Cybersecurity Master's Degree Online - IT Program | WGU Skip to content Skip to Chat Master of Science Online Master's in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Apply Now OVERVIEW A Cybersecurity Master's Degree and IT Certifications in One Program WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance prepares you to expand your toolkit to better protect invaluable data at top organizations. Curriculum that is aligned to the NICE Framework, NSA Center of Academic Excellence guidelines, CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), and government initiatives help give you valuable, real-world experience as part of your program. Advanced topics include Cloud Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), Penetration Testing, and Enterprise Architecture Design. This online degree program also gives you the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications at no extra cost . These certifications include: (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CompTIA PenTest+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher Many different organizations want and need to hire information security professionals— from federal and local government agencies, to tech companies, and other organizations across a variety of sectors —all are looking for security experts. Earn your M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance to progress in your career and make an impact. Have questions? Attend our prospective student webinar to learn more about our programs. 63% of graduates finish within 18 Months* WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster. *WGU Internal Data Flexible Schedule Tuition per six-month term is $4,700 Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less! Plus, you can earn valuable industry certifications for no extra cost. Cost & Time Certifications in this program This online cybersecurity and information assurance program includes 5 top industry certifications, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate, at no additional cost. Certifications Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Next Start Date: {{startdate}} Start Dates the 1st of Every Month Apply Today COURSES Courses in the Cybersecurity Master's Degree Program consists of 10 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. Program Guide This cybersecurity program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. The M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program is an online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 8 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units). The WGU M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the experts on our Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT. The experts who make up the WGU IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of information technology. About WGU's IT Program Council Security Security Foundations Security Foundations lays the foundation for understanding terminology, principles, processes, and information security best practices at local and global levels. This course further provides an overview of networking components, network security vulnerabilities, and countermeasures for protecting information assets through planning and administrative controls within an organization. Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques Security Operations Security Operations provides learners with the fundamental skills to handle and respond to computer security incidents in an information system. The course addresses various underlying principles and techniques for detecting and responding to current and emerging computer security threats. The course also helps learners explore strategies to leverage intelligence and threat detection techniques, analyze and interpret data, identify and address vulnerabilities, and suggest preventative measures. Methods are introduced to effectively respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents, evaluate risk assessment methodologies, and apply incident handling laws and policies. Penetration Testing Penetration Testing Penetration Testing introduces learners to the skills necessary to perform penetration testing and vulnerability management within an organization. The course covers widely used penetration testing techniques and tools that focus on planning and scoping, information gathering, vulnerability identification, and attacks and exploits. In addition, it offers hands-on experience and a focus on penetration testing engagement plans Web and Cloud Security Cloud Security Cloud Security prepares learners to design solutions for cloud-based platforms and operations that maintain data availability while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of information. Course topics include cloud service models, deployment methods, identity and access management (IAM) strategies, auditing and monitoring strategies, assessing and mitigating common cloud security threats, and managing compliance and regulation requirements. The course also offers hands-on experience deploying and assessing IAM controls in a cloud environment. Cybersecurity Management Cybersecurity Management Cybersecurity Management prepares learners to develop organizational information security programs and policies that follow recognized standards, comply with all governing laws and regulations, and meet the needs of the company culture and management organization. The course covers how to perform risk management institutionally, how to manage compliance to information security requirements, and how to delegate compliance, risk, and security functions to specific roles within the organization. It also helps learners apply strategic decision-making as companies adapt to new technologies, processes, and people practices related to processing, managing, and protecting information resources. Risk Management Governance, Risk, and Compliance Governance, Risk, and Compliance provides learners with advanced skills and knowledge to authorize and maintain information systems utilizing various risk management frameworks. The course focuses on the strategic and long-term alignment of an organization's information security program to regulatory requirements and organizational policies. Course topics include compliance and regulatory requirements, data classification and prioritization, security and privacy controls, compliance audits and remediation, and risk management plans. Network Design and Management Secure Network Design Secure Network Design provides the foundational knowledge and skills to design secure physical and logical network architectures for wired and wireless networks. Course topics include the characteristics of a secure network, techniques to securely configure network devices, network segmentation strategies, root cause analysis, and mitigation approaches based on industry best practices. The course also offers hands-on experience in network vulnerability analysis and network configuration. Software Secure