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Master's Degree in Cybersecurity

Why Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University offers one of the best online masters in cyber security degree programs in the country. 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) Conduct advanced research in information security and assurance.

Online cyber security 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; application security; network and distributed systems security; cryptography; and security protocols. This is what helps us offer the best online master’s degree in cyber security program that you will find.

As the complexity of enterprise systems and critical IT infrastructure continues to grow, there is an emerging need for talented information-security specialists and sophisticated practitioners in cyber security who are well-versed in the science of protecting vital computer networks and electronic infrastructure from attack. These information security professionals require proficiency in a variety of current and emerging technologies, including computer and network security, digital forensics, cryptography, web security, biometrics, compliance and legal issues, software security, mobile security, and cloud computing security. You will learn those proficiencies in this online cyber security master’s program.

With your cyber security degree, you'll learn handle computer and network security, digital forensics, cryptography, web security, biometrics, compliance and legal issues, software security, mobile security, cloud computing security, and more.

Learning Experience:
Campus Online
Est. Time to Complete:
Credit Hours:
30 hours
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Master's in Cybersecurity Program Details

The masters in cyber security degree focuses 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; application security; network and distributed systems security; cryptography; and security protocols.

Learn Your Way: 

Online, On Campus, or Near You

  • Saint Leo students and instructor in classroom
  • What are the on-campus facilities like?

    Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them. 

    Cybersecurity students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.

    Learn about the Campus Experience

  • What are the benefits of earning your cybersecurity degree online?

    Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.

    Learn about the Online Experience

    Visit Online Admissions

  • Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.

    Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA

Are education centers near you offering cybersecurity degree programs?

You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.

Explore Education Centers

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

What skills you will learn?

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity.
  • Demonstrate an ability to assess the information security risks faced by an organization and develop a response plan.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and recommend technological tools and protocols to mitigate risks to information resources in an organization.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of methods used to mitigate system vulnerabilities and restore compromised services.
  • Manage the development, acquisition and evolution of a secure information network.
  • Demonstrate an ability to construct secure networks and distributed network systems.
  • Critically evaluate and apply research and reports of threats to computers and cyber-systems.
  • Integrate Saint Leo University's Core Values and ethical foundations into the dissertation process and critical thinking skills used throughout the program.
  • Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom
  • How will you gain real experience?

    Classroom learning is only part of the cybersecurity degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.

    Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.

What can you do with a master's in cybersecurity degree?

The MS in Cyber Security degree prepares its graduates for career-track jobs in the emerging cyber security, 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.

What are the top cybersecurity degree jobs?

Career Growth Salary
Information Security Analyst 33% (Much faster than average) $103,590 per year
Quality Assurance Analyst 22% (Much faster than average) $110,140 per year
Computer Network Architect 5% (Slower than average) $116,780 per year

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.

College of CARDS

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  • Saint Leo University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE) is housed under the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Business. The center strives to strengthen the undergraduate and graduate curricula of the university’s cybersecurity degree programs and create a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to supply a steady stream of cybersecurity professionals for both private and public sector roles. In addition, the center supports student and faculty with cutting-edge applied cybersecurity research.

    Our academic programs include both undergraduate and graduate degrees, which are supported by a state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab, a cyberforensic lab, and two computer science labs. Graduates from our programs are equipped with knowledge and experience to pursue careers in the IT industry or advanced research degrees. Faculty and students conduct research on a wide range of topics such as cryptography, database security, information systems security, mobile security, and network security. Plus, the center serves both public and private organizations by providing training and research on current cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

    Explore the College of CARDS