Why Liberty University?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by Liberty University is just one of many programs available at this very large primarily online Evangelical University, based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Applicants to the program should hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Systems Management, Information Technology, or Management Information Systems.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Liberty University |
| Location | Lynchburg |
| State | Virginia |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Business |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $565.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $20,340.00 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 1.5 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Overview of Computer Security
· Digital Forensics · Ethics, Legal Issues and Policy · Applied Network Security · Applied Cryptography · Secure Software Engineering · Security Engineering · Issues in Security, Privacy and Anonymity · Web Security · Ethical Hacking · Advanced Topics in Computer Security · Capstone Project |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | 8 week courses, Transfer in up to 50% of the degree credits, Tuition frozen through June 2023, Evangelical Christian institution |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Best practices for threat and risk evaluation, assurance cases, and adversarial testing, Methods for writing, developing, and operating secure and dependable software systems, Security and privacy issues that arise in the field and how to mitigate them The nature of specific threats, such as malicious code, network attacks, and hostile content, The use of forensic technology to collect, preserve, and prepare digital evidence in a forensically sound manner |
| Program Description | Consisting of 36 credits, this degree 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?
Students in the Liberty University cybersecurity Master’s learn best practices for threat and risk evaluation, assurance cases, and adversarial testing, as well as methods for writing, developing, and operating secure and dependable software systems. They become familiar with security and privacy issues that arise in the field and how to mitigate them, and with the nature of specific threats, such as malicious code, network attacks, and hostile content. Finally they develop skills in the use of forensic technology to collect, preserve, and prepare digital evidence.
The following courses are required: Overview of Computer Security, Digital Forensics, Ethics, Legal Issues and Policy, Applied Network Security, Applied Cryptography, Secure Software Engineering, Security Engineering, Issues in Security, Privacy and Anonymity, Web Security, Ethical Hacking, Advanced Topics in Computer Security, and a Capstone Project.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 1.5 years and pay $565.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or $20,340.00 in total.
To save money, students can transfer in up to 50% of the program’s total credits, using credits from relevant coursework completed at other institutions. Liberty University has committed to freezing tuition until 2023.
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 1.5 years.
Summary
Mid-range in terms of cost, the cybersecurity master’s program at this accessible primarily online university emphasizes business and management topics. The university, founded by Evangelical preacher Jerry Falwell, is avowedly Christian in outlook, so potential applicants should clarify whether this approach meets their needs.
Offering an accelerated curriculum with 8-week courses, the degree allows students to finish their program more quickly and re-enter the workforce with expanded skills. All students must complete a capstone project.
