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on-campus master's degree of cybersecurity

This program prepares professionals for high-demand cybersecurity roles in areas such as information security management, risk management, and cybersecurity governance.
Spring term classes start March.

Connect in person with faculty and peers.

Earn your degree on your schedule

$680 per credit hour.
36 total credit hours.

learn from cybersecurity pros in an NSA-approved program.

With all the risks posed to our online information today, the world needs cybersecurity professionals who have mastered the latest innovations within their industry and know how to apply them in the field. Our master’s in cybersecurity degree provides an immersive learning experience with many open source and commercial cyber tools that prepare you to lead the charge in defending networks and systems in any field. Learn from industry professionals from the likes of the DoD, USAF, and NASA in a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designated by the National Security Agency.

No GRE or GMAT required to enter master's program.

Select a career-focused cybersecurity master’s degree without the cost and hassle of admissions tests. Our admissions team is here to help you apply and enroll so you can get started quickly on the program you want.

what you'll learn.

In this program, you’ll gain the expertise to protect critical information assets, manage cybersecurity risks, and lead effective responses to evolving security threats.

upon graduation, students will be able to:
  • Develop, evaluate and communicate information and physical security policies, standards and guidelines.
  • Assess and apply information technology governance, risk management and compliance procedures.
  • Recommend control strategies to mitigate identified risks to information technology assets and manage responses to security incidents.
Take the next step to advance your career.

Awards

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Cybersecurity degree courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (36 credit hours)
Core Requirements (27 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

This course is designed as an overview of the investigative methods and tools associated with computer forensics. Topics include: processing crime and incident scenes, digital evidence controls, recovery of information, network forensics, data acquisition, and legal and ethical issues associated with investigations.

This course addresses the issues relating to successful information security management. Topics include access control systems, network and software security, management practices, risk management, protection mechanisms, business continuity planning, and legal and ethical issues. The course allows for analysis of current security management models.

This course presents an examination of effective security methodologies based on comprehensive assessment of threats and implementation of a layered system of physical and electronic protection. Threat identification, countermeasures, and prevention are explored.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental components of security architecture. Topics include computer organization; hardware, software and firmware components; open and distributed systems; and protection mechanisms. Discussion also includes certification and accreditation; formal security models; and evaluation criteria. Assigned projects include designing a model secure system.

This course provides an exploration of the human aspects of Cybersecurity. Topics include human behavior and interaction, motivation and influence, and social engineering. Emphasis on the human element of cyber incidents in relation to protecting information and technology assets.

This course provides a technical study of offensive and defensive techniques for protecting cyber assets. Topics include security testing, risk mitigation techniques, and threat response. Discussion also includes penetration testing theory, techniques, and tools; networks, systems, and application vulnerability scanning; risk analysis and response; and intrusion detection and response. Emphasis is placed on identification of system vulnerabilities and threats and techniques for preventing attacks.

This course provides an exploration of how organizations manage risks to information technology assets. Discussion includes the application of methodologies and models for managing such risks. Topics also include recognition of security threats and vulnerabilities and the analysis of associated risks. A systematic approach for acquiring and analyzing information to support decision-making in the protection of assets and the allocation of security resources is presented.

This course explores the concepts of governance and how it applies to information systems. Discussion includes the importance of compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as a means of minimizing risk through mandated security and control measures. Through this course, students also gain an understanding of Information Technology (IT) Auditing processes and principles.

This course presents an in-depth study of current trends in Cybersecurity threats. Discussion includes the identification and management of threats and vulnerabilities within an effective enterprise security program. Prior Cybersecurity education is synthesized through projects and assignments. Prerequisite: Must have 30 hours towards major requirements completed.

Elective Courses (9 credit hours)
Choose three courses from those listed below. PS 639 OR CIS 610 may be taken but not both.

This course provides an introduction to the strategic use of information technology from a business perspective at the enterprise level. Emphasis is placed on the internal management of information systems services from the point of view of the Chief Information Officer. Alternative strategies and tactics available to management to achieve business goals are examined.

This course introduces the skills, techniques, tools and methodologies necessary to support information system analysis, design and implementation.

This course provides a brief overview of the field of ethics, computer privacy and security, computer crime and software piracy, intellectual property and information ownership, computers and gender, computers and social justice, and civil liberties in cyberspace. Additionally, ethical questions concerning professional codes of conduct and issues of moral responsibility for computer professionals are presented.

The subject of database management will be approached in its role as the back end of client/server technology. The focus will be relational database management with specific emphasis given to the use of relational database as an enabling technology in the area of Online Transaction Processing and Online Analytical processing. The use of SQL query language will be a second significant subject. Issues of databases including concurrency will also be covered. Prerequisite: CIS 535

This course examines what has become a key buzzword of 21st century security: cyber warfare and deterrence. The various forms and complexities of cyber war will be examined, including aspects of non-state actors, international law, financial flows, and state capabilities. Understanding how states try to protect themselves (and develop their own cyber weapons), in addition to comprehending the legal and ethical complications, will be a major element of the course. Finally the concept of deterrence will be evaluated, namely the various state attempts to produce it and the counter-arguments made against the concept overall.

