Program Overview

See a snapshot of the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Meet the growing demand for skilled cyber professionals who can protect and defend against real-world digital threats. Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity online program offers you the latest defenses against cybercriminals—whether they are stealing identities, high-jacking organization-wide digital resources or leaking sensitive data, our graduate-level cybersecurity classes online will prepare you to intercept data breaches before it is too late.

Strategically designed to protect data from all angles, the online cybersecurity degree curriculum emphasizes both offensive and defensive security measures—preparing you to anticipate cyber attacks and arming you with the software, tools and resources to counterattack. As part of the coursework, you will learn the most in-demand skills, including: cyber defense, cybersecurity threat and risk evaluation, digital forensics, disaster recovery, identity management, incident response, network detection and response, penetration testing , systems architecture and so much more.

Our expert faculty, who hold advanced degrees and industry certifications in the cybersecurity field, will teach you how to overcome real-world digital threats and how to rise as an industry leader who is qualified for even the most high-stakes security jobs. You can choose the thesis-based track if you are interested in pursuing further postgraduate studies—or the project-based track if you aspire to work in leading data protection roles immediately after graduating from the online master’s in cybersecurity program.

Graduates of the Online Master's in Cybersecurity will learn to:

• Design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions for cybersecurity purposes
• Develop and implement cryptography for information systems
• Engage in state-of-the-art research activities
• Analyze complex cybersecurity problems and apply security principles that offer solutions
• Understand and implement advanced security to networks and software
• Analyze and evaluate operating systems to detect risks and threats
• Rise to professional responsibilities, including making informed decisions in cybersecurity practices that adhere to legal and ethical principles

Career opportunities:

Also available:

Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of graduate programs and a post-master’s certificate online. Check out our other online programs.

Calendar

View the online dates and deadlines for EMU

The M.S. in Cybersecurity online program features accelerated 7.5-week courses and six start dates a year. View the full calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines for submitting your application and paying tuition.

Courses

View the degree plan for our online M.S. in Cybersecurity program

To earn the Master of Science in Cybersecurity online, you must complete 30 credit hours. For the thesis track, this includes 6 core courses, 2 elective courses and 2 capstone courses; the project track includes 6 core courses, 3 elective courses and 1 capstone course

• Core Courses Expand dropdown
  • IA 544: Cyber Law, Privacy, Policy and Compliance Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    An in-depth examination of the law dealing with computers and the Internet, including such issues as intellectual property, electronic commerce, information privacy, freedom of expression, cybercrime, jurisdiction, compliance and the policy that governs. Included are a detailed analysis of significant legal case studies plus a review of applicable federal and state legislation as applied to such standards as HIPPA, Sarbanes Oxley, FISMA and FIPS 200 Compliance.
  • IA 651: Cyber Security Project Management Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course prepares students for knowledge of cybersecurity defense system design principles, their human aspects and project management.
  • IA 645: Data Analytics for Cybersecurity Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on the application of data science techniques from network security perspectives. Students learn how to gather, process, store and visualize security-related data as well as the application of various statistics and machines learning techniques to detect intrusion and malicious activities. After taking this course, a student will be able to: 1) Apply tactics, techniques, and procedures for a full range of investigative tools and processes to include but not limited to interview and interrogation techniques, surveillance, counter-surveillance, and surveillance detection, and appropriately balances the benefits of prosecution versus intelligence gathering. 2) Develops and administers security event databases and/or data management systems that allow for the storage, query, and utilization of event data 3) Leverage state-of-the-art data mining, Big Data, and/or Data Science tools and techniques in the cyber security field.
  • IA 642: Defensive Security Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course provides step-by-step instructions for dealing with a specific issue, including breaches and disasters, compliance, network infrastructure and password management, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing. Security professionals will learn tools and techniques to help improve security in sensible, manageable chunks.
  • IA 650: Offensive Security Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course provides knowledge on how to fortify computer networks by learning and effectively applying ethical hacking techniques. The course clearly explains the enemy’s devious weapons, skills, and tactics and offers field-tested remedies, case studies, and interesting labs. Students will get complete coverage of penetration testing, vulnerability discovery, malware analysis, reverse engineering, and the Internet of Things security. State-of-the-art mobile exploits, ransomware, and legal issues are thoroughly explained.
  • IA 622: Risk Management and Incident Response Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course prepares students for knowledge of risk management processes as well as incidence response and orderly failure preparation (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk in a systematic way).
• Elective Courses Expand dropdown
  • IA 622: Risk Management and Incident Response Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course prepares students for knowledge of risk management processes as well as incidence response and orderly failure preparation (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk in a systematic way).
  • IA 533: Cybercrime & Information Warfare Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Intensive hands-on investigation of computer-related cyber crime and information welfare and designed to prepare students to have knowledge and skills in an electronic crime investigation. Thus, the course prepares students to become effective cybercrime investigators. Students will identify, evaluate, classify and demonstrate proficiency in investigating computer-related cyber crime and information welfare. Students may be subject to a background check prior to admittance.
  • IA 643: Discovery Recovery - Business Continuity Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity is built upon the concepts of risk analysis and business impact planning, this course is designed to provide a foundation and guide to coordinated organizational emergency response and event management during and after a disruptive occurrence.
• Capstone Courses Expand dropdown

  If you choose the thesis track, you will take both IA 690 and IA 691. If you choose the project track, you will take IA 694 and another elective course.

  • IA 694: Project Design & Implementations Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course provides a culminating experience for students completing their master’s degree in cybersecurity. It will include discussion, research and experimental activities that encourage students to apply academic achievements to functional professional situations.
  • IA 690: Thesis Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Completion of research problem, writing thesis and defense of thesis.
  • IA 691: Thesis Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Completion of research problem, writing thesis and defense of thesis.