On-Campus Online

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

Careers

NCAE Logo Military Friendly School Badge I can see this appears to be a mostly blank or white image with no discernible content to describe.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Get in touch with an advisor today and ask for your Application Fee Waiver Code

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Request Information

Your Career in Cybersecurity Engineering

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and highly sought-after careers in the country. As cyber crime continues to cost upwards of $6 billion a year, organizations across all industries are willing to shell out top dollar for highly skilled and trained cybersecurity engineering professionals.

With more than 200,000 unfilled job security openings in the U.S., U.S. News and World Report lists Information Security Analyst as a top technology job — based on median salary ($95,510), employment rate, growth, stress, work-life balance and job prospects.

Female data scientist working on ipad


Industry insights

3.5M

Anticipated new job openings

$223k

Average salary for chief information security officers

Careers in Cybersecurity Engineering

A career in cybersecurity engineering is ideal for those who seek to effect positive change by developing and deploying engineering solutions to safeguard systems and networks, and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

Information Security Analyst

Work on security measures for the protection of computer networks and information assets. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and implement risk mitigation strategies.

  • Projected Salary:
    $103,590
Cybersecurity Engineer

Develop/engineer secure, trusted systems. Perform risk assessments. Manage security technology and audit/intrusion systems to protect against advanced persistent threats.

  • Projected Salary:
    $120,000+
Cybersecurity Architect

A senior-level position responsible for planning, designing, testing, implementing and maintaining an organization’s computer and network security infrastructure.

  • Projected Salary:
    $136,000

References:
*Salary estimates from employment sites such as U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LinkedIn, Springboard, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, etc. Estimates often update in real time based on changing data.

Take the Next Step in Your Cybersecurity Engineering Career

Success Stories

Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering

This program provides good guidance to help cyber security engineers think beyond their day to day tasks and look at the bigger picture. It also helps them to plan longer term strategy with direction to effectively deal with cyber threats.

This program provides good guidance to help cyber security engineers think beyond their day to day tasks and look at the bigger picture. It also helps them to plan longer term strategy with direction to effectively deal with cyber threats.

Our graduates have gone on to work for:

spawar logo
RSI Logo
Microsoft Logo
General Atomics logo
Navy logo
BAE Systems logo
USD emblem

Our ALUMNI NETWORK

Many of our alumni are excelling in their cybersecurity roles in organizations all over the country and around the globe. At USD, we are committed to connecting our students with a broad range of cybersecurity stakeholders to enhance their educational and professional development as well as help them take the next step in their careers.

Alumni posing with USD mascot

Explore our latest articles and blog posts about cybersecurity topics, emerging trends and career advancement, as well as additional educational resources.

View All

Position Yourself For The Future and Contribute To The Mitigation Of Modern Threats.

Download eBook: Why Cyber Security Engineers Are in Such High Demand

Read more

Must Read

How to Know if a Cyber Security Engineering Degree is Right for You
Should You Become a Cyber Security Engineer?
newsletter signup

The Latest
Cybersecurity News

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest news, trends, and industry insights — plus updates on what’s happening with USD’s cybersecurity programs. Subscribe today!

Subscribe Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a cybersecurity master’s degree?

With a cybersecurity master’s degree, you can pursue advanced and leadership roles in the field, including positions such as cybersecurity engineer, security architect, information security analyst, penetration tester and cybersecurity manager. You can also move into specialized areas such as risk management, digital forensics and cyber defense strategy, as well as qualify for senior-level and management roles in both the public and private sectors.

Is a master’s degree required for a career in cybersecurity?

No, a master’s degree is not required for most cybersecurity careers, but it can help professionals build advanced technical skills, qualify for more senior roles and stand out in a competitive job market. Many entry-level roles in cybersecurity can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree, certifications and relevant experience, but a master’s degree can help open additional opportunities for advancement and higher pay.

Is cybersecurity a high-demand career?

Yes, cybersecurity is a high-demand career field. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in technology, with hundreds of thousands of unfilled roles in the U.S. and strong demand across nearly every industry, including business, healthcare, government and technology.

What companies are hiring cybersecurity experts?

Companies hiring cybersecurity experts span nearly every industry, including technology, finance, healthcare, government and defense, as well as areas you may not think about, such as entertainment, sports, retail and education. Because most organizations rely on digital systems and sensitive data, cybersecurity professionals are in demand to help protect information, manage risk and prevent cyber threats.

What is the average salary for cybersecurity professionals?

The average salary for a cybersecurity professional varies by role, experience and industry, but it is generally highly competitive across the field. Entry-level roles can start in the $90,000 range, while mid-level professionals often earn well over $100,000 annually. Senior and leadership roles, such as Chief Information Security Officer, can average well over $200,000, with some positions exceeding that depending on organization size and responsibility.

Who is the MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program best suited for?

The MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program is best suited for bachelor-prepared professionals who are currently working in cybersecurity, information technology or related technical fields, as well as individuals who want to transition into a cybersecurity career.

View All FAQs

Chart Your Path in Cybersecurity

Discover which USD online cybersecurity master’s program aligns with your career goals.

Get the Infographic
Which Cyber Security Program is Right for You Cover