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Advance your career with an M.S. in Cyber Security

A cyber security graduate degree will equip you with the required technical skills and business knowledge to protect yourself, your business, or your organization's key assets whether offline or online.

CCU's online Master of Science in Cyber Security degree program will teach you cyber skills that are relevant in today's interconnected world. These cyber security courses focus on helping you learn the computer science and network security skills employers are looking for to help keep their organizations, computer systems, and computer networks secure.

In addition to gaining foundational knowledge in the key areas of the field, the Cyber Security master's degree program will also show the relationship between cyber security and Christianity – especially as it relates to cyber warfare and the opportunities to choose a life of cyber crime.

This perspective will enable you to demonstrate excellence both in your workplace and life. With these skills, our online program will prepare you for careers in related fields such as digital forensics, cyber criminology, security policy, cyber entrepreneurship or leadership, cyber defense/offense, systems security, and cyber architecture, as well as other emerging cyber security fields.

  • M.S. Cyber Security

    • Class Format: 100% Online
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite(s) or applicable transfer credit required
    • Courses are taken one at a time, and are typically completed in five-week or seven-week blocks
    • Designed for busy adult learners; complete in as little as 15 months of consecutive coursework, even with a part-time or full-time job
    • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
    • Program Brochure   

  • Online Cyber Security Program Curriculum

    CCU's master's in Cyber Security curriculum includes 10 online courses designed to develop the skills that employers are looking for to help keep their organizations secure. Each course is typically taken over a five- or seven-week time period, and the entire program can be completed in as little as 15 months. Weekly assignments are required, but the online course design generally allows participants to complete coursework at the times and places that work best for them (prior to scheduled deadlines).

    CCU students participate in Cyber Security master's classes that blend the latest in eLearning technology with the latest business theory and practice. Students in this master's program attend classes online, do research using the Internet, exchange emails, participate in online discussions, and complete lab-based exercises within a virtual laboratory environment to reinforce cyber concepts. Assignments and tests are submitted online for in-seat students as well as those taking their program online.

    Featured Cyber Security Courses
    • Cyber Criminology (CYS 530) — Investigate criminology as it relates to cyber crime. Explore the social and behavioral approaches used to study the causes and consequences of crimes that occur in cyberspace. Examine various types of computer-based criminal activity as well as the social and psychological factors that contribute to the life of cyber crime.
    • Digital Forensics (CYS 535) — Introduction to digital forensics as used to analyze criminal evidence in computer systems and digital media. Forensic tools and techniques for storage and memory analysis of Windows/Linux, network traffic, and documentation are covered and reinforced with hands-on exercises run in a virtual machine environment.
    • Ethical Hacking and Cyber Kill Chain (CYS 540) — Introduction to ethical hacking using the Cyber Kill Chain model (which consists of seven steps: Reconnaissance, Weaponization, Delivery, Exploit, Installation, Command and Control, and Actions on Objectives). The Cyber Kill Chain model describes the phases of a targeted cyber attack. Ethical hacking is used by cyber practitioners to find vulnerabilities before an attacker is able to exploit them.
    • Security Policy and Governance (CYS 545) — Governance is the process of managing, directing, controlling, and influencing organizational decisions, actions, and behaviors. Learn about the major security policies through which governance is applied through compliance audits. The class covers standards in several domains including government, health, finance, and commercial industry.

    Program Learning Outcomes

    Cyber Security Graduate Certificates

    Graduate students may complete a cyber security certificate program, offered in conjunction with a master's in Cyber Security degree.

  • Admission to the Cyber Security Program

    Admission to the Master of Science in Cyber Security program at Colorado Christian University is selective. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments and goals, and strength of character. A strong desire to complete graduate-level work in a Christ-centered, biblically-based community is important.

    Application Deadlines

    You can enter the Cyber Security master's program has one start date per academic year, Fall Block 1. You should complete the admission process as early as possible so you will have adequate time to work with an advisor and qualify for financial aid.

    Admission Requirements
    • Complete the graduate admission application online (including essay and transcripts).
    • Meet minimum entry requirements including a bachelor's degree and related experience. (See below.)
    • Provide a professional resume and employment record. It is expected that candidates will have at least five years of professional experience or the equivalent.
    • Submit an official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited higher education institution.
    • Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester. CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.
    • The Office of Admission reserves the right to request additional information as deemed necessary to make a selection decision.
    Minimum Entry Requirements

    If you have completed a bachelor's degree and have related experience, you may have met minimum requirements for entry into the M.S. Cyber Security program.

    Bachelor's Degree and Related Experience Options

    Bachelor's Degree

    Related Experience
    Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical & Computer EngineeringNone required
    Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, or Information Technology5 years of professional experience in Business, Information or Cyber Security, Networking, AND Computer Programming
    Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, or Information Technology

    Professional certifications in Business, Information or Cyber Security, Networking, AND Computer Programming

    • Networking: CCNP, CCNA
    • Security: CISSP, CISA, CEH, GCIH
    • Programming: CSSLP
    • Business: PMP
    Unrelated FieldCompletion of M.S. Cyber Security prerequisites. (Please review prior to application submission.)
    Unrelated Field10 years professional experience in Business, Information or Cyber Security, Networking, AND Computer Programming
    International Applicants

    If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are considered an international student. Learn more about whether or not you'll be required to submit TOEFL scores, and find additional information on our International Students page.

