Cyber threats are more than a business issue; they are a national security issue. Across the country, private businesses and government agencies are searching for cybersecurity professionals at an increasingly high rate, yet there is a significant shortage of candidates that have the skills to protect organizations against cyber-attacks. Now is the time to discover your path to a secure future and a rewarding career in cybersecurity.

The 100% online University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Cybersecurity will provide you with skills that meet current market demands. The program’s core curriculum addresses the fundamentals of cybersecurity, featuring courses in security planning, risk assessment, and communication. Once you complete your core courses, you will choose to pursue a unique track of study. You may choose more than one track. This degree offers four tracks of study:

  • Digital Forensics: Digital forensics uses scientific investigation methods to collect, preserve, and analyze data stored on electronic media so that it can withstand legal review. As a student in this track you will study computer criminology, network forensics, and learn digital evidence investigation techniques.
  • Cyber Response: Cyber response is an organized approach to monitoring, detecting and responding to security events through each stage of their lifecycle. It encompasses both defensive and offensive security strategies—including threat identification, management and prevention. As a student in this track, you will learn about security infrastructure, incident remediation, and active defense techniques.
  • Governance & Leadership: Cybersecurity governance provides a framework for mitigating risk by assuring that information security strategies align with business objectives, and are consistent with relevant laws and regulations. It includes executive leadership and communication at every level of the organization. As a student in this track, you will take courses in security administration, leadership, and cybersecurity management.
  • Security Architecture: Security architecture is responsible for system confidentiality, integrity, and availability in relation to an enterprise’s overall system architecture and security process. As a student in this track you will study modern cryptography, the foundations of engineering secure applications, cyber-physical systems, and secure cloud computing. Students who choose this track have the option of completing either CYB 780 or CYB 785 to satisfy track requirements.

Core Courses

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Network Security
Sociological Aspects of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Program Planning and Implementation
Introduction to Cryptography
Managing Security Risk
Communication in Cybersecurity

Digital Forensics

Computer Forensics and Investigations
Computer Criminology
Network Forensics

Cyber Response

Incident Response and Remediation
Secure Operating Systems
Offensive Security and Threat Management

Governance and Leadership

Security Administration
Cybersecurity Leadership and Team Dynamics
Cybersecurity Management

Security Architecture

Security Architecture
Applied Cryptography
Software Security
Cyber Physical System Security

Capstone Courses

Cybersecurity Pre-Capstone
Cybersecurity Capstone

Admission

To be considered for admission, you'll need:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution that meets UW Systems standards and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official college transcripts
  • Prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Computer Science—which must include programming content, and prerequisite in Calculus or Statistics.
  • Your resume and two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing your motivation to pursue this degree and what you will bring to the biotechnology field
  • No GRE or GMAT is required

International degrees are considered on an individual basis. For complete information, view the full admission requirements.

To ensure an admission decision by the semester you intend to start on your degree, submit your application and supporting materials by:

  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 15
  • Fall: July 15

You may be eligible to receive one of the following scholarships.