Student Success Center
MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
Now Offering MS-CSOL Merchandise at the USD Torero Store
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 your coursework and assignments. See Canvas Tips and Tricks page.
- You’ll use your MySanDiego Portal for 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 academic director
Michelle Moore, PhD
(703) 909-8115
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 Canvaswithin 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 your course's layout prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and discussion boards.
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 16-20 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.
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) = $965
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $5,790
- Total Program Cost (including 5 semesters) = $28,950
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 Operations and Leadership, Sustainability and Health program are required to submit a one-time 5% non-refundable deposit. The payment will automatically be applied to your first-semester tuition.
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
Students that Started their Program Before Spring 2023
The 31-unit MS-CSOL program consists of eleven courses – ten 3-unit courses and a 1-unit integrative capstone course. This 31-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. Note the capstone course lasts the full 14 weeks.
Students that Started their Program On/After Spring 2023
The 30-unit MS-CSOL program consists of ten courses – ten 3-unit courses including an 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. Note the capstone course lasts the full 14 weeks.
Course Titles and Descriptions
Foundations of Cyber Security (CSOL 500)
This course will feature a comprehensive overview of concepts and tools essential to the cybersecurity professional and provide a review of the five types of cybersecurity techniques. The student will explore the history and evolution of cybersecurity as well as the future trends while identifying the roles leaders can play in enhancing, supporting, and promoting cybersecurity in organizations. The course will outline a taxonomy of modern cyber terminology. This course will also set the stage for the program by explaining and instilling the “Business of Cyber” as a cybersecurity professional. The student will learn to view information as an asset to the organization, learn types of cybersecurity attacks, what are threat actors and threat vectors, the various roles of a cyber-professional, and the beginnings of designing a cybersecurity program. The student will also identify different types of threats to information and to the infrastructure and the operations that support it.
Applied Cryptography (CSOL 510)
This course will provide an introduction to modern applied cryptographic theory and practice, and how cryptography is used to support information security missions. It will be based upon open literature discussions that are most similar or applicable to advanced multi-level security systems and military grade defenses.
Enterprise Secure Architecture (CSOL 520)
This course will introduce the student to the importance of architectural and network security at the enterprise level. Security architecture frameworks will be used to explore enterprise security architectures. Students will identify threats to today’s networks and learn to identify appropriate security tools to safeguard these networks. The course will discuss how to evaluate the complexities of securing new types of networks such as cloud configurations and the Internet of Things.
Governance and Risk in Cybersecurity (CSOL 530)
This course discusses and explains the fundamentals of risk governance, the processes to follow, compliance regulation, and the security controls to implement for specific cybersecurity environments and situations. Information and information systems are subject to serious threats that can have adverse impacts on organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, and reputation). Cyber-attacks are often aggressive, well-organized, well-funded, and in a growing number of documented cases, very sophisticated. There is also a geopolitical part to cybersecurity as well that is discussed throughout this course. Successful attacks on public and private sector information systems can affect organizational assets, individuals, other organizations, and the Nation by compromising the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information being processed, stored, or transmitted by those systems. This can result in serious damage to the national and economic security interests of the United States.
Cybersecurity Law and Policy (CSOL 540)
This course provides students with a foundational background and understanding of the core concepts and principles of privacy and cybersecurity. The course will explore the history of cyber-crime, and will cover areas related to litigation and enforcement, law, policy, compliance, consumer data privacy and big data compliance, EU data protection, and HIPAA privacy and security.
Secure Software Design and Development (CSOL 560)
This course will provide an in-depth study of the principles and tenets of the design and development process of secure software used to provide enhanced cyber security. It will review the traditional models of software development, with the idea that a developer or project manager must strategize for security before starting development. Students will understand how to gather and plan for security requirements in development. The course will explore how vulnerabilities can be mapped and planned for. Students will understand how to run an effective development process, culminating with implementation, and how to review and test software. Finally, the course will introduce the concept of software assurance and its role in the cyber security paradigm.
