George Washington University Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance

Why George Washington University?

George Washington University is a large public research University in Fairfax Virginia. he offers an online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance.  The program is offered by GWU’s School of Engineering. 

Applicants to the program should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, business administration, economics, finance, information technology or a related subject.  Their undergraduate course work should include at least one course in college-level calculus and one course in college-level statistics. 

The GRE is recommended for application, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 is expected.

Program Snapshot

University Name George Washington University
Location Fairfax
State Virginia
Niche.com Grade B+
Name of Degree Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance
School or Department Administering Program School of Engineering
Credits 30
Cost per credit $1,150.00
Tuition for Entire Program $34,500.00
Test Requirements GRE recommended
Minimum GPA 2.7
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations None
Synchronous Classes Optional
Required Courses ·   Cyber Forensics

·   Applied Network Defense

·   Secure Cloud Computing

·   Management of Information and Systems Security

·   Auditing, Monitoring and Intrusion Detection for Information Security Managers

·   Cyber Resilience

·   Open Source Intelligence Analysis

·   Applied Data Analytics

·   Applied Machine Learning for Engineers

·   Security Data Visualization

Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Location in national capital, courses in data analytics and visualization, students can attend live classes or watch recordings later, real world case studies, preparation for analyst and managerial information security roles
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Lead organizations in cybersecurity, data analytics and forensics, Conduct vulnerability assessment of network applications and operating systems, Master fundamentals in upcoming issues in hardware security and address system security holistically, Become proficient in developing resilient and defendable networks and emerging IT systems, Identify and defend against emergent and advanced persistent threats, Demonstrate technological proficiency in secure system/hardware design and cyber resilience, Understand the key security components of cloud computing
Program Description This 30-credit program emphasizes engineering topics This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. The program follows a traditional course schedule.

 What will I Learn?

Graduates of the George Washington University cyber security program learn to conduct vulnerability assessments of computer networks, computer applications and operating systems.  Taking a holistic approach to system security, they learn about both current technologies and the future of cybersecurity innovation. Cyber defense strategy training enables them to defend against emergent and advanced threats.  Graduates are competent in secure system, software and hardware design.  They also have an understanding of security issues as they relate to cloud computing.

All students must take the following required courses: Cyber Forensics, Applied Network Defense, Secure Cloud Computing, Management of Information and Systems Security, Auditing, Monitoring and Intrusion Detection for Information Security Managers, Cyber Resilience, Open Source Intelligence Analysis, Applied Data Analytics, Applied Machine Learning for Engineers, and Security Data Visualization.

The curriculum is centered around real-world case studies and preparation for analyst and managerial information security roles.  students can take advantage of the university’s location in the national capital to build connections with government and defense employers,  add to gain experience in research. 

How much will the program cost?

Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $1,150.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $34,500.00 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

Students can choose to attend “live” classes each week at a scheduled time or they can choose to view recordings of these same classes on their own schedule. Students are not required to come to campus at any point during the program. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.

Summary

This regional university’s cybersecurity master’s emphasizes engineering approaches to the field, and is in the middle of the range in terms of cost.  the program will attract applicants who are especially interested in developing in-depth technical knowledge,  and you already have a strong background in information technology, engineering, computer science or related fields.  

The program is distinctive because of its location in the national capital and because of its required courses on data analysis and data visualization.  Compared to some programs it has less of an emphasis on human factors and legal natural contexts.