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College of Letters and Science Cybersecurity, M.S. Degree

Graduate Degree

ADVANCE IN THE TECH INDUSTRY WITH AN ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN CYBERSECURITY

With a M.S. Cybersecurity degree through UW-Stevens Point, you can future-proof your career.

A ransomware attack occurs every 14 seconds. Nearly 60% of all companies in the U.S. have experienced a security breach. In 2020, one in five people were affected by identity fraud or theft. This growing number of threats directly impacts the demand for cybersecurity talent, that’s where your skills come in!

One master’s degree. Four tracks. 100% online. Earn your Master of Science in Cybersecurity to lead your team or organization safely into the future.

CAREER OUTLOOK

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% increase in cybersecurity-related jobs over the next decade.  
Outcomes

APPLY!

Learn everything you need to do to submit your application.
How to Apply

INSTRUCTORS

Our UW Extended Campus instructors are leading professionals in their fields.
Meet our Instructors

TUITION & AID

The M.S. Cybersecurity is flexible and affordable. View available financial resources to assist your studies.
Financial Aid

Why study Master of Science in Cybersecurity online degree?

As a 100% online program, the UW Cybersecurity master’s degree is able to combine the talent and resources of eight University of Wisconsin campuses. You will take courses taught by faculty from all eight campuses, each contributing diverse expertise from fields including computer science, engineering, political science, communications, economics and mathematics. As an online student, your degree will be the same respected University of Wisconsin degree earned by on-campus students. We offer three yearly start dates.

Which Cybersecurity Track is Right for You?

Learn about the four tracks of study in the 100% online University of Wisconsin Master’s in Cybersecurity: Digital Forensics, Cyber Response, Governance & Leadership, and Security Architecture.

Course Design

The cybersecurity career outlook is bright and growing with job opportunities. Cybercrime Magazine predicts that a ransomware attack will impact a business every 11 seconds by the end of 2021. The question is no longer if a cyber threat will affect you, but when. Our courses are designed with students from diverse backgrounds in mind, so you don’t fall behind the cybersecurity curve.

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WHAT TO EXPECT? 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a software developer, a systems administrator, or even a manager: Cybersecurity affects everyone. Professionals like you are the forefront, ready to grow your skills to meet the challenges of the future through security planning, risk assessment and communication. Our curriculum lines up with demands of today’s employers. The program was developed with input from industry leaders! Match your interests and tailor your degree path in one of the program’s unique tracks of study:

  • Digital Forensics
  • Cyber Response
  • Governance and Leadership
  • Security Architecture

Students will take core classes in the fundamental areas of cybersecurity and then pursue a track of study with three required courses. You will also complete a one-credit capstone preparation course and a final project-based capstone course.

Beyond our diverse faculty committed to student success, we support our UW Extended Campus graduate students with access to our Success Coaching Team. Learn More!

“As I’ve been interning, it has been eye opening to realize that what I’m learning in the UW Cybersecurity master’s program fits into everything that I do. It’s hard to describe how exciting it is to know that you can take what you’re learning, apply it, and it matters!”
Sheilah FondrenM.S. Cybersecurity Grad Student

Applying to the M.S. Cybersecurity online degree program at UW-Stevens Point

Program Admission Requirements*:

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with, at minimum, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Computer Science, which must include programming content, and prerequisite coursework in Calculus or Statistics.

Candidates will submit a resume and two letters of recommendation (professional or academic), along with a 1,000-word statement of personal intent describing your decision to pursue the degree. Application materials must be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission. No GRE or GMAT required.
*Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.

International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S. but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts.

Important Dates

Semester-based degree programs and certificates offer three start dates: fall, spring and summer semester.

11/13

Spring Registration Begins

1/16

Course Preview Week Start

1/23

Spring 2024 Start Date

5/3

Final Day of Spring Semester

3/11

Summer 2024 Registration Begins

5/21

Course Preview Week Start

8/9

Final Day of Summer Semester

4/8

Fall 2024 Registration Begins

8/27

Course Preview Week Start

Graduate with Cybersecurity Skills Employers Need:

  • Analyze and resolve security issues in networks and computer systems to secure an IT infrastructure 
  • Design, develop, test and evaluate secure software
  • Develop policies and procedures to manage enterprise security risks
  • Evaluate and communicate the human role in security systems with an emphasis on ethics, social engineering, vulnerabilities, and training
  • Interpret and forensically investigate security incidents 

RELATED PROGRAMS

Tuition for the UW Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a flat fee per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. Cost per credit is $850. Being an online program, there are no additional course or program fees such as segregated or technology fees. If software or special technology is required in one of your courses, it will be provided to you and is included in your tuition.

Financial aid may be available to you and is awarded by your home campus.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with, at minimum, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Computer Science—which must include programming content, and prerequisite coursework in Calculus or Statistics.  If you are in need of prerequisite coursework, this pre-approved list of options may assist you.  Please contact an enrollment adviser for details.

Yes, UW Stevens Point’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.

You will have the opportunity to engage with students and faculty through email, chat, video conferencing, discussion boards and more to foster new connections and access support throughout your educational journey.

Course availability for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity varies each fall, spring, and summer. Course offerings are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.

Since the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed as a part-time program for working professionals, most students take 1 or 2 courses per term. At this pace, students can expect to finish in approximately 2 – 3.5 years.

Benefits are available to qualifying veterans and those currently serving. Contact your home campus veteran services office for details.

Accreditation

University of Wisconsin institutions offering the Master of Science in Cybersecurity are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. The program has been approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Meet the students of UW Extended Campus degree programs