MSc in Cybersecurity

Earn Your University of Fairfax Cyber Security Master's Degree Online

The accredited Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management (MSCSM) degree program consists of 12 online courses.

Learn from seasoned security practitioners and utilize cutting-edge curriculum to take your cybersecurity credentials to the next level. The University of Fairfax Master’s program was developed by industry experts and allows you to explore the full spectrum of the cybersecurity field.

Degree Program Objectives

The MSCSM degree program develops professionals who:

• are recognized as knowledgeable and qualified practitioners in a specialized field of information security
• possess a depth of knowledge of current cybersecurity practices
• apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to the cybersecurity community
• utilize secondary research competencies in the investigation and selection of best-practice solutions to information security challenges
• demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to address a specialized area of information security management

Degree Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the MSCSM degree program, you will be able to:

• compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing information security issues relevant to the cybersecurity community
• evaluate the impact of business constraints and processes on the implementation of information security programs
• integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning, and change management in the development of information security strategies
• demonstrate secondary research skills in the investigation and selection of best practice solutions to address information security challenges
• demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts, and skills in addressing specialized aspects of information security management

Potential Careers for Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management Graduates:

When you graduate with an MSCSM at Fairfax, you will be prepared for many exciting careers in this growing industry. Our graduates have gone on to work in high-level positions in the United States Navy, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Lockheed Martin, Cisco Systems, Wells Fargo, and more!

Whether you want to work as a Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity Technician, Engineer, Manager, or Incident Analyst, we will help you develop the skills to succeed in your chosen career. Learn more about the career potential for some of the most common jobs in the cybersecurity field:

Cybersecurity Specialist/Technician

Cybersecurity Specialists sometimes work as Information Security Analysts, a role that is rapidly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these roles are expected to grow at a whopping 28% between 2016-2026. This is much higher than the national average of 7% for all occupations combined.

I.T. Auditor

I.T. auditors are specialists that help companies protect their valuable data. They work with I.T. teams to make sure the internal networks and organizational processes are optimal for securing proprietary data and other confidential information. Some I.T. professionals work as Computer Systems Analysts, using these same skills. According to the BLS, professionals in this role earn an average salary of $87,220 per year.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Like Computer and Information Research Scientists, Cybersecurity Engineers solve the tough challenges that companies and organizations face, handling potential threats and vulnerabilities in their networks. The BLS states that computer and information research scientists can earn around $111,840 per year and that these roles often require a master’s degree. When you speak with our advisors about your career potential, be sure to ask what other masters-level careers graduates can pursue our MSCSM degree.

Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects cybersecurity professions to grow at an average rate of 13% between 2016-2026. This means that students seeking advanced security skills should strongly consider the online Masters of Cybersecurity Management program at the University of Fairfax.

» Learn More About The MSCSM Program

The University of Fairfax Distinction

The University of Fairfax is an accredited, online graduate institution established to address the growing shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the public and private sectors.

Major employers (including Northrop Grumman, CSC, Lockheed Martin, Wells Fargo, CISCO, DHS, NSA, NRC and Veterans Affairs) hire and promote our students and alumni. Employers recognize that University of Fairfax students can immediately apply what they learn and make contributions at work because: (1) our practitioner-oriented cybersecurity graduate programs are taught by expert cybersecurity practitioners, and (2) all courses are focused on cybersecurity and require the completion of "real world" cybersecurity projects.

Who are our students?

The typical University of Fairfax student is cybersecurity or IT professional who wants to transition into cybersecurity or who wishes to advance in cybersecurity by attaining leadership or expert status. The average age of a University of Fairfax student is 46.

Why us?

