Cybersecurity, M.S.

Visit the Cybersecurity page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Cybersecurity, MS program equips students with the technical, analytical, and managerial skills needed to address the evolving cybersecurity challenges shaping today’s digital landscape. Through a combination of core courses and specialized electives, students learn to hunt and analyze emerging threats, evaluate vulnerabilities, manage cyber risks, and implement countermeasures to secure information systems. Graduates are prepared to lead cybersecurity initiatives, navigate legal and ethical challenges, and protect critical systems and data across diverse industries.

Matriculation Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution in a computing-related field (such as information systems, information security, information technology, or computer science). Applicants who have bachelor's degrees in other fields may be admitted to the program if they have at least two years of technology or cybersecurity industry experience and have completed undergraduate courses in data communication, programming, and server administration with a grade of C+ or better. Students may also take a comprehensive exam on these topics to satisfy this admission requirement. These applications will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
2. Completed application for admission. The application includes:
   1. Current resume or curriculum vitae.
   2. Admission Essay.
   3. Official transcripts from all attended institutions of higher education.
   4. Two letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		30
Discipline Core Requirements		21 Credits
Complete the following required courses:
CYBR 6300	Principles of Cybersecurity	3
CYBR 6330	Cybersecurity Operations	3
CYBR 6350	Law/Ethics/Privacy in Cybersecurity	3
CYBR 6370	Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment	3
CYBR 6740	Advanced Network Defense and Countermeasures	3
CYBR 6770	Cybersecurity Management	3
CYBR 6900	Cybersecurity Capstone	3
Elective Requirements		9 Credits
Complete 9 credits from the following:		9
CYBR 6420	Web and Mobile Application Security (3)
CYBR 6660	Advanced Network Forensics (3)
CYBR 6750	Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis (3)
CYBR 6780	Secure Coding (3)
or other departmental approved electives.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete all courses with a grade of B- or better with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.  
2. Courses must be finished within a five-year period. No courses will apply toward graduation that are older than five years.
3. Graduate credits accepted from another regionally accredited institution shall have been completed within four years of the graduate student’s matriculation graduate program and cannot be older than six years at the time of graduation with a master’s degree or graduate certificate from the University.
4. A minimum of eight graduate credit hours must be completed at Utah Valley University.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Semester 1		Credit Hours
CYBR 6300	Principles of Cybersecurity	3
CYBR 6350	Law/Ethics/Privacy in Cybersecurity	3
	Credit Hours	6
Semester 2
CYBR 6330	Cybersecurity Operations	3
CYBR 6740	Advanced Network Defense and Countermeasures	3
	Credit Hours	6
Semester 3
CYBR 6370	Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment	3
CYBR 6770	Cybersecurity Management	3
	Credit Hours	6
Second Year
Semester 4
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	6
Semester 5
CYBR 6900	Cybersecurity Capstone	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	30

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesize technical and managerial principles to address cybersecurity challenges.
2. Analyze complex cybersecurity problems and apply data-driven techniques to support effective decision-making in dynamic environments.
3. Implement and evaluate cybersecurity tools, techniques, and technologies to identify and mitigate advanced threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Develop risk management strategies to assess, mitigate, and align cybersecurity risks with organizational objectives.
5. Assess legal, regulatory, and ethical issues in cybersecurity to make informed judgements that comply with current policies and regulations.