The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a program consisting of 30 credit hours, which can be finished in one year by proficient students. This program is intended to assist both individuals seeking to advance their careers and those looking for a transition into the field of Cybersecurity.

The program's structure features all courses scheduled in 7-week sessions, providing students with the flexibility to take two classes concurrently, ultimately completing the program in 5 sessions.

Important Policies to Know

It is important to note that KSU holds graduate students to a high standard! All KSU Academic Policies can be found in the KSU Graduate Student Catalog.

Below are some of the policies we like to highlight with our students:

GPA Requirements

  • To remain in Good Standing, students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA.
  • If a student’s GPA falls below 3.0, they will be placed on Academic Probation
  • A student can be Academically Dismissed if they do not achieve the following while on probation:While on probation, the student obtains a SEMESTER GPA below 3.0
  • The student does not obtain a CUMULATIVE GPA of 3.0 after two semesters
  • Important KSU Policies for Cybersecurity Students

You can only repeat 2 classes throughout your entire time in the program. Grades for repeated courses do not replace grades already received. This means grades for every attempt at a course are calculated into a student’s GPA.

Important KSU Policies for Cybersecurity Students

You can only repeat 2 classes throughout your entire time in the program. Grades for repeated courses do not replace grades already received. This means grades for every attempt at a course are calculated into a student’s GPA.

Program Requirements 

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. Check out the KSU Graduate Catalog for specific information regarding admission requirements, enrollment, graduation policies and the program course requirements. Get in-depth course descriptions to help you plan out your program path.

Learn More
 

Foundation Prerequisites

Students who have not taken the following subjects as part of another degree program must complete these three courses.  If a student has received credit for one or more of these courses, they may begin taking the 7000-level courses for which they meet the prerequisites.

  • Programming Principles 
    In this course, students analyze and formulate software solutions appropriate for a business organization. Topics may include foundational program constructs, requirement analysis, and software design & development.

  • Computing Infrastructure 
    This foundation course will provide an overview of computer organization, architecture and operating systems. Topics include computer infrastructure, operating systems fundamentals, and system management.

  • Data communications and Networking 
    This course will provide an overview of computer networks. Topics include network technologies, protocols, and traffic analysis.

Become a Student

Master's in Cybersecurity Application and Document Deadlines

Kennesaw State University's master's in cybersecurity program is currently accepting applications for Fall and Spring terms with the following deadlines:

  • Fall - July 1
  • Spring - November 1

A list of available start terms and document deadlines is available on the Graduate College Admissions website. Please note that completed applications and all required credentials must be submitted by the posted deadline.

Completed applications are reviewed weekly and should result in a decision within two weeks.

Admission Requirements

  • Online Graduate Application - There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
  • Transcripts - Official transcripts from EACH College and/or University you have attended.  Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.
  • Resume/Vita - (Can be uploaded into the online application).  Clearly indicate any professional certifications and a detailed educational background.  
  • Minimum Undergraduate GPA - 2.75*, with professional growth plan required for exceptional applicants not meeting minimum g.p.a.
  • Optional:
    • Statement of Purpose - (Can be uploaded into the online application) - describe in 2 pages or less why you want to enroll in the MS Cybersecurity and what you plan to do with the information you learn.
    • Letters of Recommendation - (2) (Can be sent electronically through the online application)  

Conditional Admission to the Program

Students who do not meet the admission requirements for the program based on prior course work can be conditionally admitted.  A conditionally admitted student will be assigned pre-program modules to complete within the College of Graduate and Professional Education.  Your admission letter will tell you which courses to take. 

Links to the MS-CYBR modules can be viewed here:

Links to the individual modules are also available here:

Change of Graduate Major 

If you have already been accepted to a graduate program at KSU and wish to pursue a graduate degree in cybersecurity, you don't have to re-apply!

  1. Go to the Graduate Student Forms web page at https://www.kennesaw.edu/admissions/graduate/forms.php.
  2. Download the Request for Change of Major to MS in Cyber Security ONLY fillable PDF form and complete the top portion. 
  3. When complete, save and email to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu. Your request will be evaluated by the MS Cybersecurity admissions team.
Apply Now Information Session

Tuition and Fees

The MS Cybersecurity is a 100% online degree program. As a result MS-CYBR students are classified as E-Tuition students. There is no distinction between Resident and Out-of-State students for tuition purposes.

This program's graduate online student E-Tuition rate is $383 per credit hour.