Our students report that the University is unique and unmatched. Specifically, they selected the University of Fairfax because of the following:

• 100% cybersecurity focus
• Expert cybersecurity practitioner faculty
• Rigorous, project-driven, practitioner-oriented curricula
• Accessible online course delivery
• Student and alumni career successes
• Student and alumni satisfaction

Accreditation and Approvals

The University of Fairfax is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and is a Postsecondary member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Additional accreditations, approvals, and certifications include:

• Accrediting Commission of DEAC

The University of Fairfax is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Accrediting Commission of DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). » http://www.deac.org » https://www.chea.org

Address and phone for DEAC: 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, DC 20036 P 202-234-5100 F 202-332-1386

Additionally, University of Fairfax holds state authorizations in several states and as an approved SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) institution is able to enrol students from all U.S. states except California and Massachusetts as well as international students.

• Virginia

The University of Fairfax is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in accordance with the provisions of Title 23, Chapter 21.1 of the Code of Virginia. The University of Fairfax has been granted the "Certificate to Operate an Institution of Postsecondary Education" authorizing the University of Fairfax to offer degrees, courses for degree credit, or programs of study leading to a degree or certificate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. » http://www.schev.edu

• Veterans Benefits

Veterans and eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits under the Post 911/GI Bill and other GI Bill Chapters may be eligible for educational benefits while enrolled in educational programs offered by the University of Fairfax. UoF is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. » http://www.va.gov

eLearning at the University of Fairfax

Secure your future and advance your cybersecurity career as you learn exclusively online at the University of Fairfax. eLearning is convenient for cybersecurity professionals who need to be mobile and responsive in a demanding and fast-paced field.

Accessibility Benefits

All our accredited, practitioner-oriented cybersecurity graduate programs are delivered through an accessible, interactive, online platform that provides you with the:

• Convenience of 24/7 access to your courses from any location
• Flexibility to better juggle your work, family and educational commitments
• Opportunity for one-on-one support
• Ability to collaborate and engage with faculty and fellow student professionals

Educational Benefits

Our expert practitioner faculty and practitioner-oriented curriculum will help you apply what you learn right away. Through rigorous, engaging, online cyber security courses you will:

• Learn current best practices from leading expert practitioner faculty
• Share your ideas and collaborate with fellow students and faculty
• Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Improve your communication skills
• Complete real-world projects, which apply to your workplace

Career Benefits

Through its collaborative, interactive eLearning programs, you'll build your professional network as you complete your education. The practitioner faculty who teach your courses, as well as the cybersecurity colleagues with whom you collaborate online, will become an integral part of your professional network throughout your career as you:

• Increase your visibility with peers in the field
• Apply what you learn on the job and are recognized for your contributions
• Network with faculty and fellow students
• Find rewarding professional opportunities

A Unique Online School Learning Approach

We utilize a unique approach to online learning -- one that blends two types of online delivery methods to provide the most effective online learning experience for adult learners. To enhance learning, our online programs include opportunities for both real-time (synchronous) and asynchronous interaction.

Threaded Discussions

Asynchronous interaction occurs by participating in instructor-led "threaded discussions." Students participate at times that best fit their schedules.

Online Chat Rooms

Your instructor holds "office hours" at a prescribed time each week in the evening. These sessions are not required but are available to help support you. Each chat is automatically archived and can be viewed after the high-speed.

SyncSessions™

These sessions are scheduled every other week and provide a forum for collaborative learning by enabling real-time interaction between faculty and students. They are recorded and archived for student use.

Technology Requirements

Students must have personal access to a Windows-enabled computer with a minimum of 512 MB RAM, high-speed internet connectivity, and the appropriate office suite of software to support word-processing, presentation development and spreadsheet capabilities. In addition, a webcam and microphone/headset are required.

Support for Online Learning

The University of Fairfax online cyber security degree, certificate and certification programs provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed as you learn online. This online educational platform is both user-friendly and easy-to-navigate. To ensure that students have a productive and beneficial educational experience, all new students participate in orientation on how to utilize the online platform.

In addition, many support services enhance your online learning experience, including:

• Mobile access to courses through smartphone technology, such as Android, iPhone
• Twitter feeds for timely notice of important deadlines and announcements
• Help Desk for technical assistance available 24/7
• Electronic Library resources available for conducting secondary research 24/7
• Online Librarian
• Library Tutorials/Webinars on secondary research