Master’s in Cybersecurity

 

Cybersecurity professionals like you are curious problem solvers whose purpose is fighting cyber crime for organizations. How do you level up? With a graduate degree in cybersecurity at WMU! Become an expert in cybersecurity by earning your master’s and see your future possibilities expand. All courses in this STEM curriculum are offered online or in person, and you can pick the format that works best for you.

Pride points

  • 96% of graduate students are working or continuing their education after graduation

    2022-23 Career Outcomes Report

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  • $112K median annual wage for information security analysts in 2022

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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  • 32% projected job growth for information security analysts from 2022-32

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Is a master’s degree in cybersecurity right for my future?

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the job market today, with employers citing a shortage of qualified professionals.

If you’re considering a master’s degree in cybersecurity at Western, you will be positioned to build a rewarding career that is in demand, highly compensated, diverse and always changing. Here, you will master both the necessary managerial and technical knowledge and skills to excel in the field and focus on advanced application of principles and concepts derived from real threats. 

Here are just some examples of the positions that our cybersecurity programs can prepare you for:

  • Security analyst
  • Cybersecurity manager
  • Secure software developer
  • Cybersecurity specialist
  • Threat hunter
  • Penetration tester
  • Cloud security analyst
  • Network administrator
  • Cybersecurity consultant

Selecting the correct M.S. for your career

The M.S. in Cybersecurity provides both the managerial and technical knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. Cybersecurity professionals must possess the ability to analyze and implement solutions to organizational challenges. This requires a background in both technology and business. 

WMU’s program offers both. With either path, students will take courses at both colleges to gain well-rounded skills. It's up to you to decide how to advance your path.

Prospective students with additional questions should contact the cybersecurity program office before applying.

  • Student looking intently at computer screen

    M.S. in Cybersecurity: Computer Information Systems (CYBM)

    Students take at least six of their 10 courses from the Haworth College of Business. These courses, designated by the CIS or CYIS prefix, focus on specific managerial areas needed in the cybersecurity discipline.

    See course requirements for cybersecurity managment

  • Professor speaking with small group of students

    M.S. in Cybersecurity: Computer Science (CYAM)

    Students take at least six of their 10 courses from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. These courses, designated by the CYCS prefix, focus on specific technical areas needed in the cybersecurity discipline.

    See course requirements for secure software and engineering

How can I fund my M.S. in cybersecurity degree?

How can I fund my M.S. in cybersecurity degree?

Financial aid in the form of loans or grants may be available to students seeking a cybersecurity degree. A limited number of assistantships may be available.

How does WMU support students pursuing a cybersecurity master's degree?

Whether you choose to enroll virtually or take in-person classes, WMU is here to support you as a student and after you graduate. We offer competitive resources to build your professional brand. You'll have access to industry experts and top cybersecurity educators in the state from both the Haworth College of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

 

Graduate support at WMU

Resources

What have other cybersecurity students achieved?

  • Kate Marshall's story

    "There's been an immense increase in accounts, passwords and personally identifiable information floating through cyberspace due to the pandemic," says Katie Marshall, M.S.’19, instructor of business information systems.

  • Photo of Justin Scott in undergraduate cap and gown

    Master's student Justin Scott is pursuing his passions, building on his computer science background with a master's degree in cybersecurity and looking forward to a position as a professional security analyst.

How do I prepare to apply for a master's in cybersecurity?

You can enroll in the Master of Science in cybersecurity program in either the fall or spring semesters. The degree requires completion of 30 credit hours and generally takes two years.

Note: If you would like to switch to the cybersecurity master's program from another WMU master's program, follow these instructions.

  • Admissions requirements

    Note: GRE is not required for admission.

    All admissions materials are submitted through the online application system.

    Students should have some technical background from either academic or professional experience. The co-directors may recommend that you take courses to prepare for this program.

    Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application system:

    • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) summarizing your work experience, academic background, certificates and publications.
    • Letters of recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation. Please send all email requests for the recommendations from within the online application system.
    • Personal statement
      • Summarize your academic or professional experiences in information technology or cybersecurity and indicate how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for the program.
      • Address how you see this degree aligning with your academic or professional goals; include your thoughts on how it may aid you in potential professional positions or future educational pursuits.
      • You are encouraged to note any exceptional accomplishments or projects, as well as any professional certifications in this statement. Address how you see this degree aligning with your academic or professional goals; include your thoughts on how it may aid you in potential professional positions or future educational pursuits.
      • This statement should be double-spaced, 500 to 1,000 words, and demonstrate your communication skills and writing competence.
    • Transcripts: An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor's degree is required as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate-level courses or degrees have been taken or completed.

    For international admission, you will need to review the additional requirements.

  • International student admissions

    In addition to requirements for the cybersecurity program, international students interested in attending WMU should review the admissions requirements, timelines and procedures from the Office of International Scholar and Student Services. You will be required to submit additional documentation for immigration purposes. 

    Our STEM curriculum also qualifies international students for up to 24 additional months of optional practical training (OPT).  WMU's immigration compliance office offers in-person and online workshops on OPT and curricular practical training.

    English language requirements

    Graduate students whose native language in not English and who do not have a degree from a U.S. institution must take the Academic Communication Placement Test at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. This test is administered by the Haworth College of Business Communication Center. It must be taken in addition to the TOEFL, which is part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is assigned to BCM 6050: Mastering Academic and Business Communication Skills. This course must be completed during the first semester of study.

    Graduate students whose native language is not English but have an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution will not be required to take a placement test or the Mastering Academic and Business Communication Skills course.

  • Professional experience

    Students should have some technical background from either academic or professional experience. The co-directors may recommend that you take courses to prepare for this program.

  • Online or in-person classes

    Courses for the cybersecurity master's program are offered virtually or in person, and you can pick the format that works best for you. Choose fully online without scheduled class meetings (asynchronous) or a flexible option to attend either virtually or in person at a set time each week (synchronous). The program starts in a fall semester and requires a completion of 30 credit hours, which generally takes one year. 

  • Technology requirements Cybersecurity students will need a computer that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements.

  • Code of conduct All cybersecurity students must agree to the University's White Hat Code of Conduct.

  • Get certified The WMU cybersecurity program prepares you for Network+ and Security+ certification exams, which are two certifications employers seek in their entry-level positions.

Edjola Hoxha Quote

  • I have gained invaluable experience and insight, which is making a big impact on my professional life and will continue to serve my career.

    Edjola Hoxha, M.S.'23, senior automation engineer at Pfizer

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