Fundamentals of Blue Team Operations (CSOL 570)
Active defense of an enterprise is not only the responsibility of the equipment, applications, and security processes of an organization but is ultimately driven by Blue Team actions. Whether as a team, designated position, or assigned set of additional responsibilities, understanding and performing Blue Team actions are essential aspects of an effective cybersecurity program. Some of the fundamental concepts for Blue Team operations include “Defending the Castle” by environment and threat landscape awareness, establishing “normal” vs “abnormal” for your environment, understanding Threat Hunting tools and techniques (including intel and open-source research), as well as the components of some of the more significant threats to your organization such as lateral movement, malware, ransomware, and Command and Control. This course will also briefly introduce the concepts and relationships between the Blue Team with the related White, Red, and Purple Teams.
Cyber Threat Intelligence (CSOL 580)
This course will present and discuss how information superiority and information dominance is key to influencing operations associated with establishing and maintaining cyber security. Topics include overview of current and historical intelligence efforts and how those processes in various domains (human, electronic, digital) apply to cyber operations and security. Course specifically includes exploitation of “big data” and multi-format information collections (text, video, structured/unstructured) to support cyber situation awareness. It will feature discussions of modern versus classic data collection methods and Intelligence examples from current events.
Cyber Incident Response and Computer Network Forensics (CSOL 590)
This course will introduce the principles and general practice of incident response, including an overview to digital and network forensics. It will define what constitutes an incident, what is meant by incident response, the attack lifecycle, and goals of incident response. The course will discuss building an incident response team, the steps in the process, and preparing for incident response. Students will understand the process of detecting and characterizing an incident, collecting and analyzing data, and the process of remediation. The course will then provide a deeper dive into the practice of digital forensics, specifically focusing on computer, mobile, network, and database forensics. It will outline the investigative and analysis process, survey tools, digital evidence, and briefly touch on the law.
Capstone (CSOL 599) - 1-unit Course (Before Summer 2024)
This Capstone course builds on the concepts of all of the courses taken within the CSOL program, guiding students to incorporate the knowledge learned from previous coursework into a comprehensive, investigative report, demonstrating their mastery in cybersecurity. The final report will also consist of a written report to the Board of Directors/CISO, showing the high-level leadership and communication learned throughout the program.
Capstone Project (CSOL 599) - 3-unit Course (Starting Summer 2024)
In the final course of the program, students demonstrate the specialized knowledge, principles, and strategies learned throughout the program by critically assessing a real-world cybersecurity problem. The Capstone is the culmination of all coursework from the program to prepare students to develop into skilled cybersecurity professionals. The final project is centered on a case study relating to a current cybersecurity issue, trend, and/or event.
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
To complete the activities in your courses and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:
- Private Computer – a PC or Mac with 16 GB and 1.5 GHz Speed I7 plus 500 GB external memory (preferably SSD hard disk drive) is recommended.
- Browser Plug-ins – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, and Adobe Reader
- Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are the recommend browsers. (You will want to have 2 browsers for software testing and viewing.)
- Microsoft Office is required. If you are using Office 2003 or earlier, Download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack.
- Speaker or headset – to listen to multimedia
- Webcam – for recording video (if needed).
- High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)
- Google Suite (Gmail for student email, Google docs, Google Drive, etc.). Here is information on Google Suite available through USD.
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.
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-CSOL 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.
Celebrating International Women
In celebration of Women's History Month, Bestcolleges.com crafted a guide to help you celebrate International Women's Day and the achievements of women worldwide. Discover its history, its importance, and ways to celebrate. We invite you to check it out below:
USD Economic Resource 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.
Professor of Practice
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.
Cyber-Specific Career Resources
- Webinar about Updated Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Exam Contents
- Guide to Coding Bootcamp Programs
- Online MBA Guide with Cybersecurity Job List
- Coolest Careers in Cyber
- The Cyber 100: Cybersecurity Companies You Should Know
- A Guide for Women in Cybersecurity
- Careers in Information Technology Guide
- Cybersecurity Career Networking Guide
- Cyber Hiring Tips from Recruiters