Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
Admissions Requirements
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Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for the online MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher
- The completion of a standardized test, such as the GRE, GMAT, Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or LSAT may be submitted to strengthen an application if the undergraduate GPA is lower than 2.75, or upon recommendation of the admissions committee.
- TOEFL score of 4.5 or above, or minimum score of 120 on Duolingo English Test, or IELTS minimum score of 7 (if applicable). Note: For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, the minimum total score required is 115.
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of support from the candidate’s employer or two letters of reference
- Resume showing information technology experience as demonstrated through academic or career experience
- Please note that students who are accepted into USD’s MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program are required to submit a $289.50 non-refundable deposit (equal to 5% of the first semester’s tuition). This will ultimately be applied to your first tuition payment, provided you enroll in the program and start your first course.
- Residency in an approved state. Confirm that your state of residency allows enrollment in a University of San Diego online degree program.
Please contact your advisor at (619) 260-4580 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.
It is recommended that applicants become members of InfraGard before starting the program. 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.
* Special Note: please anticipate that some colleges and universities can take 2 – 3 weeks to prepare and send official transcripts. The application packet is not complete until all official transcripts are received.
** Unavailable for international transcripts/degree evaluations and some schools don’t allow transcripts ordered by third parties.
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 select states. Please view the list of states on the State Authorization Status & Compliance page. 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:
| important dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | April 17, 2026 |
| important dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Application Deadline | July 6, 2026 |
| Completed Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | August 14, 2026 |
| important dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Application Deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Completed Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | December 14, 2026 |
No Cybersecurity Experience? No problem.
USD is committed to helping close the cyber skills gap. We understand that you may have the passion and curiosity for a career in cybersecurity but may lack the technical experience. Lack of experience can create a gap between what you know you are capable of and what you truly can achieve, and we would like to provide a way to bridge that gap. If you do not meet the technical admission requirements for the CSOL program, please:
- Speak with an Enrollment Advisor about our bridge program.
- Your Enrollment Advisor will review your credentials in conjunction with the program’s Academic Director.
- If they believe you have the potential to be successful in the program, they will prescribe coursework to you in order to prepare you for admission into the master’s program.
are you an international applicant?
International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission, including:
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam score of 4.5 or higher, or a Duolingo English Test score of 120 or higher, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam score of 7. Note: For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, the minimum total score required is 115.
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by one of the following approved agencies. No other transcript evaluation will be accepted for degrees earned outside the U.S.
- If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you are not eligible to pursue the online section of our program, per U.S. immigration regulations.
- Verify that your country allows access to essential software like VPN or DUO, which is vital for seamless online access during your studies.
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 Coordinator 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 Coordinator will schedule a 15-minute introductory call to review technology/equipment requirements, connect you with resources for financial aid, GI Bill/VA funding, payment plans etc. and help you sign up for the Online Orientation. Over the course of your program, you’ll work with your Program Coordinator 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 Coordinator; 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 to help you complete the program
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.
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!
International
Our borders are open to international students of all regions.
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