Student Success Center
MS in Cyber Security Engineering (Online)
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Welcome!
As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:
- You'll use your USD Email Address for all university-related communications.
- You'll use Canvas for all of your coursework and assignments. See Canvas Tips and Tricks page.
- You’ll use your MySanDiego Portalfor tuition payments and to access most campus resources.
- You’ll use this site, your Student Success Center, to get specific information about textbook information, deadlines, and more!
Stay Connected with your Program
Your Program Coordinator
Imari Washington
(619) 260-4726
Schedule a meeting with me
COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you are enrolled for your first term and receive a confirmation email from a member of our team, please complete and review all of the following before classes start.
1. View Your Mandatory New Student Welcome Webinar
This webinar will go over a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Once you have been registered for classes and receive a confirmation email from our team, you will be emailed the link to schedule your welcome webinar to your @sandiego.edu email address.
2. Schedule Your New Student Check-in Call
In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Canvas-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared. After attending the Welcome Webinar, you will be prompted to schedule your call using a scheduling link.
3. Complete Your Canvas Orientation Course - Due January 3, 2025
Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on Canvas within 4 hours. When accessing Canvas, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.
The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around the course's layout prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and the discussion board.
Your Orientation is mandatory, and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 8-10 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.
Looking for assistance?
4. Finalize Your Tuition Payment Plan
We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the "Tuition and Payment Methods" section for more information.
5. Review your Student Handbook
Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
IMPORTANT DATES
Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.
Fall 2025 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | June 30, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | August 15, 2025 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | September 1, 2025 |
| Payment Due Date | September 2, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | September 2, 2025 |
| First Course Start Date | September 2, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | September 5, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | September 29, 2025 |
| First Course End Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Second Course Start Date | October 21, 2025 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | November 3, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | November 17, 2025 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | December 22, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | December 8, 2025 |
Spring 2025 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 1, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | December 2, 2024 |
| Registration Deadline | December 16, 2024 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | January 3, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | January 6, 2025 |
| Payment Due Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | January 7, 2025 |
| First Course Start Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | January 10, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | February 3, 2025 |
| First Course End Date | February 24, 2025 |
| Second Course Start Date | February 25, 2025 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | March 10, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | March 24, 2025 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | April 28, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | April 14, 2025 |
Summer 2025 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | March 3, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | April 4, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | April 18, 2025 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | May 5, 2025 |
| Payment Due Date | May 6, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | May 6, 2025 |
| First Course Start Date | May 6, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | May 9, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | June 2, 2025 |
| First Course End Date | June 23, 2025 |
| Second Course Start Date | June 24, 2025 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | July 7, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | July 21, 2025 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | August 25, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | August 11, 2025 |
Download a pdf of your academic calendar
Class Registration Directions
You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Agreement, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part.
If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your program coordinator immediately. This often happens for students who need to take a leave of absence.
Textbook information
Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Unless otherwise specified, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.
Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.
Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are taking for the semester.
Digital Inclusive Access (IA) - Integrated VitalSource Textbooks
If your course is indicated to have a "Digital Inclusive Access" textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the "Digital Inclusive Access" FAQs document.
- Students are able to access the e-textbook directly in the course without worrying about purchasing the wrong version or textbook!
- If your course is indicated as using “Digital Inclusive Access” on the textbook list, please note that you must opt-out within the first 7 days of each course to avoid being charged for the guaranteed-lowest price textbook.
- If you do intend to use “Digital Inclusive Access”, no further action is required after you create a Vitalsource account.
- No refunds can be issued once the textbook charge has been assessed.
By using Vitalsource e-Textbooks, students are able to use study tools in Bookshelf such as highlighting, printing limited pages/chapters, sharing notes, and using the Bookshelf CoachMe tool to test their learning while they read.
PAYing for your program
Tuition at USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.
Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.
Remember: tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.
The University of San Diego has identified the following Cyber Security related external scholarship opportunities. Please note that the following scholarships are not offered directly through the University of San Diego.
Center for Cyber Safety & Education Scholarships
(ISC)² Women's Cyber Security Scholarships
KnowBe4 Women in Cyber Security Scholarship
Google Scholarships
Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP)
Program Tuition
Once you have been registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Your program’s tuition is the following:
- Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units, except CYBR 505) = $1,290
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $7,740
- Total Program Cost (without CYBR 505, 5 semesters) = $38,700
- Total Program Cost (with CYBR 505, 6 semesters) = $44,440
Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.
