Why Metropolitan State University?
The online Master of Science in Cyber Operations offered by Metropolitan State University accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject. However, this medium-sized private Catholic university in St. Louis, Missouri does expect applicants to be comfortable with Python programming, C programming, Assembly Language, Powershell, basic data structures and algorithms, systems administration, computer networking, and Linux fundamentals.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Metropolitan State University |
| Location | St. Louis |
| State | Missouri |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cyber Operations |
| School or Department Administering Program | College of Sciences |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $474.77 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $17,091.72 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 16 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | Some |
| Required Courses | · Secure System Programming and Os Theory
· Cyber Operations Fundamentals · Applied Cryptography · Digital Forensics I · Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering · Cyber Operations Capstone Project · Vulnerability Discovery and Exploitation · Cyber Threat Hunting and Intelligence · Digital Forensics Ii · Virtualization and Cloud Security · Securing Wireless and Mobile Technologies · Special Topics in Cyber Operations · Cyber Operations Capstone Project · Risk Analysis in Information Technology · Cyber Ethics |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | designed primarily for working professionals, classes are held on weeknights and Saturday mornings, cohort-based lock-step program, industry-vetted competency-based curriculum and performance-based assessment, access to necessary hardware and software resources, as well as a cloud environment for completing hands-on activities, a strong network of industry partners and recruiters, guest lectures from industry experts, opportunities for community participation, designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Manage cybersecurity risk to information assets, and select and apply appropriate tools and methodologies to solve real-world cyber problems. |
| Program Description | Consisting of 36 credits, this program is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. 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 this program develop the skills and knowledge to manage cybersecurity risk to information assets, and select and apply appropriate tools and methodologies to solve real-world cyber problems.
All courses are required, and students move through the program in a cohort lock-step model. Courses begin with Secure System Programming and OS Theory, Cyber Operations Fundamentals, and Applied Cryptography. The cohort then moves on to Digital Forensics I, Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering, and Vulnerability Discovery and Exploitation. Deeper approaches are learned in Cyber Threat Hunting and Intelligence, Digital Forensics Ii, Virtualization and Cloud Security and Securing Wireless and Mobile Technologies. Students explore up-to-date challenges and innovations in Special Topics in Cyber Operations, Risk Analysis in Information Technology and Cyber Ethics. All students are required to complete a Cyber Operations Capstone Project,
The curriculum is vetted by industry partners and is based on developing competencies and assessing student performance. Students are provided with access to necessary cloud-based tools. The program has a strong network of alumni, and students learn via guest lectures from industry partners.
The program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 16 months and pay $474.77 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or $17,091.72 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Students are required to attend some classes “live” online at a set time each week, and some courses offer an asynchronous model, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week. Class sessions are usually scheduled on weekday evenings r on weekends.
Summary
This regional university’s lower-cost cybersecurity master’s degree is geared at workers looking to advance their careers. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce and hit the ground running thanks to a robust network of alumni and a competency-based curriculum.
The degree’s accelerated cohort-based curriculum helps students to complete their study faster. It is necessary to complete a capstone project. Some applicants may find the program’s expedited speed problematic, and/or wish more flexibility than the cohort course model allows.