Student fees are based on the total number of credit hours a student is enrolled in per semester:

  • For students enrolled in 4 credit hours or less: $205 per semester.
  • For students enrolled in 5 credit hours or more: $355 per semester.
Learn More Cost of Attendance

Personal Computer Hardware Recommendation

Windows-based machines are generally recommended, however MacOS/iOS/Linux machines may be used successfully in many cases. Many courses will assume that the student operates from a current-generation Windows-based desktop or laptop computer and will provide instruction for student work using tutorials and instructions written for Windows. Some courses may offer alternatives with similar software for iOS and Linux distribution systems.

As of late-2021, the recommendation is for a Windows 10 Professional OS running with:

  • Intel i7 (preferred) or i5 processor
  • 16-32 GB (or more) of RAM
  • 1 TB (or more) storage (HDD or SSD)
  • stable and reliable Internet connectivity

*Well-qualified students are those with strong undergraduate degrees or professional experience in computing (computer science, information systems, information technology, software engineering, etc.) or security (information security, cybersecurity, etc.)

Required Courses

Students must complete all nine of the following courses.  Refer to the KSU Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.

  • CYBR 7000 Cyber Law, Policy, and Enforcement (3 credit hours) 
  • CYBR 7050 Cybercrime Detection, Analysis, and Forensics (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7000
  • CYBR 7100 Secure Application Development (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: Programming Principles
  • CYBR 7200 Securing Enterprise Infrastructure (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: Computing Infrastructure and Data Communications & Networking
  • CYBR 7220 Mobile and Cloud Security (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7200
  • CYBR 7240 Cyber Analytics and Intelligence (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7200
  • CYBR 7300 Management of Cybersecurity (3 credit hours) 
  • CYBR 7350 Contingency Planning for Cybersecurity (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7300
  • CYBR 7400 Introductions to Cryptography and Its Applications (3 credit hours) 
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7200

Capstone Course

Students must select ONE of the capstone courses listed below. Refer to the KSU Graduate Catalog for descriptions.

  • CYBR 7910 Capstone in Cybersecurity Practicum (3 credit hours)
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7100, CYBR 7220 & CYBR 7240 
  • CYBR 7930 Capstone in Cybersecurity Management (3 credit hours)
    • Pre-requisite: CYBR 7350

Forward Planning Schedule

The following is the tentative schedule for MS Cybersecurity course offerings by semester. 
This is for planning purposes and may be changed without notice due to faculty availability and projected enrollment.  Contact your advisor for additional details.

7-WEEK I (AUG-OCT) 7-WEEK II (OCT-DEC)
CYBR 7000 CYBR 7100
CYBR 7050 CYBR 7300
CYBR 7200 CYBR 7400
CYBR 7220 CYBR 7910
CYBR 7240 CYBR 7930
CYBR 7350  
7-WEEK I (JAN-MAR) 7-WEEK II (MAR-MAY)
CYBR 7000 CYBR 7050
CYBR 7200 CYBR 7100
CYBR 7220 CYBR 7240
CYBR 7350 CYBR 7300
CYBR 7400 CYBR 7910
  CYBR 7930
8-WEEK  
CYBR 7000*  
CYBR 7050*  
CYBR 7220  
CYBR 7350  
CYBR 7400  
CYBR 7910  
CYBR 7930  

* May be offered depending on faculty availability.
Summer offerings are limited, please plan accordingly

Plans of Study

Plans of Study Example Course Sequence Example

MS-CYBR Double Owl Programs

KSU offers the Double Owl Pathway which allows undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses that will count in both their undergraduate degree and in a graduate degree at Kennesaw State University. You can learn more about this program at https://doubleowl.kennesaw.edu/

Current KSU students interested in the MS in Cybersecurity degree may have an option to consider for a Double Owl pathway, including these:

Learn More

Schedule an Advising Appointment

For MS Cybersecurity advising please use the link below to schedule an appointment with Gina Gavin or Cathy Moore in the Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. This link is for MS Cybersecurity students only.

Contact Information: 

Gina Gavin: (470) 578-7866
Cathy Moore: (470) 578-2857
Email: cyberinstitute@kennesaw.edu

Schedule An Appointment

Advising Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Walk-in appointments will be unavailable until further notice due to campus precautions - Please use the link above to schedule an advising appointment

Advising Times:

Monday, Wednesday-Friday 9:00 am -11:30 am and 12:30 pm-4:00 pm

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Gina Gavin
Program Office: (470) 578-7866
Program Email: ggavin@kennesaw.edu and cyberinstitute@kennesaw.edu