Degree Overview
Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
With the ever-present risk of cyber-threats, there’s never been a more complex and exciting time to work in information systems security. Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills to take a leadership role in the global digital economy. Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe. Earn your master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online from WGU.
Designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, WGU’s MSCSIA degree program will ensure you are up-to-speed with emerging technologies and best practices in security governance. You’ll develop your skills in predicting, exposing, and deterring potential cyber-threats—so you can build more secure systems and solutions to prevent security issues.
Who the Program is For:
Experienced information systems professionals or individuals with real-world IT experience who are:
- Seeking a master's degree to prepare for a key leadership role in cybersecurity, information systems security, and information assurance.
- Looking to expand their expertise and align their skills with the latest cybersecurity and information assurance guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
- Planning to become certified in ethical hacking or computer forensic investigation.
While you should plan to commit 15 to 20 hours a week to your studies, this program is flexible and adaptable to your schedule. Click here to learn how this program works.
What You'll Learn
Essential Knowledge and Skills
WGU’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program has been created with significant input from industry and academic experts who serve on our Information Technology Program Council. The curriculum is closely aligned with the 2014 National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework that identifies a standard set of competencies for cybersecurity professionals.
This online cybersecurity degree program requires completion of project-based courses, supporting courses, and a capstone course—all focused around core competencies including risk management, secure software and network design, cyberlaw, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and disaster recovery.
The program consists of 30 competency units (CUs, our equivalent to the traditional credit hour), including the completion of a capstone project.
Core Competencies
- Understand levels of risk and mitigation strategies for maintaining business continuity in a global marketplace.
- Explore the current state and future of cyber-related capabilities, threats, and emerging technologies.
- Analyze cybercrime laws and address relevant governance, standards, policies, and legislation.
- Evaluate and implement information security audits and assurance initiatives.
- Understand organizational challenges and threats to networks connected to the public internet, along with countermeasures to disarm them.
- Learn to expose and prevent system vulnerabilities, and apply hacking skills on different types of networks and platforms.
- Evaluate forensic investigations of computer networks, stored data, and physical and virtual devices.
- Create plans to implement comprehensive organization-wide initiatives for information assurance management.
Key Subject Areas
These Courses Add to Your Credentials
Risk Management
Cyberwarfare
Cyberlaw, Regulations, and Compliance
Security Policies and Standards—Best Practices
Secure Network Design
Secure Software Design
Ethical Hacking
Forensics and Network Intrusion
Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention, and Response
What You'll Earn
IT Certifications
This program incorporates two recognized industry certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (both included in your tuition):
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
- EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Note: Your IT certifications may waive some degree requirements. Click here to see which IT certifications may transfer to WGU.
Capstone Project
The M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program culminates in a capstone project. The capstone project allows you to take what you've learned and apply it to solving a significant real-world business problem. Capstone projects require an oral defense before a committee of WGU faculty.