CYBER SECURITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE

The global rise in cyber crime has created an unprecedented demand for cyber security professionals. As an international leader in intelligence and cyber education, Mercyhurst University offers an online Cyber Security master’s program that will prepare you to analyze cyber threats to computer systems, networks and networked devices, and protect those systems from cyber attacks. Through engaging online coursework, you’ll also learn to evaluate the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to cyber security and privacy, and effectively communicate complex cyber security information. 

Our 36-credit Master of Science in Cyber Security is excellent preparation for career advancement in the rapidly growing cyber professions. Mercyhurst’s program is one of the few in the nation to address cyber threats to business as well as national and international security. Grads of our program are well positioned for careers as cyber analysts and IT security specialists in virtually any industry. Offered on campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, or online, the program is available to students around the world.

Program Overview

• Options: Master of Science, graduate certificate, 4+1 (MU Undergrads Only)
• Location(s): On campus or online
• Credits: 36
• Duration: Minimum 24 months
• Cost: $955 per credit; $37,000 total
• Deadline: Rolling admissions
• Start term(s): Fall or Spring semester
• Careers: Cyber analyst, IT security specialist

As new threats and technologies have emerged, Mercyhurst has invested heavily in both data science and cyber security, developing new online master’s programs in Cyber Risk Management and Cyber Security. Drawing on the diverse learning resources and experienced faculty of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, home to our world-renowned applied intelligence studies department, these programs harness our national security bona fides to offer unparalleled instruction in some of today’s most dynamic fields.

Learning Outcomes

Mercyhurst graduate programs are designed to give our students a competitive edge in the market place. Beginning with your first course, you will gain knowledge applicable to problem solving in your field. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

• Analyze various types of cyber threats to individuals and organizations and their cyber networks
• Perform risk management review for organizations; apply appropriate data analytics in the process
• Distinguish among the varying risks that threaten an organization’s business model and strategic plan; and make recommendations on how to identify, assess, manage, and monitor those threats
• Analyze techniques for assessing, monetizing, and mitigating traditional and cyber risks through insurance
• Evaluate the U.S. and international legal, regulatory, policy, and ethical issues involved in cyber security

Career Paths

Few professionals today have the in-demand skills to keep a company’s networks and data safe. Banking, finance, and insurance companies are the largest employers of cyber professionals, and they frequently have difficulty finding qualified applicants. In fact, A 2016 skills gap analysis from ISACA estimated a global shortage of 2 million cyber security professionals in the next few years.

Our grads will be well positioned for the careers of the 21st century. Cyber criminals are becoming more and more aggressive and savvy. The need for top-notch cyber security professionals to defend companies from these attackers will not wane. 

Cyber Alliance

Mercyhurst University recently announced a new cyber alliance with two other leading institutions. In February 2018, Mercyhurst University announced a new cutting-edge cyber alliance between Mercyhurst, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University. Known as the North Coast Cyber Research and Training Alliance, the agreement to jointly develop cyber security education, research and training programs will leverage the unique combination of strengths of the three schools: cyber intelligence threat analysis from Mercyhurst, cyber engineering from Case Western, and regulatory and policy analysis from Cleveland State’s law school.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective applicants for the Master of Science in Cyber Security must fulfill the following admission requirements. At the discretion of the director of the cyber security graduate program, acceptance may be granted to applicants who have not fulfilled all the admission requirements provided they agree to the conditions of the acceptance prescribed by the director.

Admission decisions are made by the program director on a rolling basis after a holistic review. Applicants can choose to start in either the Fall (preferred) or Spring semester.

• Completed (free) online application 
• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited school with a preferred overall minimum GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended 
• A current resume 
• A 500- to 750-word personal statement outlining your reasons for enrolling and personal and professional goals
• A letter of recommendation (1) from a professional or academic source (ex. employer or professor)
• International applicants whose records are written in a language other than English must have their documents translated into English and a notarized statement attesting to the accuracy of the translations
• International applicants whose primary language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of at least 79 on the internet-based exam OR an IELTS score of at least 6.5 OR a Duolingo English Test score of no less than 100.