What do students have to say about the program?
Emily Mays switched careers and earned her master's degree in cybersecurity from IS&T. Check out her advice for people looking to jump-start the next chapter of their careers.
Cybersecurity is a critical field that stands at the forefront of protecting our increasingly digital society. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MS-CYBR) program equips students with the essential skills to design, develop, manage, and secure information systems. The modern world is made up of vast data exchanges and internet-connected systems with many kinds of private and confidential information on them. Our students learn to think like an adversary to ethically hack systems to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Our curriculum is certified by National Security Agency's National Cryptologic School as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). UNO holds two NCAE-C designations in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).
$132k
average salary for this degree*
25.3%
increased demand for careers in cybersecurity in the past 5 years*
448K
Unfilled positions in the USA in 2024*
Program Overview
As digital threats grow, there is an increasing demand for experts who can protect sensitive information and systems. UNO CYBR prepares you to meet these challenges by equipping you with skills to understand the cybersecurity landscape and by developing the technical skills you'll need to defend digital assets. You will learn to identify vulnerabilities, anticipate potential threats, and implement effective security measures across various types of information systems.
Graduates are prepared to devise security solutions that are ethical and compliant with international standards, safeguarding the integrity and security of private information and the systems it resides on. Your experience at UNO CYBR will start with a foundation in information security grounded in risk assessment before helping you to build essential skills in penetration testing / ethical hacking, the creation of defense in depth strategies, and secure coding.
Careers in Cybersecurity
| Cybersecurity area of focus | Job titles in this area | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Analysis | Cyber Risk Consultant | Threat Intelligence Analyst | Information Security Analyst |
| Penetration testing | Ethical Hacker | Web Application Penetration Tester | Network Penetration Tester |
| Network Security & Architecture | Security Systems Architect | Network Security Specialist | Enterprise Security Architect |
| Information Security Policy | Information Security Manager | Director of Information Security | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) |
| Digital Forensics & Incident Response | Digital Forensics Investigator | Incident Response Coordinator | Intrusion Analyst |
| Secure Software Developement | Security Software Engineer | Application Security Engineer | Secure Software Developer |
Program Details
It is easy to get started with a master's degree in Cybersecurity. Students starting in CYBR with prior computing fundamentals jump right into the core of the cybersecurity master's degree. You will get started right away with core cybersecurity courses in digital forensics, software assurance, and principles of secure design. Next, you will choose 6 elective courses in one of the two concentration areas (Cyber operations or interdisciplinary). Both concentration areas offers a wide range of electives for you to customize your education and specialize in areas you are most interested in. Students entering the MS in CYBR with no technical background will also complete a few foundational computing classes first.
View the Cybersecurity Graduate Catalog for more specific details.
Concentrations
Cyber Operations
The Cyber Operations concentration within the Master's in Cybersecurity program focuses on advanced techniques and strategies to safeguard digital assets and infrastructures. This concentration equips students with expertise in network defense, incident response, and offensive cybersecurity tactics. Courses cover areas such as ethical hacking, malware analysis, cryptography, and cyber forensics. Students gain hands-on experience through labs and simulations, preparing them to anticipate, detect, and neutralize cyber threats effectively. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as security analysts, penetration testers, and cyber operations managers in various sectors.
Interdisciplinary
The Interdisciplinary concentration in the Master's in Cybersecurity program blends cybersecurity with policy and management information systems (MIS). This concentration prepares students to address the complex interplay between technology, policy, and business. Coursework includes cyber law, risk management, information assurance, and strategic planning. Students learn to develop and implement cybersecurity policies, manage information systems, and ensure compliance with regulations. Through a mix of technical and policy-oriented training, graduates are equipped for roles such as cybersecurity consultants, policy advisors, and IT managers, bridging the gap between technical expertise and organizational strategy.
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* according to cyberseek.org