If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the Torero Hub by submitting their inquiry form or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.
ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT
Please note that students in USD’s MS in Cyber Security Engineering program are required to submit a one-time 5% non-refundable deposit. The payment will automatically be applied to your first-semester tuition.
CompTIA lab simulation service
CompTIA is an online service for students working on certifications. It consists of courses taught through “lab sim (simulation)” with text, videos, labs, and assessments. Each course runs approx. $159-$179*. For more details, please see the Student Resources section.
Refund Policy
Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.
DEGREE PROGRESS and COMMENCEMENT
DegreeWorks
You can track your progress toward earning your degree using the Degree Works feature in your MySanDiego student portal. Degree Works shows you which courses you have completed, grades, cumulative GPA, any outstanding graduation requirements, and more!
To access Degree Works:
- Log in to your MySanDiego student portal.
- Under the “Torero Hub” tab, click on “My Academics.”
- On the right-hand side under “My Academic Resources”, click on “Degree Works.”
Petition to Graduate
Submitting your petition to graduate is a requirement for every student. About a semester before your final term, you will be reminded by your Program Coordinator to submit your petition to graduate. Once completed, your Academic Coordinator will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues.
Commencement timing
If you are planning on participating in the commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown here on campus), you will be invited to come to the University of San Diego to participate in the ceremony. Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February.
- There is only one commencement ceremony each academic year in May.
- Fall and Spring graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May after they graduate.
- Summer graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May before they graduate.
Diploma Details
The Registrar will process their final audit of the degrees 6-8 weeks after grades are posted for your final semester. Once the degree is conferred in the system, the Registrar will order your diploma from the vendor and the vendor will send it to you directly to the address that was listed on your petition to graduate.
If your mailing address changes after you submit your Petition to Graduate, please notify the Graduate Records office at (619) 260-2217 or [email protected].
You will receive a digital diploma to your @sandiego.edu email address once your degree has been officially conferred.
You will also receive a physical diploma. Mailing time is an additional 6-8 weeks from the date of order, and you will likely receive your diploma in the mail in 3-4 months after you have completed your degree requirements.
Course Details
program requirements
The 30-36 unit program will consist of ten courses. Courses will be offered year-round with three semesters every year; Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each semester will last 14 weeks. Students will take two courses per semester. Courses will run for seven weeks each with a one or two-week break in between semesters. This intensive format will allow students to focus on one course at a time and to still complete the degree program in 20-24 months.
Course Titles and Descriptions
Computational Roots of Cyber Security (CYBR 505) *May Not Be Required
*Students without specific training in cyber engineering and/or an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or computer engineering may be required to take CYBR 505.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Concepts and Tools (CYBR 501)
An introduction to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. This includes understanding the concepts of threats, vulnerabilities, and risk as to the definition of “security” for a system. The course will examine types of security policy, provide definitions and examples of contemporary technical, administrative, and physical security controls setting the foundation for system engineering requirements. We will survey common attacks and mitigations, and the shortcomings of common, contemporary cybersecurity models.
The basic concepts of networking, operating systems, and security test tools will be taught through computer virtualization and hands-on labs. Students will develop a penetration testing Cybersecurity Sandbox with multiple virtual machines and demonstrate the use of a set of security test tools.
Cybersecurity Network Defense (CYBR 502)
This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts of computer networking network defense (fundamentals of network security including planning, architecture, system design and deployment, risk assessments, and identifying network security threats from a Cybersecurity perspective). The Cybersecurity network testing will be conducted in the virtualized Cybersecurity Sandbox.
Cybersecurity Domain (CYBR 503)
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. It includes understanding the concepts of threats, vulnerabilities, and risk as the definition of “security” for a system. The course examines types of global security policies, provides the definition and examples of contemporary technical, administrative, and physical security controls, and establishes the foundation for global system engineering requirements. Common attacks and mitigations, and the shortcomings of common, contemporary cybersecurity models are analyzed.
The cybersecurity network testing will be conducted in the student’s Cybersecurity SandBox.
Applied Cryptography (CYBR 504)
This course is an introduction to core principles of modern cryptography and applied cryptographic methods and systems. It includes a description of common cryptographic algorithms, pseudorandom generators, and encryption. Students will see aspects of applying and assessing cryptographic systems including defense against attacks and vulnerabilities.
