Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership Admission Requirements

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, as of February 23, 2013, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online degree programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

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:

Registration Deadline
April 22, 2020
First Course Start Date
May 12, 2020
First Course End Date
June 29, 2020
Second Course Start Date
June 20, 2020
Second Course End Date
August 17, 2020
Completed Application Deadline
August 3, 2020
Registration Deadline
August 17, 2020
First Course Start Date
September 8, 2020
First Course End Date
October 26, 2020
Second Course Start Date
October 27, 2020
Second Course End Date
December 14, 2020
Registration Deadline
December 14, 2020
First Course Start Date
January 12, 2021
First Course End Date
March 1, 2021
Second Course Start Date
March 2, 2021
Second Course End Date
April 19, 2021

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 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.