Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
Curriculum
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Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership Curriculum
The Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program course design includes 37.5 hours of core instructional time for each three-unit course. Additional homework, research, and study time will be required. Students are advised to spend 15-18 hours per week in each course in order to be successful.
The 30-unit MS-CSOL program consists of ten courses – ten 3-unit courses, including a 3-unit integrative capstone course. This 30-unit program can be completed in five semesters (20 months). You can start this program in any semester (fall, spring, or summer). Each semester is 14-weeks long and there are two 7-week courses offered. Students should ensure that their personal computers meet the following system requirements.
Please note that group work is a component of the program. Group work is essential in this program because it mirrors the collaborative nature of the field. Working in groups helps students strengthen communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while preparing them to thrive in cross-functional environments they’ll encounter in real-world cyber operations.
20
Number of months it takes to graduate from the program
15–18
Average number of hours of coursework to expect each week
ONLINE CYBER SECURITY OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIP COURSES
The courses offered in the Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership include:
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course will feature a comprehensive overview of concepts and tools essential to the cybersecurity professional and review various types… |
3 |
|
This course introduces modern cryptography applications in the context of information security emphasizing practitioner-based approach. The … |
3 |
|
This course will introduce the student to the importance of architectural and network security at the enterprise level. Security architectur… |
3 |
|
This course discusses and explains the fundamentals of risk governance, the processes to follow, compliance regulation, and the security con… |
3 |
|
This course provides students with an introduction to and discusses the relationship between cybersecurity, cybersecurity law and privacy la… |
3 |
|
This course will provide an in-depth study of the principals and tenets of the design and development process of secure software used to pro… |
3 |
|
Active defense of an enterprise is not only the responsibility of the equipment, applications, and security processes of an organization but… |
3 |
|
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) with direct application to corporate (commercial… |
3 |
|
This course will introduce the principles and general practice of incident response, including an overview to digital and network forensics.… |
3 |
|
In the final course of the program, students demonstrate the specialized knowledge, principles, and strategies learned throughout the progra… |
3 |
ms-csol degree plan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their degree during one of three semesters (spring, summer and fall). Students take two courses during each 14-week semester, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. Most of our master’s degree programs can be completed in five semesters (20 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership (MS-CSOL) focuses on key aspects of leadership, in addition to the graduate learning outcomes shared across all of USD’s Master’s level programs.
- Develops specialized field knowledge and integrates knowledge across content areas of cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate critical inquiry through field-based approaches and methods and through effective and ethical information search strategies.
- Applies learning across multiple contexts within the field, integrating knowledge and practice specifically relating to the areas of cybersecurity and leadership.
- Reasons ethically in evaluating general perspectives, policies, and/or practices relevant to cybersecurity as well as evaluate diverse points of view to include temporal, cultural, linguistic, sociopolitical and/or technological contexts.
In addition to cyber security leadership skills, students are taught theory and how to turn that theory into practice, gaining specific knowledge and skills in the areas of technology, law, policy, compliance, governance, intelligence, incident response, and management. The program places significant emphasis on immersive experiences, which gives students the real-world exposure they need to be truly effective in the field.
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Success stories
I know of no other school providing so comprehensive a program and using a total immersion strategy to educate cyber professionals. This strategy, employed by the University of San Diego in my opinion, is the most efficient and effective way to teach cyber security and serves as a model for the nation.
I know of no other school providing so comprehensive a program and using a total immersion strategy to educate cyber professionals. This strategy, employed by the University of San Diego in my opinion, is the most efficient and effective way to teach cyber security and serves as a model for…
