecting online data and systems. The United States Department of Defense puts a heavy focus on cybersecurity, pushing for increased education as the role of cybersecurity in the military grows. However, experts are in-demand in the private sector as well, with companies like General Dynamics, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Dell listed as top employers for cybersecurity professionals.
What is the job outlook for Cybersecurity?
The job outlook for cybersecurity specialists is strong, with an expected job growth of 18% between 2014 and 2024; that’s roughly three to five times the national average job growth in other fields. Applicants for these positons typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and the median salary is about $90,000 a year. Though cybersecurity specialists can hold a number of diverse positions, some common careers include security analyst, network security engineer, information security manager and security administrator.
Program Features
- Theoretical foundation in computer networking, mathematics, policy, and legal issues along with electives in specialized technical areas
- Courses malleable to professional goals
- Technical competence and strong business acumen taught through rigorous, targeted graduate study
- Courses taught by acclaimed on-campus Drexel faculty
- Aligns with multiple industries including private, government, non-profit, education, finance, security, healthcare, insurance, and military
- Drexel's highly interactive online learning environment engages and challenges students while remaining convenient for working professionals
Related Programs
Don't have a technical background in cybersecurity? The Graduate Certificate in Computer Science offers a foundation in information technology that prepares you for the Master’s in Cybersecurity.
Drexel's online Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology program provides the skills needed to succeed in the competitive industry of computing administration or cybersecurity through practical, hands-on education.
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Core Courses | ||
INFO 517 | Principles of Cybersecurity | 3.0 |
INFO 725 | Information Policy and Ethics | 3.0 |
SE 578 | Security Engineering | 3.0 |
Cybersecurity Track Technical Electives |
27.0 | |
Non-Track Technical Electives |
9.0 | |
Total Credits | 45.0 |
Electives
Track technical electives focus on a specific area of expertise within the field of cybersecurity, while non-track electives diversify your education with exposure to other tracks. Learn more about the electives available for each track:
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited domestic college or university, or the equivalent educational credential from outside the United States
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Resume
- Personal Essay
- GRE scores are preferred, but not required
- Successful candidates will have a combined score of 300 or higher in the verbal and quantitative sections
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2021-2022 is $1342 per credit.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2021-2022 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2021
September 20, 2021
December 4, 2021
December 6, 2021
December 11, 2021
Winter 2022
January 3, 2022
March 12, 2022
March 14, 2022
March 19, 2022
Spring 2022
March 28, 2022
June 4, 2022
June 6, 2022
June 11, 2022
Summer 2022
June 21, 2022
August 29, 2022
August 30, 2022
September 3, 2022
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