Why Michigan State University?
The online Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation offered by Michigan State University offers a distinctive approach to the cybersecurity field. University. MSU, a large public research university in Lansing, Michigan accepts applicants to the program with an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Michigan State University |
| Location | Lansing |
| State | Michigan |
| Niche.com Grade | A |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Criminal Justice |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $784.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $23,520.00 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | Some |
| Required Courses | · Cybercrime, Deviance, and Virtual Society
· Crime Causation, Prevention and Control · Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare · Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research · Legislative and Policy Responses to Cybercrime · Analysis of Contemporary Cyberthreats (capstone) · 4 Electives |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | focus on criminology and investigation skills, large state university with strong research background, courses in Forensics and human factors, focus on communication |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Prepares students for successful careers related to the investigation of or response to cybercrime in both the public sector (law enforcement, government) and private industry. Students gain an understanding of the diverse nature of cybercrime threats that affect individuals and organizations’ economic and physical safety. They also will recognize the risks posed by nation-states and terrorist organizations in online spaces, whether to intellectual property, economic operations, or national security and be capable of assessing these threats, understanding their impact to various individual and organization targets, the limits of current legal and cybersecurity policy and practice, and clearly communicate these concerns to diverse audiences. |
| Program Description | This 30-credit program is taught from a criminology and criminal justice perspective. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. A capstone is required. The program follows a traditional course schedule |
What will I Learn?
This degree equips students for successful careers in the public sector (public safety, government) and private industry related to cybercrime investigation and mitigation. Students gain an understanding of the various types of cybercrime hazards that affect the financial and physical security of persons and organizations. They will also be aware of the threats presented by nation-states and terrorist organizations in online environments. and will be able to assess these threats, understand their impact on various individuals and organizations, and the limitations of current legal and cybersecurity policy and practice. They will gain skills to clearly communicate these concerns to a variety of audiences.
In comparison to other cybersecurity programs, the curriculum has a stronger focus on societal and human factors, investigation skills, and policy responses. Required courses are: Cybercrime, Deviance, and Virtual Society, Crime Causation, Prevention and Control, and Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare. Students must also take Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research, and Legislative and Policy Responses to Cybercrime. As a capstone experience consolidating knowledge gained, students take Analysis of Contemporary Cyberthreats. Students enroll in four electives in addition to their required courses, and can choose to learn from numerous faculty with active research programs.
How much will the program cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $784.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $23,520.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Some courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. Some courses are synchronous, requiring attendance at a “live” class at the same time each week. 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
This well-regarded university offers an approach to cybersecurity based in criminology, sociology, and policy perspectives. Investigation skills and Forensics are emphasized, as are communication skills. Students hone their analytical skills in a required capstone course. The program follows a traditional course schedule, and the cost of the program is comparable to peers.