As technology continues to evolve, so do cybersecurity threats that have the potential to cost the world trillions of dollars. The on-campus MS in Cybersecurity prepares students with the most advanced prevention, detection and recovery methods necessary to defend against cyber attacks, making our graduates indispensable in virtually every industry.
Cybercrime tactics have grown increasingly sophisticated in recent years, leaving banks, law firms, healthcare organizations and all manner of companies vulnerable to attack. Quinnipiac’s on-campus MS in Cybersecurity is a unique technical program designed for students with either formal computer science training or on-the-job training who are interested in learning the skills necessary to counter these threats and safeguard our corporate, financial and personal data. We provide onramp courses, if needed, to fill in technical background skills.
This 30-credit program explores the technical aspects of today's most critical cybersecurity areas including risk management, security technology, data security, software security access management and cloud security. Throughout the program, students will accumulate career-ready knowledge and the hands-on technical skills needed to build, protect and maintain a secure information infrastructure. The curriculum is closely aligned with the key knowledge units established by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security to create a more cyber-secure nation.
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2021 to 2031. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)
The global shortage of cybersecurity professionals at the end of 2021 is 2.7 million. Companies around the world are looking to fill these highly sought out positions. (ISC2)
National average pay for cybersecurity professionals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).
Altrin Elmazi MS ’22 had bright hopes for his future when he came to the United States to study computer science. With ambition and dedication, he was able to turn his hopes into reality.
Working as Thomaston Savings Bank Systems' security officer, Elmazi worked his way up from systems security administrator to vice president and information security officer for 16 branches.
After almost pursuing a master’s in business administration, Elmazi is now on track to earn his master’s degree this summer in cybersecurity at Quinnipiac.
“When I saw cybersecurity being advertised as a master’s degree at Quinnipiac, I knew this was the path that I wanted,” he said.
He said his switch from business to cybersecurity was an evolution that didn’t happen overnight.
“All banks are regulated, and the chief information officers were looking for people who would do networking and systems, but they will have some cybersecurity skills at the same time,” Elmazi said. “They look for security knowledge, so we can first protect the data, and then show in the audit how we protect the data. They want to see how we protect the assets of the bank.”
One of the memories Elmazi cherishes the most while he studied at Quinnipiac was the strong relationship he built with the university’s Director of the Cybersecurity Program Frederick Scholl, who he describes as a very open person who will sit down and talk about what is going on in the cyber-world and beyond.
To current and prospective students, Elmazi offers the following advice:
“Take your time to consider what area you would excel in, whether it’s a cybersecurity professional, a cyber engineer, a penetration test, or in vulnerability management architect. Look at all possibilities, find where your strength is and become a subject matter expert.”
Quinnipiac University has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This designation recognizes that our program serves the nation well, contributes to the protection of the national information infrastructure and addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills.
Additionally, the National Security Agency and a committee of academic peers have validated Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs through the 2027 academic year. Per the 2018 National Cyber Strategy, "A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage."
For students who have not yet earned their bachelor's degree, our School of Computing and Engineering now offers dual-degree and accelerated dual-degree programs that culminate in the MS in Cybersecurity. With a streamlined application process, guaranteed tuition rates, and the potential for significant savings, these dual-degree options are an excellent investment in your future as a cyber professional.
Working professionals who need more flexibility in order to complete their graduate studies are a perfect fit for the Online MS in Cybersecurity program. Taught by the same expert faculty, the online program provides the same cutting-edge education as our on-campus modality with even more flexibility to learn at your own pace.
The Center for Cybersecurity actively researches cybersecurity trends and provides students with valuable insight into current industry challenges and demands. The Center for Cybersecurity hosts frequent interviews with industry experts and thought leaders to prepare our students to excel in the high-stakes world of cybersecurity.
Visit the Center for Cybersecurity
Under the direction of program director Fred Scholl, the Center for Cybersecurity is home to specialized badge courses designed for working professionals who aren't ready to pursue a full master's degree in cybersecurity.
Current students, employee partners and non-degree-seeking students are all welcome to enroll in badge courses. Each credit earned from completing a badge course will stack upwards towards the full MS in Cybersecurity should students decide to enroll at a later date.
ISACA, a global association that provides working professionals with knowledge, credentials and training in audit, governance, risk, privacy and cybersecurity, recently released their State of Cybersecurity report for 2023. The report identifies the top skills for security professionals — skills that students within the MS in Cybersecurity program master across their coursework.
Cloud Computing - CYB 695
Data Protection - CYB 520
Identity and Access Management - CYB 690
Incident Response - CYB 696
The Department of Homeland Security has determined that this program meets the requirements for STEM designation.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over 1.12 million jobs in STEM occupations in the next 10 years. The Department of Defense also estimates that more than 80% of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.
In addition, STEM-designated programs allow certain international graduates to remain and work in the United States for an additional 24 months after graduation on top of the standard Optional Practical Training period (up to 12 months) in order to receive additional training through their work experience.
Our graduate admissions representatives are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.