OVERVIEW
A Cybersecurity Master's Degree and IT Certifications in One Program
WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance prepares you to expand your toolkit to better protect invaluable data at top organizations. Curriculum that is aligned to the NICE Framework, NSA Center of Academic Excellence guidelines, CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), and government initiatives help give you valuable, real-world experience as part of your program.
Advanced topics include Cloud Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), Penetration Testing, and Enterprise Architecture Design. This online degree program also gives you the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications at no extra cost. These certifications include:
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
Many different organizations want and need to hire information security professionals—from federal and local government agencies, to tech companies, and other organizations across a variety of sectors—all are looking for security experts. Earn your M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance to progress in your career and make an impact.
70% of graduates finish within
21 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,555
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less! Plus, you can earn valuable industry certifications for no extra cost.
Certifications in this program
5
This online cybersecurity and information assurance program includes 5 top industry certifications, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate, at no additional cost.
COURSES
Courses in the Cybersecurity Master's Degree
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
This cybersecurity program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
The M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program is an all-online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 8 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units).
The WGU M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the experts on our Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT. The experts who make up the WGU IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of information technology.
10 Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
Using knowledge acquired through your studies at WGU, you will complete a final assignment that challenges you to propose a solution to a real-world business issue relevant to today’s IT industry.
“WGU’s advantage is its flexibility. The education itself is top-notch, and the flexibility allows busy people to get through school. I recommend WGU to everybody, particularly in IT fields. The certifications you get at WGU are fantastic—some of the best in the industry”
—Ken Krauss
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements.
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements.
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
According to a 2022 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $29,200 four years after graduation.
On Your Schedule
No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
Entirely Online
The cybersecurity master's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
IT CERTIFICATIONS
3rd Party Certifications Included
These valuable industry certifications can help you boost your résumé as soon as you earn them, even before you finish your degree. Your low, flat-rate tuition and fees cover exam costs for five industry certifications. Earn valuable industry certifications at no extra cost as you work toward your degree. This allows you to utilize both your degree and additional certifications to demonstrate your expertise and learning.
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
WGU Ranked #10 Best Online Cybersecurity Master's Program
Fortune.com ranked WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance as the tenth best online master's program for cybersecurity in the country.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Cybersecurity Master's Degree
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make it possible to pay for school:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out if you're eligible for the $5,000 WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"Because of WGU's competency-based model I was able to leverage my experience and progress through the courses at my rate. My degrees have opened many doors for me and prepared me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed.”
—Jason Franklin
M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
CAREER OUTLOOK
Become a Leader in the Dynamic and Lucrative Cybersecurity Field, Where You Can Outsmart Criminals
We constantly share data, socialize, and complete transactions online, making the need for experts who can protect our information increasingly critical. The knowledge, techniques, and certifications you’ll earn as you complete your cybersecurity and information assurance degree will prepare you to:
- Defend against internal and external threats
- Strengthen online systems
- Create a safer online environment
Cybercriminals target sensitive data in top industries. A master's degree in cybersecurity prepares you to successfully fill the ever-growing demand for information security specialists that protect vital information. An online degree in cybersecurity from WGU allows you to become a leader of any security team, protecting reputable organizations and government agencies from threats.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
35%
The number of positions for information security analysts is expected to grow by 31% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Our Cybersecurity Master's Degree Alumni Are Making a Real Difference in Protecting Data and Information
Our M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:
Job Titles
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Director of Information Technology
- IT Auditor
- Information Security Officer
Diverse Industries
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Large or small businesses
- Government
- Critical infrastructure
- Higher education
Major Employers
- Nike
- American Express
- Boeing
- Blue Shield of California
- State and Local Government
- Federal Agencies
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to The Cybersecurity Master's Program
To be considered for enrollment in this program, you must:
1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, a business degree (Quantitative Analysis, Accounting, Economics, Finance), or degree with a similar quantitative focus.
OR
2. Possess any bachelor’s degree PLUS one of the following:
- Two years of related work experience
- Relevant and current IT certification
- Related IT coursework
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
FAQs about Cybersecurity Master's Programs
- General IT Program Questions
- Cybersecurity Master's Program Questions
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?