Why Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a public military college in Charleston, South Carolina. Within its online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science, the Citadel offers a dedicated Cybersecurity Specialization.
Applicants to the program should have competency in the areas of basic computer architecture, object-oriented programming, discrete mathematics, and data structures, satisfied through coursework or work experience.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 is expected. The GRE is required if GPA is below 3.5.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Citadel Military College of South Carolina |
| Location | Charleston |
| State | South Carolina |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Computer and Information Science, Cybersecurity Specialization |
| School or Department Administering Program | Graduate College |
| Credits | 33 |
| Cost per credit | $695.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $22,935.00 |
| Test Requirements | GRE required if GPA less than 3.5 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Data Modeling and Database Design
· Foundations of Software Engineering · Distributed Computer Systems Architecture · Applied Algorithms · Advanced Operating Systemsl Privacy and Security Issues · Data Communications and Networking · Advanced Cybersecurity · Optional Thesis |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Optional thesis |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Military college with support from Department of Defense to develop cybersecurity capacity, faculty research on data-driven geospatial modeling to anticipate social unrest events, |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Founded on the academic requirements set forth by the National Security Agency, the Cybersecurity specialization provides students the technical skills and knowledge needed to successfully protect organizational data, investigate data breaches, and develop strategies to prevent data from being compromised |
| Program Description | Requiring students to complete 33 credits, this degree is designed for those currently working in the field who wish to advance their careers. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. Students can choose to complete an optional Thesis as a capstone experience. The program follows a traditional course schedule. Located at a military college, it emphasizes national security topics. |
What will I Learn?
The curriculum for this program is based on requirements established by the National Security Agency, and defense and military topics are emphasized. The program aims to educate professionals with the technical skills and knowledge needed to successfully protect organizational data, investigate data breaches, and develop strategies to prevent data from being compromised.
Required courses are as follows: Data Modeling and Database Design, Foundations of Software Engineering, Distributed Computer Systems Architecture, Applied Algorithms, Advanced Operating Systems, Privacy and Security Issues, Data Communications and Networking, and Advanced Cybersecurity. Students may choose to complete an optional thesis.
The Citadel’s cybersecurity program is strongly intertwined with government and defense goals, and receives financial support from the Department of Defense in order to develop cybersecurity capacity. Faculty research is funded by DoD grants, including research (for example) that looks at using geospatial data analytics to predict social unrest.
How much will the program cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $695.00 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or $22,935.00 in total.
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 2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
Summary
Mid-range in terms of cost, the cybersecurity Master’s program at this specialized military university is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. One can expect that many students will be employed in military or government roles.
The program follows a traditional course schedule. Students can choose to complete an optional thesis.