Class labs and projects will be conducted in the Cybersecurity SandBox.
Security System Life Cycle (CYBR 506)
In this course, the student will be introduced to the approaches for building confidence in the ability of a computer system to correctly enforce the security policy at every stage of the system development life cycle. Class labs and projects will be conducted in the Cybersecurity SandBox.
Secure Network Engineering (CYBR 508)
This course continues into the design of secure and sustainable networks. This includes network hardening methods, advanced configurations of security devices such in IPS, and secure Cloud Computing. Verification testing of networks configurations utilizing the Cybersecurity Sandbox.
Security Test Engineering (CYBR 510)
As individuals rise in an organization, they get a wider view of responsibilities, whether that be for their specific unit or the organization as a whole. This course presents various methodologies for performing testing to ensure a system conforms to security standards by; 1-Creating and configuring test environments based on security requirements; 2- differentiating between functional testing and security testing; and 3- introducing static, dynamic, vulnerability, and penetration testing; Labs and projects for the course will utilize the Cybersecurity Sandbox.
Incident Detection and Handling (CYBR 512)
In this course techniques for assuring the continued operation of secure systems in contested environments will be explored. Through lectures, labs, and projects, students continue to use techniques for the Detection of, response to, and recovery from security incidents. Labs and projects for the course will utilize the Cybersecurity Sandbox.
Cyber Engineering Research I (CYBR 514)
In Research 1, students will be introduced to a multi-domain international company that requires cybersecurity support to update and formalize the security of the enterprise. Students will be required to apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the Cybersecurity Engineering curriculum. The class will be provided a virtual environment with the enterprise systems design in place as per the Case study.
Cyber Engineering Research II (CYBR 516)
In Research II, students will continue the implementation of the capstone case study introduced in Research I a multi-domain international company that requires cybersecurity support to update and formalize the security of the enterprise. Students will be required to apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the Cybersecurity Engineering curriculum. The class will be provided a virtual environment with the enterprise systems design in place as per the Case study.
Student Resources
This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in APA formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.
Technical Requirements
USD MS Cyber Security Engineering (MS-CSE) courses require students to have access to a Windows Operating System (OS) laptop with administrative rights for classroom labs and projects. Processor speed must be a minimum of 1.5 GHz to adequately support several concurrent virtual machines (VM). RAM needs to be 16GB minimum and ample secondary storage of 500 GB (preferably SSD) hard disk drive. A USB port is highly recommended to support thumb drives and external HDDs and CD/DVD drive as required to facilitate ISO archival for virtual machine OS.
Leading security professional virtualization platforms are predominantly Windows-based. All three of the top virtualizations systems (VirtualBox, VMware, and Hyper-V) are optimally designed for Windows. While we recognize the prevalence of Apple computers across development and design areas, it is necessary to choose a standardized platform that accommodates the greatest degree of software utility and class time efficiency. OSX and Apple/Mac computers are not acceptable computers for the MSCSE Program.
Graduate Writing Expectations and Tips
All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you want additional writing support, we recommend Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to APA formatting guidelines.
Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.
Download Microsoft Office 365 (Free for USD Students)
Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.
CompTIA Lab Simulation Service
CompTIA is an online service for students working on certifications. It consists of courses taught through “lab sim (simulation)” with text, videos, labs, and assessments. Each course runs approx. $159-$179*.
USD students in the CSE program will be required to utilize CompTIA as part of the curriculum. Instead of purchasing CompTIA for the proper courses outside of Canvas, the CompTIA online service will be embedded in the Canvas classroom. As soon as you log into your course, you will have access. The “lab fee” will go towards your program’s tuition. You will only be required to purchase each course once. So, if Security Pro for CompTIA is used in 3 classes, students only have to pay that lab fee once.
While a student will use portions of the CompTIA courses, they will not be required to complete the full course, just the professor-prescribed exercises. If they do choose to complete the CompTIA course in its entirety on their own time, they will be qualified to sit for different certifications (highlighted below). Once a student accesses a CompTIA course, they will have access to it for 12 months.
CYBR 501
- Security Pro CompTIA Course = $159
- Prepares students for:
- CompTIA Security Pro CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501).
