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Cyber Security

Master of Science

Protect Your Future - Fortify the Nation’s Future Prosperity.

High-profile cyber-attacks have highlighted the critical need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals in both the public and private sectors. The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been higher—and it’s only going up.

Cybersecurity professionals are needed across various sectors, including national security, business, finance, and healthcare.

Our online Master of Science in Cyber Security will prepare you for in-demand jobs in applied intelligence and cybersecurity roles, even if you don’t have prior experience in computer science. Applicants from all majors and backgrounds are welcome.

Gain the knowledge and skills you need, such as skills in Cloud Security, Web Security, Ethical Hacking, and Penetration Testing. You will learn to evaluate the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to cybersecurity and privacy, as well as how to effectively communicate complex cybersecurity information.

Program Overview

Location: Online
Credits: 36
Duration: Minimum 24 months
Cost: $1,057 per credit; $39,668 total (Alumni receive a special tuition rate)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Start term(s): Fall, spring, and summer semesters
Careers: Cybersecurity analysts, engineers, threat hunters, ethical hackers, and forensic analysts
Also available as a 4+1 program

Fast Facts

This degree program can be completed in 24 months, and 12-credit graduate certificates can be completed in as few as nine months
For majors interested in advancing their education beyond the bachelor’s level, Mercyhurst’s 4+1 master’s programs are excellent options

Growing Industry

31% increase in cybersecurity jobs

expected growth through 2029

Student Training & Education in Public Services (STEPS) ranked Mercyhurst 25th among the top 50 schools, including New York University, Johns Hopkins University, Auburn University, Boston College, and Fordham University, for its online Cyber Security master’s degree program.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Cryptography and Network Security
Systems and Applications Security
Digital Forensics
Cloud Security
Web Security
Cyber Risk Management
Cyber Law and Policy

Learning Outcomes

Gain a competitive edge in the marketplace when you study Cyber Security at Mercyhurst. After completing this program, you will be able to:

Analyze various cyber threats to individuals and organizations
Perform risk management for organizations
Recognize different risks that threaten an organization’s business and make recommendations on how to manage those threats
Evaluate the United States and international legal, regulatory policy, and ethical issues involved in cybersecurity

Program Offerings

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Certifications

We integrate certifications from major certifying bodies, such as ISC2’s Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP); Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP); Certified Cloud Security Practitioner (CCSP); Security+; Network+; PenTest+; and EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH). Successful completion of the Cyber Risk Management coursework will earn students two-course waivers toward the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from The Institutes.
Hands-on Experience

Mercyhurst’s Cyber Security program provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience through online cyber rangers.

Partners

We are proud to partner with EC-Council Academia, allowing our students access to a wealth of resources and certification opportunities at heavily discounted rates, emphasizing our commitment to ensuring our students are not just educated but also career-ready.

Ready to Apply?

Admission decisions are made by the program director on a rolling basis after a holistic review. Applicants must fulfill the following admission requirements:

- Completed free online application

- 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 attended

- A current resume

- 500-750 word personal statement outlining your reasons for enrolling and personal and professional goals

- One letter of recommendation 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 69 on the internet-based exam OR an IELTS score of at least 5.8 OR a Duolingo English Test score of no less than 100.

At the discretion of the program director, 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.

Explore More

Christopher Mansour, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Computing and Information Science
Office: Library 402

Colleen Hordych
Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions

Graduate Course Catalog

Meet the Faculty

Cyber Security

Maria Garase

Interim Dean, The School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics; Dean, The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences; Associate Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice

mgarase@mercyhurst.edu

814-824-3675