Why Capella University?
Capella University is a private for-profit, online university in Minneapolis, Minnesota offering a very large number of online programs. Capella recruits applicants for its online Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity. The program accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.3 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Capella University |
| Location | Minneapolis |
| State | Minnesota |
| Niche.com Grade | not rated |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration |
| Credits | 48 |
| Cost per credit | $715 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | Varies |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.3 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 1-2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
· Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment · Operating System Defense · Identifying and Managing Risk · Network Security Controls and Testing · Applied it Project |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Capella offers eligible students certification exam vouchers from CompTIA, Cisco, and SAS; Gain real-world experience and demonstrate what you’ve learned before you graduate by working on live industry projects; hands-on lab environments provided in virtually every course; Active student advising and career services; Required Applied IT Project |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Explain information assurance and security theories, practices, and technologies; Recommend best practices or strategies in security governance, risk management, and compliance for organizations or individuals; Develop security solutions to address the needs of an organization or population; Apply security tools and technologies to identify and address security problems and opportunities; Address ethical, legal, global, and cultural factors of problem solving and cybersecurity practice at individual and organizational levels; Communicate effectively with technology stakeholders |
| Program Description | Requiring 32 credits, this program emphasizes business and management topics. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. A capstone is required. The program follows an accelerated course schedule, allowing students to graduate faster and reap the benefits of their degree. |
What will I Learn?
Graduates of the Capella program learn to explain information assurance and security theories, techniques, and technologies, allowing them to advise businesses or people on best practices or strategies in security governance, risk management, and compliance. They learn to build security solutions to meet the demands of a business or population, as well as to utilize security tools and technology to detect and address security challenges and opportunities, as part of their education. The importance of contextual knowledge is highlighted, allowing students to address ethical, legal, global, and cultural aspects of problem solving and cybersecurity practice at both the individual and organizational levels. Graduates learn “soft skills” that allow them to effectively communicate with technological stakeholders.
Required courses are as follows: Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography; Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment; Operating System Defense; Identifying and Managing Risk; Network Security Controls and Testing. An Applied IT Project is the final course in the program, acting as a capstone to the degree program.
The Capella curriculum is based on active learning activities in virtual lab environments. Students are prepared to pursue certification exams from CompTIA, Cisco and SAS.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 1-2 years and pay $1,042.50 per credit for a total of 32 credits, or $33,360.00 in total.
To reduce costs, Capella offers eligible students certification exam vouchers from CompTIA, Cisco, and SAS.
How does the program fit into my life?
All courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 1-2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer semesters.
Summary
This accessible university’s cybersecurity master’s program focuses on business and management topics, with a cost-to-degree that is in the middle of the range for similar programs. The degree’s accelerated curriculum helps students to complete their program faster and re-enter the job with greater skills. It is necessary to complete a capstone project.
Due to its low needed undergraduate GPA, the Capella program will appeal to individuals with non-traditional backgrounds. Capella, which emphasizes hands-on learning and provides active student advising and career services, may be a suitable fit for students who need extra help getting into the workforce.