CYBR 502
- Ethical Hacker Pro CompTIA Course = $179
- Prepares students for:
- CompTIA Ethical Hacker Pro EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker
CYBR 503
- CyberDefense Pro = $169
- Security Pro and Ethical Hacker Pro = $0 (since already charged in CYBR 501/502)
- Prepares students for:
- CompTIA CyberDefense Pro Certification
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Certification
CYBR 504
- Security Pro and Ethical Hacker Pro = $0 (since already charged in CYBR 501/502)
CYBR 508
- Ethical Hacker Pro = $0 (since already charged in CYBR 501/502)
*All listed fees are subject to change without notice. Additional CompTIA fees may apply.
TimelyCare – Telehealth for USD Students
TimelyCare is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student. Services include:
- Live and on-demand self-care sessions (yoga, breathing, stretching)
- Access to on-demand counselors for emotional health support
- Access to schedule a session with a licensed counselor (up to 12 times per year)
- View the Nurturing Balance Webinar Recording to learn about more resources
MS-CSE Student Handbook
The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
External Tutoring Resource
USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com. Please note that Wyzant is not a USD-managed resource, so use them at your own discretion.
Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Graduate Students
It is the policy of the University of San Diego to adhere to the rules and regulations as announced in this brochure or other University Publications. The University nevertheless hereby gives notice that it reserves the right to expand or delete or otherwise modify this online publication whenever such changes are adjudged by it to be desirable or necessary. Changes will be made periodically as needed.
USD Economic Resources List
USD's Case Management team has compiled a list of on-campus (local to San Diego) and national economic resources to help students find assistance with a variety of life aspects such as housing, food, mental health, parenting, etc. If you have a need or concern that isn’t addressed by the resources included in this list, please reach out to your Program Coordinator for further assistance. Based on the support, we may refer you to schedule an appointment with a case manager.
First-Generation Student Resources
USD welcomes first-generation college and first-generation graduate students. Please view the resources below to connect with your first-gen peers!
- Visit the USD First-Generation website.
- Free & Virtual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium.
- Instagram accounts: @usd_fgsa and @usdfirstgen.
- Contact the First-Gen Action Team at [email protected]
- View the USD First-Generation Student Guide.
- Sign up for the First-Gen Network Newsletter (sign up here)
- Facebook account: USD First-Generation Students
Military Student Resources
USD provides student-focused services to all USD military-connected students, including student veterans, active-duty, dependent children, and spouses.
- Get started by requesting your Request to Certify each semester.
- Explore Military Scholarship Opportunities.
- Join the Student Veteran Organization .
- Leverage the partnership between USD and 50strong that brings together employers and veterans.
- Upon graduation, connect with the Alumni Veteran Network
USD Campus Partner Email Opt-Out
Get too many emails? Follow our email opt-out guide to optimize your USD email experience.
DACA/Undocumented Student Resources
Please view the USD information trifold for current and prospective students. It is also available in Spanish.
Review the Higher Ed Immigation Portal website which includes some useful information and connections to the undocumented student community, state and national policies, information on graduate and professional school access, retention and success. It is a living document that will be updated regularly and include any new resources that campuses and organizations develop.
Student Parent Resources
Many students who attend USD are also parents. USD offers the following resources:
- Join the Parenting Student listserv: [email protected]
- Pregnancy Resources: Several USD Centers are available to accompany pregnant students as they navigate pregnancy while a student at USD.
- Financial Aid: The university’s Financial Aid Offices can help you qualify for additional loans to cover medical expenses and child care.
- Childcare Solutions: USD supports many resources for finding infant and child care to meet your family’s needs.
- View a recording of our Student Parent Time Management webinar.
Academic Standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI)
With the rise of AI writing assistants, students must ensure that they use this new technology ethically and honestly. Consult this document for guidance.
University of San Diego Campus Resources
The USD Campus is available to all of our students and includes these additional resources.
Canvas @ USD
In your program, you can think of Canvas as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Canvas to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD credentials to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or [email protected].
Netiquette Guidelines
The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.
your partners toward success
At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.
USD Quick Links
- USD Directory (For Faculty or Staff Contact Information)
- Torero Hub (formerly the One Stop Student Center)
- Health and Wellness
- SOLES Graduate Writing Center
- Military and Veterans Program Center
- Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center
- Copley Library
- Career Development Center
- Campus Recreation (Remote and On-Campus Classes Offered)
Career and professional resources
Whether you're hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, USD has a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.