Why California State University San Marcos?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by California State University San Marcos recruits applicants with a computer science background. California State University San Marcos, a large public research university in San Marcos, California, requires applicants to have an undergraduate degree Computer Science or a closely related discipline. This degree should include upper-division courses in operating systems, networks and software engineering.
Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in a related field may be able to meet prerequisites with equivalent work experiences in computer science and will be considered for conditional admission.
GRE scores are required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | California State University San Marcos |
| Location | San Marcos |
| State | California |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Extended Learning |
| Credits | 38 |
| Cost per credit | $594.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $22,572.00 |
| Test Requirements | GRE |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | Some |
| Required Courses | · Introduction to Cybersecurity
· Security in Computer Networks · Secure Features in Operating Systems · Development of Secure Software · Cryptography · Offensive Security and Penetration Testing · Intrusion Detection and Incident Response · Principles of Organizational Behavior and Leadership for Security Management · Information Systems and Security Management · Information Security Governance · Technology Assessment and Security Risk Management · Semester in Residence Project Writing Workshop · Internship/semester in Residence/project, |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | students will be exposed to real-world problems/cases, leading-edge technologies, managerial/interpersonal skills, ethics and governance knowledge, and problem-solving skills, design is a cohort model that requires students to go through the program together over a five-semester period with a predetermined course sequence, rigorous “Internship or Semester-In-Residence” project as culminating experience. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | The program is a blend of technical courses and business courses with a capstone project. The objective of the program is to train an expertly skilled workforce to fulfill the imminent needs of the emerging and evolving cybersecurity industry. The program is designed to prepare those with strong background in computer science for management positions in cybersecurity such as the manager of the information security department, the director of risk assessment and compliance, the chief information security officer, the director of IT security, and project managers of security related projects. |
| Program Description | Requiring 38 credits, this degree is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. A capstone is required. The program follows a traditional course schedule. |
What will I Learn?
The curriculum consists of a mix of technical and business courses, as well as a capstone project. The program’s goal is to prepare a highly qualified workforce to meet the burgeoning and evolving cybersecurity industry’s immediate needs. The curriculum is meant to educate individuals with a strong background in computer science for careers in cybersecurity management, project management, and executive roles.
The curriculum is cohort-based, with all students taking the same courses in the same order. The required courses are as follows: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Security in Computer Networks, Secure Features in Operating Systems, Development of Secure Software, Cryptography, Offensive Security and Penetration Testing, Intrusion Detection and Incident Response, Principles of Organizational Behavior and Leadership for Security Management, Information Systems and Security Management, Information Security Governance, and Technology Assessment and Security Risk Management. All students complete the internship/Semester in Residence capstone experience, supported by a special Semester in Residence Project Writing Workshop.
Real-world problems, cutting-edge technologies, managerial and interpersonal skills, ethics and governance knowledge, and problem-solving abilities are all part of the curriculum.
How much will the program cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $594.00 per credit for a total of 38 credits, or $22,572.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Some courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. Some courses are synchronous, requiring attendance at a “live” class at the same time each week. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall or Spring semesters.
The program design is a cohort model that requires students to go through the program together over a five-semester period with a predetermined course sequence.
Summary
Mid-range in terms of cost and aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills, the cybersecurity Master’s at CSU San Marcos is both rigorous and interdisciplinary. Designed for working professionals, the program is cohort-based with all students following the same course sequence. The curriculum foregrounds managerial and interpersonal skills. A capstone internship and related project is required.