Software Design Secure Software Design focuses on the variety of elements needed to address and implement secure software acquisition and development throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). The course addresses people, technology, tools, and processes to design and develop consistently secure applications from start to finish. Additionally, it underscores the importance and value of the Defense in Depth principle across the entire SDLC. The course also introduces techniques to adapt common security activities to modern software development practices such as Agile and DevSecOps. Secure Systems Analysis & Design Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering provides learners with advanced skills and knowledge to design secure enterprise architecture solutions. The course focuses on assessing cybersecurity readiness and implementing enterprise-wide solutions to protect data and comply with an organization's policies and frameworks. Course topics include integrating software applications, applying enterprise data security controls, evaluating cloud and virtualization solutions, analyzing threats and vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents. Capstone Cybersecurity Graduate Capstone The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (MSCSIA) Capstone project allows learners to demonstrate their capability to establish a durable cybersecurity and information assurance program. The capstone project challenges learners to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project that addresses a significant real-world cybersecurity problem. 10 Courses Program consists of 10 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. Program Guide Capstone Project Special requirements for this program Using knowledge acquired through your studies at WGU, you will complete a final assignment that challenges you to propose a solution to a real-world business issue relevant to today’s IT industry. Request Info Skills For Your Résumé As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. Cyber Security: Developed processes that integrate best security practices across an organization, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture and minimizing vulnerabilities. Information Assurance: Created a risk management plan for threat mitigation countermeasures relevant to the organization, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of potential cybersecurity risks. Incident Response: Detected adverse events using cyber defense tools, enabling rapid response and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity Strategy: Developed an information security strategy that aligns with organizational goals, objectives, and existing security strategies, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to cybersecurity. Problem Solving: Compared alternatives to select the optimum solution to a problem, demonstrating analytical and decision-making skills in resolving cybersecurity challenges. Incident Response: Created policies and procedures for an adverse cybersecurity event, establishing clear guidelines for responding to and recovering from cybersecurity incidents effectively. “WGU’s advantage is its flexibility. The education itself is top-notch, and the flexibility allows busy people to get through school. I recommend WGU to everybody, particularly in IT fields. The certifications you get at WGU are fantastic—some of the best in the industry” —Ken Krauss M.S. Information Security and Assurance WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference Traditional Universities AVG. cost For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS $350* Included with your tuition cost TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years *The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements. Apply Now Traditional Universities AVG. cost For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS $350* AVG. cost For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS Included with your tuition cost TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour TUITION STRUCTURE Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors SUPPORT Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time EXAMS Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place SCHEDULE Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options TIME TO FINISH As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years Apply Now *The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements. Why WGU? You Aren't On Your Own WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU. HOW WE DO IT Flexibility You Need Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you. A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Strong Alumni Network When you enroll in an online degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of alumni all around the United States. WHY THIS MATTERS Accredited, Respected, Recognized™ One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized. IT CERTIFICATIONS 3rd Party Certifications Included These valuable industry certifications can help you boost your résumé as soon as you earn them, even before you finish your degree. Your low, flat-rate tuition and fees cover exam costs for five industry certifications. Earn valuable industry certifications at no extra cost as you work toward your degree. This allows you to utilize both your degree and additional certifications to demonstrate your expertise and learning. SEE MORE ABOUT CERTIFICATIONS CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CompTIA PenTest+ CompTIA SecurityX Optional Voucher ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) WGU Ranked #6 Best Online Cybersecurity Master's Program Fortune.com ranked WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance as the sixth best online master's program for cybersecurity in the country. Learn More About This Ranking COST & TIME An Affordable Cybersecurity Master's Degree By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree. Apply FREE Tuition Calculator Pay less by completing your program faster TOTAL COST: YEARS Cost Breakdown Tuition 4,700 E-Books and Resources Fee 200 TOTAL (per 6-month term) 6-month terms Total Cost A College Degree Within Reach There is help available to make it possible to pay for school: The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average. Responsible Borrowing Initiative Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. Financial Aid Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out if you're eligible for the $5,000 WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship. Scholarships WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022). FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult. REQUEST MORE INFO "Because of WGU's competency-based model I was able to leverage my experience and progress through the courses at my rate. My degrees have opened many doors for me and prepared me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed.” —Jason Franklin M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance CAREER OUTLOOK Become a Leader in the Dynamic and Lucrative Cybersecurity Field, Where You Can Outsmart Criminals We constantly share data, socialize, and complete transactions online, making the need for experts who can protect our information increasingly critical. The knowledge, techniques, and certifications you’ll earn as you complete your cybersecurity and information assurance degree will prepare you to: Defend against internal and external threats Strengthen online systems Create a safer online environment Cybercriminals target sensitive data in top industries. A master's degree in cybersecurity prepares you to successfully fill the ever-growing demand for information security specialists that protect vital information. An online degree in cybersecurity from WGU allows you to become a leader of any security team, protecting reputable organizations and government agencies from threats. MORE ABOUT CAREERS Return on Your Investment Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates. Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017. 33% The number of positions for information security analysts is expected to grow by 33% through 2033. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Our Cybersecurity Master's Degree Alumni Are Making a Real Difference in Protecting Data and Information Our M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers: Job Titles Cybersecurity Manager Cybersecurity Architect Cybersecurity Engineer Director of Information Technology IT Auditor Information Security Officer Diverse Industries Healthcare Retail Large or small businesses Government Critical infrastructure Higher education Major Employers Nike American Express Boeing Blue Shield of California State and Local Government Federal Agencies WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers Explore More ADMISSIONS Cybersecurity Information Assurance Master's Program Admission Requirements To be considered for enrollment in this program, you must: 1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, a business degree (Quantitative Analysis, Accounting, Economics, Finance), or degree with a similar quantitative focus. OR 2. Possess any bachelor’s degree PLUS one of the following: Two years of related work experience Relevant and current IT certification Related IT coursework NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Transfer Credits WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program. You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service. TRANSFER INFORMATION Get Your Enrollment Checklist Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment. VIEW CHECKLIST Get Your Questions Answered Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor. CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR FAQs about Cybersecurity Master's Programs General IT Program Questions Cybersecurity Master's Program Questions You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites. When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility. WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world. As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience. Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students. If you currently work in IT or security, a cybersecurity master's degree can help you be prepared to take the next step in your career. It can prepare you to move forward to positions such as a CISO, CIO, CTO, cybersecurity manager, cybersecurity director, and more. A master's degree in cybersecurity can be ideal for those who are looking to move up the career ladder, earn more money, and be qualified for additional responsibilities. A master's degree in cybersecurity can help you move into a more security focused field, increase your earning potential, and add on your current skills to make you more valuable to employers. Some jobs that are available with a master's degree in cybersecurity include: Chief information security officer (CISO). Chief technology officer (CTO). Computer information systems manager. Computer network architect. Cybercrime analyst/investigator. Cyber security analyst/consultant. Cyber security architect. Cyber security director. Cyber security engineer. Earning a master's degree in cybersecurity can be well worth the time and effort. Many graduates will see an increase in earning potential, promotion opportunities, and increased job stability as a result of their higher education. There are a wide variety of career paths you can pursue with the help of a master's degree in cybersecurity. You can move up the ladder and become a cybersecurity senior analyst, a cybersecurity architect, a cybersecurity consultant, a cybersecurity manager, or even a CISO with the help of this advanced degree. Those who are looking to advance their professional career in information security or cybersecurity analysis may want to earn a cybersecurity master’s degree. Those who are feeling they lack upward mobility in their current role may be interested in pursuing an advanced cybersecurity degree. Those who enjoy solving complex problems are good candidates for a master’s degree in cybersecurity. For the best jobs in cybersecurity, you will want to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The more education, experience, and certifications you have, the more qualified you will be for advanced positions with higher influence and salary potential. A master’s degree in cybersecurity may prepare you for jobs including chief information security officer and information security manager. If you’d like to pursue a career in cybersecurity, the best degree might be a specialized cybersecurity bachelor’s or master’s degree. In these types of degree programs, you’ll learn about basic computer science, information security, cybersecurity architecture and engineering, and secure network design. Traditionally it will take 2 years to earn a master's degree in cybersecurity. However, online options like the program at WGU may allow you to accelerate and work at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to finish much faster. At WGU, students the cybersecurity and information assurance master's degree in less than 2 years.* *WGU Internal Data If you already have one of the certifications that are offered in this program, you will submit it for a transfer evaluation. It’s possible that it will transfer in and it can shorten your pathway to graduation. All coursework can be completed online at any time, as well as all exams except for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam, which must be taken at a live, on-site, proctored testing center. Ready to Start? Apply Today The University Accreditation Newsroom Careers WGU Store For Students Student Portal Admissions Catalog Title IX Alumni Services Achievement Wallet Most Visited Links Business Programs Bachelor's Degrees Student Experience Online Degrees Scholarships Support Military Scholarships Financial Aid Faculty Testimonials Student Communities Cookie Policy