Cybersecurity, M.S.

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Program Description

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity equips students to manage information security programs in organizations. The program provides up-to-date knowledge and skills in the technology and application of cybersecurity. Students learn to apply risk management frameworks, methods, and strategies; enhance the protection of enterprise-wide information assets; and detect and plan for cyber-attacks on networks cloud applications, and computer systems. Students prepare to manage security information functions and teams in all business, nonprofit, healthcare, government, educational, and other sectors.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to be able to do the following:

Demonstrate leadership and business management skills relevant to administering information security programs in organizations.
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating technical information.
Develop a strategic balance between business needs and overall information security architecture planning.
Evaluate risk management frameworks, methods, and strategies.
Create plans and scripting protocol to understand and protect assets on enterprise networks, cloud/web applications, and computer systems.

Program Structure and Delivery

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is delivered fully online.

CYBR600 is included in the list of electives for AMBA students.

Students completing a master’s degree from the Schools of Business and Technology may add either the Cybersecurity Technology Certificate (15cr) or the Cybersecurity Management Certificate (15 cr) for just 9 earned credits. Aforementioned students pursuing their master’s degree from a technology-oriented program may complete either Cybersecurity Certificate for just 6 earned credits. Certificate course plans will be approved and designed by the Cybersecurity program director on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, students may substitute 6 credits from any of the following completed Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota certificates to replace CYBR615 Cybersecurity Change Management and CYBR630 Communication and Ethics for Cybersecurity Professionals. The substitutions allow these certificate students to complete the M.S. in Cybersecurity with just 30 credits:

● Accounting Leadership Certificate

● Artificial Intelligence Certificate

● Business Analytics Certificate

● Finance Certificate

● Healthcare Administration Certificate

● Healthcare Analytics Certificate

● Human Resource Management Certificate

● Individual and Team Leadership Certificate

● Nonprofit Management Certificate

● Organizational and Change Leadership Certificate

● Project Management Certificate

Degree Requirements

Core Courses: 36 cr.

Optional Course: 3 cr.

*CYBR590 Network Technology and Infrastructure is provided for those who wish to gather foundational technology experience and knowledge in the cybersecurity field in conjunction with beginning a new cybersecurity program. CYBR590 also prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam.

CYBR590 Network Technology and Infrastructure (optional, does not count towards the degree) (3 cr.)

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel and their immediate family) and,
An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
A personal statement which includes:

brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
personal information the applicant wishes to share.

Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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