Cyber Defense Master of Science (MSCD)
Secure cyber defense
Advance your career in cybersecurity. With an MS in Cyber Defense from DSU, you gain the expertise needed to stay ahead of hackers, protect valuable business assets, and detect and prevent cyber attacks.
Gain knowledge in cyber security incidents through incident response, forensic imaging, and computer forensics. Discover what it means to lead strategic technical efforts. Become an expert in data privacy, computer forensics, and intrusion detection. Ensure the availability of information systems. Work with world-class faculty who are some of the nation's top authorities when it comes to battling digital crimes.
Choose your specialization (Security Management and Compliance or Technical) to tailor your program to your interests and career goals.
Online or on-campus courses
The cyber defense master's program is offered entirely online or on-campus, giving you the ability to advance your professional career while earning your degree.
Quick facts
Credits: 30 | Delivery: online, on-campus, hybrid | Start terms: Fall, Spring, Summer*
*Refer to Timelines & Requirements for terms available to domestic and international students.
Graduate with recognized excellence
At DSU, we have a recognized excellence in cyber security, education, and research that is central to our mission. The National Security Agency (NSA) has designated our cyber defense program as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). DSU holds all three of the prestigious National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations, one of only ten universities in the nation. The NSA’s CAE designations represent the high academic quality of DSU cybersecurity programs.
Select your specialization
Tailor your master's program to your area of interest and career goals. Choose from the Technical or Security Management and Compliance Specializations.
Technical Specialization
The specialization equips students with advanced expertise in areas such as network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, and malware analysis, enabling them to apply specific technological controls to enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures within an organization.
Security Management and Compliance Specialization
The specialization equips students with advanced expertise in managing security operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards for security and privacy, and conducting audits to mitigate risks in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.
Learning outcomes
The Masters of Science in Cyber Defense (MSCD) degree is designed to prepare professionals who will have the skills to:
- Prevent network attacks through risk management, vulnerability assessment, intrusion detection, and penetration testing.
- Respond to cyber security incidents (external or internal) through incident response, forensic imaging, memory forensics and computer forensics.
- Protect data through cryptography.
- Protect data through security practices (offensive and defensive).
