Online On-Campus

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

Admission Requirements

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Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for the on-campus Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

Please contact your advisor at (888) 832-0239 if you are interested but do not meet all published admissions requirements. Our application review process always includes a holistic look at your experience and background, and we understand that a low undergraduate GPA or lack of professional experience is not necessarily indicative of your potential success in our program. 

Please note we are unable to accommodate international students who require the F1 student visa. Contact an enrollment advisor if you are interested, but do not meet all published admissions requirements.

It is encouraged that all applicants will become members of InfraGard before starting the program, however, confirming you are a member is not a requirement for admission. A pending status or account creation would be satisfactory for admission. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online degree programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.


General Admission Information and Requirements

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 7 weeks for each course. An academic calendar for the first year follows.

Admission application packets are accepted on a rolling basis. A decision will be recommended by the Review Committee within a few weeks from submission.

View the academic calendar below:

Choose Dates
important datesDate
Priority Application DeadlineMarch 7, 2025
Completed Application DeadlineApril 4, 2025
Registration DeadlineApril 18, 2025
important datesDate
Priority Application DeadlineJuly 7, 2025
Completed Application DeadlineAugust 1, 2025
Registration DeadlineAugust 15, 2025

are you an international applicant?

International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission, including: 


At a Glance

Earn your master’s degree online or on campus in just 20 months to position yourself for career success in cybersecurity engineering.

20 Months
30 Units
$1,290
May 6, 2025
20 Months
30 Units
$1,290
May 6, 2025

Priority Deadline

Applying to our master’s program by the priority deadline offers you significant advantages:

  • Early Consideration: Be among the first to have your application reviewed and receive your admission decision sooner, giving you more time to prepare for your next academic journey.
  • Increased Admission Chances: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
  • Stress-Free Planning: Eliminate the last-minute rush by submitting your application early, allowing you to focus on the next steps.
  • Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication and preparedness by applying early, making a strong impression on our admissions committee.

Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today by submitting your application by the priority deadline!


Student Support

USD provides support services from your initial inquiry through graduation and placement. As a nationally ranked Catholic institution, the University of San Diego is focused on an unwavering expectation: academic excellence. We want to help you become the Changemaker you want to be!


Enrollment Advising

When you first inquire about one of our graduate degree programs, you will be assigned a personal Enrollment Advisor. Your Enrollment Advisor is available to answer your questions, help you assess your eligibility for admission, and guide you through the application process. Your advisor will help you every step of the way from the moment you indicate your interest in a program through the entire application process. Our team of Advisors can even help order your undergraduate transcripts, guide you through the process of writing your admission essay, and ensure you are staying on top of deadlines.

Program Advising

A Program Advisor will be your primary point of contact for support once you are admitted and have formally registered for classes. When you first enroll, your Program Advisor will schedule a 15-minute introductory call to review technology/equipment requirements, connect you with resources for finanacial aid, GI Bill/VA funding, payment plans etc. and help you sign up for the Online Orientationl. Over the course of your program, you’ll work with your Program Advisor to add/drop classes, coordinate credit transfers, and address any technical challenges you might be experiencing. In fact, you can direct most university-related questions to your Program Advisor; if they do not have the answer, they will point you to the available resource that does.

Academic Advising

Each of our graduate degree programs has an Academic Advisor, who is responsible for evaluating applications and admitting new students, monitoring your academic progress and providing guidance as needed. Program Advisors also serve as instructors for their respective programs.

Additional Support

  • Instructor Support –Instructors facilitate your studies throughout the course and will respond to your questions and coursework through the course site.
  • Library Support – You will have access to Copley Library’s online digital databases and other library resources, including the library’s reference services either by phone or email.
  • Technical Support – If you have any troubles with the online learning environment, you’ll find USD’s help desk technical support to be responsive and effective.

Graduate Placement

Career Services at the University of San Diego (USD) serves as a centralized resource for USD students, alumni and employers. Career Services can provide you with online career tools and other resources to help you with your job search.

International student throwing cap

International

Our borders are open to international students of all regions.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the program require applicants to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. The admissions committee takes a comprehensive approach when reviewing applications. A GRE or GMAT score is not necessarily a good indicator that someone is, or will be, a successful cybersecurity engineer.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is designed to be completed in 20 months.

Does the program have to be completed within 20 months?

The curriculum schedule functions on a rotational system, meaning that if a student skips a course they will have to wait for the rotation to complete before jumping back in. We encourage individuals who are interested in the program to speak with an enrollment advisor or to work with their program coordinator, who is available to help every step of the way.

Is the MS in Cyber Security Engineering program considered full-time or part-time?

Both modalities (online and on-campus) of the MS in Cyber Security Engineering program provide 6 units per term, making it a part-time, or 3/4 time program.