Your online cyber security degree puts you in demand.
Society’s dependence on devices and accessibility has led to large-scale cyber attacks — the more connected you are, the more vulnerable your data becomes.
In fact, a survey of more than 1,400 chief information security officers (CISOs) by Proofpoint Inc. found that two-thirds believe their companies are unprepared for a cyber attack. It’s not because businesses can’t detect hackers; it’s because they don’t have the talented professionals to defend against them.
And that’s why the industry needs you.
Prepare for industry certification exams
Customizable degree
Graduate in just
2 years
No GRE required for admission
All undergraduate majors welcome
Earn a master’s
+ 3 certificates
Why choose UND’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security?
As information technology continues to change our society, you can prepare for the future by learning innovative ways to defend and protect organizations against cyber attacks with our online Master of Science in Cyber Security program.
You can benefit from comprehensive coursework taught by industry experts in the College of Engineering & Mines (CEM) — one of the most well-respected engineering schools in the upper Midwest — so you will feel confident knowing that you can graduate prepared for what’s next in cyber security.
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and ranked the No. 2 Best Online Cyber Security Degree in 2021 by Best Value Schools. We also consistently rank among the best for educational value, affordability and career outcomes by several top ranking organizations.
That means when it comes to quality, you can be confident in UND.
What can you do with your M.S. in Cyber Security?
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or transition into a new one, UND’s Master of Science in Cyber Security online program is a great choice.
Technology is advancing quicker than talent. Some experts predict that more than 74 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2025, according to ResearchGate.
The time to learn the skills that can help prevent future cyber attacks is now.
When you earn your cyber security master’s degree online with UND, you can:
- Gain analytical skills to become an effective digital forensics examiner.
- Explore how to protect data when transferred between different systems.
- Position yourself at the front lines in the fight against cyber crime.
Prepare to sit for industry certification exams.
Companies that hire cyber security professionals typically look for certifications to demonstrate expertise and understanding. Each certificate track provides depth of knowledge that prepares you to sit for the following industry certification exams:
- Cyber Security Analyst track: EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) certification
- Ethical Hacking track: EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification
- Computer Forensics track: EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) certification
- Secure Networks track: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
Do more than detect cyber crime. Defend against it.
Advancing your skills in cyber security can mean better job security, higher pay and more leadership opportunities. Here are some top roles and median salaries in the field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Computer and Information Research Scientist
$126,830
Information Security Analyst
$103,590
Computer Systems Analyst
$93,730
What can you learn?
Our online master’s program allows you to customize your degree with stackable certificates, which can prepare you for leadership in the growing field of cyber security.
Our Master of Science in Cyber Security is designed for you to enter the program with minimal knowledge of the technical content. Study topics range from vulnerability assessment to insider threat analysis and are designed to build upon each other throughout the program to help you develop your expertise. From this perspective, you can add to your current knowledge base to prepare for career enhancement or mobility.
Our foundations coursework includes one course focused on math and another on programming through Python, which allows better preparation on each topic prior to building on that knowledge in other courses. In addition to foundational coursework, you will complete the mandatory Cyber Security Analyst certificate track, and choose two of three certificate tracks to customize your learning based on your goals and interests:
- Ethical Hacking
- Computer Forensics
- Secure Networks
Cyber Security Analyst
With emerging threats from around the globe, it’s important for cyber security professionals to have a baseline knowledge from which to help defend against malware, hackers and other threats to infrastructure. This required certificate track prepares students for CTIA certification and covers topics including human factors in cyber security, vulnerability assessment, and emerging threats and defenses.
Ethical
Hacking
Understanding how a hacker thinks is the first line of defense to help thwart system intrusion from those seeking to paralyze critical infrastructure that governments, companies and other organizations rely on for financial and data security. This certificate track prepares students for CEH certification and covers topics including penetration testing, ethical hacking and secure software engineering.
Computer
Forensics
The World Wide Web is an intricate network of computer systems, codes and protocols. Bridging the gap between computer manufacturers, software developers and social media entities is a learned art and skill. Coursework in this certificate track is designed to prepare students for CHFI certification and covers topics including intrusion detection algorithms and tools, computer forensics, and insider threat analysis.
Secure
Networks
Protection protocols are necessary in today’s hyperconnected and technology-integrated world. When systems become compromised, it puts sensitive personal and financial data at risk. Coursework in this certificate track prepares students for CISSP certification and covers topics including applied cryptography, application layer security and communication protocols (OSI model and TCP/IP protocol stack).
“Protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure and industries from cyber-attacks has never been more challenging. UND’s online master’s degree in cyber security offers working adults the chance to develop the skills they need to be successful in this increasingly important field.”
— Brian Tande, Interim Dean of UND’s College of Engineering & Mines
Frequently Asked Questions
When you earn a Master of Science in Cyber Security, you make yourself a much more desirable candidate for jobs such as cyber security engineer, information systems manager, information security analyst and computer network architect. You can also increase your chances of reaching leadership roles such as chief technical officer, director of cyber security and chief information security officer.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the online Master of Science in Cyber Security program, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
- Achieve a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
In addition, you must provide the following:
- Online application and $35 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from every institution attended
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation*
For international students:
- Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English language proficiency requirements
- International applicants who have received their bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction in the United States and U.S. Territories, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ireland, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Scotland, Wales, Commonwealth Caribbean or New Zealand are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS
*Your recommenders will be notified by email after you complete your online application.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadline | Classes Begin | |
Summer 2023 | 5/1/2023 | 5/15/2023 |
Fall 2023 | 8/1/2023 | 8/21/2023 |