Key Takeaways
- USD’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering ranks among California’s best. Programs.com named it a top 2026 program after comparing more than 500 accredited programs.
- The MS-CSE is a federally designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Defense. Its curriculum aligns with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
- Offered through the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the program places students in simulated contested cyber environments and ends with a capstone portfolio.
- Students take one seven-week course at a time, choosing online, part-time, or full-time on-campus formats that run 18 to 24 months.
- Career changers without a computer science background can add CYBR 505, a six-unit introduction to programming and operating systems
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The University of San Diego, a nationally-recognized institution of higher education, is proud to announce that USD’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering has been recognized by Programs.com as one of the Best Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs in California for 2026.
The recognition highlights cybersecurity degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels and emphasizes the growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Colleges and universities across the country are preparing students to pursue careers in this rapidly growing field, where demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to surge.
“This recognition reflects what our faculty and students work toward every day. We built this program around the technical depth cybersecurity employers actually need, not just theory, and it’s gratifying to see that approach acknowledged alongside the strongest programs in the state.”
— Dr. Haydar Majeed, Academic Director and Professor of Practice with the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering, University of San Diego
Who Is Programs.com?
Programs.com is self-described as “an independent guide designed to help you start or advance your technology career, with a focus on cybersecurity and AI.” The company publishes information and resources on degree programs, certifications, and industry trends and maintains a directory of thousands of degree programs.
Programs.com works with experts in the field to help ensure its content is accurate, timely, and relevant to the current job market. According to the company, Programs.com has compared more than 500 accredited programs, tracks 214 institutions on an ongoing basis, and relies on data from 100% primary sources.
Why USD Stands Out in Cybersecurity Engineering
California is home to 33 dedicated cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate programs, according to Programs.com. But USD’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering occupies a particular niche within that landscape.
A Federally Designated Center of Academic Excellence
The MS-CSE program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the federal government. Colleges and universities that receive this designation have met rigorous requirements and are recognized for a robust curriculum that is aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. The designation also opens doors for students, who gain access to federal scholarships and grants along with entry into a growing network of cybersecurity professionals and educators. USD’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program holds the same designation.
An Engineering-First Approach
Offered through USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the MS-CSE program combines a mission-centric focus with dedicated training in the engineering aspects of software and software security. The curriculum places students in simulated contested cyber environments where they perform system assessments and study the kinds of penetrations an adversary might execute. A capstone project rounds out the experience with hands-on work that becomes part of an online portfolio that students can show employers.
Curriculum Shaped By Industry Experts
The program was developed in collaboration with industry, military, intelligence community, and government stakeholders in order to deliver specific, in-demand skill sets. The curriculum focuses on the most critical cybersecurity threats professionals face today. USD refreshes the curriculum each year to keep pace with industry demand and the latest threats.
Faculty Who Work in the Field
Courses are taught by professors and industry practitioners with real-world cybersecurity experience. Instructors bring years of applied experience protecting national assets from serious cyber threats. All of the instructors have extensive experience and hold advanced degrees in the fields of computer science, engineering, information technology or information assurance/cybersecurity.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
The program is offered online, part-time on campus and full-time on campus. Online and part-time on-campus students complete 30 to 36 units in roughly 20 to 24 months, while the full-time on-campus format encompasses 36 units and can be finished in as little as 18 months. Students take one seven-week course at a time, building focused expertise in areas like network defense, cloud security, and penetration testing, with start dates available in spring, summer and fall.
Accessible to Career Changers
Applicants who don’t come from a cybersecurity or computer science background may take CYBR 505, Computational Roots of Cyber Security, an accelerated introduction to programming, computer architecture, and operating systems that adds six units to the degree. That pathway opens the program to engineers and technologists moving into security from adjacent fields.
Career Support That Extends Beyond Graduation
Faculty and staff understand the importance of community and connection even after you complete your degree. USD’s Career Development Center acts as a centralized resource for students, alumni, and employers, offering online career tools and job search support.
Explore Your Future in Cybersecurity at the University of San Diego
Whether you’re just starting to explore cybersecurity engineering programs or you’re ready to apply, we invite you to consider USD’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering. Visit the program page to review the format options, contact an enrollment advisor with your questions or review admission requirements and start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between USD’s MS in Cyber Security Engineering and MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership?
The difference between USD’s two cybersecurity master’s degrees comes down to focus. The MS in Cyber Security Engineering emphasizes designing, developing and deploying technical solutions to protect systems and networks, making it a strong fit for students interested in the engineering side of cybersecurity. The MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership focuses on cybersecurity operations while developing skills in areas such as leadership, management, policy, governance, compliance and incident response. Both programs hold the federal National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation.
What is the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework?
The NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework is a national reference that defines cybersecurity work in terms of specific roles, tasks and the knowledge and skills each one requires. It comes out of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, housed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The framework helps organizations describe cybersecurity work and the knowledge and skills needed for different roles. USD’s National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation recognizes its cybersecurity programs for curricula aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
What jobs can you get with a master’s in cybersecurity engineering?
A master’s in cybersecurity engineering can prepare graduates for technical roles such as cybersecurity engineer, security architect, information security analyst and penetration tester. The degree can also support advancement into senior cybersecurity positions across industries where protecting systems and networks is critical, including technology, government, defense and other sectors. USD’s MS in Cyber Security Engineering emphasizes developing and deploying engineering solutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats, with coursework covering areas such as network defense, cloud security, penetration testing, security test engineering and incident response
Is the online MS-CSE the same degree as the on-campus version?
USD’s MS in Cyber Security Engineering is offered in online, on-campus part-time and on-campus full-time formats. The program has the same degree title across formats, while the primary difference is how quickly students complete their coursework. The online and on-campus part-time formats can be completed in approximately 20 to 24 months, while the full-time on-campus format can be completed in 18 months.
Can you work full time while earning USD’s cyber security engineering master’s?
Yes, USD’s MS in Cyber Security Engineering is designed to accommodate working professionals, with online and part-time on-campus options. Students typically take two courses during each 14-week semester and focus intensively on one seven-week course at a time, allowing them to concentrate on one subject before moving to the next. The program can be completed in approximately 20 to 24 months through the online or part-time on-campus formats.