This course is designed as an overview of the fundamental processes associated with waging war in an electronic age. Topics include strategic planning and tactical analysis for target identification, reconnaissance, and tool selection. The intent of this course is to focus on individual, corporate and national forms of warfare.

This course focuses on the architecture and security associated with cloud computing. Emphasis in placed on key drivers which lead to cloud computing adoption and issues associated with cloud computing governance. Additional topics will include infrastructure security, identity and access management, cloud services, data security and storage, and auditing and compliance.

This course addresses the complex and unique issues related to effectively managing projects in an Information Technology context. Focus is placed on processes, teams, technology, and global project management. The course is grounded on the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge principles. Students will prepare project management deliverables based on actual problems provided within various business sectors and industries. The course provides students with an understanding of the problems inherent in managing integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholders.

This course covers the theory and practice of software testing. Emphasis is placed on the software testing design process, planning, criteria, evaluation and testing methods. Hands-on practice developing and using test plans based on various testing techniques is included.

This course explores common techniques, tools, and technologies for committing white-collar cyber crimes. Topics include fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, investigative methodologies, and protecting privacy. Case students will demonstrate real-world scenarios of white collar crimes, how to prevent or deter them, detection methods, and response techniques.

This course explores risks associated with Industrial Control Systems (ICS) within and across critical infrastructure and key resource sectors. Topics include a comparative analysis of IT and control system architecture, security vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies unique to the control system domain. This includes activities to reduce the likelihood of success and severity of impact of a cyber-attack against critical infrastructure control systems through risk-mitigation activities.

This course provides cybersecurity students with an advanced study of computer, network, and device forensics as a part of investigations. Students will conduct hands-on forensic research to identify how digital media and/or digital networks were compromised and the method(s) of intrusion employed. Students will be able to review what data is stored on a device, how the device services are consumed, and what methods attackers (and forensic analysts) deploy to retrieve information without an owner's permission. Pre-requisite: CIS 607.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to identify the processes associated with business continuity planning and disaster recovery. Business continuity topics such as project scope and planning, assessing risk, developing policy and procedures, conducting business impact analyses, recovery strategies, recovery plan development, and implementation are explored. Disaster recovery will be discussed in terms of recovery plan development, implementation, and restoration.

This course builds on CYBR 525 and explores advanced concepts, methods and techniques in preparing and conducting penetration tests on computers, networks, and devices. Students will employ various tools as well as unravel complex methods for exploiting client-side, service side and privilege escalation attacks. They will use advanced tools, techniques, and technologies for determining vulnerabilities in information systems and applications. Students will construct a final report outlining discovered vulnerabilities, make suggested recommendations to remediate and/or mitigate those vulnerabilities. Pre-requisite: CYBR 525.

This course is designed to teach the importance of risk management in projects and provide information about the tools needed to effectively assess and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on managing risks associated with project changes and risks associated with information technology projects. Topics covered include recurring issues that lead to failure in IT projects, methods for addressing recurring issues, and assessing risk impact. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program.

This course provides an opportunity for students to expand their learning by gaining new skills and experiences in the workplace. Program Director and Dean approval is required prior to enrolling in the course and any CPT activities must comply with other eligibility requirements.

36

Major Requirements Credits

= 36 total credits*

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

Accreditation Information

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

learn, connect, and thrive on campus.

Get the full college experience with in-person classes that fit your schedule. At our main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, you’ll learn in a traditional classroom setting with expert professors, hands-on collaboration, and real connections with classmates. Plus, with flexible class times, you’ll have time to focus on your studies while still enjoying everything campus life has to offer.
Vibrant campus life

Make the most of your time on campus with student organizations, athletic events, and a tight-knit community that makes learning even more rewarding.

A true classroom experience

Engage in face-to-face learning with live lectures, interactive discussions, and real-time feedback from professors who are invested in your success.

Support every step of the way

From academic advising to career services, you’ll have a network of support to help you thrive.

State-of-the-art facilities

Access modern classrooms, study spaces, and hands-on learning environments designed to prepare you for the real world.

Prefer to learn Online?

nonprofit with national recognition

Whether you’re preparing for your next promotion or changing careers to better support your family, we offer more than 80 career-focused programs with 100% online and flexible learning options tailored to your needs.

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grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.

Learn from experienced educators who have established careers across diverse fields of study. Our instructors have worked with both prominent institutions and innovative organizations from around the world. Through their expertise, students will gain valuable insights and develop essential concepts and skills in their area of study.

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