Computers and digital information have long been considered the new frontier. Still, the speed at which technology has been developing and transforming our world at a societal level has made it vital to have leaders in the field of information technology who can keep pace. There is significant demand for experts in this field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting much faster than average job growth across the computer and information science industry through the next decade.
About Salem’s Online MSIT in Cybersecurity Degree
If you want to push your IT career to the next level, the online Master of Science in Information Technology degree with Cybersecurity specialization can help position you as a leader in cyber defense. In our master’s degree in cybersecurity program, we prepare today’s IT professionals to be effective in a diverse and dynamic field by providing theoretical, experiential, and applied knowledge, combined with innovative problem-solving and decision-making. This approach ensures that we offer a challenging and robust MSIT program that can continue to meet the needs of both you and the industry from a global perspective.
We’ve designed our master’s degree programs to be fully online, with a high-quality curriculum that aims to provide opportunities for professional growth and development; develop skills that allow you to conduct research and integrate theory and practice; and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
A master’s degree with an emphasis in cybersecurity can help expand your career opportunities to include advanced and senior-level IT positions, like:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Security Architect or Manager, IT
- Information Security Director
- Chief Information Officer
What Will I Learn In Salem’s MSIT In Cybersecurity?
With the Master of Science in Information Technology degree at Salem University, you can learn how to design, analyze, implement, program, and deploy information management solutions in order to better support organizations, businesses, and even individuals across the country. The master’s in cybersecurity online specialization program builds on the foundational skills of your MSIT degree in order to tackle the unique challenge of making your clients cyber-resilient and better protecting their data in an increasingly cyber-aggressive world. Everything you learn throughout your cybersecurity master’s program coursework is brought together in a capstone project designed to allow you to demonstrate the skills and abilities you’ve gained during the program.
Your courses will cover topics like:
- Directing the daily operations of a department by analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, and setting deadlines
- Detecting and responding to cyberattacks and establishing protocols that can be quickly implemented when an attack occurs
- Predicting and prevent future cyberattacks by analyzing patterns and setting up appropriate lines of defense
- Analyzing big data utilizing a variety of methods to support decision-making and strategic planning
Our master’s degree in cybersecurity courses are guided by the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) guidelines and graduates are encouraged to sit for their CISSP certification, a distinction held by only 141,600 people worldwide.
What Cybersecurity Classes Will I Take In This MSIT Program?
The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program with a specialization in Cybersecurity requires the completion of 21 core semester credits that include:
- IT500 Business Foundations and Processes
- IT510 Information Technology and Project Management
- IT520 Risk Assessment and Management
- IT530 Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning
- IT550 Information Technology Architecture and Security
- IT640 Database Administration
- IT699 Enterprise Administration (Capstone Project)
You’ll also take 9 credits in the cybersecurity specialization:
- IT610 Information Systems Security Professional
- IT620 Intrusion Detection and Prevention
- IT630 Security Policies and Procedures
How Long Will It Take to Get My Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
On average, a full-time student can earn a master’s degree with a specialization in cybersecurity in approximately 12 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s degree in Cybersecurity is a graduate-level program focusing on advanced concepts, skills, and strategies for protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
Graduates can pursue roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Consultant, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Penetration Tester, and Security Architect.
Many programs offer specializations like Network Security, Digital Forensics, Cloud Security, and Incident Response, allowing you to focus on your area of interest.
Applicants often need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and foundational knowledge in computer science, programming, networking, and information security.
Some programs prefer or require work experience in IT or related fields, while others accept students with a strong academic background and a passion for cybersecurity.
The curriculum may include courses in cryptography, network security, risk management, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cybersecurity policies, and more.
Many programs offer practical components, including lab exercises, simulations, and real-world projects to develop hands-on skills.
The duration varies but is typically around 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. Part-time options might extend the duration.
Why Should I Choose Salem University?
Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:
- Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
- A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
- Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
- Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
- A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students
Admission Requirements
Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.
