Why Davenport University?
The online Master of Science in Information Assurance program at Davenport University recruits applicants interested in pursuing a comprehensive professional education in cybersecurity. Davenport University, a small private university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Davenport University |
| Location | Grand Rapids |
| State | Michigan |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Information Assurance |
| School or Department Administering Program | College of Technology |
| Credits | 34 |
| Cost per credit | $959.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $32,606.00 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.8 |
| 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 | · Information Security Planning
· Applied Cryptography · Project Management/risk Mitigation · Legal/ethical Security Topics · Application Security · Network Security · Advanced Computer Forensics · Research Techniques for Information Assurance · Analytical Statistics for Management · 1 Elective · Thesis |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Thesis |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | registered Cisco Networking Academy, National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aligned to industry certification exams and tests, required course in research methods, required course in statistics, credit transfers based on work experience and earned industry certificates, lifelong career coaching |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | develop in-demand risk management and analysis skills and work through legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity such as data protection — domestically and internationally. |
| Program Description | Consisting of 34 required graduate 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 complete a thesis as a capstone to the program. The program follows a traditional course schedule |
What will I Learn?
The program at Davenport University is structured around requirements of major industry certifications, ensuring that students develop the most in-demand competencies. The program teaches risks management, risk analysis, and risk mitigation skills. Graduates are also equipped to tackle complex issues in law and ethics, including data protection issues, within the context of both domestic and international policy and current events.
All students take the following courses: Information Security Planning, Applied Cryptography, Project Management/risk Mitigation, Legal/ethical Security Topics, Application Security, Network Security, Advanced Computer Forensics, Research Techniques for Information Assurance and Analytical Statistics for Management. Students choose one approved elective, and all students must complete a thesis.
Davenport University is a registered Cisco Networking Academy. It is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE).
How much will the program cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $959.00 per credit for a total of 34 credits, or $32,606.00 in total. To reduce costs and accelerate graduation, Davenport allows students to transfer credits into the program based on their work experience and/or earned industry certifications.
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.
Following their completion of the degree, students can access lifelong career-coaching services.
Summary
Aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills, the cybersecurity master’s at this accessible university falls in the middle of the range in terms of cost-to-degree. The program is fairly inflexible, with only one elective course chosen by students in the course of the degree. A thesis is required, and students follow a traditional course schedule. Some applicants may be attracted by the lower required GPA for admission, and the school’s emphasis on research methods, statistics, and career coaching.
