Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offer an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The application-based courses offer a combination of cybersecurity technical skills and business leadership skills. Graduates will be prepared to earn Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification. Topics covered include network security, the fundamentals of cybersecurity, change and risk management, business communication, leadership, ethics, and incident investigation.

Additionally, a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management are also offered. The certificate in Cybersecurity technology prepares graduates to address cybersecurity risks by identifying vulnerabilities and preparing for cyberattacks. The certificate in Cybersecurity Management prepares graduates to lead teams in cybersecurity risk mitigation.

The SMUMN MS in Cybersecurity is a 36-credit program consisting of 11 courses. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer and can complete the program in two years. Coursework is 100% online with no campus visits or residencies required. Cybersecurity students finish with a capstone course in which they complete a case study project that includes a risk analysis, threat analysis, logical design, management design, and implementation planning.

The graduate certificates comprise 15 credits each and can be applied to the full MS in Cybersecurity degree. They can be completed in just two semesters and are 100 percent online with no campus visits.

Courses for the MS in Cybersecurity and graduate certificates are delivered asynchronously through the Engage Learning Management System (LMS). Assignments and assessments have set due dates. Engage offers a variety of online tools including discussion boards, podcasts, shared notes and screens, videos and video conferencing. All students receive an iPad for use throughout the cybersecurity program, which is preloaded with productivity applications and programs to help students with their online learning experience. Student services include 24/7 technical support, access to faculty and staff through phone or email, and career support services.

The online MS in Cybersecurity includes courses such as Foundations of Cybersecurity; Network Security and Intrusion Detection; Cybersecurity Change Management; Security Architecture; Operational Security Policy; Ethical Hacking and Defense; Incident Response and Investigation; and Data Privacy. Students without a security background may need to take Computer Networking which is not included in the 36 credits toward the degree. Students also complete the Security Operations and Leadership Capstone.

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology includes the courses Foundations of Cybersecurity; Network Security and Intrusion Detection; Data Privacy; Incident Response and Investigation; and Ethical Hacking and Defense. Those who have not taken a course in computer networking or who do not have prior experience with network technology may need to take Computer Networking. This adds three credits to the program, bringing the total credits to 18.

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management includes the courses Foundations of Cybersecurity; Security Architecture; Cybersecurity Change Management; Operational Security Policy; and Risk Management.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).