Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Specialized degree to protect our digital world.
Drawing on faculty from both the information technology and the computer science programs at UW-Whitewater, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary degree that will allow students to develop deep expertise in current cybersecurity issues. All courses in the program are focused on cybersecurity, and the curriculum has been designed to align with the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program, which is jointly sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. The goal of the CAE program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and expertise in cyber defense.
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Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- Top-notch, 100% doctoral instructors
- Scholarships available for qualifying students
- 98% employment rate for college graduates
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus.
CAE Aligned Curriculum
Aligns with the National Centers of Academic Excellence program.
Advanced Skill Development
In current cybersecurity issues.
Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Curriculum
The MS in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you. Full-time students can finish in as little as a year and a half.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to the MS in Cybersecurity program students must meet application deadlines, and meet graduate admission criteria.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
Students enrolling in the program are also expected to have existing knowledge in information technology or computer science. Students who do not meet basic requirements may need to take prerequisite courses listed in the Graduate Catalog.
Note: All application materials must be received prior to the application deadline, only then will processing begin on your application.
Career Outcomes
From the theft of personal data to threats against critical infrastructure systems, cybersecurity is a national concern impacting businesses as well as government agencies. Because of these rapidly growing threats, there is a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
Recent data from CyberSeek—a project supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, and National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education—showed that there were nearly 1.2 million persons employed in cybersecurity and that there were over 440,000 additional job openings, while in Wisconsin there were over 11,000 persons employed in cybersecurity and nearly 4,500 additional job openings.1
In addition, CyberSeek's national data showed the average salary for a Cybersecurity Engineer was $136,000 and the average salary for a Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator was $160,000.2
1CyberSeek.org Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map
2CyberSeek.org Cybersecurity Career Pathway
Tuition
Online business graduate programs at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student.
What creates this value?
- Full-time faculty with doctoral degrees teach all classes.
- Faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
- Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
- An external team reviews online courses.
- High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
- Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting master's students with online technology.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. For more information, please reach out directly to the Financial Aid department.
Online MS in Cybersecurity - Emphases
Emphasis in Cyber Resilience in Cybersecurity
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program offers studies in core areas of cybersecurity that include offensive and defensive security operations, security awareness training, security tools design and implementation, cybersecurity management, security policy and law, and emerging areas in security and privacy. The proposed program offers both hands-on experiential learning and in-depth theoretical studies.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Emphasis in Security Engineering in Cybersecurity
The M.S. in Cybersecurity is designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers in cybersecurity. The degree program consists of 30 credits, including 15 credits of core courses and 15 credits of courses in security engineering emphasis. The program will prepare students to obtain positions such as cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity manager, cybersecurity engineer, or cybersecurity architect.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
