University of West Florida Online MS in Cybersecurity

The University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity with concentrations in Data Security, Software and System Security, Security Management, and National Security. The program prepares students to secure data, information, and networks against cyber-attacks.

All concentrations take courses on the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity and basic cybersecurity principles. The four cybersecurity concentrations align with the National Institute of Standards and Technologies NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework categories.

The Data Security concentration prepares students to manage database systems, prevent breaches, and protect sensitive data. Courses cover database systems, data mining, big data analytics, and network security monitoring. Graduates may seek positions such as security analyst, data security engineer, network administrator, database administrator, or information security analyst.

The Software and System Security concentration focuses on software system susceptibility to cyber-attacks. Courses cover secure software development, defensive programming techniques, security policies, and digital forensic techniques to investigate cyber-attacks. Graduates may go on to positions such as cybersecurity specialist, threat monitor, penetration test specialist, or cyber threat analyst.

The Security Management concentration combines managerial and risk management theories with advanced cybersecurity knowledge and skills. Courses prepare students to develop cybersecurity policies within organizations. Graduates may seek positions such as cybersecurity management analyst, computer and information systems manager, cybersecurity policy auditor, database administrator, or cybersecurity policy analyst.

The National Security concentration focuses on the global security environment, including national security threats and the policies designed to prevent cybersecurity attacks. Courses focus on homeland security, crime and public policy, political violence, terrorism, and national security policy. Graduates may seek positions such as security analyst, security management specialist, security management consultant, information privacy analyst, information policy director, emergency management director, or intelligence analyst.

Ideal candidates for this program are professionals with a background or education in information technology or computer science, professionals working in a related field, or those seeking to enter the cybersecurity sector. Students who do not have a computing bachelor’s degree and pursue the Data or Software & System Security concentrations may be required to complete two foundational courses: Computing Essentials and Programming Essentials.

The MS in Cybersecurity comprises 30 credits and can be completed in four semesters or 24 months. The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer, and courses last 16 weeks each.

UWF delivers courses asynchronously through the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). Students participate in real-world simulations through the UWF Cyber Range virtualized computing systems. This advanced platform is used for hands-on cybersecurity training, research, and education. A capstone course requires students to ascertain contemporary cybersecurity issues and research and report on them.

Course components include recorded lectures, online discussion boards, chats, and online student groups. Online student services may include academic advising, tutoring, the UWF Writing Lab, library access, learning resources, career counseling, mental health services, and technology support. Faculty are dedicated to student success and maintain online office hours for meetings.

Core MS in Cybersecurity courses include Advanced Legal, Ethical, and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Principles, and Seminar in Cybersecurity.

Data Security students take Database Systems and three of the following: Data Mining; Data Warehousing; Advanced Big Data Analytics; Network Performance Monitoring and Security; Database Security; Digital Forensics; Data Security; Database Administration; and Data Visualization.

Software and System Security students take Secure Software Development and three of the following: Software Assurance and Security; Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing; Digital Forensics; Data Security; Parallel and Distributed Programming; Database Systems; System and Network Security; and Wireless Network Security.

Security Management students take Advanced Cybersecurity Risk Management and three of the following courses: Database Systems; Database Administration; MBA Foundations: Principles of Human Resources Management; MBA Foundations: Management Skills and Applications; and Information Systems Auditing and Control. Note that the MBA foundation courses are 1.5 credits each and must be taken as one course choice.

National Security students take Homeland Security and three of the following: Crime and Public Policy; Issues in Contemporary Criminal Justice; Radicalism and Extremism; Political Violence; Terrorism; Statecraft; National Security Policy, Technology, and Cyber; and Intelligence.

Students also choose nine credits of electives from advisor-approved courses at the 5000- or 6000-level. Those wishing to have a health focus in their degree may choose electives such as Health Informatics; Quantitative Foundations and Data Analysis for Health Administration; Electronic Clinical Record Systems; and Disease Surveillance and Monitoring.

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).