<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MVGWBW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Online Master’s in Computer Security | Drexel Online
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Online Master’s in Computer Security & Privacy

Classes Begin: January 5, 2026

2 years

Average Duration

Fully Online

Format

45

Quarter Credits $1481 per credit
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited

Master of Science in Computer Security & Privacy

From the software that runs global finance and electronic commerce, to the technology that controls smartphones and medical devices, all data is susceptible to malware. Drexel’s online Master’s in Computer Security & Privacy provides the computer science, information science, cybersecurity, and software engineering fundamentals necessary to address the increasing need for information security and privacy expertise. The curriculum in the master’s in information security online program combines foundational courses in programming, data algorithms, and cryptography with electives in advanced operating systems, software architecture, artificial intelligence, and more, to provide well-rounded knowledge in the domain of computer security and privacy.

MS In Computer Security & Privacy Program Features

Drexel’s master’s in computer security online is designed for working professionals, so you can earn your degree on your own time to fit your busy schedule. The customizable curriculum allows you to focus on specific areas in which you would like to excel. Other program features include:

  • 100% online
  • 45-credit program can be completed in as little as 2 years
  • Learn from respected faculty in Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics
  • Transfer credits from related certificate programs directly to the MS in Computer Security & Privacy

Requirements for The Computer Security & Privacy Master’s Program

Those with a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree plus work experience are best suited for the master’s in computer security online program. Those with a non-computer science background may have to take additional prerequisites. The best candidates for this program will have:

  • Both a bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant work experience
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher*
  • One letter of recommendation­­

*The program may offer provisional admission to those with a GPA lower than 3.0

Does the MS in Computer Security & Privacy Require Coding?
Basic programming knowledge and strong analytic skills, such as those obtained through undergraduate math courses, are required for Drexel’s master’s in information security online. Technical skills should align with the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science to be best prepared for advanced computer science courses.

What Can I Do with A Masters In Computer Security & Privacy?

Information technology and data have dominated the physical, economic, health, and cultural aspects of the modern world. Drexel’s online master’s in computer security prepares you to face security and data privacy challenges across myriad industries in positions such as:

  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Computer Network Analyst
  • Cyber Risk Manager
  • Information Security Analyst
  • IT Network Security Engineer
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Network Security Architect

MS in Computer Security & Privacy Salary Expectations

A master’s in computer security online prepares you for jobs in a field that is expected to grow 33% by 2023, much faster than average for all occupations. While salaries across the computing security field can vary based on exact title, location, and years of experience, below are average annual salaries for related job titles:

  • Computer and Information Systems Manager - $159,010
  • Computer Network Analyst - $99,043
  • Cyber Risk Manager - $159,010
  • Information Security Analyst - $102,600
  • IT Network Security Engineer - $102,600
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator - $80,600
  • Network Security Architect - $120,515

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (visited October 2022)

Related Programs


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
CS 523 Cryptography 3.0
CS 543 Operating Systems 3.0
CS 544 Computer Networks 3.0
CS 590 Privacy 3.0
CS 645 Network Security 3.0
SE 578 Security Engineering 3.0
Major Specific Electives
Choose 5 of the following: 15.0
CS 510
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 589
Responsible Machine Learning
CS 613
Machine Learning
CS 615
Deep Learning
CS 616
Robust Deep Learning
CS 647
Distributed Systems Software
CS 660
Data Analysis at Scale
CT 605
Cloud Security and Virtual Environments
CT 620
Security, Policy and Governance
INFO 517
Principles of Cybersecurity
INFO 710
Information Forensics
SE 575
Software Design
SE 576
Software Reliability and Testing
SE 577
Software Architecture
Flexible Electives
Choose 4 additional courses, which may include: 12.0
Any 500-900 course in the following:
Any CI (Computing and Informatics)
Any CS (Computer Science)
Any CT (Computing Technology)
Any DSCI (Data Science)
Any INFO (Information Science & Systems)
Any SE (Software Engineering)
Up to 6 credits of independent study
Up to 6 credits of related graduate-level coursework outside of the College, with prior approval by the College
Optional Coop Experience * 0-1
COOP 500
Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students
Total Credits 45.0-46.0

View Course Descriptions

Admissions Criteria

  • A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • Those without a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree plus work experience equal to Drexel's Gradute Certificate in Computer Science Foundations may have to take additional prerequisites before pursuing advanced computer science courses
  • 3.0 GPA preferred in a prior completed degree, bachelors or above

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 final transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
    • For those who have attended an institution outside of the US, it's highly recommended to submit a NACES approved course-by-course transcript evaluation (i.e., WES) for expedited review of your application. This approved evaluation will take the place of the transcript requirement to complete your application.
  • One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
  • Essay/Statement of Purpose
    • In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success, and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you.
  • Resume
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (must be five years old or less) are not required but recommended for international students and domestic students below a 3.0 GPA
  • Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1481 per credit.

For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

  • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
  • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
    • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
    • 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, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

2025-2026 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2025

September 22, 2025

December 6, 2025

December 8, 2025

December 13, 2025

Winter 2026

January 5, 2026

March 14, 2026

March 16, 2026

March 21, 2026

Spring 2026

March 30, 2026

June 6, 2026

June 8, 2026

June 13, 2026

Summer 2026

June 22, 2026

August 29, 2026

August 31, 2026

September 5, 2026

 

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