Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Overview
Our graduate program is an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Cybersecurity provided by Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. It aims to equip students with the expertise to evaluate computer network and information security needs of organizations, assess cybersecurity risk management policies, and formulate and communicate organizational cyber-related strategies and policies. Through comprehensive training in both technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity, graduates will possess the skills to address evolving threats and safeguard critical resources and assets effectively.
Six Reasons to Get a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree at UNLV
- High Demand in Cybersecurity: The field of cybersecurity has been identified by the Department of Labor as some of the most needed professional skills, and graduates in the field are in high demand. Currently, there are millions of unfilled positions in the country.
- UNLV's Recognition: UNLV is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, designated by the National Security Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security. This is the premier recognition for a cybersecurity program and improves job prospects within the US government.
- Dual Specialty Program: The dual specialty of this program, involving engineering and business, gives you an edge over the competition in the job market, where most programs are offered only by business or engineering colleges, but not jointly.
- Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Double your networking opportunities by working with faculty, professionals, and fellow students in two fields. You will be working with local professionals to expand or help your entrance into the cybersecurity field.
- Research Excellence: UNLV is a top-tier research institution ranked in the top five in the United States for super-computer and data analysis capabilities.
- Location Benefits: Las Vegas is a thriving metropolitan area home to world-renowned entertainment, shopping, and food. These unique offerings make UNLV a resource for collaboration with local organizations.
Program Options
The master’s in cybersecurity can either be completed in person or online. Regardless of the choice you make, you will receive the same high-quality education, rigorous curriculum, and esteemed faculty.
In-Person Program
Our in-person option provides a traditional classroom experience at the UNLV campus. Students benefit from face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers, access to on-campus resources, and participation in on-site projects and activities.
To accommodate current full-time workers, all courses are held in the evening. Classes are typically held once or twice a week and scheduled from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and/or 7-9:45 p.m.
Online Program
Our online option offers the same curriculum as the in-person program, delivered in a flexible format that can be accessed from anywhere. Faculty who teach on campus also instruct online courses, ensuring consistency and quality.
This option is ideal for working professionals or those who need the convenience of remote learning while still receiving a high-quality education. An onboarding process helps online students navigate their courses and understand their role in the learning process.
Classes are offered in a web-live format, typically meeting once or twice a week. They are scheduled from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and/or 7-9:45 p.m.
An Interdisciplinary Degree in High Demand
UNLV’s master of science in cybersecurity program offers students the best of engineering and business knowledge wrapped into one degree. The program builds upon the strengths of the College of Engineering’s Computer Science department, which provides the technical expertise of dealing with data, computers, and networks, as well as the strengths of the management information systems group within the Lee Business School’s Department of Management Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) to provide the expertise in managerial aspects of security, compliance, and risk management.
UNLV's Master’s in Cybersecurity program has achieved the #2 spot in Fortune's ranking of the best master's programs in cybersecurity, showcasing its commitment to excellence in information technology and security education.
Who Is This Program Ideal For?
- Professionals with some job requirements that deal with cybersecurity and desire to have a background in cybersecurity.
- Professionals in cybersecurity who lack a graduate education, which impedes their ability to advance upward within their career.
- Individuals thinking of switching their career trajectory to cybersecurity who lack any background in the area.
- Individuals who are in cybersecurity and wish to further hone their soft or hard skills through an applied graduate program.
Receive Mentorship from Expert Faculty Members
The interdisciplinary master of science in cybersecurity degree program comprises faculty from the Lee Business School and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. These faculty are world-recognized experts in numerous business sectors, publish in top-tier, internationally-recognized academic journals, and are engaged in the business community.
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“Our program will expose you to understanding all elements of cybersecurity. This is not just a technical field–it involves working with others to better identify and defend against risks to organizational assets. Our core courses will also give you applied opportunities through group projects. Our aim is to prepare you to hit the ground running in your career upon completing this program.”Greg Moody, Ph.D.
Lee Professor of Information Systems, Program Director of the MS in Cybersecurity Program
Career Options
Cybersecurity jobs represent a growing and potentially lucrative career path. Cybercrime investigators earn an average yearly salary of $93,000, while cybersecurity architects earn $131,000. The following career pathways are available to someone with a degree in cybersecurity:
- Cryptographer
- Forensics analyst
- Incident responder
- Penetration tester
- Security administrator
- Security analyst
- Security/IT auditor
- Security consultant
- Security software developer
- Security specialist
- Security code auditor
- Vulnerability assessor
“In the cybersecurity program, I not only gained invaluable technical and business insights but also forged lifelong friendships. The diverse cohort and expert interactions significantly enriched my professional journey.”Charles Wood
Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity MS 23’
Admission Requirements
The program accepts graduates from all undergraduate disciplines (students do not need a technical background to apply).
Some technical background is preferred but not required. Based on your background, a summer boot camp course may be assigned and required to complete the program.
To be considered, applicants must have the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States or an approved equivalent.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 for the bachelor’s degree or 3.00 for the last 60 credit hours.
- Proof of English proficiency (international students).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose that describes why you want to join the program and your professional goals relevant to this program.
- Updated resume, which includes academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
- A GMAT or GRE is not required. However, submitting a GMAT or GRE score in the top 50% of test takers greatly increases your chances of admission and/or acceptance as a graduate assistant.
- Individuals with deficiencies in their undergraduate background may be required to enroll in selected additional undergraduate courses to satisfy the degree requirements.
Program Structure
This program will also enable those already in the field to hone their managerial skills and enter into the management of cybersecurity, or provide those with other related skill sets to move from a related/technical field into cybersecurity. This focus is distinct compared to an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, which typically focuses on basic skills. Ultimately, this M.S. in Cybersecurity will:
- Prepare cybersecurity specialists for management positions,
- Broaden skill sets from the undergraduate level, and
- Provide a broader view of cybersecurity within an organization.
- Requires 36 credit hours (12 courses), that may be finished in 1 ½ years.
- The program is made to accommodate current full-time workers. Thus, all courses are held in the evening or offered as hybrid or fully online.
The core curriculum includes courses in:
- Security operations
- Secure communication protocols
- Security data analytics
- Cyber physical systems security
- Human factors in cybersecurity
- Enterprise security administration
- Cybersecurity strategy and governance
In addition to the coursework, the master of science in cybersecurity requires successful completion of a culminating experience. Culminating experience under advisor direction. Enables the demonstration of program concepts and learning objectives into a final project, competition, or paper.
Tuition and Fees
Visit the Tuition and College Cost page for more information. Please note that a differential fee applies for this program. For an approximate cost breakdown, contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at LEEogss@unlv.edu.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
Dec. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Summer Term:
May 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
International students are currently only eligible to apply for the online program track. Since the online track does not require a visa, international applicants will follow the same application deadlines as domestic students. For more information, please contact Greg Moody, Ph.D.
If you are an international student seeking an in-person program, we encourage you to consider the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS MIS) program, which is offered by the same department as Cybersecurity. Through the MIS program, you can pursue a cybersecurity track, providing access to many of the cybersecurity courses of interest. This program is visa-eligible, making it a great alternative for international students.
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology
702-895-2778
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.
