Why Brandeis University?

Brandeis University, a private research university in the Jewish tradition in Boston, Massachusetts, recruits applicants for its online Master of Science in Information Security Leadership degree program. The program is administered through Brandeis’s School of Graduate Professional Studies. Applicants to the program should hold an undergraduate degree that includes coursework in Introduction to Networking, Introduction to Computer Science, and Introduction to Computer Security. Relevant work experience may be substituted. 

Standardized test scores are not required, and there is no minimum undergraduate GPA expected.

Program Snapshot

University Name	Brandeis University
Location	Boston
State	Massachusetts
Niche.com Grade	A
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Information Security Leadership
School or Department Administering Program	School of Graduate Professional Studies
Credits	30
Cost per credit	$1,138.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$34,140.00
Test Requirements	None
Minimum GPA	None
Campus Visit Required?	No
Typical Time to Complete	less than 3 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	None
Synchronous Classes	No
Required Courses	· Foundations of Information Security · Identity Management and Access Control · Information Technology Forensics and Investigations · Securing Applications, Web Services and Software-as-a-service (SAAS) · Leading Security in Complex Organizations · Principles of Risk Management in Information Security · 4 Electives
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	No more than 20 students per class; Taught by working cybersecurity professionals; leadership emphasis
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Lead the charge against cybersecurity threats. Develop a business case for investing in cybersecurity and risk management. Oversee the planning, acquisition and evolution of secure infrastructures. Assess how security policies and regulatory requirements impact complex systems and organizational objectives.
Program Description	Consisting of 30 required credits, this program is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. Students follow a generalist approach, with no concentration available for specialization. The program follows a traditional course schedule and is designed for students who wish to work and study at the same time.

 

What will I Learn?

Students in this program learn leadership skills intertwined with key cybersecurity concepts. Graduates will learn to develop a business case for their organization to invest in cybersecurity and risk management. They will have all the competencies necessary to manage the planning, acquisition and maintenance of secure technologies. Equipped with critical thinking skills, graduates will be able to evaluate security policies and regulatory requirements interact with organizational goals and systems. 

The program is a generalist curriculum, and no concentrations are offered. Required courses are as follows: Foundations of Information Security, Identity Management and Access Control, Information Technology Forensics and Investigations, Securing Applications, Web Services and Software-as-a-Service (SAAS), Leading Security in Complex Organizations and Principles of Risk Management in Information Security. Students choose four electives. 

The program offers a curriculum taught by experts from industry and other organizations, with small class sizes. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within less than 3 years and pay $1,138.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $34,140.00 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

This program is asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule weekly. Coursework can involve viewing pre-recorded video content and participating in online discussion. Students usually complete the program within 3 years, and courses are part-time only.

Students can enter the program in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. 

Summary

Mid-range in terms of cost, the cybersecurity leadership program at this well-regarded university emphasizes management skills and organizational systems. Aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills, the program is part-time and follows a traditional course schedule. The program may appeal to students with non-traditional academic backgrounds due its flexible admission requirements, small class sizes, and part-time schedule.