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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 scores of 115 or above (if applicable)
- 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 contact your advisor at (888) 832-0239 or use the chat feature on this page 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.
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, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.
* 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.
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.
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 typically within 1 week from submission.
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 115 or higher.
- 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.
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.
International
Our borders are open to international students of all regions.
