Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
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At a Glance
Earn your master’s degree online or on campus in just 20 months to position yourself for success in cybersecurity engineering.
Summer, Fall and Spring Start Dates
TAKE 1 COURSE AT A TIME
Students are admitted throughout the year for admission into one of three semesters (Spring, Summer and Fall). Each semester two courses are offered, with students focusing intensively on one course at a time – a total of seven weeks for each course.
EARN YOUR DEGREE ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS
Cyber Security Engineering for Real-World Applications
This Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering (MS-CSE) program provides knowledge and skill in architecting, developing, and fielding secure network solutions against advanced persistent threats. It explores the role assurance plays in security, particularly in the development and deployment of software products, and how one must account for this in security planning.
Offered through USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the MS-CSE program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the federal government. Colleges and universities that receive this designation have met rigorous requirements and are recognized for a robust curriculum that is aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
This program emphasizes a mission-centric focus while engaging students in academically rigorous training on the engineering aspects of software and hardware security. It is designed for industry professionals and bachelor-prepared students who want to effect positive change by developing and deploying engineering solutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats.
The MS-CSE master’s degree program is distinguished by:
- An integrated approach to cybersecurity education developed in collaboration with industry, military, intelligence community and government stakeholders to deliver specific, in-demand knowledge and skillsets.
- Dynamic, highly relevant curriculum designed by instructors with years of applied experience protecting public and private assets from the worst types of cyber threats.
- Intensive, in-depth focus on the most critical issues and threats being confronted by cybersecurity professionals today.
Customize Your Experience: Online or Campus, Part-time or Full-time.
Designed with working professionals in mind, this graduate program allows you to take classes 100% online or 100% on-campus. If you select the campus format you are able to choose between part-time or full-time. Both formats provide an experienced cross-disciplinary faculty, exceptional student support, and a robust curriculum.
$102,231
Average annual salary with a cybersecurity master’s degree, according to ZipRecruiter.
46%
Percentage of cybersecurity professionals contacted weekly by recruiters, regardless of whether they are actively looking for a job.
20
Number of months it takes to earn your cybersecurity master’s degree through the University of San Diego.
A CLOSER LOOK – CYBERSECURITY AT USD
Who Enrolls in the Cybersecurity Engineering Master’s Degree Program?
Our Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program is ideal for bachelor-prepared students who are currently working in a wide range of cybersecurity roles or aspiring to work as a security engineer.
It is especially ideal for those with an engineering background who wish to effect positive change by developing and deploying engineering solutions to safeguard systems and networks, and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Anyone interested in gaining a deep understanding of cybersecurity engineering concepts, theories and threat mitigation strategies will benefit from this program, which is designed to be an invaluable asset for career advancement.
Applicants come from varying backgrounds and fields including:
- Traditional educational paths
- Technology industries
- The military
- The intelligence community
- Government organizations
- Private industry
- Law
- Ecommerce
- Private and public safety agencies
We also offer this program for students interested in studying online from India with a specialized curriculum. Learn more about our Indian MS in Cyber Security Engineering program.
USD STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES
How to Apply
Get a closer look at the application process with detailed instructions about on how to apply for your career-building cybersecurity master’s degree program.
Cybersecurity Careers
The global epidemic of cybercrime has triggered a worldwide effort to beef up cybersecurity at organizations across all industries. The cybersecurity job market is booming, with employers paying top dollar for cybersecurity professionals who possess the needed skills, experience and education.
References:
Salary data from employment websites including Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, PayScale, Salary and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admissions (Earn Your Degree in 20 Months)
Getting Started with Your Cybersecurity Engineering Master’s Degree Application
Students are admitted throughout the year for admission into one of three semesters (Spring, Summer and Fall). Each semester two courses are offered, with students focusing intensively on one course at a time – a total of seven weeks for each course.
Admission application packets are accepted on a rolling basis. For details on specific requirements needed for admission, please visit our Admissions page.
