OVERVIEW
A Cybersecurity Master's Degree That Prepares Leaders for Any Challenge
Cyber crimes are a very real risk to global economic security, costing the world economy trillions of dollars. Every day, hackers and cyber criminals launch new, sophisticated computer viruses, malware, and scams that threaten the data our society relies on. WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance prepares you to expand your arsenal to better protect invaluable data at top organizations, and can increase your earning potential and opportunities for leadership and advancement in the field of cybersecurity and information systems.
WGU’s online Master of Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading IT employers to meet the most recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines.
70% of students finish within
22 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.
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,295
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.
Income growth after 2 years
$18,200
Just two years after graduation, WGU students report earning $18,200* more per year. Four years after graduation, they report earning $25,900 more than before they enrolled.
*Source: 2021 Harris Poll of 1,252 WGU graduates
COURSES & COMPETENCIES
Courses in the Cybersecurity Master's Degree
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.
9 Courses
Program consists of 9 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to ensure your degree is proof you really 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
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
After graduation, WGU graduates report earning $18,200 more per year. Are you ready to make more money?
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 traveling the world or 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.
Additionally, as an AWS Academy member institution, WGU has access to a computing curriculum developed and maintained by AWS.
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. Exam costs covered by your low, flat tuition and fees include two EC-Council certifications.
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
- EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
WGU Ranked #3 Best Online Cybersecurity Master's Program
Fortune.com ranked WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance as the third 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 paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2019 (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 what you might be eligible for.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Competency-Based Education Puts Working IT Professionals in the Driver’s Seat of Their Education
This online master’s degree is designed for industry professionals who are ready to move to the next level. This cybersecurity master's degree allows you to earn while you learn, allowing you to continue to work full-time and keep up with your responsibilities while getting a degree online. Competency-based education (CBE) allows you to set the speed of your progress—no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start.
Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been using for years at work? Review the course material, take the assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment..
"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
Every day, we share data, socialize, and complete transactions in cyberspace, making the need for experts who can protect our information ever more critical. The knowledge, techniques, and certifications you’ll be able to earn as you complete your cybersecurity and information assurance degree will prepare you to successfully fill the ever-growing demand for information security specialists.
Top industries and government agencies have sensitive data that cybercriminals are after. A master's degree in cybersecurity prepares you to lead teams in fighting cybercrime, strengthening systems, and creating a safer environment for this vital information. Every day is different in this lucrative field as you work to beat attackers, prevent threats, and create stronger systems. A master's degree in cybersecurity can prepare you for many exciting jobs in this industry.
Return on Your Investment
31%
The number of positions for information security analysts is expected to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029.
—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
- Information security manager
- Risk manager
- Cyber security consultant
- CISO
Diverse Industries
- Private business
- Government
- Law enforcement
- Higher education
Major Employers
- National Security Technologies (NSTec)
- Boeing
- City, county, and state governments
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.
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?