Dual Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Management Information Systems
Overview
The dual Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) program is designed for individuals seeking to merge expertise in technology with a deeper understanding of cybersecurity. Students will use an applied curriculum on how technological innovations can address organizational challenges and enhance strategic objectives.
Five Reasons to Get a Dual Cybersecurity/MIS Degree at UNLV
- Pathway to Leadership: Prepare for professional IT management and cybersecurity careers while building the foundation for a leadership role in technology or cybersecurity-focused organizations.
- Diverse Perspectives: Collaborate with peers from various industries, gaining unique insights and enriching your learning experience.
- Expert Connections: Engage with top researchers and technology, cybersecurity, and business experts to enhance your knowledge and professional growth.
- Expanded Networking Opportunities: Build connections with faculty, industry professionals, and fellow students across two dynamic and complementary fields of study.
- Competitive Edge: Earning a dual specialty in MIS and Cybersecurity positions you ahead of the competition in the job market, equipping you with sought-after skills in both domains.
The Dual Degree to Deepen Your Technical and Managerial Prowess
Bringing together two programs, the dual MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity degree immerses students into a mix of applied technical classes and practical managerial coursework. Students learn to anticipate information security threats and to develop effective strategies to defend against them. Master the core concepts of information security and get experience with cybersecurity tools in an immersive cyber range. You will learn different tactical, strategic, and organizational factors relative to various information systems and how to gauge the effectiveness of an organization’s information technology program.
Students will be introduced to an applied curriculum that instructs them to understand technological innovations and how technology can solve organizational problems and further organizational strategies. On the cybersecurity side, students will complete core foundational areas in cyber analytics, networking, system hardening, management of cyber functions, and strategic alignment between cybersecurity, technology, and the business. Graduates will be well positioned to work in IT, cybersecurity, and more to start a career pathway towards cyber or technology leadership in an organization.
Receive Mentorship from Our Expert Faculty Members
Our program faculty are from the Lee Business School and the College of Engineering. They are world-recognized experts in numerous business sectors, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in the business community.
"I participated in two internships during my study in the program. I appreciate that the program provided students with many opportunities to connect with experts and higher management in the industry. It trained me on how to showcase myself and helped me to jumpstart my career. I highly recommend the dual program to anyone interested in technologies in the business world."Shu Zhang
MS Cybersecurity/MIS Student
Career Options
Currently, there is a demand at the local, state, regional, and national levels for individuals to be trained in the knowledge of computers, networks, and risk and security management. This has been identified by the Department of Labor and other sources as one of the most needed professions and skills. Yet, the traditional sources of such skills (i.e., higher education) are not producing graduates as fast as this field is growing.
Our students will be trained in the technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. Further, UNLV is a recognized center of academic excellence (CAE) for cybersecurity. This is a prestigious recognition from the U.S. federal government that has only been awarded to several universities in the country. This dual degree has been certified as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Designated Degree Program by the Department of Education and maintained by the Department of Homeland Security under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. International students who graduate from colleges and universities in the United States can remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program can stay for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension.
With your dual MS Cybersecurity/MS MIS degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) or Networks Operations Center (NOC) analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Incident Responder/Forensic Analyst
- IT Advisory Risk Consultant
- Director of Strategic Technology Initiatives
- Chief Technology Officer
- Manager of Information Security and Risk Management
- Careers within the intersection of cybersecurity and law enforcement
Admission Requirements
The dual MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity program is open to graduates from all undergraduate disciplines. Applicants would submit one application and pay one application fee.
Note for International Students
International students are currently only eligible to apply for the online Cybersecurity program track and are not eligible to apply for the dual MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity. Since the online track does not require a visa, international applicants 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 following options:
- Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS MIS): Offered by the same department as Cybersecurity, this program is visa-eligible and allows you to pursue a cybersecurity track, providing access to many cybersecurity courses of interest.
- MBA Program: The MBA program is also visa-eligible and offers a strong foundation in business leadership and strategy.
- Dual MBA/MS MIS Program: International students can apply for this dual-degree option, combining business leadership with expertise in information systems. The MIS component includes the opportunity to take elective courses in cybersecurity, making it an excellent choice for students interested in both disciplines.
While international students are not eligible for the in-person dual MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity program, these alternatives provide flexible and impactful pathways to achieve your academic and career goals.
Program Structure
The dual MS MIS/MS Cybersecurity program offers students a unique pathway to success, providing them with the comprehensive skill set, academic credentials, and strategic vision necessary to thrive as innovative leaders in the dynamic field of management information systems and cybersecurity.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
Oct. 1 – International applicants
Dec. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Summer Term:
March 15 – International applicants
May 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Management Information Systems
Han-fen Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Graduate Coordinator for IS Programs
702-895-3796
han-fen.hu@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
MS Cybersecurity Program
Greg Moody, Ph.D.
Professor, Lee Professor of Information Systems, Program Director of the MS in Cybersecurity Program
702-895-1365
gregory.moody@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.
