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Cybersecurity, Master of Science
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity, offered by the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, provides opportunities for advanced study in cybersecurity and opens doors toward research and leadership in the discipline.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 34 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
Computing has become integral to the infrastructure of modern society. From banking and health to education and business, our world runs on algorithms and computing machines. Software and hardware are ubiquitous in every aspect of modern life. This infrastructure is powerful, complex—and highly vulnerable. Small design flaws or less than vigilant safety guards can lead to attacks and exploits that can cost businesses hundreds of billions of dollars and valuable consumer trust, and loss of infrastructure critical to modern civilization. At the same time there is a shortage of workers with the skills needed to secure these systems.
The population best suited for the graduate program are students with undergraduate preparation or work experience in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Software Engineering or other technology areas. The MSCYB degree prepares students for advanced study in Cybersecurity, which in turn prepares students for new career opportunities in cybersecurity research and leadership with an emphasis on secure software and hardware development. Coursework prepares students with the technical skills to provide expert analysis of cybersecurity exploits and to provide innovation in secure computational design.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze a complex cybersecurity problem and apply principles of cybersecurity and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Articulate requirements for a problem with cybersecurity as a central concern and then design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution.
- Provide effective cybersecurity leadership and organizational management.
- Build on existing security principles and practices to develop new practices and tools that support the maintenance of operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Expertise and credentialing in computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering.
- Personal statement outlining the prospective student’s professional goals in cybersecurity.
- Two letters of recommendation from recommenders who are familiar with the prospective student's qualifications
Master's Requirements
Take the following 34 units:
- CYB 502, CYB 504 (6 units)
- MGBA 500, MGBA 520, MGBA 640 (7 units)
- CYB electives (9 units)
- Additional electives chosen in consultation with your advisor (6 units)
Graduate Research or Professional Development (6 units):
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
- Program Fee Information
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.