We See Your Future Leadership in Cybersecurity
Protect individuals and organizations from cyberattacks with a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Norfolk State University.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Cyberthreats are on the rise and organizations, including nonprofits, health care, education, big business and government, are looking for strong leaders who are equipped to keep their data and systems safe. Public, private and government agencies all cite information security as a business priority. A master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Norfolk State University gives you the knowledge, skills and experience to design and manage security systems that will help keep organizations safe.
Our graduates come from a variety of backgrounds to learn how to defend computer systems and protect company data from cybercriminals. Through engaging lectures from experienced faculty and hands-on training, you will understand the tools hackers use to penetrate systems as well as the programs used to stop them. You will also participate in cybersecurity research as part of a capstone project to apply what has been learned in courses to a real-world scenario.
Online but never alone
Our master’s degree in Cybersecurity is 100% online, where you’ll have plenty of access to faculty mentors and advisors who will support you throughout the program. As an online Cybersecurity degree student, you can utilize our multimillion-dollar cybersecurity complex to conduct research virtually, alongside both faculty and peers.
M.S. Cybersecurity Degree at a Glance
- Time to Completion: 2–3 Years
- Formats Offered: Online
- Total Credit Hours: 36
- 100% of faculty have a Ph.D.
View M.S. Cybersecurity plan of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Study Cybersecurity at NSU?
Norfolk State University’s online Cybersecurity degree program is a recognized leader in the industry. As a graduate student in our Cybersecurity degree program, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who all have technical Ph.D. degrees and connections to organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). Benefit from their experience and professional network while preparing for a successful career in your cybersecurity job of choice through practical research, experiential learning and access to advanced technology.
Conduct cybersecurity research
You’ll work with a faculty research advisor for your capstone project to conduct original research on your preferred cybersecurity topic. This helps to connect concepts learned while gaining practical experience writing a research proposal, conducting research, developing solutions and communicating key learnings. You can apply this research to your existing cybersecurity job to advance in a leadership role or use it as a resume builder to launch a new career in cybersecurity.
Get hands-on experience in your field
Work with the tools and systems used by professional intelligence organizations, such as Nmap, Nessus and others, for network scanning and cracking passwords. You’ll also have access to our Cybersecurity Complex, which offers advanced technology for research and analytics.
Access first-class facilities
Our multimillion-dollar Cybersecurity Complex offers big data analytics computing capabilities for research, state-of-the-art classrooms and one of Virginia’s most progressive simulation labs. Many of these capabilities are accessible virtually for our online students, and local students can access the facility or work at the Complex as research assistants.
What Courses Will I Take as a Cybersecurity Graduate Student?
Our master’s degree in Cybersecurity consists of 10 foundational courses, plus a two-semester capstone class, covering a wide variety of topics related to cybersecurity. Classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters — most students do not take courses during the summer. While our online Cybersecurity degree program does not include electives, you’ll have an opportunity to explore specific topics within cybersecurity during your capstone project.
A sample of coursework includes:
- Network Fundamentals
- Computer and Network Forensics
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Database Security
View the full course catalog for M.S. Cybersecurity.
Where Will My Online Cybersecurity Degree Take Me?
When you get your online Cybersecurity degree from NSU, you develop the competencies to be successful in a variety of settings. Students are trained not only in how to defend against cybercriminals but also in how to use digital forensics to identify hackers and mitigate the likelihood of successful attacks. These skills are applicable to a wide variety of industries and make you a highly marketable candidate for a cybersecurity job.
Some of our graduates have backgrounds in education, health care or criminal justice and use their degrees to defend their organizations against cybercrimes. Others look for new opportunities outside their current organization. Overall, graduates from NSU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program are highly successful in landing jobs with great starting salaries in institutions across the nation, including:
- Accenture
- Air Force Research Lab
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- FBI
- SPAWAR
- U.S. Navy
Career outlook for M.S. Cybersecurity graduates
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. In fact, cybersecurity jobs are far outpacing other industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and offer an average annual salary over $100,000. Many of our graduates have multiple job offers prior to graduation. If you need help landing a cybersecurity job, our Career Services office is ready to assist you with resume writing, job search and interview preparation.
How Do I Get Started on the M.S. Cybersecurity Degree at NSU?
Students from any background are welcome to apply for our M.S. Cybersecurity degree program — in fact, about half of our students do not have prior experience in computer science. You’ll need to submit the NSU online application along with supplemental materials, including official undergraduate transcripts. The GRE is not required. You will receive an admissions decision within six to eight weeks after we have received all your application materials. Applications completed from 16 November through 15 April are considered for the subsequent Fall semester; and those completed from 16 April through 15 November are considered for the subsequent Spring semester. Students who miss cut-off dates may be eligible to take courses in a non-degree-seeking status while their applications are pending.
We know that financing your education is an important consideration. Norfolk State University offers a wide variety of financial aid programs, including federal, state and institutional scholarships and grants, student employment and loans. Once you are accepted, contact our Financial Aid Office for help identifying available financing options for your NSU graduate degree in Cybersecurity.
Degree Programs Related to M.S. Cybersecurity
Accreditation for M.S. Cybersecurity at NSU
Norfolk State University holds the following designations for its education and research programs in cybersecurity:
- Cybercorps Scholarship for Service
- Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research
- DHS/NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
In addition, Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.
Foundation Courses
All courses are required. CYS 688 and CYS 721 typically are offered in Spring only; CYS 697 and CYS 755 typically are offered in Fall only.
CSC 535 Computer Security I
CSC 555 Management of Information Security
CYS 564 Secure Operating Systems
CYS 573 Network Fundamentals
CYS 672 Computer and Network Forensics
CYS 688 Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
CYS 697 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
CYS 721 Database Security
CYS 755 Healthcare Information Security
CYS 765 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity
CYS 798 Cybersecurity Capstone I
CYS 799 Cybersecurity Capstone II