    To submit application-related materials that were not already submitted through the online application, email Admissions Support or mail to:

    Colorado Christian University
    Attn: Registrar's Office/Transcripts
    8787 W. Alameda Ave
    Lakewood, CO 80226

  • SAMPLE Course Flow

    Example Course Sequence:

    1. CYS-501 Foundations of Cyber Security
    3 credit hours
    Fall - Block A
    2. CYS- 525 Cyber Warfare
    3 credit hours
    Fall - Block 3
    3. CYS- 530 Cyber Criminology
    3 credit hours
    Spring - Block 1
    4. CYS- 535 Digital Forensics
    3 credit hours
    Spring - Block B
    5. CYS- 540 Ethical Hacking and Cyber Kill Chain
    3 credit hours
    Spring - Block A
    6. CYS- 545 Security Policy and Governance
    3 credit hours
    Summer - Block 1
    7. CYS- 555 Business and Ethics of Cyber Security
    3 credit hours
    Summer - Block 2
    8. CYS- 560 Cyber Defenses
    3 credit hours
    Fall - Block 1
    9. CYS- 565 Malware Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment
    3 credit hours
    Spring - Block A
    10. CYS- 655 Capstone - Special Topics in Cyber Security
    3 credit hours
    Spring - Block B

    Key: Block A/B are 7-Week Courses. Block 1/2/3 are 5-Week Courses.

Catalog
Tuition

Cyber Security program benefits and distinctives for prospective students

According to Cyber Security Online, 2017 was a year dominated by news of data breaches and new cyber security threats, from major hacks affecting companies like Equifax and Verizon to ransomware attacks like the global WannaCry incident. In an article entitled, “Top 5 cyber security facts, figures, and statistics for 2018," it estimates the following: (1) Cyber crime damage costs to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021; (2) Cyber security spending to exceed $1 trillion from 2017 to 2021; (3) Human attack surface to reach 6 billion people by 2022; (4) Global ransomware damage costs are predicted to exceed $5 billion in 2017; and (5) Cyber crime will more than triple the number of unfilled cyber security jobs.

Career opportunities with a master's in Cyber Security degree

With a Cyber Security master's degree from CCU, you'll be prepared for a variety of exciting careers. Careers may include: Cyber Policy Specialist, Digital Forensics Investigator, Cyber Security Director, Cyber Network Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Criminologist, Chief Information Security Officer, Information System Security Officer, Information System Security Manager, Cyber Security Researcher, and Cyber Security Professor.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for information security analysts will grow 35% from 2021-2031.

Some of our graduate students go on to computer security careers with the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or pursue additional higher education opportunities.

FAQs

Read the FAQs to learn more about CCU's master's degree in Cyber Security, program prerequisites and admissions requirements, or other graduate programs in Colorado.

Is the Cyber Security program accredited?

All of Colorado Christian University's programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit our Accreditations page for details.

How many credit hours is the master's in Cyber Security program, and how long does it take to complete?

The program is 30 credit hours and generally takes approximately 15 months.

Are there any prerequisites?

All applicants to the M.S. in Cyber Security program must have completed introductory level courses in networking, programming, business, and information security or must be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in each of these areas. These prerequisites must be completed before enrolling in CCU's M.S. in Cyber Security program. See M.S. in Cyber Security prerequisites for details.

How much does the program cost?

View M.S. in Cyber Security tuition and fees.

Is financial aid available?

See our Financial Aid site for detailed information about financial aid and payment options for graduate students. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are also encouraged to check with your employer about additional tuition benefits that may be available through your company.

How does the online format work?

For online courses, CCU students utilize Brightspace, a leading solution in electronic education, to participate in classes that blend the latest in eLearning technology with the latest business theory and practice. Students attend classes electronically, do research using the Internet, exchange email, participate in online discussions, and complete lab-based exercises within a virtual laboratory environment to reinforce cyber concepts. Even assignments and tests are submitted online. Weekly assignments are required, but the course design generally allows participants to complete coursework at the times and places that work best for them prior to scheduled deadlines.

How is the online format different from a traditional classroom-based format?

All of the 10 required courses for the M.S. in Cyber Security program are available in an online format in five- or seven-week blocks. Participants use online tools (e.g., the Internet, labs, online threaded discussions, email, document sharing, the grade book, online presentations, etc.) to share from their experiences, explore issues in the cyber security domain, tackle assigned problems, create solutions for cyber security scenarios, and learn from the facilitating instructor and each other. In short, the experience is a rigorous, high-quality M.S. Cyber Security degree program, delivered in an accessible, convenient format available to students all over the world.

Information Technology Related Programs

State Exclusions for Online Students

Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.

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