As the complexity of enterprise systems and critical IT infrastructure continues to grow, there is emerging demand for highly skilled information-security specialists and sophisticated practitioners in cybersecurity well versed in the science of protecting vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures from attack. These information security professionals require proficiency in a variety of current and emerging technologies — computer and network security, digital forensics, cryptography, web security, biometrics, compliance & legal issues, software security, mobile security, and cloud computing security.

This program satisfies the dual needs of preparing graduates to (1) fill the need for information security and assurance professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities to protect the information systems of different types of organizations, and to support the nation’s information infrastructure and (2) conducting advanced research and in information security and assurance. Students develop core competencies in operating systems and networks. They focus on the technical aspects of information security, examining ways to provide secure information processing systems by utilizing operating systems security; distributed secure system architectures; database security; software applications security; security policies; applications security; network and distributed systems security; cryptography; and security protocols.

As a Cybersecurity graduate student at Saint Leo University, you will:

• Fill the need for information security and assurance professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities to protect the information systems of different types of organizations, and to support the nation’s information infrastructure.
• Conduct advanced research and in information security and assurance.
• Students develop core competencies in operating systems and networks. They focus on the technical aspects of information security, examining ways to provide secure information processing systems by utilizing operating systems security; distributed secure system architectures; database security; software applications security; security policies; applications security; network and distributed systems security; cryptography; and security protocols.

The curriculum for the MS Cybersecurity degree is aligned with the core curriculum for graduate information assurance degrees set forth by the National Security Agency (NSA). The curriculum is also designed to align with the knowledge units covered in many industry recognized professional certifications in information security, such as Security+, CISSP, SSCP, CSSLP, and CISM.

The MS Cybersecurity degree prepares its graduates for career-track jobs in the emerging cybersecurity, information assurance/security fields. Students will be educated in the technical aspects of cyber security systems, and will be prepared to assume responsibility for the management, operation and oversight of these systems. Graduates will be actively recruited by federal, state and local governments, private sector and academia.

Degree Requirements

CYBERSECURITY COURSES (36 CREDITS)

• COM 504Cybersecurity Compliance and Legal Issues3

• COM 506Database Security3

• COM 508Software Security3

• COM 510Management of Information Security3

• COM 512Cybersecurity Risk Management3

• COM 514Cloud Computing Security3

• COM 520Systems Security Risk Management3

• COM 530Network Security Management3

• COM 545Web Security Management3

• COM 546Ethical Hacking3

• COM 548Advanced Networking and Protocols3

• COM 590Strategic Planning for Information Security3

ELECTIVES (0 CREDITS)

Total Credits36