Why Minnesota State University Mankato?

This online Master of Information Security & Risk Management is a cybersecurity Master’s program offered by Minnesota State University Mankato. The University, a large public research university in Mankato, Minnesota, accepts applications for this program from students with an undergraduate degree in any subject.

Standardized test scores are not required, and there is no required undergraduate minimum GPA to apply.

Program Snapshot

University Name	Minnesota State University Mankato
Location	Mankato
State	Minnesota
Niche.com Grade	A
Name of Degree	Master of Information Security & Risk Management
School or Department Administering Program	College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Credits	30
Cost per credit	$710.95
Tuition for Entire Program	$21,328.50
Test Requirements	No
Minimum GPA	None
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 Warfare ·   Resarch Topics ·   Researching and Analyzing Information Security Risks ·   Reporting Information Security Risks ·   Information Risk Management ·   Data Communications and Networking ·   Capstone/internship ·   Technical Communication for Stem Professionals ·   Writing in the Workplace ·   Global Business Strategy
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	Courses taught by subject matter experts and professionals in their fields; Develop executive-level communication skills that will help you advance into information security leadership roles; Applied focus, balancing information security, risk management, psychology, communication, and business; Asynchronous discussions and weekly activities; The program is recognized by the Commission on Affiliation of Professional Science Master’s Programs (PSM Commission)
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Develop executive-level communication skills that will help you advance into information security leadership roles; Applied focus, balancing information security, risk management, psychology, communication, and business;
Program Description	This 30-credit program emphasizes engineering approaches and skills. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. A capstone is required. Students are required to complete an internship. The program follows a traditional course schedule

 

What will I Learn?

To advance into information security leadership roles, students in this program will gain executive-level communication and management abilities. The program emphasizes practicality, balancing perspectives based in information security, risk management, psychology, communication, and business.

Students gain broad context in a required course onInformation Warfare. They then develop key skills in Researching and Analyzing Information Security Risks, Reporting Information Security Risks,  Information Risk Management, and Data Communications and Networking. The most current challenges and innovations in cybersecurity are covered in Research Topics. “Soft skills” are emphasized in Technical Communication for STEM Professionals, Writing in the Workplace, and Global Business Strategy. All students are required to complete a Capstone project and an internship. 

How much will the program cost?

Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $710.95 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $21,328.50 in total.

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.

Summary

Mid-range in terms of cost, the cybersecurity Master’s program at this well-regarded university emphasizes engineering approaches and skills. The program follows a traditional course schedule

Technical aptitude is developed alongside a strong emphasis on professional communication and management skills. Students are given ample opportunities to practice their craft through both a required capstone project and a required internship, a rarity in this type of program.