What Is a Master's in Cybersecurity Degree?

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just important—it’s essential. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can protect sensitive data and critical systems. A Master’s in Cybersecurity is a graduate-level program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in this high-stakes field.

Understanding the Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree

Unlike many other cybersecurity master’s degrees, the Bellevue University Master of Science in Cybersecurity combines cutting-edge theory with active, hands-on learning, giving students practical experience to confidently manage real-world threats. The curriculum covers critical areas such as network and software security, risk management, cryptography, detection and response strategies, and governance of information systems.

Whether you're looking to advance your career or shift into a new one, the cybersecurity courses equip you with both the technical expertise and strategic insight to secure organizations across both public and private sectors.

I studied cybersecurity [at Bellevue] and my previous degree back home was in the Humanities—drastically different training from the technical knowledge required for success in my program of choice in information technology. After years of unrelenting work, I finally obtained my Bachelor's degree and I secured a stable job at a prestigious firm as an IT Auditor—blowing past expectations I'd held for my career prospects as an immigrant. My current employer is paying 90% of the tuition for the Master's in Cybersecurity. While the challenges transformed me, my proudest achievement is utilizing this privilege to pave the way for those following behind me.

– Tajudeen Garuba, MS in Cybersecurity student at Bellevue University

What You’ll Learn in a Cybersecurity Masters Program: Core Curriculum

What will you learn? The Bellevue University Cybersecurity master’s program provides a combination of theory with active learning. The outcome is a solid framework for protecting an organization’s data, information, and technology assets. Cybersecurity courses are developed by qualified, skilled professionals who have had experience in the field. You will practice and strive to master essential skills throughout the program in cybersecurity courses such as the following:

• Information security management
• Computer forensics
• Physical, operations, and personnel security
• Security architecture and design
• Human aspects of cybersecurity
• Ethical hacking and response
• Risk management studies
• Cybersecurity governance and compliance
• Current trends in cybersecurity

As a cybersecurity professional, you need to be proficient in an array of technical skills—including programming, conducting audits, and applying incident response plans—and be able to leverage them to achieve business objectives. For this reason, gaining practical experience as a student is critical. Bellevue University students have the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned in a virtual environment using a variety of both open-source and commercial tools.

Faculty who’ve worked in the field are able to offer firsthand insight and guidance you won’t receive from instructors who are solely academics. Just consider Doug Rausch’s resume, Program Director and founder of Bellevue University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education. He’s provided communications systems and cybersecurity guidance for the defense and commercial sectors for decades, including 25 years working as a cyber operations officer for the U.S. Air Force.

I spent my days basically making sure the United States was defended against cyberattacks from other countries.

– Douglas Rausch, Program Director, Bellevue University’s cybersecurity programs

Why Is This Degree Important? Benefits of Earning an MS in Cybersecurity

If you're ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity journey, Bellevue University offers a future-focused program designed to meet the industry's growing needs. Earn your MS in Cybersecurity and gain the skills to protect critical systems, manage organizational security, and respond to cyber threats.

This program prepares you for in-demand roles in both public and private sectors, giving you the tools to assess risk, prevent attacks, recover data, and support smart security decisions.

Almost every cybersecurity program strives to provide students with a high-quality education, but few achieve recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), as Bellevue University’s program has.* Managed by the National Cryptologic School at the National Security Agency (NSA), the CAE-CD program was initially created as a way to address the lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

What they [NSA] did is start a program where they could put forth a number of key elements of information that they felt cybersecurity professionals needed and then looked for universities that were teaching those elements to a significant level. We are so short of cybersecurity professionals in this country. We need a lot of skilled workers out there.

– Douglas Rausch, Program Director, Bellevue University’s cybersecurity programs

If you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran with military experience, you can leverage that experience in the information security industry. Military education and experience often involve communications, security protocols, and technology, giving you an edge to land roles in IT security, network defense, and beyond after being equipped with the technical expertise of a Master’s in Cybersecurity degree.

Military veterans may be interested in our related resource, “What to do after the Military.”

Career Paths with an MS in Cybersecurity

What can you do with a Master’s in Cybersecurity? With a Master’s in Cybersecurity, you'll graduate ready for entry- to mid-level positions in cybersecurity, IT governance, risk, and compliance; and digital forensics. Examples of specific jobs using this degree include but are not limited to:

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Information Security Director
• Security Operations Center Manager
• Security Analyst
• Systems Network, and Security Administrator
• Security Risk Manager
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Tester

Your Questions, Answered By The Experts

Q: How long does it take to earn a master’s in cybersecurity degree?
A: Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students may take longer). Bellevue’s cybersecurity programs require 36 graduate credits. At a pace of 2 courses per term, it is possible to finish the traditional format in 6 terms (3 terms per academic year), or about 2 years if you are continuously enrolled and progress according to the degree plan. Students who opt to take one course at a time will take longer. In the streamlined cohort degree plan, students take 2 courses at once per (3-month) term. Contact an admissions counselor to learn more.

Q: What are the requirements to enroll in a cybersecurity master’s program?
A: Depending upon the school, you may need to submit scores from the GRE or GMAT exam. (Bellevue University does not require test scores.) You will typically be required to 1 ) Apply, 2) submit all official transcripts from previous accredited colleges, and 3) submit grades from your most recent 60 credit hours from a conferred bachelor’s degree or from a completed master’s degree. 4) Some programs may require a resume, letter of recommendation or other documentation, or professional experience.
See Bellevue University’s cybersecurity degree-specific graduate admission requirements.
Students enrolling in the accelerated cohort cybersecurity degree work together to complete the courses based on a set series of courses in an accelerated format. This method is only for students with industry certifications and a minimum of three (five recommended) years of experience in IT.
For the accelerated cohort format, students should have all the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Information Security
2. A relevant industry security certification AND at least three years (five recommended) of directly applicable industry experience

Q: Are there any additional certifications that complement a master’s in cybersecurity?
A: The cybersecurity courses are helpful in preparing students for many relevant certifications. Cybersecurity professionals may consider pursuing an ISACA Certification, CompTIA Security+ Certificate, GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and others; or one of several Project Management certifications. Students interested in IT project management also have the option to earn a graduate-level Certificate of Completion, pursue a Master’s in Project Management (MPM) or an MBA with a concentration in Project Management.

Q: Can I earn a master’s in cybersecurity online?
A: Yes, you can earn a master’s in cybersecurity entirely online with many opportunities for virtual engagement. Or, you can learn in person on a traditional campus such as Bellevue, where you can take advantage of the cutting-edge technology in the Courtnage Intelligence Systems Lab.

Are there scholarships available for master’s in cybersecurity students?
A: Yes. Graduate students are eligible for various scholarships and federal student aid.
Apply for scholarships here.

Explore a Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree at Bellevue University

Students and graduates from the Bellevue University Master’s in Cybersecurity program have worked for Fortune 200 companies, major military commands, state and local governments, academic institutions, and national defense contractors. Explore where a master’s in cybersecurity can take you and your career.

Learn more about the Master’s in Cybersecurity today.

*Designation of Excellence

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Bellevue University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). This designation covers academic years 2022 through 2027.

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