If you are interested but do not meet all of the published admissions requirements, please contact an enrollment advisor.
Or, if you are ready to apply, we make it easy to start your application process.
MS-CSE Degree PLan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three semesters (spring, summer and fall). Students take two courses during each 14-week semester, focusing on one 7-week course at a time. Most of our master’s degree programs can be completed in 5 semesters (20 months).
The 30-36 unit program will consist of 11 courses, including a 6-unit prerequisite course (which can be waived at the discretion of the Academic Director based on the candidate’s professional and academic background) and two 3-unit research capstone courses. Each semester will last 14 weeks. This intensive format will allow students to focus on one course at a time and still complete the degree program in approximately 20-24 months. For students that do not need to take the prerequisite the program will be a total of 30 units and 20 months.
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
CUTTING-EDGE CURRICULUM
The University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering degree program features an innovative, hands-on curriculum focused on critical aspects of cybersecurity.
The curriculum covers digital and network forensics and the technical considerations for incident response and continuity planning. It places students in simulated contested cyber environments where they will perform system assessments, potentially on solutions they have engineered, and understand the various types of penetrations an adversary might attempt on an information system. The goal being a real-world experience in which the application of cybersecurity engineering can be applied in dynamic settings where innovation and problem-solving are required.
The program also features a Capstone project in which graduate students do hands-on project work that becomes part of an online portfolio showcasing their master’s degree experience.
Courses you will take
Where Our Graduates Work
Program Goals
Core program goals for the University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering include:
- Developing an engineering knowledge and skill base focused on the mitigation of advanced persistent threats toward the goal of increased cybersecurity. The engineering of secure, trusted systems is essential to guard against the types of headline-grabbing electronic security breaches and that have caused extensive disruption and financial damage to industry and government, immeasurable loss of intellectual property and tremendous harm to personal privacy.
- Preparing individuals capable of developing cutting-edge innovation, creating the next generation of cyber tools and solutions and becoming thought leaders in the cybersecurity engineering domain. Graduates will be equipped to become change agents, providing overall subject matter expertise as well as specific engineering and technology solutions to an organization’s unique set of risks and potential vulnerabilities.
- Connecting students with a network of local, regional, and national cybersecurity stakeholders, as part of the University of San Diego’s commitment to educational and professional development. MS-CSE program leaders are focused not only on keeping the innovative curriculum immediately relevant, but also on assisting with the placement of graduates.
- Advancing the science and practice of cybersecurity engineering and education for the benefit of public and private-sector organizations, communities, and the nation. Ongoing cyber threats and successful attacks have placed the United States at a critical juncture; our cybersecurity engineering graduates are groomed to be effective in this fight by contributing toward real-world, applied solutions.
Students in the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program learn the design, evaluation, certification, and accreditation of trusted systems. Students will subsequently understand how to take the design of trusted systems and develop/engineer these into secure systems, with a focus on hands-on experiences in laboratory settings.
The Latest
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accreditation
The University of San Diego’s high-quality academic programs are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools.
cyber center of excellence
We are excited to share that the University of San Diego’s online graduate cybersecurity programs are now members of the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity innovation, collaboration, and workforce development.
Through this membership, USD joins a network of cybersecurity leaders across industry, government, and academia. This partnership strengthens our commitment to providing students with an education that is aligned with the evolving needs of the cybersecurity profession and connected to the broader cyber community.
As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, USD remains focused on preparing graduates with the knowledge, leadership, and industry perspective needed to succeed in this rapidly changing field.
EXPERT FACULTY
All of the instructors in the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program are experienced instructor practitioners who hold advanced degrees in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology and Information Assurance/Cybersecurity.
Funding Your Graduate Degree
Your graduate degree is an investment in your future that pays for itself. Tuition is competitive with other top institutions and federal financial aid can help you fund your degree program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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Scholarships & grants
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chart Your Path in Cybersecurity
Discover which USD online cybersecurity master’s program aligns with your career goals.
