Cybersecurity Master of Science

Program Overview

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The Cybersecurity Master of Science degree from Mercy University equips students with the technical and analytical skills to protect data, networks, and critical infrastructure. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering network security, information assurance, cryptography, and incident response. Graduates are prepared for careers as information security analysts, network security engineers, and cybersecurity consultants.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Cybersecurity Master of Science degree prepares students with the technical and analytical skills to secure data files, defend computers, shield computer networks, and protect critical national electronic infrastructure.

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Objectives:

• Graduates will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in cybersecurity.
• Graduates will be able to apply technical knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems.
• Graduates will be able to communicate effectively about cybersecurity issues to technical and non-technical audiences.

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Program Description:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program is a 30-credit program that can be completed fully online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of the two. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Network security
• Information assurance
• Cryptography
• Malware analysis
• Vulnerability assessment
• Incident response
• Risk management

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Cybersecurity Core: 6 Credits
• Application Category: 3 credits
• Network Category: 3 credits
• Legal/Management Category: 3 credits
• Special Category: 3 credits
• Major Electives: 9 credits
• Capstone: 3 credits

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Course Schedule:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program is offered in a cohort-based format, with students taking the same courses together. The following is a sample course schedule:

• Fall Semester:
• IASP 500: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• IASP 501: Network Security
• IASP 502: Information Assurance
• Spring Semester:
• IASP 503: Cryptography
• IASP 504: Malware Analysis
• IASP 505: Vulnerability Assessment
• Summer Semester:
• IASP 506: Incident Response
• IASP 507: Risk Management
• IASP 508: Capstone Project

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Students in the Cybersecurity M.S. program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Research papers

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Assessment Criteria:

Students are assessed on their knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, their ability to apply cybersecurity skills, and their ability to communicate effectively about cybersecurity issues.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on exercises
• Case studies
• Simulations

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Faculty:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field. The faculty includes:

• Dr. John Yoon, Professor and Program Director
• Dr. Usman Rauf, Assistant Professor
• Mr. George Ackerman, Adjunct Instructor
• Mr. Guozhen An, Lecturer
• Mr. Yang Kim, Lecturer
• Mr. Glenn Marchi, Senior Lecturer
• Mr. Matthew Seligman, Instructor
• Mr. Shabad Sood, Executive Director for Information Security and Technology Services and Instructor

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Unique Approaches:

The Cybersecurity M.S. program at Mercy University has a number of unique approaches, including:

• The program is offered fully online, allowing students to complete the program from anywhere in the world.
• The program is offered in a cohort-based format, which provides students with a sense of community and support.
• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, with courses offered in the evenings and on weekends.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the Cybersecurity M.S. program are qualified for a wide range of careers in cybersecurity, including:

• Information security analyst
• Network security engineer
• Cybersecurity consultant
• Incident responder
• Vulnerability assessor
• Penetration tester
• Cybersecurity manager

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the Cybersecurity M.S. program have a high rate of career success. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual salary for information security analysts is $122,000. The job outlook for information security analysts is also very strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 32% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030.