Admissions and Requirements

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, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.

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:

1. 1.  Speak with an Enrollment Advisor about our bridge program.
   2.  Your Enrollment Advisor will review your credentials in conjunction with the program’s Academic Director. 
   3.  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.

View the academic calendar below:

Please contact an enrollment advisor if you are interested, but do not meet all published admissions requirements. Ready to apply? Start your application process.

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!