Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity | University of Nevada, Reno (2024)

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of change means constantly reinventing yourself with new skills to meet the moment. From seasoned professionals to recent graduates, a degree can give you the currency you’ll need to start or advance your career as a cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, ethical hacker or other cybersecurity professional.

Earn your advanced degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, while maintaining your current commitments. Our flexible program allows you to learn while you work and apply new knowledge to your current position.

Cybersecurity admissions requirements

To enroll in the online cybersecurity master's program, applicants must have completed a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet minimum GPA requirements.

  • Core program admission. Students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and computer science minor equivalency or better may be directly admitted into the core program.
  • Bridge program admission. Applicants who do have a GPA below 2.75 or do not have a computer science minor equiavalency will be considered for admission into the bridge program.

What is the bridge program?

Bridge program candidates must complete two bridge courses (6 credits) and maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 over the two bridge courses before starting core classes (30 credits).

Program curriculum

We’ve structured the curriculum so you start the master’s program in cybersecurity with either core or bridge courses, depending on your background.

There are two curriculum paths:

  • 30-credit hour program (without bridge courses)
  • 36-credit hour program (with bridge courses)

Curriculum structure

  • Bridge courses: 6 credits
  • Technical courses: 15 credits
  • Leadership courses: 15 credits

Example course topics

  • Fundamentals of Computer Security
  • Internet Security
  • Computer Systems Administration
  • Mobile Computing Security and Privacy
  • Digital Forensics
  • Blockchain
  • Cryptography
  • Cybersecurity Law and Ethics
  • NIST Security Framework and Compliance

Explore program curriculum

What to submit in your application?

The following materials must be submitted in order to apply for the program:

  • Completed online application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose that describes career goals (one-page)
  • Transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)/resume

Ready to apply?

Applications are submitted online through The Graduate School. Register for an account and start your online application today.

Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity | University of Nevada, Reno (2024)

FAQs

Is an online Masters in cyber security worth it? ›

Employers are willing to pay a premium for cybersecurity, network security, and information assurance skills, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals keeps growing. The average master's in cybersecurity salary is high, and jobs in cybersec and information security tend to be quite stable.

Is the cyber security exam hard? ›

The exam is tough, but with proper preparation and commitment, passing is within reach. Those who passed stress the value of practical experience and hands-on practice with security tools. Combining theory with practice enhances the likelihood of success on the exam and advancing in cybersecurity careers.

Is MSC cyber security difficult? ›

Is a master's in cybersecurity difficult? It can be. Earning a master's in cybersecurity requires strong math and computing skills. Coursework can be challenging and technical, but many students find it interesting and rewarding.

How hard is it to get cyber security certification? ›

Cybersecurity Certification

For example, some certifications require only an exam, which might take a few hours to complete. However, the time it takes to prepare for an exam can be much longer. Some certifications set experience requirements as well, which can take years to fulfill.

Is an online Masters just as good? ›

While the value of an online education depends on a variety of factors, some common characteristics indicate a master's degree will be "worth it." First, the college or university should be accredited by a reputable source so that you can trust the quality and effectiveness of your online graduate degree.

Does online master's degree work? ›

Answer: Yes, many employers value online master's degrees from accredited institutions as they hold similar weight to on-campus degrees.

What is the hardest exam in cyber security? ›

CISSP is though to be the toughest certifications in the field of cyber security. In this article, we will discuss why it is challenging to get the CISSP certification and the things you can do to pass with flying colors.

Is cyber security math heavy? ›

Cybersecurity majors with a computer science focus often need a strong background in math, particularly in areas like calculus, discrete mathematics, and statistics. On the other hand, cybersecurity-focused degrees like information technology may have fewer math requirements, occasionally skipping advanced calculus.

What is the toughest cyber security exam? ›

10 Tough IT Certifications
  1. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
  2. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) ...
  3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) ...
  4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) ...
  5. (ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) ...
Apr 17, 2024

How long is MS in cyber security? ›

Ans. The master's degree in Cyber Security is a 100% online program. It spans 2 years and is divided into “10-week terms” and 36 Semester credit hours.

How long is a masters in cybersecurity? ›

How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cybersecurity? Bachelor's degrees commonly require 120-125 credits and take four years to complete. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, typically require 30-36 credits and take two years to complete.

How do I prepare for a masters in cyber security? ›

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Security or similar degrees. It is highly recommended that your previous studies have included Operating Systems, Networking and Computer programming (preferably Python).

Is IT better to get a cybersecurity degree or certificate? ›

The decision between a cybersecurity certificate and a degree hinges on your career goals, experience, availability, and budget. Certificates are ideal for IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity or newcomers looking for specialized skills.

Is cyber security harder than coding? ›

Entry Barrier: Cybersecurity often presents a lower entry barrier, making it accessible to those without extensive technical skills. Coding requires a higher level of technical proficiency to initiate a career.

Can you get a cyber security job with a Google certificate? ›

Prepare for a career as a cybersecurity analyst with a professional certificate from Google. Learn job-ready skills that are in-demand, like how to identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as the techniques to mitigate them.

Should I get an MBA or a masters in cybersecurity? ›

If you're considering a new career in cybersecurity, or want to advance in the field, an MBA with a concentration in technology could be a good option. This type of program will help you gain important management skills, while ensuring you stay up-to-date with evolving trends in information systems security.

How much is a masters in cyber security worth? ›

Between January and October 2022, the median advertised salary for cybersecurity (also known as information security) professionals with a master's degree was $110,000, according to Lightcast, a leading labor analytics firm.

Is a masters in cyber security better than a bootcamp? ›

A master's program provides more theoretical knowledge and management training than a bootcamp. A student in a master's degree program will also be introduced to emerging technologies, them to become familiar with such tech before they head into the workforce.

Which master's degree is best for cyber security? ›

Related degrees may include a Master's in Cybersecurity Risk Management and a Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership. A Master's in Computer Science is geared toward computer scientists and engineers, focusing on topics such as software development, algorithms and computer language theory.

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