MS in Cybersecurity Accelerated Degree

New accelerated Cybersecurity program!

The BS to MS in Cybersecurity accelerated program allows undergraduate students to combine courses and complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in a shorter time frame.

If you are interested in the Accelerated Cybersecurity program complete the online form.

Students must apply and be accepted into the MS in Cybersecurity program. Acceptance to the MS in Cybersecurity program requires completion of a separate application. Students should work with their academic advisors and program coordinators of their current program and the MS in Cybersecurity if you think this is the right fit for you.

Benefits of MSUM’s MS in Cybersecurity Accelerated program:

  • Completion in shorter time frame – 5 years
  • On-campus with online components
  • Rapidly growing career – cybersecurity has many high-paying career options
  • Affordable – save money by completing two degrees in five years
  • Visa eligible and STEM designation – this program is designed with international students in mind.

MS in Cybersecurity Accelerated Program Example of Course Sequencing

MSUM undergraduate students may apply formally for admission to the accelerated BS to MS in Cybersecurity after completing or registering for the following core courses:

  • CSIS 155 Introduction to Computers & Programming I
  • CSIS 200+ Programming courses
  • CSIS 304 Databases
  • CSIS 340 Software Engineering
  • CSIS 349 Networks and Data Communications
  • CSIS 362 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • CSIS 364 Information Systems Security

While no specific undergraduate major is required, a prospective student is expected to have some background knowledge in computer programming, computer networking, and systems administration. This knowledge can be acquired through relevant undergraduate coursework or by completing short courses before starting their MS in Cybersecurity program.

  • Program: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Total Credits: 142
  • Catalog: 2024-2025

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 Written Composition 3
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 155 Introduction to Computers and Programming 1 3
LASC Goal 2   Critical Thinking 3
Graduation Requirement FYE 101 First-Year Experience 1
Total Credits: 14
Spring (1st Spring)
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 304 Databases 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
LASC Goal 3 CHEM 150/150L or
PHYS 160 or
PHYS 200 or
PSCI 170
General Chemistry I & Lab or
Physics I with Algebra & Lab or
Physics I with Calculus & Lab or
Physical Science (recommended)
4
LASC     3
LASC     3
Total Credits: 16

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 255 or
CSIS 360 or
CSIS 335
Data Structures or
Linux Programming & Development Tools or
Graphical User Interface Programming
3 or 4
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
LASC     3
LASC     3
Total Credits: 15 or 16
Spring (2nd Spring)
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
LASC     3
LASC     3
LASC     3
Total Credits: 15

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 362 Cybersecurity Fundamentals 3
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 349 Network & Data Communications 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
LASC     3
Total Credits: 15
Spring (3rd Spring)
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 340 Software Engineering 3
Undergraduate Core Requirement CSIS 364 Information Systems Security 4
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
LASC     3
LASC     3
Total Credits: 16
Apply to the MS in Cybersecurity program
Summer (3rd Summer)
Graduate Core Requirement CSIS 641 Network Security 3
Graduate Elective CSIS 676 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment 3
Total Credits: 6

 

Fourth Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Graduate Core Requirement CSIS 562 Software Security 3
  CSIS 316 Ethics in the Information Age (recommended) 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Total Credits: 12
Spring (4th Spring)
Graduate Core Requirement: CSIS 641 Network Security 3
Graduate Core Requirement: CSIS 664 Software Security Analysis 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Undergraduate Course   Undergraduate course in your major 3
Total Credits: 12
Summer (4th Summer)
Graduate Elective MBA 685 Project Management 3
Total Credits: 3

 

Fifth Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (5th Fall)
Graduate Core Requirement CSIS 580 Ethical Hacking 3
Graduate Elective CSIS 672 Cybersecurity Analytics 3
Graduate Elective CSIS 674 Incident Response 3
Total Credits: 9
Spring (5th Spring)
Graduate Core Requirement CSIS 680 Digital Forensics 3
Graduate Elective CSIS 676 or
MHA 638
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment or
Health Information Systems
3
Graduate Core Requirement CSIS 696 Portfolio/Plan B 3
Total Credits: 9