Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Help Protect Technical Infrastructures
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCY) program provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities of national and international concerns in cybersecurity defense and attack. The program aligns with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Body of Knowledge for NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Operation (OP) and Cyber Defense (CD) with technical and non-technical cores. The program also offers the opportunity to understand the role of government and industry in securing and protecting assets.
Courses focus on cybersecurity innovations, people, processes, and infrastructures to protect and secure organizations. Students graduate with the leadership and technical skills required to influence the way cybersecurity is implemented and consumed in organizations.
In the MS Cybersecurity (MSCY) program, you will study a core of basic cybersecurity standards and practices, which include courses such as Cybersecurity Overview, System Security, Human and Organization Security, Ethical Legal and societal Security, Network and wireless Security, Data Privacy and Security, Software Security, and Component Integration Security.
In addition to taking these core courses, you can specialize in Cyber Defense or Cyber Operations.
Students complete an additional six credits from advanced courses in either Computer Science (Cloud Computing), Data Science (Data Mining), IT Management, or an opportunity to select an internship option. Every student completes a Capstone before graduation.
Center for Information Assurance Education
CityU is a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The Center’s mission is to conduct programs, courses, research, and consulting in Information Assurance.
City University of Seattle operates a special center whose mission is to conduct programs, courses, research, and consulting in Information Assurance. Learn more about the Center.
Learning Outcomes
In the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, students will learn to:
- Integrate a foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced cybersecurity
- Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced cybersecurity
- Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced cybersecurity
- Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced cybersecurity
- Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery modes, genres, and styles
- Collaborate efficiently on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal
Total Required Credits (39-59 Credits)*
For full course descriptions please refer to the current catalog.
Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)
*Preparatory course may be required for students entering the MS Cybersecurity degree program without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the Academic Catalog for specific information.
- CS 132 Computer Science I (5)
- CS 330 Network Communications (5)
- CS 340 Operating Systems (5)
- IS 360 Database Technologies (5)
Pre-Entry Requirement (0 Credit)
Students must take this course in the first quarter of enrollment. Students may take another program requirement concurrently.
- CS 500 STC MS Orientation to Master's Programs (0)
Core Requirements (24 Credits)
- CY 500 Cybersecurity Overview (3)
- CY 505 Systems Security (3)
- CY 510 Human and Organization Security (3)
- CY 520 Ethical, Legal, and Societal Security (3)
- CY 525 Network and Wireless Security (3)
- CY 545 Data Privacy and Security (3)
- CY 609 Software Security (3)
- CY 628 Components Integration Security (3)
Depth of Study (6 Credits)
Depth of Study 1: Cyber Defense
- CY 605 Cybersecurity Auditing (3)
- CY 640 Software Reverse Engineering (3)
Depth of Study 2: Cyber Operation
- CS 533 Computer Architecture (3)
- CS 622 Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing (3)
Elective (6 Credits)
Students may select two elective courses from any other disciplines within the School of Technology & Computing or complete the internship after taking three CS 650 seminar courses for their internship preparation if necessary for their skill advancement.
Seminar
- CS 650A Master's Seminar I in Special Technology (1)
- CS 650B Master's Seminar II in Special Technology (1)
- CS 650C Master's Seminar III in Special Technology (1)
Internship
This internship course is repeatable. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
- CY 685 Cybersecurity Internship (3)
Capstone (3 Credits)
- CY 665 Cybersecurity Capstone (3)
Cybersecurity is a growing profession. Globally the demand for cyber talent will exceed 1,000,000 by 2022. Within the United States, cyberseek.org updates the demand for cybersecurity openings.
MSCY prepares graduates to fill positions in multiple disciplines using the socio-technical and management skills honed throughout the degree.
Upon completion of this master’s program, you’ll be qualified to work as a systems security expert who can ensure the security of complex data and hardware networks in industries as varied as:
- Health care
- E-commerce
- Information technology
- International business
- Government
Common job titles for alumni with an MS in Cybersecurity may include:
- Senior cybersecurity engineer
- Information security consultant
- Chief information officer
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or finaid@cityu.edu.
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.
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Founded in 1973, City University of Seattle offers over 60 on-site and online programs designed for busy working adults like you. When you enroll at CityU, you will have the support of a community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are dedicated to helping you finish your degree and reach your goals.
